《Tales of Jeb!》 Chapter 1: Census Day The first day of summer was a day of celebration for a number of reasons. For Jebs classmates, it was probably the half day of school. For Jeb, on the other hand, it was that today was Census Day. It was the one day a year that the town received news from the Capital. Jeb hurried through his morning stretches and chores. He knew they were important to lay the foundation for his future Class, but that didnt mean that he loved every second of them. As he finished feeding the cattle, his sister came into the barn. Why are you so excited Jeb? she asked, humoring him. Its my last Census Day before I enroll! Jeb had been born on the third day of summer, so he would enroll in the Census almost a full year later than some of his peers. Next year Ill get to know whether Im on track! Jeb, if family history is true, youll be a farmer. The minimum track for farmers is so slow that you almost have to work not to meet it. Youll be fine, especially since the family wont let you underlevel. I know, but its frustrating not knowing whether or not Im improving at all! Because you could always lift the full feed bags? his sister teased him. Thats fair, Jeb said, noticing how much more toned his arms were than they had been a few months before. But its different than being notified about when my Strength goes up, or that Ive unlocked a new Skill. And I suppose that youre the expert in what it feels like to have those notifications? Anyways, Im just here to remind you that most of our older relatives dont love Census Day, so try to keep it toned down around them. Jeb nodded. I know, but I still dont get why. Its not like we get taxed that heavily. We still have enough for us and everyone else in the community who needs food. Why shouldnt we share it with the rest of the Republic, so that they can get the food they need? Jebs sister just stared at him. I hope you stay that optimistic for a while longer, little brother. She ruffled his hair and the two went off to their days. Jeb went to the one-room building that served a number of uses for the community. Once a month it served for the Town Council Meeting. At the end of harvest, it was where everyone gathered to dance. Most days, though, it served as the schoolhouse. Of course, Humdrumville was far too small to support a full-time Teacher. There was no way that the Republic would pay for someone to teach the children, especially since most of them would end up in the same jobs as their parents. Still, the older members of the town thought that it was important for children to get a wider view of their world. His grandfather in particular had convinced the rest of the town that a child without their letters would grow up into a person who gets taken advantage of. So, until the children turned sixteen, the Librarian had worksheets for them to get their letters, numbers, and some insight into the System. With all of the children in one room, a lot of the learning had to take place at home. The older kids had to help the younger, and the Librarian mostly just kept the room from erupting into too much chaos. Still, more and more of the town had their letters, and the Classes that townspeople earned became better as they learned more. The Librarian was a bit of an enigma. After all, Humdrumville wasnt near the Capital, where all the political and economic power was centered. It was nowhere near the borders, where the Republic faced off against its enemies. It was in the center of the Republic, where most maps from the Capital ignored anything more than a mile from the major roads. Humdrumville was fifty miles from the nearest major road. And yet, for whatever reason, Humdrumville had attracted a Tier Ten Librarian. Sure, the town needed a Librarian, since they were the largest settlement within fifty miles, but their last Librarian had been Tier Four when hed arrived. But, everyone knew better than to ask what brought you to somewhere like Humdrumville. Too many of the families had been established by someone trying to hide from demons theyd seen in their life behind the constant pace of the country life. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! For all that, the town had a Librarian, and the Librarian agreed that it was important to educate children. Since he was also responsible for Census reporting, though, he only was able to teach for the morning of Census Day. At lunch, the students were released to go to the fair, while the Librarian hurried to clean the building for the Censusmaster. Jeb wandered through the fair, saying hi to his family members as he saw them. He watched as they Inspected him, probably trying to figure out what Class he would receive. As he found his sister, the Censusmaster arrived. The Censusmaster arrived with his normal air of pompous disregard for the town. His horse was beautiful, though obviously not maintained by a Tier 9 Groom like his great aunt. It must have stood at least sixteen hands, and its coat was a deep jet black. As the Censusmaster prepared to post the yearly Census summary, Jeb readied his slate. He wanted to be sure that he knew what the trends were this year. Hear ye, hear ye. The following is a decree from His August Leadership- Jeb tuned out the Censusmaster. After all, he would be providing a written version of everything he said to the Librarian. Jeb knew that not every town was lucky enough to have a school, so it made sense that the Republic would have the Censusmaster read the Census aloud. Still, for a town like this, it was hardly needed. The Censusmaster finished his speech, and the townsfolk gave their standard applause. If anyone had listened through the entire speech, Jeb would be surprised. Still, rules were rules, and traditions were traditions. He still wasnt sure which clap when the Censusmaster finishes speaking was, or even what they were clapping for. One of his aunts assured him it was because they were glad hed finally finished talking, but Jeb was scolded when he mentioned that to his mother. Now was the moment he had waited for, though. The Censusmaster handed the Librarian a scroll and left the town square. He was going to collect the taxes, Jeb knew. The Librarian unfurled the scroll. [Copy], he intoned, and the sheet covering the wall of the school was filled with a large-type version of what was on the scroll.
Profession Median Level Median Level Gain This Year
Adventurer 520 100
Crafter 551 8
Farmer 511 5
Scholar 600 10
Jeb noticed that he wasnt the only one staring at the summary. After all, the other fifteen year olds in the village would also be getting their class soon. While the rest of them looked at the average level gain for an adventurer and decided to go off to get their levels that way, Jeb noticed something else. Sure, adventurers leveled nearly 20 times as quickly as farmers, but their median level wasnt much higher. New adventurers would enroll every year, which would lower the average, but that would be true for farmers as well. The fact that their medians were so close must mean that either adventurers died young, or that they retired early. With the medians levels and gains being what they were, a standard adventurer only worked for five years, while a standard farmer worked for over a hundred. While the idea of only needing to work for five years held some appeal, he knew that he would be bored of it quickly. And, with as many adventurers as left the town, surely some of them would come back if theyd made it big. Of course, Jeb also noted that the average farmer seemed to stall out at the Ninth Tier, which probably meant something. There were higher requirements to unlock each higher Tier, after all, so maybe the Tenth Tier had some ridiculous requirements in order to unlock it. Still, the fact that his grandfather was nearly one hundred and level 510 seemed to suggest that hed see his grandfather for a while longer, which was nice. Jeb left the fair still thinking about his class to be. After all, every member of his family had been some sort of Farmer since Humdrumville was incorporated in the Census. Chapter 2: The Last Night Unleveled After the fair ended, Jeb helped clean up with the rest of the youth. When he got home, he saw that the Censusmaster had clearly come through. The storehouses were far emptier, and his family was in a worse mood than before. Still, as they ate dinner, his grandfather asked him about his notes. He went to bed, knowing that he had just a few more days before he was an adult. The day after the fair was a very normal day. He rose, did his workouts and chores, went to school, then came home to work the earth a little. After dinner, he went to bed. As the evening turned to night, Jeb didnt find himself getting tired like hed expected. After all, this was the last night before he would receive a Class. Like every other child, he was praying to the Paragons for the Class he wanted. While they were asking for a blessing from Silas or Marcus or Paul, Jeb prayed to the Unnamed. Please make me a Farmer like the rest of my family. If its not to much to ask, starting on the Path of Animal Husbandry would be fantastic. I trust you to know where my talents would best serve the Republic, though. To be safe, Jeb also offered a prayer to the other three Paragons. Oh Silas, Swordmaster and defender of Soldiers, please do not be offended by my disinterest. I know that I do not have the heart to be a reaper of men. Oh Paul, Pontifex and shepherd to the Faithful, please do not be offended by my disinterest. I know that I do not have the zeal to spread your good news. Oh Marcus, Magus and teacher of Students, please do not be offended by my disinterest. Jeb tried to think of why he would be a bad mage. Unlike with Silas and Paul, Jeb had learned two Glyphs, and found the work somewhat interesting. You call us to the work which makes our minds sing. Working on this farm makes my mind sing. Jeb still couldnt sleep, so he decided to look at his Status for what might be the last time before he had a Class. It was too late to shift anything, but since no one was totally sure what you needed for certain Classes, it was probably moot. Sure, you never saw a Solar Initiate with low Intelligence, or a Dueler with low Dexterity, but you often saw Farmers with both, as his family could attest.
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: None
Total Statistic Load: 90
Physical Load: 54
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 14
Vitality: 15
Presence: 3
Mental Load: 36
Intelligence: 15
Willpower: 14
Magic Affinity: 3
Mana Depth: 1
Charisma: 3
Mana:100
Glyph Attunement: 2
Least Conjure Water
Least Shape Earth
Skills:
[Locked until Class Selection]
Achievements:
[Locked until Class Selection]
Quests:
Major:
[Locked until Class Selection]
Minor:
[Locked until Class Selection]
His Strength had started growing more quickly since his puberty started. It was still higher than people expected, at least if the recurring joke in town was anything to go by. Whats Jeb short for? people would ask, and his parents would reply hasnt hit his growth spurt yet. Jokes aside, most all of the low Tier Farming Classes had Strength as an important attribute. Seeing how high his Strength was made the early morning workouts feel worth it. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Dexterity was only at an eight, but Jeb had done that somewhat intentionally. After all, there were only so many hours in the day, and none of the First Tier Farmer classes added anything to Dexterity. Most people agreed that the Statistics a Level gave were a good indication of what Statistics you needed for it. Almost every Martial Class had Dexterity gains, so he wanted to avoid it, if only to try to avoid Silass gaze. It did mean no juggling for him, sadly, but he planned to learn it, at least as a skill, if not as a Skill once he had a Class. Lots of upper Tier Farming classes had Dexterity gains, so it might be useful eventually. His Endurance made sense. Hed spent his dawns the past year running, hoping for the small point gains the runs could bring. That was a general benefit of being a farmer, if not a Farmer: the constant work did wonders for Endurance. Between the winter time preparing the earth, planting, growing, and harvesting the crops they grew, there was always more that could be done. Most of the first Tier Farming Classes gave Endurance as well, so it made sense to work for it. Vitality was just a generally useful Statistic. After all, no one wanted to be sick. Growing up with enough to eat helped, as did puberty in general. Still, Jeb didnt think that any first Tier Classes gave a gain to Vitality, so it was hopefully safe. His Presence was low, which also might have explained the jokes. It was annoying having such a low score, but he hoped that it would go up quickly. Then again, his family had reminded him that there werent any Farming Classes they knew of that with Presence increases until the Third Tier. That made it hurt slightly less. Jeb still wished he didnt look so unassuming, though. Still, even with Dexterity and Presence lagging behind, a 54 was a very respectable Physical Load for an unawakened. He wondered how quickly it would grow after he got his Class, though. Moving on to his Mental Statistics, Jeb was surprised to see that it was as high as it was. His Intelligence was 15. That was high for someone who wasnt trying to be a Scribe, let alone someone who was actively opposed to the idea. He hadnt spent his childhood years locked in a room with dusty scrolls, so he wasnt sure where he got the Statistic from. At least that wouldnt be an issue for much longer. Also, it wasnt like having a high Intelligence was a problem for Farming Classes. Most of the Animal Husbandry lines required it, which could mean that he would get that Class. He realized where the new point had come from when he moved on to his Willpower. It had grown to fourteen, though he wasnt sure where that last point had come from. The Spells he had learned probably didnt hurt that, and the work he did guiding the animals certainly helped. Still, Willpower was a Statistic that seemed to be somewhat common in Farming Classes, so that was nice to have. His Magic Affinity was three, which while low, was still higher than he wanted. His baseline, like most peoples was only one, but hed raised it from his Glyph Attunements. He knew that Magic Affinity, like Mana Depth, was only a Class Statistic for Magical Classes, which he really wanted to avoid. Thankfully, his Mana Depth was only one. Well, in terms of future classes, thankfully. In terms of having his Glyphs do anything, it was a curse. His Charisma was as low as his Presence, which made sense. The two generally scaled together, at least as far as Jeb had been told. As his father always said, though, the earth doesnt care how sweetly you talk to it, it stays the same. Jeb tried to repeat that to himself so that he didnt feel bad about the low Statistic. Finally, he moved down to his Glyphs. If not for the fact that he had a family history of only Farmers, the two Glyphs he had would have been concerning. Still, even despite how low his Mana Depth was, having Conjure Water and Shape Earth did help him become at least a little more productive in the fields. His Mana was 100, which he had no way of comparing. The conversation had never come up. It was probably normal, though Seeing his Statistics like that really reminded Jeb that there was nothing more he could do to prepare for his Class. That was freeing, and he found himself drifting off to sleep. Chapter 3: A Priest and a Farmer-to-be walk into a Temple Jeb woke the next morning at his usual time. Then, rather than start stretching, he turned back over, excited for the extra hour of sleep he could get that day. By the time he rose, the sun had fully broken the horizon. He went downstairs, excited for the most important day in his life. Welcome down son! his mother called, are you ready to get your class? I hope so! Jeb responded, already walking out the door. Are you not staying for breakfast? No, I want to get to the Temple as soon as it opens. Jeb knew that he was the only person turning sixteen that day, but any number of crises could break out. After all, Humdrumville didnt only have the only Library around, but also the only Temple. Best of luck Jeb! Ill leave a stall for you to clean for your first Quest! his uncle joked. As Jeb reached the Temple, he saw that he was arriving as the Priest was opening the Temple for the day. Unlike the Librarian, the Priest was only Tier 7. He had apparently been assigned here after doing poorly on his graduating exams. Still, he respected his position enough to not actively work to antagonize the townsfolk. The Priest tended towards the jovial, which made his somber expression all the more jarring. He turned to Jeb and intoned, in what was clearly something ritualistic, Jeb, child of Humdrumville, today the System will mark you as an adult. You will awake your first Class, opening your path to greater glory for the Republic. The Priest opened the doors to the Temple proper, and the two walked in. Inside, the room was dark, with only early morning rays shining through the stained glass to illuminate the space. Each of the four walls held a statue of one of the Paragons. Directly in front was the statue to Paul, since this Temple was not directly built to honor another of the Paragons. As Paragon of Faith, he was the default option. To his right, Marcus stood, advising him. To the left, Silas stood, armor clearly worn from protecting the faithful. And, if Jeb looked behind, he knew that he would see the Unnamed. After all, as the theology said, the other three Paragons could only travel so far because of the support coming from those they left behind. The Priest walked Jeb to the center of the room, and Jeb noted absently that there was a marking where he was supposed to stand. Stand here, the Priest said, then walked away. Jeb watched the Priest leave the Temple and heard the door slam behind him. The space seemed to grow darker as Jeb stood there. He turned to face the Unnamed, knowing deep inside of him that he would be called to the Farm life. Watching the Unnamed, Jeb felt like the nominally genderless statue was starting to look more and more like him. Maybe thats a sign, he thought. Jeb noticed that the room kept growing darker. It wasnt like clouds had covered the windows, though. It was like the room was slowly leaving the reality that he was in. The room fell to absolute darkness as Jeb saw the pews fade away. The Unnamed still hadnt lit, and Jeb started to grow concerned. Jeb turned around, worried that he had missed something. As he finished spinning, turning back to facing the Unnamed, he saw the statue light up. Before he could get excited, though, he saw out of the corner of his eyes that the other two statues were as well. Turning around again, Jeb saw the statue to Paul lighting up as well. Before he could wonder what was happening, the room suddenly came to light. He was surrounded by a field of golden wheat, ripe and ready for the harvest. It looked idyllic, and Jeb could picture himself walking amidst the stalks, harvesting them and refreshing the soil. As he reached out to touch the stalk, though, they all caught flame. Jeb jumped, but realized that the flames werent real. Or, at least, the flames werent burning him. Jeb was becoming sure that the Unnamed was a he, and the Unnamed opened his mouth. Before he could start to speak, however, Jeb heard a voice from his right. A gout of flame descended from the air as Silas began to speak. Jeb, a great evil currently walks the land. You have been called out of a life of mediocrity to save the Republic. Marshal your forces to protect our way of life. As the flames and smoke died down, Jeb saw an image of wings and hatred. It was clearly large, but Jeb could not see depth clearly yet. From Silass right, Paul continued, The Dragon of the West, a being of flame and wind, has conquered territories under the protection of our glorious Republic. With a path of Magical Earth and Water, you will quench its flames and quell its storms. You will slay this Dragon, and you will protect the Faithful of my flock. Jeb saw great sheets of water fall from the sky, quenching the last of the flames. From amid the broken field, once full of life, Jeb saw great pillars of stone rising, destroying the field even more. The dragon fell from the sky, pierced by a number of the stones. Jeb saw what was clearly a time lapse of uncountable and faceless men and women slowly working down the pillars. When they were gone, the people worked to make the land bountiful again. Marcus finished, You shall be a Mage of the Earth and Water, to counter this dread beast. Slay it, that we may reclaim the land. Reclaim this territory that others may grow on the land. You are called to far more than mere growth. The vision faded, but the statues remained lit. Jeb finished his circle again, staring at the Unnamed. The Unnamed looked at Jeb, and Jeb saw himself. He slowly shook his head and closed his mouth. The room fell into darkness. Jeb felt something pierce through his head and heart and into what must have been his soul. He felt himself changing, though not how his family had described. Instead of feeling the earth near him, or some connection to the farm, Jeb saw Glyphs of Power. Try as he might to remember them, though, they faded from him as the pain did. The room returned to how it was when he entered. The sun had barely even risen from before the ceremony had taken place. Jeb heard the Priest saying something as though from a great distance. He walked away without answering, some part of him still hoping that he was wrong about what he had heard. That part died as he opened his new Status.
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 0/100
Total Statistic Load: 96
Physical Load: 54
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 14
Vitality: 15
Presence: 3
Mental Load: 42
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 17
Magic Affinity: 3
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 3
Mana: 100
Glyph Attunement: 2
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Minor:
Begin Your Magical Studies (Progressive) Update Available!
Heart already in his chest, Jeb focused on his Class, trying to read its description. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Least Mud Initiate
First Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Rare
Congratulations young Mage. Without access to the fullness of the System you have claimed knowledge over Earth and Water. You have not stopped at wielding these two powers separately, though. Rather, you have worked to join these powers into one, creating Mud. Continue working, that you may grow in your power.
Level Bonus:
+3 to Willpower
+2 to Mana Depth
+1 to Intelligence
At least the Statistic increases are higher than I expected for this level, Jeb reasoned, trying to find the best in the situation. As he kept looking at his Status, hoping something might change, he realized that he had an Update on his Minor Quest. Pulling open the page for it, he read:
Begin Your Magical Studies (Update Available)
Minor Quest First Tier Learn a Water Spell No Mage can exist without Magic, and no Mud can exist without Water. Learn a Water Spell to take the first steps on the path of Mud Magic (Completed)
Minor Quest First Tier Learn an Earth Spell No Mage can exist without Magic, and no Mud can exist without Earth. Learn an Earth Spell to take the first steps on the path of Mud Magic (Completed)
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Water Conjuration Spell What can a Mud Mage do when there is nothing but dry Earth around him? Create Water to make Mud! (Completed)
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Water Manipulation Spell When the Water lies still upon the dry Earth, a Mud Mage uses his Will to force the two together
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn an Earth Conjuration Spell What is a Mud Mage to do when the floods threaten to drown everything? Create Earth to make Mud!
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn an Earth Manipulation Spell When the Water lies still upon the dry Earth, a Mud Mage uses his Will to force the two together (Completed)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Mud Spell Mud Magic is more than just Water and Earth Magic. Combining the two creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Take your first leap into Higher Magics by learning a Mud spell.
As angry as he still was about the Class hed been given, he was still glad to see that his hard work had paid off.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest: Begin Your Magical Studies First Tier Learn a Water Spell. You have begun to build the foundation of your magic. Rewards: 25 Experience, Mana +5
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest: Begin Your Magical Studies First Tier Learn an Earth Spell. You have begun to build the foundation of your magic. Rewards: 25 Experience, Mana +5
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest: Begin Your Magical Studies Second Tier Learn a Water Conjuration Spell. Building on what you learned, you have taken the next step in your magical studies. Rewards: 50 Experience, Mana +10
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest: Begin Your Magical Studies Second Tier Learn an Earth Manipulation Spell. Building on what you learned, you have taken the next step in your magical studies. Rewards: 50 Experience, Mana +10
Begin Your Magical Studies (Updated)
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Water Manipulation Spell When the Water lies still upon the dry Earth, a Mud Mage uses his Will to force the two together
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn an Earth Conjuration Spell What is a Mud Mage to do when the Floods threaten to wash him away? Create Earth to make Mud!
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Mud Spell Mud Magic is more than just Water and Earth Magic. Combining the two creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Take your first leap into Higher Magics by learning a Mud spell.
The slew of notifications blinded him for a second, and he saw that hed gained 200 experience! If it was this easy to get experience, it was no wonder that adventurers leveled up. Jeb saw that he could level up if he wanted to, but something held him back. After all, maybe there was some way to change his Class. He knew that the further you were in your Path, the harder it was to change. Sure, a First Tier Swordsman might eventually grow into a Spellsword, but a Tenth Tier Swordmaster never would. In his life, there were two places Jeb knew had the answers to whatever questions he might have: his home and the Library. He was worried for what his family might say, so he walked to the Library. If hed been paying more attention, he might have noticed the Priest running after him. Chapter 4: A Visit to the Library Jeb made it to the Library before the Priest caught up with him. For all that he was still reeling from the new Class hed received, he was glad that he had gone so early. There was still another hour until classes started for the students, so he had time to ask the Librarian questions without feeling like he was taking time away from the other children. Well, that, and it would mean fewer people asking about his Class. Good morning Jeb! the Librarian called out, I hope that your Class Ceremony went off without a hitch? Though it was framed as a question, it was clear to Jeb that the Librarian assumed it had. Which of your family members will you be following in the path of? Im not quite sure yet, Jeb said, I was wondering if I could get a few Primers, though. That was clearly a different answer than the Librarian had been expecting. He looked up from the book he was reading and really looked at Jeb. Jeb swore that he could feel a prickle as the Librarian clearly Inspected him. Maybe that was a benefit of the new Class, or maybe it was just a coincidence. Either way, the expression on the Librarians face made it clear that hed seen Jebs new Class. Oh, Im so sorry Jeb, the Librarian said. Jeb was touched that the Librarian knew him well enough to know that being a Mage was not his dream. The Librarian activated another Skill, then responded to his request. As a Mud Mage, you have immediate access to the Water, Earth, and Mud Primers. If you would like access to the other Elemental Primers, you also have access to, text streamed in the Librarians eyes, my apologies, there are few enough Least Mud Initiates that the Catalog is less than perfectly smooth. Ah, he seemed slightly surprised by what hed seen, you can request any Elemental Primer up to the Third Tier. On request, I can also give you a general primer for Magical Classes, since we are more than fifty miles from the nearest Mage. Jeb looked at him for a moment, unclear if he was missing some subtext. As your former teacher, I would also point out that you can study from a Magic Primer while you wait to find someone to apprentice under. I assume that you need to spend some time getting ready for the harvest? Jeb nodded. The idea of Primers did lead him to another question, though. Do you have any Primers on Agricultural Magic? Lines and lines of text seemed to flash through the Librarians eyes as he consulted the different lists of tomes in the Central Library. It went on for far longer than it had while he searched for the standard available books to Mud Initiates. I dont see any entries for books accessible by Least Mud Initiates, but Ill do a more general search, so that I can at least tell you what Class you would need to have general permissions with it. The lines started streaming by again. As Jeb watched, they flew by faster and faster, until it was nothing more than a blur to him. What Statistic needs to be higher for me to follow whats happening? he idly pondered. I dont see any entries for Agricultural Magic at all. its possible that someone wrote a dissertation that is not in the general Catalog, but I cant imagine that youd have a Quest for something like that this early in your Path. Jeb answered the half-asked question, I dont have a Quest for it. I was just hoping that I might not have to do what the Paragons assigned me to do. Truthfully, Jeb, and Im telling you this as your teacher, not as the Librarian, you dont have to do anything that you dont want to. Classes are much more malleable than the Tier Guides will suggest. More than that, though, you can always grow outside of what the System has recommended for you. In time, that work will be rewarded at least as much as any Quest the System proactively assigned you. Jeb knew that there was more to the statement than he could unpack then, but the support still warmed him. As the Librarian opened his mouth to keep talking, though, the door to the Library slammed open. Jeb! the Priest called out, I need to enroll you in the System Census. What is your Class, and what are your Statistics? Jeb stammered out an answer, nervous at how agitated the Priest seemed. The Priest seemed slightly surprised at Jebs Class, but covered it up quickly. Congratulations on the Class young man! I know that you may need to finish up on your familys property. Just remember, though, you need to enroll in the Academy by the Fourth Tier as a Mage or be accepted into an apprenticeship by a registered Mage. You can get your Adventurers Badge immediately if you want to go off and defend the Republic, but you still need to go in person. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jeb, the Librarian interjected, have you decided where you want to focus your energy? Laying a good foundation at the First Tier makes building towards whatever final Class youre hoping for much easier. The Priest nodded, then looked at the books in Jebs hands. I see you already have primers, thats good, the Priest said. You should read up on the different tracks that Mud Mages might follow, so that you can see which calls to you most. Much as I would love to help you Theorycraft your progression, I need to return to the Temple. It would not do for me to be absent when someone needs me. He turned to leave, still a little manic. As he opened the door, he turned back to the two of them. Pargaons Blessings on you both, he intoned, suddenly somber. Paragons Blessings, the two responded. Jeb would have sworn that he saw the Librarian roll his eyes, but that must have just been a trick of the light. I do have one more question, Jeb said once the door had shut. Hmm? the Librarian answered. Do you have any materials about the Dragon of the West? Let me guess, the Librarian said as he pulled a few more books out, You were given a Major Quest to kill him? Im not telling you to ignore that Quest, but I will tell you that Im sure there are at least a hundred other people who received it this month, and thousands more before that. Still, here is the Official Republic Report on the Dragon, he said, in a tone which made it clear how much he respected the Official Report. As a Librarian, I am obligated to inform you that you should attempt to complete all Quests to the best of your abilities. You need to prioritize which Quests you complete, since you will likely not have time to complete them all. When, Jeb read the if he wanted to say instead of when, you tell others about a Major Quest, they are obligated to help you complete the Quest. Jeb read between the lines. Dont tell strangers that I have a Major Quest, he thought, making a mental note. He still wasnt confident about facing his family, so he started to read through the Mud Primer.
Congratulations! You have chosen to follow the path of Mud Magic!
Jeb skimmed through the opening section, since it just described the various ways to unlock Mud Magic Classes at the First Tier. Hed already done that by accident, so he hardly needed a reminder. He finally found the section for First Tier Classes, and more carefully paged through until he found the entry for his Class.
Least Mud Initiate
First Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Rare
Typical Second Tier Class Options:
Lesser Mud Initiate
Lesser Earth Initiate
Lesser Water Initiate
Lesser Druid-Mage Initiate
Least Mud Student
The progressions seemed more or less like he had expected. He could continue to focus on Mud, or stop working on one of the two First Tier Elements and start specializing in the other. It seemed a little strange that the Student was Least while the rest were Lesser, but maybe the Academy only started taking students at Second Tier. It was also strange that one of the Classes was crossed out. Druid Classes were suppressed four hundred years ago, the Librarian said, answering the question before he could ask it. According to the Official Report, this time Jeb knew he saw eyes roll, the Head Druid led a revolt against our dear President. As a result, while Druid Classes may still be offered, they are not to be taken. None of the Second Tier Classes seemed particularly desirable, so Jeb moved on to the report on the Dragon. Hopefully he could unlock a different option. After all, those were only the typical offerings.
The Dragon of the West has lain waste to the land bordering our Republic. He demands harsh tribute from those he has enslaved, eating them whole when they cannot pay. He has rejected all attempts to parlay peacefully, and so the current diplomatic relations are a state of constant war.
That was unhelpful. Jeb didnt even know if the Dragon had a Class. As he thought about it, Jeb realized that he didnt know if animals had Classes generally. He could tell that he was just avoiding thinking about his situation, which probably wasnt healthy. He closed the Report, deciding to finally face his family. Chapter 5: A Lonely Walk Home Jeb returned the report about the Dragon and started his walk home. After a single step, the fear of what his family would say was already too much, and he knew he needed a distraction. Now is not a good time to start learning a Glyph, he thought, mentally discarding the Mud, Earth, and Water Primers. Primer. Arthorns Primer to Beginning Magics: A Guide for the Edification of Young Commoner Students, Before They Can Find a Suitable Instructor The title suggested that it would either be hopelessly pretentious or fifty years out of date. If Jeb had been forced to wager, he would have guessed both.
First, Congratulations to you. You have set yourself apart from the rabble of the world, being chosen to wield the very forces of Creation itself. My earnest hope is that reading this book will keep you on this path, rather than falling off it as so many plebeians do. This Primer is divided into a number of sections, each of which should be read and fully comprehended before moving on to the next. When you find a Master to Apprentice under, he will likely pick up where I have left off. Because of this, I have put the minutiae and dry details early in the tome, as they are essential to your life, but not worth a Masters time to explain.
Section 1: Planning your Statistics
It is no secret among the Classed that Statistics have a bearing on what High Tier Class options you receive. Why, even the meanest Farmer knows better than to focus his efforts on Intelligence, because he knows that it is a useless Statistic for his Class.
The book had worked to distract Jeb from his crisis, at least. Had the author never met a single Farm Manager or Breeder or Brewer? All of those Classes required high Intelligences, if his family was to be trusted at least. Still, if the Librarian gave him the primer, it was likely to be useful. He looked back down.
It is important from your first Tier increase that you choose how you want to grow as a Mage. Instead of the single point you likely received in each of the four relevant Statistics, you will instead see that higher Tier Classes have more gains but more focused gains as well. Completing Class-granted Skill Quests can also be a good way to mold yourself, so long as you are careful to only complete the Quests relevant to the Statistics you hope to increase.
Again, Jeb felt like the author must have made a mistake. He checked his Class Description once more:
Least Mud Initiate
First Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Rare
Congratulations young Mage. Without access to the fullness of the System you have claimed knowledge over Earth and Water. You have not stopped at wielding these two powers separately, though. Rather, you have worked to join these powers into one, creating Mud. Continue working, that you may grow in your power.
Level Bonus:
+3 to Willpower
+2 to Mana Depth
+1 to Intelligence
he thought, wonder what that could be about. Jeb thought. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Now, on the off chance that you have somehow earned a Rare Class, you will note that the Statistic gains are both higher and more focused already. It is of the utmost importance that you find a Master immediately, so that you do not accidentally fall off of the path that the Paragons have laid for you.
Well that wasnt happening.
Now, the savvy among you might notice that you have no gains in Charisma. This is normal. Charisma is hardly a Mental Statistic at all. Leave growing that to the Bards and Minstrels. Focus instead on the two Statistics you need. In general, an Intelligence focus is for those who wish to optimize Spell Glyphs. Of course, an optimized Spell Glyph is only useful if the caster can still use it. After all, if optimizing a Second Tier Glyph makes it a Twelfth Tier Glyph, even if all of the Mana is being used perfectly, the Spell is now only an academic curiosity. In short, Intelligence is a Statistic only to strive for if you wish to live in a dusty academic facility. On the other hand, a Willpower focus is for those who wish to use Spell Glyphs in an optimized manner. Once the Glyph has started its effect, Willpower is what allows you to direct the Mana. The great ramparts that our Battlemages build are possible through use of Low Tier Glyphs used excellently. Should you take the correct route and focus on Willpower, it is generally recommended that you have a secondary focus on Mana Density. It is the Density of his Mana which allows Weather Mages to summon great gale winds, or Fire Mages to burn their enemies where they stand. All of the direction you give Mana means nothing without the power behind it, and vice versa. Now, in the interest of appeasing my academic colleagues, if you should choose to focus on Intelligence, it is generally accepted that one should also focus on their Magic Affinity. A high Affinity allows for the faster creation and learning of Glyphs, which is essential for those who wish to spend a thousand Mana on reducing the Mana usage of a Spell by a fraction of a single point.
Though the guide seemed to recommend against it, Jeb found himself leaning towards an Intelligence-based build. After all, if he wanted to become a Farmer Mage, ridiculous as the idea might be, he would clearly need to create his own Spell Glyphs. Then again, maybe he would be better served by working existing Spells into what he needed. After all, Least Move Earth did, in fact, serve to move the Earth when he was working it. He would need to find someone else to ask about it.
Though it is theoretically possible to make other combinations of two Statistics, it is actively advised against. A Willpower and Magic Affinity build, for instance, is both redundant and self-sabotaging. After all, what is the point in learning one hundred Glyphs to create a campfire, only to focus on bending another Fire Spell into creating one? A Willpower and Intelligence build might, on first glance, seem reasonable. After all, knowing where to move Mana should make it easier to move the Mana, right? It is here that I find I must remind the reader that you must focus. After all, having any Statistic higher will make their Magic more effective. Yet, working to increase all of your Statistics will mean that you cannot spend the needed time honing your talents. You will be worse at displays of power than one who focused on Mana Depth, and worse at optimization than one who focused on Magic Affinity. It is not my goal to demoralize the reader, but rather to provide a place of optimism. The Republic has, in its great workings and recordings, found the path which leads to your best chances at power and health.
Jeb was close enough to the farm now that he didnt think he should start on the next section. Still, something in the book rubbed him the wrong way. Surely there had to be a benefit to the other combinations, or at least in not specializing so heavily. After all, on the farm, he knew that there were uses for any combination of Statistics, at least if he ignored Mana Depth and Magic Affinity. Speaking of the farm, Jeb noticed that his home was nearly in sight. Strangely, though, there was no one out working in the fields. All of the animals seemed to be gone as well. He was beginning to get nervous when he saw the house. It was dark. There was no sign that anyone was inside at all. What could have happened to his family in the few hours that he had been gone? His mind helpfully supplied the image of a Dragon descending down to kill everyone he loved. Heart heavy, he opened the door to his home. Chapter 6: What Will the Family Say? The room was dark when he opened it, and the fear in Jebs heart grew. Suddenly, the room filled with light. Surprise Jeb! his extended family cried out. They immediately began speaking over each other to try to find out what class he had gotten. Did the Unnamed glow? his uncle asked. Well yes, but- Jeb was interrupted by cheers from the rest of the family. Did you get an Animal Handling Class? his aunt asked, only to immediately be shushed by the rest of the family. Dont just ask what he got! another aunt cried, half the fun of finding it out is the guessing game. Did you see fields of grain growing? his grandfather asked. I did, but- this time his family at least let him get to the modifier before they started speaking again. But you saw an animal consuming it! his uncle cried. Well, um, I guess, Jeb wasnt sure how to answer the question. Did you get Sty Cleaner? Thats a very normal class on the Animal Husbandry track, his sister said, trying to figure out why he was so uncomfortable. No, not that, Jeb was starting to shut down from all of the chaos his familys conversation was bringing. Thankfully, his grandfather noticed, and he shut down the conversation. Now, now, this game is only fun as long as our newly Classed is enjoying it. Jeb clearly isnt so lets all settle down. The room fell silent almost immediately. High energy as the room was, Jebs grandfather was right, and they all knew it. Jeb took a moment to collect himself before answering. I didnt get a Farming Class, Jeb admitted. His voice caught, and he wasnt sure what else to say. It was much worse than he had thought it would be. Not only was everyone there so excited for his Class, but the entire family was there. Even his Aunt Zephra was back, and Jeb hadnt seen her since- Oh, since his sister got her Class. He really should have connected that. Still, the looks of horror on his familys face confirmed what he knew. They were going to reject him. Well dont hold us in suspense, his father prodded, what Class did you get? Im a Least Mud Initiate. That sure sounds like a Farming Class, his father responded. After all, a lot of Farming takes place in the mud. Its a Magical Class, Jeb said. Well, thats no reason not to celebrate! his grandfather said. We may not be as useful for planning your Progression, but Im sure we can still help. Do you know what you want to do with the Class? Before Jeb had a chance to answer, his sister cut in, Are you planning on going to the Capital to be trained in Magic? No, I was hoping that I could become a Farming Mage. The Librarian said he couldnt find any records of it, but I was hoping that I might be able to develop my Class somehow. Thats a perfectly fine goal, his grandfather said, but are you sure? The life of a Mage is a much easier one than a Farmer. Also, from what little I know, you will need to go to the University at some point, if only to register. Until then, though, well happily help you develop your Class. Now then, did you get any Quests? If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. I got a Minor Questline for my Class, and I um, Jeb was about to say that he had gotten a Major Quest, but remembered what the Librarian said. Then again, if he couldnt trust his family, who could he trust? His family waited for him to recover, letting him take his time speaking, I also got a Major Quest, to Kill the Dragon of the West. Well that hardly feels like the sort of Quest you should be assigning to a First Tier Mage, his mother replied. Maybe when youre a few Tiers higher, but certainly not now. Wait, what happened with your vision? Did the Paragons show you the wheat and tell you to become a Farmer Mage? his uncle asked, clearly not following. Jeb quickly summarized his Class Ceremony. No one in his family seemed surprised at how dismissive the Paragons were about Farming, which surprised Jeb. Then again, it did explain why they so rarely went to the Temple. So whats your Minor Questline? his sister asked, drawing a few annoyed looks. What? We all know that Farming isnt a glamorous Class to the rest of the Republic. The Quest is called Begin Your Magical Studies, and it wants me to learn another Earth and Water Glyph and a Mud Glyph. Well, then, his grandfather said, you should be sure to complete that entire Quest before you take your next Level. After all, Level Two is another Tier up, and its always best to have a full foundation before you move on. I was reading this book, though, Jeb said, holding up the Magical Primer, which says that you should start optimizing your Statistics immediately. That might be the standard advice for Mages, his grandfather allowed, but Ive never known a Farmer to not be offered a Class because their Statistics were too high. Thats not technically true, one of his uncles said, drawing a few eye rolls and a few confused glances. Fair, his grandfather admitted, Thomas is technically right. No one has gotten the Weaver Class if their Dexterity is above 30, they always get the Dextrous Weaver Class. Then again, since Dextrous Weaver comes with the same Class-Granted Skills and better Statistics Gains, theres no reason someone would prefer the Weaver Class, is there? No, his uncle responded, I was just making sure we were telling Jeb the full truth. You may not get identical Class offerings, but they wont be worse for your having better Statistics. Assuming the same is true for Magical Classes, his mother was quick to point out. Which I for one would, she added, seeing the torn look on Jebs face. The other important thing to note, his grandfather added, is that its easier to get non-Class Skills the lower Level, and especially Tier you are. If you want to transition into a Farmer Mage, youll probably need some Farming related Skills. Do you have ideas for which youd want now? No, Jeb replied honestly, truthfully Im still kind of reeling from the Class. How about this? his sister suggested. You go learn a new Glyph or two, then come down for dinner, since thats part of your Class Quest. After that, you can brainstorm what your next steps should be. It was a great piece of advice, and everyone knew it. Jeb thought about it. Thus far, hed been operating more or less completely on reaction to everything that was happening. The nights hed spent studying Glyphs before getting his Class had really helped him feel centered, and he doubted that had changed. Maybe after learning a Glyph or two, hed feel more in control of his life again. I feel bad leaving so soon, he said, I know we had a big party the last time someone got their First Class. Your sister is also much more outgoing than you, his father reminded him, if you think that taking a few hours to think about your future and learn a Glyph would put you in a better mental space, you should take the time. Well still be here, he looked at Zephra, well, most of us will at least, and we can help advise you then. Jeb walked through the family and up to his room. Once the door was closed, he felt like a puppet that had its strings suddenly cut. He collapsed on the ground. Standing suddenly felt like too much. A sob tried to make its way out, but he stifled it. He hadnt expected his family to be so accepting of his Class. That just made him feel worse, though, because of course they would accept him. He was part of the family, after all. Jeb made up his mind. He would do everything that he could to shift his Class further towards Farming Magic while he was with his family, then go to the University when he had to. Surely they would have better advice for Magical Classes. Still, that started now, with completing his Class Quest. Jeb opened the Earth Primer. It was easier for me to learn the Earth Glyph, he reasoned. The first Glyph it recommended was the one he already knew, Least Shape Earth. He quickly paged through the chapter, since he knew the Glyph. Still, he made a note to read it more thoroughly in the future, in case hed missed something important. The next chapter wasnt Least Create Earth, or Least Summon Earth. Instead, the heading read Least Shape Earth - Efficient. That implied that his current Least Shape Earth was inefficient, which seemed like a bad idea. Skipping over the text, Jeb decided that he would start learning the Glyph right away. After all, hed learned two Glyphs without a Skill for it. Surely learning one, and a modified version of one he already knew no less, would be easier now. Chapter 7: Struggling with Spells The first thing that Jeb noticed was that where the Glyph he knew had straight lines between the 25 nodes of the Glyph, the Efficient one had arcs. That made sense, since the same was true with water. Trying to make a flow of water change courses along tight angles worked far less well than having arcs. Other than that, though, the Spells looked the same. Where the Glyph he knew had a tight angle, the new Glyph had the curve changing directions smoothly. Just to confirm that, though, Jeb started to cast Least Move Earth, pulling the Glyph into reality. He stopped short of actually feeding it Mana, though, since he knew that would exhaust him too quickly. Moving the Glyph to hover over the Earth Primer, Jeb confirmed what he had already thought. The two Glyphs overlapped on the same points. Since that much of the Spell was the same, Jeb decided to learn the new Glyph the same way hed learned the last Glyph: connecting each point from the start until the end. He sat down on his floor, sitting in a comfortable position. This might take a few hours, he thought, closing his eyes and visualizing the Glyph. Almost immediately, the difficulty started. Where before he just needed to remember the locations of the points to connect them, now he also had to hold in his head exactly how the curve moved. Since he already knew Least Move Earth, he didnt have to struggle to recall the points at all. Instead, he called Least Move Earth to mind. Intentionally severing the Glyph, he focused on connecting the first two points together in a smooth curve. When he managed it, he could already tell that the Mana would flow much more smoothly between the points. Still, holding it was more effort than he remembered from learning the first Glyph, even with his new Skill helping. With two points lit up in his mind, he tried changing the bend in the light so that it moved from the second point to the third. The effort it took made it clear to Jeb why Classes giving gains to Magic Affinity was so important. If it was this difficult to learn a slightly improved version of a spell he already knew, it must be nearly impossible to learn the upper-level spells. Hed never keep his Affinity Statistic in pace with the others without getting bonuses from his Class. Thinking about that made him realize that his concentration had slipped, though, so he refocused and tried again. This time he made it to the fourth point, and felt the load on his mind reduce slightly. Of course, that connection came with a sudden alert from a System Notification. Jeb wanted to know what it said, but he wanted to learn this Glyph more. He muted his notifications and focused back on the Spell. This time he took a moment to watch what was happening more closely. Sending the smallest stream of Mana into the Primer, Jeb studied the Glyph as it lit up. As he watched, the light from the arcs hed seen slowly slipped out of his vision. He looked deeper, and saw a second set of connections. If the first were like a river, pounding down the earth, the second set was like a small stream. Still, it was clear that they were important. The first point had a small stream connecting back to itself. The second connected to the fourth, the third to the ninth, and the fourth to the sixteenth. The fifth point connected to the last point in the sequence. Jeb was starting to see a pattern, but he wasnt sure what it was. Finally, something clicked. If I number the points on the glyph starting at one, each point connects to the point which would be the area of a square with a side the same length as the initial point! If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. That didnt work, though, because the sixth point connected to the eleventh. As he watched, though, the stream going to the eleventh split before it connected, reaching the twenty-fifth as well. That was easier to figure out. Eleven and twenty-five was thirty-six, which matched the pattern. Looking, he saw that was true for each square larger than the remainder. Ok, I should check that idea, though. The seventh square should go- Jeb paused for a moment, thinking, Forty nine would be the square, and that is larger than twenty-five. So, it should flow into both the final point and the penultimate point. And it did. That explained part of the easing when he got to the fourth point: some of the light started flowing back from the fourth into the second. Reconstructing the Glyph in his mind, Jeb saw that the smaller streams were forming, even without him actively making them. Making the channels himself, though, made the flow that much smoother. What had felt like a raging force completely out of his control calmed as he tied the fourth and second together. This time he linked to the fifth point. Then the sixth. Then the seventh. By the eighth point, the stress had grown too much for him again, and his concentration broke. This time, though, he saw the secondary paths fading after the first had already gone away, as though they were dimmer but longer lasting. When they had faded totally, Jeb saw the slightest glint of another web of paths. Once more, Jeb poured a small trickle of Mana into the Primer. Once more, the Primer lit up. This time he was quickly able to ignore the trunk of the main path. Looking carefully, he was able to see past the branches of the second level. What was left felt almost like spiderwebs. They were delicate, but overlaid the entire Glyph. The first point seemed to connect to every point in the Glyph. As Jeb traced the points, he realized that it did. The second connected to itself, and then to the fourth, sixth, eighth and so on. The third connected to itself, the sixth, the ninth, and every next third piece. Jeb guessed what was causing it and was correct with his guesses for the fourth and fifth. Quickly jumping to the thirteenth, Jeb was glad to see that it only connected to itself. It seemed that the looping was only in the second level of the Glyph. Jeb focused on clearing his mind once more. He had started to feel a piercing pain in his skull as he focused on the web of the third level of the Glyph. Either that was as low as it went, or he would not be able to learn the Glyph. Once more, Jeb pulled up a mental image of the points for Least Move Earth. This time, before connecting the first point to the second, he set two small loops to go from the first back to itself. He then connected the first to the second, breaking off a piece of one of the small loops to connect to the second as well. When Jeb reconnected the second to itself, it was as if all the pressure had faded. The light felt no more out of his control than it had before hed linked the second point at all. Going to the third point was equally easy. Jeb connected first the river from the second point, then the small piece from the first point, then the small loop back into itself. The fourth was harder, though. Jeb nearly lost his focus trying to connect all of the points. Still, when he managed to put the two different connections from the second point into it, he felt the pressure loosen. After what felt like seconds or hours, Jeb reached the final point in the Glyph. The major artery of the Glyph in his mind was far weaker now, with much of the light looping between the closed cycles earlier in the Glyph. Still, he connected the twenty-fourth point to it, then went through and made a loop from the point to itself, which he split into twenty four more loops. He carefully threaded the loops from the fifth point in the Glyph, then looped it to itself. When the final loop connected, he felt the Glyph crystallize. Jeb knew that if he checked his Status, he would see the Glyph listed there. It was a nice feeling. Thankfully, the sun was still in the sky, though it had dropped a fair amount. As Jeb fully moved out of his focus, he heard the rhythmic thumping hed been mistaking for his heartbeat. It was his door. Chapter 8: Glyph Grokking Jeb opened his door, confused about why someone was banging on the door. After all, it had only been a few hours, right? Oh good, youre alive, his sister said. Why wouldnt I be? Jeb asked, confused. Its been more than a day since you went into your room? The family was about ready to open the door. Jeb froze. His sister saw that, and immediately realized what had happened. You muted all your notifications, didnt you? she asked. I did, why? Jeb, you always got lost in your projects before. One of the major benefits a Class gives you is better focus. Of course youd get completely lost in whatever project you take up now. Jeb remembered the number of times that he had missed someone talking to him because he was too focused on whatever project he was working on. Oh, that makes sense. Before you go any further, did you miss any important Notifications while you were focused on your project? Im not sure, let me check. Jeb pulled up his Status, which immediately prompted him:
Congratulations! You have unlocked new Skills! Would you like to view the Skills you have gained?
The plural was interesting. Jeb mentally accepted the prompt, and a the Notifications appeared one after another.
Congratulations! You have unlocked the General Skill: Meditation
That explained the increase in his focus, at least.
Congratulations! Your systematic efforts to learn a Glyph not only above your Tier, nor even your Level, but the two of them combined, has unlocked the Magical Skill: Mana Manipulation.
That sounded like a nice Skill. Those requirements were really specific, though. Wait, was the Glyph not also a First Tier Glyph? Jeb was about to check. Then he saw his sister looking at him, so he kept going through the Notifications.
Congratulations! Your efforts to understand the underlying logic behind Spell Glyphing have not gone unnoticed. You have unlocked the Magical Skill: Spell Glyphing.
Congratulations! Due to having both Skills Mana Manipulation and Spell Glyphing, you have unlocked the Synergy Skill: Glyph Grokking. Spell Glyphs will be easier to learn and develop.
Jeb had questions about what a Synergy Skill was, but that certainly sounded useful.
Congratulations! Due to your dedication to Meditation, spending a full night and day, you have earned the Lesser Achievement: Focused Meditator
Focused Meditator: Your mind and body have become disconnected, if only for a while. External distractions will no longer shake you out of meditation. +3 Willpower +2 Endurance
That felt like a double-edged sword if anything. After all, he hadnt meant to meditate. Then again, being able to focus through distractions sounded nice. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Congratulations! Through your efforts, you have learned the Third Tier Spell Least Shape Earth - Efficient. You have earned the Lesser Achievement: Student of Magic
Student of Magic: You have mastered a Third Tier Spell, the mark of a true Student of Magic. +5 Magic Affinity
Oh, so it was a Third Tier Spell. That was confusing. Why would the Glyph be so much higher Tier just for becoming efficient? Before he could ponder it too much, his sister interrupted his musings, I take it you got a few new Skills? Four new Skills and two Achievements, Jeb said. Is that a lot? Jebs sister paused for a few seconds. Its possible that it isnt a lot for a Mage, but that sounds like a lot to me, she said. Anyways, you should freshen up, then come down for lunch. Jeb smelled himself. He certainly did need to freshen up. After his ablutions, Jeb went down to lunch. The meal was fairly sparsely attended, since most of his family was doing their work. His family accepted his excuse of getting lost in a Glyph fairly easily. After all, Jeb had always been easily hyperfocused. I dont know if anyone has time to really help you plan right now, his mother said as they cleaned the kitchen. But your grandfather said you should come see him tonight, if you were down by then. Do you have something to help occupy your time until then? I have some questions about the Earth Primer, Jeb said. After all, why would they present a Third Tier Glyph right away in the book? So I can spend some time reading through that and planning some next steps to bring to Grandfather. That seems like very reasonable idea, his mother said. Jeb went back upstairs and opened the Earth Primer. Paging back to the beginning to the chapter, he saw where he went wrong.
Now that youve successfully cast your first spell, you may wonder what makes higher level spells more difficult. A higher tier spell is not always going to have some dramatic effect. The efficient form of the Least Shape Earth spell from Chapter One, for instance, is a Third Tier spell, despite it having no functional difference but taking less caster Mana to effect the same result. It is truly a hallmark of Intelligence-based classes that they find the small efficiencies in mana use to be worth the extreme amount of extra effort it takes to learn a Third Tier Spell over a First Tier one. For mages looking to branch out of the magics that their primary class chose for them, there is another advantage to the spell being Third Tier. Growing Mages are often discouraged when they learn that low level spells stop increasing their Magic Affinity as they grow in Tier. The Tier of the Spell Glyph doubled and added to one must be at least the same Tier as the learners Class. There is also some evidence that the tier of the spell learned has a greater effect on what Classes are opened up to a learner, though, of course, that gets into the realm of speculative class-building, which is far outside the scope of this book. Nonetheless, the glyph for Least Shape Earth - Efficient is presented on the following page, so a learner may see how different a Third Tier Glyph is from a First Tier.
There were a couple of things Jeb took from that. The first was that he really needed to actually read the Primers, not just skim until he found the Glyph. As he thought about it, though, the fact that the different Spell Glyphs a person learned affected the Classes they were offered made Jeb think about what he had been doing more generally. Hed just accepted that he was a Mud Mage. Why wasnt he learning Air and Fire Magics? They werent within the Quests hed been given, but that was no reason to ignore them. After all, being able to dry a harvest more effectively could be incredibly useful to him as a Farmer Mage. Finally, Jeb realized how beneficial it might be to remain at a low Tier for at least a little longer. After all, a First Tier Spell would only benefit him until he was Third Tier, which he could probably reach fairly quickly. As he paged through the book, however, Jeb noted that there were only three other First Tier Spell Glyphs in the book. There was one he needed to learn, Least Create Earth, and what was clearly its opposite, Least Destroy Earth. Finally, there was the opposite Glyph to the one he already knew, Least Hold Earth. Jeb was curious how much the added benefits from his Least Mud Magic, Mana Manipulation, Glyph Grokking, and Spell Glyphing might help him learn a First Tier Glyph. He was still a little hesitant about how time had escaped him before, so he lit a candle. That way he would have some way to gauge the passage of time. He flipped to the page for Least Create Earth and started to pull the Glyph into his mind. The mental model he had seemed almost useless. The light flowed between the points almost before he had a chance to line the points up. When he looked, he saw that the candle had barely reduced, but his Status confirmed that he had learned Least Create Earth. Since that went quickly enough, Jeb quickly learned both Least Destroy Earth and Least Hold Earth before walking over to his grandfathers shop. He knocked on the door, and his grandfather opened the door. Come in, Jeb, he said, lets talk about your Class. Chapter 9: Planning a Path The first thing Jeb noticed when he stepped inside was how hot it was. How can I help you, Jeb? his grandfather asked. Jeb realized then that he had completely forgotten to do any of his chores. Grandfather, Im so sorry! I completely lost track of time while learning a Glyph, and I forgot to feed the cows yesterday. Also today I guess. I can go- His grandfather interrupted him, Jeb, can I let you in on a secret? Jeb nodded. People without Farming Classes, and Unclassed in particular, dont really add anything to the productivity of the farm. The reason we give you chores is to teach you a work ethic and hopefully give you the experiences that lead to a better Class. As soon as we found out that you werent a Farmer, Aunt Bess knew that she would be taking back over the cattle. That being said, though, I want to remind you that its literal seconds for her to spend on, given the Skills and experience she has. That was equal parts relieving and demoralizing. His grandfather continued, Im sure thats not what you came down here for, though. Have you had any time to think about what you want to do with your Class? I think so, but I do have some questions about Magic. Well, given that I can count on a single hand the number of times Ive talked to a Mage, and that includes my two conversations with you, I dont know how much help Ill be. Still, go on. Jeb gathered his thoughts for a moment, making sure that he was explaining in the right order. So, as you know, Im a Mud Mage. Well, a Least Mud Initiate but- his grandfather gestured that he understood, So I have the Class Skill of Least Mud Magic. That makes it easier for me to learn Water and Earth Spells. Im following so far. But I think it might be good for me to learn Air and Fire Spells as well. His grandfather looked slightly puzzled at that. Any particular reason? Jeb had been expecting immediate approval, so he paused for a moment as he considered how to defend his case. On some level, I dont want to be bound by what the System seems to want for me, he finally said. There was a glint of something in his grandfathers eye, so Jeb continued, There were some other reasons, but theyre more nebulous right now. Id recommend you spend some time making at least one or two of them concrete. Living your life out of spite isnt a good starting place for a happy or long one. That being said, though, I cant think of any reason that learning more Magic would be a bad thing for a Mage. Certainly learning Skills and skills from other Classes hasnt hurt me at all. Is that why youre learning glassblowing? Jeb asked. Hmm? His grandfather finally seemed to notice that the annealer was sitting open, My apologies Jeb, it must be sweltering in here. But no, thats mostly just a hobby Im pursuing. Now that my children are grown, Im hardly needed for anything around here. Ah, Jeb said, still confused. Youll understand when youre my age, his grandfather said, But since you dont want to be a Mud Mage, have you considered what you want to be? That question should be helpful for you to start plotting out your path. I think I still havent really processed that Im never going to be a Farmer, Jeb replied. I meant to spend some time on that, but I got distracted by learning Glyphs. Jebs grandfather smiled at that. I hope that your love for learning never changes, Jeb, he said, reaching out to ruffle Jebs hair. You could consider trying to merge the two, and become some sort of Agrarian Mage. Before you say anything, he went on, seeing Jebs immediate rebuttal, just because there isnt Agricultural Magic yet doesnt mean there wont be in the future. The System rewards hard work. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I had been considering how I could go on that path, Jeb said, remembering another reason he wanted to learn a Fire or Air Glyph, and I thought that a Fire or Air Spell could help us dry out the crops faster. That seems like the sort of thing that could be really useful on the farm. That it does! Now then, while in front of the family, I only recommended you wait to Level up, Ill be blunt here. Im asking you not to Class up before the Censusmaster arrives. That was a little surprising to Jeb. Why? Dont you get great benefits from higher Class Tiers? Honestly, there are three reasons. First, I went through the Census records. Our Censusmaster has a habit of forcing anyone with a Magical Class above Third Tier to enroll in the Academy, and I dont want you to have to leave. Jeb wanted to argue that he could wait at Level Three or Seven, but his grandfather seemed to know that already. Second, if you dont level up, theres a chance that hell assume you arent worth his time, so youll be able to spend the next year really tailoring your Class Skills to be ready for Farming Magic. Finally, the longer you wait to take your next Tier, the better the options tend to be. We generally recommend everyone wait at least a few months at Tier One. Its why Ive been waiting to take my next level since before you were born. With as much Vitality as I have, theres not much harm in waiting. But wait, I thought you were only Level 510, Jeb said. If you stall out at the Level before a Tier up for too long, Censusmasters will often force you to try to Tier up anyways, his grandfather said, clearly remembering an incident. And at Tenth Tier, were required to present ourselves to the Republican. Since Im nothing but a lowly Farmer from some useless province, he rolled his eyes, Ill likely be stuck there for a few decades before he makes the time to see me. I want to watch you kids grow up, so Ive just been waiting to take the next few levels for a while. I guess if you can resist Classing up, so can I, Jeb said. Can I still complete Quests and get experience? Absolutely, I would recommend you do as many as you can. Quests dont give anything level-scaled, so the occasional Statistic gains you might get are worth far more at lower Levels. Is there any limit to the number of Quests I can have at a time? Also, how do I get more Quests? Jeb asked. There is no limit, but be careful that you dont accidentally start any timed Quests. The penalties for not completing them are generally pretty bad. As to getting more Quests, most every Skill you unlock should come with at least a few Minor Quests. Some Achievements will come with Quests as well, but those are less common. Jeb thanked his grandfather and left. Checking his Status, he saw that he had significantly more Quests than before.
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive, nearly expired)
Minor:
Begin Your Magical Studies (Progressive)
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Progressive)
Second Tier, Modify a Spell-Glyph
Glyphmastery (Nested Progressive)
Grok Glyphs (Referential, Nested Progressive)
As much as he was loath to, he pulled up the Major Quest, since the nearly expired was a little worrying.
Slay the Dragon of the West
Major Quest First Tier Leave Your Home The Journey to Greatness begins with a single step. Leave the small town of your birth to begin your quest to Slay the Mankiller.
Timer: 3 Hours remaining (bonus time given for finishing Class-Granted Quests (8 hours).
It was about three hours to the edge of his familys property, which also marked the border of the town. Jeb started running, hoping that it hadnt rounded the time up at all. Chapter 10: Maybe Charisma isn’t a Dump Stat Jeb kept his eye on the Quest as he ran towards edge of his familys property. Eight hours turned to seven. Jeb slowed down his run. He realized that he didnt need to hurry as much as hed thought. Sure, the timer was stressful, but he knew that even walking, hed probably make it with plenty of time. By the time that he reached the fence, Jeb saw that he still had about three hours left. Jeb was glad that the edge of their property was only nominally marked by a fence. There were what could generously be called posts every few feet. As he crossed the border they marked, the Quest Notification changed.
Slay the Dragon of the West
Major Quest First Tier Leave Your Home The Journey to Greatness begins with a single step. Leave the small town of your birth to begin your quest to Slay the Mankiller. (Completed)
Thank goodness, Jeb thought, mentally accepting the rewards for the Quest. He made a note to make sure he finished his Timed Quests well before they ran out. This was far too stressful!
Congratulations! You have completed the Major Quest Slay the Dragon of the West First Tier Leave Home. You have taken the first step on your journey to bring glory to the Republic.
Rewards: 249 Experience, Skill: Gift of Gab, Slay the Dragon of the West Second Tier Quest Enroll in the Academy
That was strange. He hadnt gotten a Skill from any Quests yet. Then again, his grandfather had said it would be easy to get Skills now. Still, that much Experience was far more than he would have needed to get his Second Tier, if he was Tiering up. That was a nice reward, even if it didnt mean anything to him.
Slay the Dragon of the West Second Tier Enroll in the Academy. Where else can you learn to harness the arcane powers granted to you and recruit others to join your holy mission?
It was also clear that he was expected to enroll in the Academy, though thankfully there was no timer on that Quest. Hed been worried that he would not be able to follow his grandfathers plan to stay at the farm for the year. Jeb was glad that fear was unfounded. All that was left to check was his new Skill. Jeb was curious what Gift of Gab could mean. Maybe it would be a Skill to help with traveling?
Congratulations! Through your efforts to complete your Major Quest, the Paragons have rewarded you with the Special Skill: Gift of Gab
Charisma +5, You gain the ability to communicate general concepts with other sentient beings, even through language gaps. Use this skill to help recruit others to your holy and noble mission.
That more than doubled his Charisma, which was incredibly nice. It was also a reward for his going along with what the Republic wanted. Jeb wasnt sure how he felt about that. Then again, Charisma was a Mental Statistic, so it should help with Spells. The Primer had simply denigrated it as a Statistic for Bards, but that couldnt be true. After all, even if Jeb disagreed with the Paragons forcing the Quest (and Class) on him, he had to assume that they wouldnt actively set him up for failure. Since he wasnt allowed to gain a level for the next year, Jeb figured that he might as well raise all of his Statistics, not just the ones explicitly mentioned in the Magic Primer. Jeb continued to think about the new Skill. Hed never known that other people spoke different languages. Then again, he knew that he spoke Republic Standard. That did imply some sort of non-standard Republic or non-Republic language. As Jeb kept staring at the Skill, he noticed that it didnt say other humans, or other people. It said other sentient beings. Maybe that meant the Dragon? If it meant the Dragon, though, then were there other non-human sentient beings? Jeb would have to ask his family about that, though it was a low priority item for sure. Much more important was Jeb finding out how to improve his Statistics. He thought about who he could ask for help as he started jogging back to the house. His grandfather was too busy to keep answering all of his questions, and he knew the rest of them were busy too. Then again, it would be past dark by the time he got back. He wouldnt need to figure out who to ask until the morning. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jeb made it back to his home. He was surprised to see that his grandfather had waited up for him. Did you finish the Quest, Jeb? he asked. I did! Jeb said. Congratulations. You should probably go to sleep now, though. Jeb made his way up to his room, certain that he wouldnt be able to sleep. After all, there was so much he had to think about. As his head hit the pillow, though, he fell asleep immediately. In the morning Jeb woke up with the immediate idea of who to talk to. The Librarian would know how he could increase his Charisma, and Jeb could get the Fire and Air primers while he was there. After saying his good mornings, Jeb made his way over to the Library. Good morning, Jeb, the Librarian said. I see you havent figured out what you want to Class into yet? he asked as pages flipped through his eyes. No, sir, Jeb responded, though I do have a question about one of the Skills that I recently earned. What is the Skill, and how did you unlock it? The Librarian was polite, as he always was, but clearly less interested than he had been the day before. That made sense to Jeb, he was sure most Skills that a First Tier person unlocked would be nothing exciting. The Skill is called Gift of Gab, and it said that the Paragons gave it to me as a reward for working on my Major Quest. I thought you were uninterested in working on the Quest? The Librarian didnt seem particularly surprised by the change, but had at least an academic curiosity. It had a timer, and my grandfather told me that it was bad to fail Timed Quests. Thats generally true, though the consequences of failing the first Quest in a sequence are generally fairly mild. More to the point, failing a Timed Quest tends to lock you out of the rest of a Questline. Of course, there are a number of Classes that can view failed Quests, so it may have still been in your best interest to complete the Quest. As the Librarian was speaking, pages were flying behind him, clearly some Skill related to searching. I cannot find any great records on Gift of Gab, other than that its a Charisma-based Skill. Again, though, that is not to say that there are no records, only that they are not in the general Republic System. Well, on that note, do you have any advice for improving my Charisma? The obvious answer would be to work on Bardic Skills. Is there a reason you cannot do that? I cant think of one. Could I have a Primer for Bardic Magic along with one for Air and one for Fire Glyphs? What do you want with the Air and Fire Primers? I was thinking it could be fun to learn them, Jeb said, partially honestly. And? And I dont like that the System is forcing me into a corner. In the future, dont admit the second part. Here are the Primers, though I would strongly advise you against learning Bardic Magic yourself. How else would I learn it in town? Theres a Bard at the Inn right now, the Librarian informed him, I would go ask him if he is willing to teach you. Jeb made his way over to the Inn. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 449/100
Total Statistic Load: 115
Physical Load: 56
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 16
Vitality: 15
Presence: 3
Mental Load: 59
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 12
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 200
Glyph Attunement: 6
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 11: Becoming a Bard Before Jeb had opened the door to the Inn, he could already hear music from inside. It didnt feel as though the music was particularly loud, just that it was made to carry. When he made it inside, he saw the Bard, or at least the person he assumed was the Bard. After all, who else but a Bard would be playing an instrument on the Inns stage in the morning? Jeb tried to be unobtrusive while he thought of a way to approach him. Apparently Jeb wasnt as subtle as he had thought. The Bard turned to him after one of his songs. If youre going to keep stealing glances I might have to call the Constable. Jeb was terrified, until he understood the joke. As he laughed, the Bard made his way over to the table. So what brings you in today? the Bard asked Jeb. Hello, my name is Jeb, Jeb responded, remembering the advice his family had given him. The Librarian told me that I should ask you for help with learning Bardic Magic. And why does a Mud Mage like you want to learn Bardic Magic? the Bard replied. Apparently more people had Class Identifying Skills than Jeb had known. A few reasons, Jeb said. He knew better than to mention the Major Quest that hed been assigned. The Magical Primer I was reading said that Bardic Magic is reliant on Charisma. I know that the Mud Magic Skill Ive gotten has helped my other Mental Statistics, so I was hoping the same was true for Bardic Magic and Charisma. The Bard gestured for him to keep going. As to why I want Charisma, though, its a Mental Statistic. The rest of my family are Farmers, and even when their Classes focus on a single Statistic, they still find benefits in every other Statistic. Thats good enough of a reason for me, the Bard said. I can help at least introduce you to Bardic Magic. After all, its the sacred duty of Bards to help others Sing. That was unfamiliar to Jeb, but it seemed like an inappropriate time to comment on that. Should I assume that you lack any proficiency in musical instruments. Yes, sir, Jeb said, I was planning to get a Farming Class, so all of my efforts were focused on training for that. Oh good, the Bard said, no offense to the region, but the most I would believe youd learned here is bad habits. Before we can get you started on Bardic Magic, Ill need you to get the Lute Skill. That would be a problem. Im terribly sorry, but I dont believe that my family owns a lute, and I dont know where I could find one. The Bard looked at him for a second, clearly confused. Then, looking around at the Inn, he seemed to remember where he was. The Library will have a Training Lute available for rental. Go get it. Ill be here when you come back. Jeb almost expected a Quest notification for that, but there was none. Jeb ran back to the Library. Back so soon? Did the meeting go that well or that badly? I think that it went well? Jeb hedged, the Bard told me that I needed a lute, and that you would have a Training Lute I could check out. The Librarian seemed shocked by that turn in the conversation. Hmm, the Training Lutes are only really given out to Unclassed and Bards. Then again, pages flashed through the Librarians eyes, theres nothing explicitly forbidding this. However, Training Lutes are very expensive. If it breaks, the cost to replace or repair it falls on you. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. How quickly will it break from doing Bardic Magic? Jeb asked. He knew that all tools needed maintenance, but he wasnt sure how that translated to Magical Tools. The Librarian smiled at that. If you break it through Bardic Magic, I will pay the replacement costs myself, the Librarian replied. The issue is more-so in the carelessness of youth. I know that youre a generally responsible child, but I would be remiss if I didnt remind you of the costs. I understand, Jeb said, and I will do my best to not damage it. The Librarian had Jeb sign the rental contract, which gave the cost to replace the lute. A Tier Five stone! That was more money than Jeb had spent in his life. Still, it wasnt as though Jeb intended to break the lute, so he signed it. Youll probably want a Lute Method Book, the Librarian said, putting one in the case. Though if not, feel free to return it at your convenience. When he got back to the Inn, the Bard nodded at the sight of the case on his back. I appreciate the promptness, though Im sorry to say that I think you will need to go back to the Librarian. I neglected to have you get a Primer on Bardic Magic and Lute playing. I have both of those, Jeb said, pulling out the two books. Good Librarian youve got here, the Bard said. Then again, youre also a Mage, so I see why youd want the books. Anyways, take out your lute. The Bard started by explaining the different parts of the lute. Now, some of this may feel too basic, but I find its better to start at too low of a level than too high. These are the strings, he said, pointing to the strings on the lute, theyre how the instrument makes sound. To demonstrate, the Bard plucked and strummed at his own strings. These are the tuning pegs, he said, pointing to the strange gears at the top of the instrument. You adjust these to change the pitch of the strings. The Bard demonstrated, tuning Jebs instrument. After going through the rest of the instrument, including the maintenance Jeb should do each time he played the instrument, the Bard moved on to the practices Jeb should do. First, you need to stretch your hands and arms, the Bard said, though Im sure that youve got plenty of Endurance and Dexterity, would I be correct in guessing that youve focused it mostly on large muscle groups? Jeb thought about that for a moment. He hadnt even realized that the Statistics reflected not only how effective you were in an area, but also a focus within it. That would be right, yes, Jeb responded. These stretches will help you start to shift some of the Statistics benefits into the small muscles in your hands and fingers. Building proficiency on an instrument takes a while, and injuring yourself wont help at all. Jeb nodded. Thankfully, the stretches were also in the Lute Method Book, so he would be able to reference them when he practiced. Jeb went through the stretches that he had been taught, noticing how strange it felt to move his hands that way. Once youve stretched, you should do both right and left hand exercises. The Bard showed him a plucking pattern that would help Jeb in the future. It felt almost like a tongue twister for his hands. He knew intellectually that it wasnt difficult, but his hands didnt seem to want to move the way he was instructed. Still, he started to be able to do it, though very slowly. Keep at about that tempo until it feels comfortable, then slowly bring up the tempo. If in doubt, keep it slow. Its better to have a good rhythm at a slow tempo than to be sloppy and fast. That made sense to Jeb, since it was the same advice hed been given learning most anything at the farm. The Bard then showed Jeb some of what he called scales. Most music that youll play is built off of a scale, the Bard explained. Learning how to play them well will help you learn new music faster, and its a fast way to get proficiency on the instrument. Unfortunately, theyre less fun than playing folk songs, but thats a sacrifice we must make. Thats no problem, Jeb said, Im happy to do what you think is better. Thats a great spirit! The Bard encouraged him, so try to do these exercises at least a few times a day, making sure to stop if anything hurts. Jeb noticed that his hands were getting sore, which was strange. Come back in a week, and well discuss where to move on from there. Any questions? No sir, Jeb said. He knew what he was supposed to do, and he had a book which would remind him how to do it. What more could he need? Then Ill see you in a week, the Bard said, moving back to the stage. Jeb noticed that the Bard watched him carefully as he wiped down his instrument and put it away. Lute case against his back, Jeb made his way back to his home. Chapter 12: Oh Boy, Quests! Chapter 12: Oh Boy Quests! As Jeb started walking home, he took a moment to stop and think about what he was doing. He had no real time constraints right now, other than not being allowed to Class up for a year. He was starting to just run down the path of whatever seemed interesting in the moment, rather than planning what he should do. That was a bad idea. Jeb realized that he hadnt even looked at all the new Quests that hed unlocked.
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Minor:
Begin Your Magical Studies (Progressive)
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Progressive)
Second Tier, Modify a Spell-Glyph
Glyphmastery (Nested Progressive)
Grok Glyphs (Referential, Nested Progressive)
Become Personable (Progressive)
He already knew what the Major Quest was, but he pulled it up just to be sure.
Slay the Dragon of the West Second Tier Enroll in the Academy. Where else can you learn to harness the arcane powers granted to you and recruit others to join your holy mission?
At least the Quest still didnt have a timer on it. That meant it could go safely into the pile he liked to call Dont do. Moving into the Minor Quests, he started from the top, with the Class-granted Skill Quest.
Begin Your Magical Studies (Update Available)
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Water Manipulation Spell When the Water lies still upon the dry Earth, a Mud Mage uses his Will to force the two together
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn an Earth Conjuration Spell What is a Mud Mage to do when the floods threaten to drown everything? Create Earth to make Mud! (Completed)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Mud Spell Mud Magic is more than just Water and Earth Magic. Combining the two creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Take your first leap into Higher Magics by learning a Mud spell.
Right, he had quickly learned Least Create Earth right before he learned the Efficient Move Earth.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest: Begin Your Magical Studies Second Tier Learn an Earth Creation Spell. Building on what you learned, you have taken the next step in your magical studies. Rewards: 50 Experience, Mana +10
That meant he still needed to learn a Water Manipulation Glyph and a Mud Glyph, which he could hopefully do fairly quickly. The next Questline seemed to come from his Meditation Skill. A quick glance at that Skill confirmed it to be true.
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Update Available)
Minor Quest First Tier Silently and Stilly Meditate for 24 Hours Meditation is often about silencing the voices inside and shutting out the external world. Practice this form of Meditation for 24 total hours. (Completed)
Minor Quest First Tier Active Meditation for 24 Hours Meditation can also take the form of mindfully moving through your day. Practice this form of Meditation for 24 total hours. (0/24 completed)
Minor Quest First Tier Make Music Meditatively for 24 Hours Focus on music can blind its performers to the outside world. Spend a full day mindfully making music.
Minor Quest First Tier Meditate in Motion for 24 Hours Some find that the path to silencing the outside world comes when pushing their body to excel. Practice this for 24 hours (0/24 completed).
Minor Quest Second Tier Practice your chosen path for 48 hours Once you have chosen to focus your Meditation in one of the four paths, spend 48 hours continuously to finish the first step on your Journey.
Jeb mentally accepted the completion of that Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Begin Your Journey of Introspection First Tier Silently and Stilly Meditate for 24 Hours. You have silenced the world around you and focused entirely on stillness within. Rewards: 20 Experience, Presence +1
That was nice, though he was a little surprised that he would get Presence from Meditating. It looked like he just needed to be more mindful as he moved through his day, which should be possible. The Mana Manipulation Skill gave him only a single Quest, which was annoying.
Modify a Spell Glyph (Repeatable) Change the effect of a Spell, either while casting or by modifying a Glyph To learn how to control your Mana, you must move it outside of the paths that others have set for it. Break free from the bonds of the past.
That Quest went on the Not now pile. The Primers were all very clear that modifying Spell Glyphs was incredibly dangerous. Even if theyd gotten other things wrong, he doubted that they would actively lie to young Mages about that. Still, he knew he would eventually do it. After all, the Quest implied at least some level of safety, right? You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Continuing on the list, Jeb opened the Quests for Spell Glyphing.
Glyphmastery
Minor Quest First Tier Scribe a First Tier Glyph Before you learn to create your own spells, you first need to learn how to copy the work of others. Engrave an existing Spell Glyph onto a physical medium that others may learn. (Repeatable, Scribe Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Create a New First Tier Spell Glyph No true Glyphmaster uses spells others have created. Create your own First Tier Glyph. (Glyph Chain First Quest)
He assumed that each future Tier of the Questlines would be to either scribe or create a higher Tier Spell Glyph. That was incredibly tempting, though he knew that it was obviously far more dangerous to create a Glyph wholesale than to modify an existing one. Still, a Third Tier Quest was hard to turn down. Shockingly, the Synergized Skill had its own Questline.
Grok Glyphs
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a First Tier spell from all four Primary Elements The study of Magical Glyphs is not to be bound to a single school. Learn a Spell from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the first step on Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, share one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another. (Repeatable, Locked) (Metagroking Chain First Quest)
Hed never seen a locked Quest before, but it made some amount of sense. After all, a Synergy Skill was reliant on the Skills that it was built on. The first Grok Glyphs Quest was a nice bonus. Hed already been planning to learn a First Tier Spell from each Primary Element, and it seemed like he was going to get a reward for that. Finally, Jeb made it to the final Skill Quest he had. He didnt recognize it, but realized that it came from Gift of Gab, which hed only gotten the day before.
Become Personable
Minor Quest Second Tier Become Charismatic You need to have Charisma to lead others to your aid. Raise your Charisma above 10.
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn an Instrument Learning an instrument can help you to win the hearts of those around you. Learn an instrument that you might better recruit others to your cause.
Minor Quest Third Tier Become More Charismatic Become more Charismatic. Double your Charisma Score (Repeatable, Locked)
If Jeb had to guess, the last Quest was locked until he reached a Charisma of 10. Still, it was nice that another of the activities he already wanted to do was now also System encouraged. Then again, given that he was starting to mistrust the System, it made him a little suspicious. Jeb made it home in time to eat lunch with his family. They all clearly noticed the case on his back, but they were polite enough not to comment on it. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 519/100
Total Statistic Load: 116
Physical Load: 57
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 16
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 59
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 12
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 210
Glyph Attunement: 6
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 13: The Proletariat Rises So, Jeb, his mother said as they started to clean up from lunch, I know we havent had time to talk about what Skills youre going to focus on. Has anyone given you the Skill Book yet? The what now? Jeb had no idea what his mother was referring to, and that apparently showed on his face. I dont know if it will be as useful for you as it was for your sister, but theres a group of high Tier Farmers and other Classes who belong to the Unnamed who have gone through and made a list of relevant Skills and some Class Building advice. The Class Building is probably less useful for you, but having a list of whats available might help you plan some Skills to try to work for. That would be incredible! Jeb said without hesitation, where can I find it? He was getting ready to go back to the Library if he needed to. Oh, I have one here, his mother said, pulling out a book, some of the descriptions are vague to save on space, and there are a few other volumes somewhere with the more specific Skill Descriptions and requirements, but this should have most of what you need, especially since at least someone in the family probably has any of the Skills. More specific Skill Descriptions? Oh, right, we havent had that talk with you yet, have we? his mother said. In short, its very difficult to get two Skills which do the same thing. The common example we use is Running and Sprinting. They are not identical, sure, but they have a lot of overlap. If you get either Skill, its nearly unheard of to get the other. Theres a lot of Theorycrafting around what specific Skill is optimal for different builds, but thats far more your grandfathers interest than mine. If theres Theorycrafting, there must be some difference between the Skills, Jeb thought aloud. So if we look at Running versus Sprinting, the major difference is in scope. His mother explained, Running describes a much larger number of activities than Sprinting. In this case, since everything that Sprinting covers, running also covers, Running is often called a Parent Skill to Sprinting. Generally, Parent Skills are better for a wider range of tasks, but Child Skills are better at what they do. So a person with Sprinting would have a higher maximum speed than someone with Running? Jeb asked. Could be! It also depends how each person builds their Skill up. Someone with Sprinting might focus it on Endurance instead, and be able to maintain their top speed for longer. Generally, though, yes. If you try to perform the same task with the same training, youll do it better with the more specific Skill. You lose out on all the breadth, though. Hmm, is there any way to change what Skills you have? Jeb asked, thinking about how he might want a more or less specific Skill in different scenarios. After all, having Mud Magic might make Earth Glyphs easier, but he had a feeling it would make learning Air Glyphs more difficult. If he could change them, that would be ideal. Theres a few ways to answer that question. There are Skill Removers, though they charge far too much for any of us to afford them. When you change Classes, its common that Skills relating to either Class can change. At the most basic version, almost every Class-Granted Skill changes when you Tier up. Other than that, though, there are a few reports of being able to shift a Skill through focused effort. As with everything relating to Skills, though, its easier to do the lower your Tier. Its also easier the newer the Skill is. Thats a lot to consider, Jeb said. Id advise against planning a Build which relies on changing Skills, his mother said, seeing the look in his eyes, I know its worked for some members of our family, but its failed others. Then again, they did ultimately end up happy with their Class, so I suppose its half a dozen of one and six of the other. Theyd finished cleaning by the time the conversation was done, so Jeb went up to his room to study. As he did, his mother called after him, were expecting a fairly full house at dinner tonight, so if you want advice on your path, tonight would be a good time to have ideas and questions. When Jeb got to his room, he noted that his hands and forearms were feeling better and decided to practice his scales again. It was strange. The music felt like it came more easily without the Bard watching, but the music that came out felt worse. It was almost more hollow, though Jeb couldnt explain what that meant. By the time that he finished the scales and picking patterns, his hands were starting to get sore again, so he cleaned the lute and put it away. Now there were a few options for what to read. Jeb placed all the books out in front of him to pick between them. The different Elemental Primers all went into a single pile. Learning a Glyph would help Jeb with at least part of what he was trying to accomplish, and he did have Quests for every book. Then again, he wanted to be more than a Mage, and focusing all his efforts on Magic wouldnt help him there. That also somewhat ruled out the Bardic Magic book, for all that he was curious how much different that kind of magic was from his Glyphs. But, he also had a meeting with the Bard scheduled in a week, so that probably didnt need to be done now either. He put the Lute Method Book on the same pile. Jeb was still struggling with scales, and he doubted that the book would have any great advice, especially since the Bard seemed to think the struggles were natural. That left the general Magic Primer and the book his mother had just given him. At that point, it was an easy enough choice. Jeb flipped an hourglass to make sure he was watching the time.
Congratulations on getting your First Class!
This book was created thanks to the generous efforts of a number of Classholders. Though it is not an official Republic piece of writing, many have found that it contains useful information. We have consulted with as many Fourth through Ninth Tiers belonging to the Unnamed as we could, and we compile their advice for Skills and Class progression in the back of the book.
Of course, there are some Skills that almost certainly serve you regardless of what Class path you are taking. First and foremost, a Vitality-related Skill helps ensure that you remain hale and hearty long past what your Tier might otherwise allow. High Tier Classes, especially those referenced in the book, tend to grant Vitality, but a high Vitality doesnt undo the damage of aging. Its best to head it off early, and as such, the authors strongly advise you to get a Vitality Skill before your second Tier, and if not then than as soon as possible.
The authors understand that you may not have time to peruse this book in full before you need to start making decisions about your future. If this is the case, please look in the back index for the section titled Skills for Any Path, and try to start working on those. For those with more time, it is still advised to look at those Skill layouts, as they are fairly well Theorycrafted to give a high number of easily completed Quests that will lead to a balanced Statistic Load for the Physical Statistics and the generally relevant Mental Statistics.
Though there are some Classes which would benefit from Magic Affinity or Mana Depth, information on how to obtain those Skills is generally more restricted, and so we have been advised to avoid publication of them. If you should find a need for such a Skill, we recommend visiting your local Library.
Thankfully, that would not be a problem for Jeb. It had only been a few minutes, thankfully, but he was enthralled. He was a little confused why this book assured him that he needed balanced Statistics, while the Primer on Magic claimed the opposite, but maybe he would find justifications for both reasons within their books. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Jeb wanted to see what Skills would grant Vitality, so he hoped that there was an order to the Skills. As it turned out, all Skills that generally focused on a Statistic were grouped together. The Skills for Any Path section didnt have any paths that stood out to him in particular, which made sense. They all assumed one of a fairly small number of Class Skills at the First Tier, which he didnt have. A little disenheartened, Jeb started looking through the Vitality Skills, hoping to find one that spoke to him. Nearly all of the Skills were Synergy Skills, which meant that he would need to learn at least two other Skills to unlock them. Still, one caught his eye fairly quickly, since it seemed to touch on four of his Statistics.
Synergy Skill: Athletics:
Qualification Criteria: Gain a Running and Lifting Skill
Effects: Gain slight boost to all Physical Statistics, increased by following Quests.
Quests: Repeatable Quests of stretching (Dexterity) exercising (Vitality) for a number of minutes equal to the Statistic they increase. These Quests can be repeated daily.
An astute reader might note that nearly every Running Skill focuses on Endurance, and nearly every Lifting Skill focuses on Strength. As such, this is a generally effective Skill for those who lack any relevant Class Skills.
Jeb quickly paged to the Running and Lifting Skills. Of course, they were each Parent Skills, and there were a number of potential options that would all work to unlock Athletics. Jeb read through the descriptions for them all. Most required that he do some action every day for some set amount of time, which was fine, but not ideal. Just out of curiosity, Jeb flipped to the Skill Description for Running.
Physical Skill: Running
Qualification Criteria: Run continuously for ten minutes per point of Endurance you have (One hour per six points).
Effects: General increase in running efficiency, endurance.
Quest: Initially, a daily repeatable Quest of running for a minute per point of Endurance. As you grow in Tier, this Quest often changes to something more relevant to your Class, especially if it is an Endurance Class.
That seemed nice. Not only could he unlock the Skill in, he looked at his Status, one hundred and sixty minutes, he could also get another point of Endurance every day. That would have to be helpful no matter what his Class was. After all, he knew that most of his family members only slept a few days a week, if that. They all attributed it to their high Endurance Statistics, and Jeb had no reason not to believe them. Quickly, Jeb looked at the lifting entries, and saw that the best was probably the Parent Skill of Lifting.
Physical Skill: Lifting
Qualification Criteria: Lift weights for three minutes per point of Strength you have every day for a week.
Effects: General increase in lifting efficiency, strength.
Quest: Initially, a daily repeatable Quest of lifting ten pounds per point of Strength. As you grow in Tier, this Quest often changes to something more relevant to your Class, especially if it is a Strength Class.
That seemed doable, but since it would take a week to unlock, Jeb decided to put it off for later. Mind made up, Jeb went downstairs to go for a run. If his math was right, hed need to run for a little under three hours to unlock the Skill. He had more than enough time to do that before dinner, so he went downstairs to begin his run. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 519/100
Total Statistic Load: 116
Physical Load: 57
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 16
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 59
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 12
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 210
Glyph Attunement: 6
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 14: Lets Get Down to Business Jeb went downstairs, ready to start his run. Done reading already? she asked, looking up from her own book. Jeb was curious what she was reading, but he didnt see a title. Sort of? Jeb hedged. The book recommends getting a Vitality Skill as soon as possible, so I thought that I should get the Athletics Skill. One of the prerequisite Skills for that is Running, and since theres nothing else I need to do now, I thought I might as well try to get it before dinner. Do you think your time is better spent doing that or preparing for dinner tonight? she asked. That stopped Jeb for a moment. After all, he could get the Running Skill whenever. While he could, in theory, get advice whenever, it would be kind of rude to not prepare for the members of his family coming that night. Good point, he said, I think Ill figure out some other Skills that seem like they could be useful to me before dinner instead, then go unlock Running. Why unlock Running at all? his mother asked, not that it isnt a fantastic Skill, but its not quite a Farming Skill. Focusing the Skills you unlock on future Classes you want is the most common piece of Theorycrafting advice youll get. I hadnt thought about that, Jeb admitted, I just saw that I could unlock it this afternoon and was ready to do that. He went back up to his room, mind churning. Jeb thought about his mothers question about Running as he looked through the other Vitality Skills. Ultimately, none of them seemed both easily unlocked for him and related to Farming. Sticking with Athletics, then, he looked for another Running Skill that was close to Farming. Sadly, the book mentioned none. Jeb quickly made a note to ask his family at dinner, but decided that he would run if they didnt have a better idea. One problem resolved, Jeb started to look through the index of Farming Skills. After all, he wanted to be a Farmer Mage, so Farming Skills made sense to unlock. That being said, though, he knew that he should be smart about it. Jeb knew himself well enough to know that he had no deep-seated urge to unlock many of the Skills that a Farmer could get, and he only had so much time to learn Skills. Still, a few Skills in particular did stand out.
General Skill: Identification:
Qualification Criteria: Be trained in an Identification Subskill until both Skills unlock
Effects: Gain increased information when visually (generally) observing something
Quests: Unlock new Identify Subskills. Subskills have their own Quests, which are too numerous to name here.
Important Subskills: Vary by Class, Farmers should learn Soil Savvy, which gives minor information about the quality of soil.
Important Note: Learning additional Identify Subskills can become more difficult, so it is recommended to ask an Elder the order you should focus your learning.
Jeb wanted to know more, and it seemed like more or less everyone he talked to had Identification. The book called out the Farming Subskill in particular. Then again, the book also cautioned that order was important for learning the Subskills, so he would be sure to ask his family what order they recommended.
Synergy Skill: Soil Improvement
Qualification Criteria: Soil Savvy and Tiller or another Soil-focused General Skill
Effects: Learn how to improve the quality of your soil.
Quests: Repeatable Quest to improve soil quality in a field. Grants increased Soil Improvement effectiveness.
That Skill seemed like it could synergize really well with his Magics. After all, Jeb reasoned, if he could know what the soil was missing and create that through a Glyph, then that would solve the problem. More than that, though, if the Quest was to improve soil quality, then being able to use Glyphs would mean that he could quickly go through the Quests. That would, of course, also be great for the farm in general. After all, crops do better in better soil. The last Skill he really wanted was a bit of a departure from the last two.
General Skill: Pollination
Typical Qualification Criteria: Either raise a new colony of bees or pollinate 5000 flowers by hand.
Effects: Control over plant pollination, increased control over mutations
Quests: Repeatable Quest to create a new plant strain which meet specified criteria. Grants increased Pollination effectiveness.
Jeb had a vague memory of the family being told to grow certain crops to meet the needs of new Mages for their yearly taxes. He also remembered hearing that high level Spells often required specialized plants. Being able to breed his own ideal crops would help to make sure that he didnt end up at the mercy of some other farmers ability to grow the plants he needed. Jeb looked up from the book and realized that the sun was starting to set. He had apparently spent longer looking through the book than he had planned. As he listened, he could hear his family starting to chat in the dining room below him. He did a final read through of the notes hed made, making sure that he knew both what he wanted and what he knew he needed advice on. There were far more of Jebs family at the table than hed been expecting. I can tell that you prepared what you wanted to ask us, his grandfather said, so go ahead. The book recommends that I get a Vitality Skill, and Athletics seems to be the best Skill for me. Jeb was expecting to see some disagreement, but everyone just nodded along to that. Emboldened by that success, he went on, I would like Soil Improvement, since I think that could work well with my ability to create things with my Magic. Again, the family nodded, though this time an uncle spoke up. Are you planning on getting that with the traditional Skill of Tilling, or were you planning one of the variations? Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Honestly, I hadnt gotten that far into planning, Jeb said. Thats a relief, his uncle replied, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. Like you can talk Jeffery, an aunt called out, back when you got your First Class, you came down with a master plan of every action youd take to the Seventh Tier. Who better to advise Jeb against over-preparing then? Most of his family was laughing now, though Jeb was having trouble following the joke. Now, as much as I would love to see where this conversation devolves, his grandfather interrupted, lets stay on track at least a little longer. Jeb? he gestured for Jeb to continue speaking. Soil Improvement requires Soil Savvy, which is an Identification Subskill. I wasnt sure if that was the best one for me to learn first, since it says to pick the order you learn Identification Subskills carefully. Soil Savvy is probably a good first Identification Subskill, his grandfather said, but it might depend with what else you had planned. The only other Skill I felt particularly drawn to was Pollination, Jeb admitted. He saw a few cocked heads and hurried to continue, I remember that there were some years where we were told to grow certain crops so that the new Mages could grow their Skills, and I remember reading somewhere that there were Spells that required reagents in them. Being able to grow my own reagents seems like it could be useful. If youre going that route, his Aunt Esther said, you might want to consider Brewing and Distilling. Most things that require a plant reagent require you to do something with them. Jeb saw the family generally nodding along with that, so he agreed. That seems reasonable. Returning back a point, his grandfather said, I think that the Tilling route is probably the best for Jeb. After all, it synergizes nicely with the Earth Glyph he already knows, and its a fairly easy Skill to teach. Something else you might consider, his Uncle Frank added, is that Soil Improvement may only require Soil Savvy and Tilling, but it works far better if you have other supporting Skills, like Fertilizing. Getting Pollination is also far easier if you already have Animal Handling, Esther agreed, and Fertilizing and Animal Handling are practically partner Skills to pick up. Have you considered something other than just Farming but with Magic? one of his cousins said. At everyone confused expressions, he continued, Im just thinking that a shovel that can use Spell Glyphs would also be really useful. The growing chatter in the room stopped at that, as everyone considered how their life could be easier with more Glyphed items. After all, there were a few of them in the home. The ice box worked much better now that it had some Glyph inside of it which kept the ice cold longer. There was another Glyphed item on the well bucket, making sure that the water remained drinkable. Thats a really good point, Jeb said. I hadnt considered it, but that would almost certainly be a good idea as well. Then youll probably want to add Glassblowing, Woodworking, and Smithing, his grandfather said. And what was that case you brought in earlier? his great aunt asked. That was a lute case, Jeb said, Im trying to learn Bardic Magic as well. Make sure to leave time to practice that too, boy, she said, Its been too long since we had good music in this home. For some reason, she glared at his grandfather, who just rolled his eyes. Does anyone have advice on prioritizing what I learn when? Jeb asked. You should get Athletics first, his grandfather said, since thats got a daily Quest, and every day that you complete it is another free point. Have you considered what Base Skills you want for it? I was thinking of Running and Lifting, Jeb admitted. Going for Parent Skills makes sense in your position, his grandfather agreed. So after dinner, Id go for my run and do a lift for the day. When you finish those, do whatever youre supposed to with the lute, and then I can teach you Soil Savvy. Starting tomorrow, you can work with Frank on getting Fertilizing and Animal Handling. Frank nodded. From there, Esther can teach you Pollinating and Brewing, another nod. Once you learn that, Albert can teach you Distilling, Jeb was unsurprised to see Albert nod. Depending on how long that takes, well work around harvest and everyones schedules. Ill work on getting you Glassblowing and Smithing, and Sue can help you with Woodworking. This time there was no nod, because Sue wasnt there. She was at her workshop in Midville, where she spent most of her time. If Jebs grandfather was sure she would help him, though, Jeb had no reason to doubt it. Anyone have anything else to add? his grandfather asked. The room was silent for a bit. Then I guess its time for dinner. The room slowly returned to the state it had been when Jeb came down, full of dozens of interlocking conversations. He was glad to have direction, for all that he knew hed still need to work on the Magical Skills he had around the schedule. Dinner ended, and Jeb walked outside to start his run. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 519/100
Total Statistic Load: 116
Physical Load: 57
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 16
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 59
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 12
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 210
Glyph Attunement: 6
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 15: Running Can Solve *Some* Problems Jeb did a quick stretch and remembered to turn his Notifications back on. The book recommended shifting between different running paces to ensure that you didnt end up in a Child Skill, which Jeb saw no reason to ignore. Sure, it only happened rarely, but that was more than never. Also, it meant that he could run the way he had been taught, starting slow to get your body ready to move quickly. As Jeb started running, he realized that this could also be a good time to start on one of his Meditation Skill Quests. He pulled up the quest notification to confirm.
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Update Available)
Minor Quest First Tier Meditate in Motion for 24 Hours Some find that the path to silencing the outside world comes when pushing their body to excel. Practice this for 24 hours (0/24 completed).
He paid careful attention to the feeling of the run. At first, he focused on the feeling of the wind blowing by his face. Each breath he took began to feel like taking in the wind. Each breath he released rejoined the wind going past him. As he started to fall deeper into that meditation, Jeb started to feel where the idea didnt work with him. After all, at his core he was not wind. Right now, at least, he was Earth and Water. And so, he shifted to the feeling of the ground beneath his feet. Jeb was running on one of the paths that his family had throughout the farm. This one encircled all of the central buildings. With each step Jeb felt the ground beneath his feet shift. He felt his body adjust for the difference without his input, and then felt the force as he pushed off, taking his next step. Thoughts came and went without his holding on to them. Jeb was starting to understand some of the benefits of Meditation already. Sure, his body was aching, and his breath was coming in harder, but he could almost tune that out and just exist in the world as he ran. The sun had nearly finished setting by the end of dinner, and the stars were shining as he ran. As Jeb rounded out the first lap of his run, he noticed the sweat dropping off of his brow. He could feel something inside of him trying to connect with that idea, but gave up on it quickly. After all, focusing on the feel of the pavement was working well enough. Still, as ideas came and went, Jeb noticed that he kept returning to the sight of the stars. There was something so perfect about the sight of them. Unlike with the sweat, there was no piece of the System drawing him to ponder them, just himself. Jeb continued running around the buildings until he got the Notification he had been waiting for.
Congratulations! By running past the limits of your Endurance, you have unlocked the Physical Skill: Running. +1 Endurance
He wasnt sure if the System was going to count all of the time hed run as Meditation, so he was curious how much of the Quest hed actually done.
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Update Available)
Minor Quest First Tier Meditate in Motion for 24 Hours Some find that the path to silencing the outside world comes when pushing their body to excel. Practice this for 24 hours (5.3/24 completed).
That wasnt right. Even if hed been perfectly meditating the whole time, that would have been less than three hours. Jeb looked at the sky, and saw that it was starting to grow light again. Apparently the book had been wrong. As Jeb washed himself off, he went through the numbers. He apparently had needed to run twenty minutes per point of Endurance, assuming that it was still a function of Endurance. That was something to ask his grandfather about- Oh no, his grandfather had been waiting for hours for him. Jeb rushed to his grandfathers workshop, hoping that he was still awake. Thankfully, his grandfather opened the door when he knocked. Did you need to do something between unlocking Running and coming here? he asked. No, I just unlocked Running. I apparently needed to run for twenty minutes per point of Endurance. I was wondering if that might be the case. Do you have time for a quick Theorycrafting lesson? The answer to that question was obvious. Always! Every Skill also has its Type. Running, for instance, is a Physical Skill. Its well known that different types of Skills are more easily acquired by different Classes, but theres some evidence that goes all the way to Type. Every so often, someone with a Mental Class that still belongs to the Unnamed finds that it takes them longer than normal to unlock a Physical Skill. But, since most Skills have criteria that depend on intention, it can be hard to know if it really did take them longer. On that note, how did you know that it took you twenty minutes per point of Endurance? Jeb explained the Meditation Quest he had, and his grandfather nodded. Thats a great way to use a Quest to keep time, he said, which, on that note, you might want to look into getting a time-keeping Skill. I didnt bring it up at dinner, mostly because I forgot about it. Most Classes get one by Seventh Tier, but especially if you want to do things which are time-sensitive, it can be worth trying to unlock one earlier. That sounded fantastic to Jeb. How do I get a time-keeping Skill? he asked, excitement boiling over. Stolen novel; please report. Hmm? Oh, I would have to look again. There arent a lot with well-known criteria, and most of those wont be useful to you, since theyre so specific. Still, Ill start looking. Anyways, lets get down to the business at hand. His grandfather led him out of his workshop and over to the seed shed. Now, most Identification Subskills are sight-based. Soil Savvy uses more of your senses, though. Thats a part of what makes it a good first Identification Skill, since it helps if you ever need another Subskill that isnt based on sight. Jeb felt like he should be taking notes. Ah, but Im rambling. Anyways, here are two soils. Which is better for wheat? He held out two jars. One jar was clearly filled with sand. The other look like it came from the garden outside. Where one was dry and pale, the other was dark and seemed to be full of life already. Before you answer, his grandfather preempted him, use your other senses too. Try feeling the soil, smelling it, really experiencing what the soils are. Jeb did. The sand just ran through his fingers, while he could imagine roots hanging on to the garden soil. The sand had no smell, while the garden soil smelled like growth. I think this one is better for wheat, he said, gesturing towards the garden soil. Great job! What about between these two? This time his grandfather replaced the sand with what seemed like clay. Again, Jeb assumed he knew the answer right away, but he still felt the soils. The garden soil felt the same, though that wasnt quite true. Jeb decided not to try to figure out what felt different about the garden soil that time, instead switching to the clay. It smelled better than the sand, though still not like something he could grow wheat in. The texture was too tight, it would choke out any roots. Still the garden soil, he said, gesturing again. Hmm? Oh, good eye. They continued through a few more rounds, until Jeb could start to feel his eyes closing while he focused on the soils. His grandfather clearly noticed too, because he stopped Jeb. I sometimes forget that you children still need to sleep, he said. Go to bed, come back to my shop whenever you wake up again. Jeb tried to protest, but he was exhausted. The run had taken a lot out of him, and it had been a long day before that. Hed meant to practice lute again before he fell asleep, but by the time he got to his room, he barely remembered to take his shirt off before falling asleep. He woke late that morning, sun already well into the sky. Blearily wiping the sleep from his eyes, Jeb remembered that he needed to start working on Lifting. He looked at the Skill description in the book again.
Physical Skill: Lifting
Qualification Criteria: Lift weights for three minutes per point of Strength you have every day for a week.
If Lifting was going to be like Running, he also would need to go for twice as long as the book suggested. Though, Jeb wasnt sure what that meant here. Would he need to do forty two minutes a day for two weeks, or eighty four minutes a day for a week? He honestly wasnt sure which he was hoping for. Still, Jeb got down and started doing body-weight lifts, using his hourglasses to track the time. Just before ninety minutes, he felt limp, but could tell that his System-enhanced body would be rebuilt again the next day. After quickly cleaning himself, he went through his lute exercises again. It was harder somehow. His hands hardly felt like they belonged to him anymore. Still, unproductive-feeling practice was still practice. After finishing with the lute, it was time for lunch. Just get up now, Jeb? his grandfather asked. No, Im sorry, I just wanted to do the Athletics preparation and then practice my lute, Jeb said. I figured. If I hadnt seen you at lunch, I would have been worried. Do you have anything else you want to do before we work on Soil Savvy again? I dont think so, Jeb said. They finished eating, helped clean up, and returned to the barn. Once again, Jebs grandfather had him choose between sand and the garden soil. This time, however, he made Jeb justify his choice. The sand doesnt seem like it could hold water, and it doesnt feel like it would be good for the roots, Jeb explained. That seemed to satisfy his grandfather, so he continued on, giving Jeb the clay once more. The soils kept getting better and better, until Jeb failed to choose the correct soil. Lets try again, his grandfather said. Which of these is better for growing wheat? He held up a jar of sand and a jar of garden soil. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 519/100
Total Statistic Load: 117
Physical Load: 58
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 59
Intelligence: 16
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 12
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 210
Glyph Attunement: 6
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 16: Soil Savvy Once more, Jeb looked at the obvious answer. The soil from the garden was clearly better than the sand. As he touched and smelled them, though, he felt like he could better picture what would happen to the roots of the wheat. Before the training, he could intellectually understand that sand was bad for wheat. This time through, he almost felt like he was the root system of the wheat, supported in one soil and choked out in the other. Each soil felt that way, and as he started choosing between two plausible answers, he understood where he had gone wrong the previous time. The soil hed chosen was still good soil, he was more sure of that than ever. But, it wasnt the best soil for wheat. It was missing something, for all that Jeb still couldnt quite name what was missing. Though he was doing better, he still eventually made a mistake. By the last pair of soils, he chose totally at random. He could not find a single difference between them. That ate at him as he went through each pair again. When he once again was presented with them, he realized what the answer was. These are the same soil, he said. Are you sure? his grandfather asked. As sure as I can be. If these didnt come from the same shovel load, then theres something Im missing. As Jeb said that, he was suddenly distracted by two Notifications, so he missed what his grandfather said.
Congratulations! You have been trained in the art of soil identification by an expert. You have unlocked Identification Subskill: Soil Savvy
Congratulations! Due to unlocking your first Identification Subskill, you have unlocked the General Skill: Identifiy.
Something felt unfinished about that, but his grandfather was still speaking, so Jeb ignored what was wrong. Im sorry, grandfather, he said, what did you say? I just commented that if you havent unlocked Soil Savvy yet, well need to try something wildly different. What distracted you? It was clear that his grandfather knew the answer to the question, but wanted to give Jeb the chance to say it first. I unlocked Soil Savvy! he said. Congratulations! Its a little late for you to start working with your uncle today. Do you have something else you can use to occupy your time? I think I can manage, Jeb said. In truth, there was plenty to occupy his time. His grandfather gave a small laugh, Im sure you can. Ill let your uncle know to expect you first thing after breakfast tomorrow, so be ready. Jeb figured out how early he would need to wake up in order to get his exercise in before he went to breakfast. His grandfather clearly understood what he was doing, because he interrupted Jebs thoughts, You will probably want to hold off on the lifting until after the day is done. Its going to be a hard day, but it should finish before dinner. Thank you for the advice, grandfather! Jeb said. The two of them walked back into the house before breaking apart to go to their respective rooms. What do I do now? Jeb thought aloud. His hands and fingers felt fine again, so he went through a lute routine. He was too distracted to get the most out of the practice time, but the scales still continued to become smoother with each repetition. Jeb decided to see what his new Skill Quests were before he did anything else.
Soil Identification
Minor Quest First Tier Fix the Plant Identify what is wrong with the growing conditions for a plant. (Repeatable)
That seemed reasonable enough, and Jeb saw immediately why Soil Savvy worked so well with other Skills. Identifying the problem was a Quest, and then solving it would presumably be another Quest. He moved on to the Identification Quest.
Identify
Minor Quest First Tier Learn an Identification Subskill Specialize your studies by learning a Subskill. (Update Available).
That was easy. Jeb acknowledged the prompt to complete the Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Identify First Tier Learn an Identification Subskill. You learned the Identification Subskill Soil Savvy. You have begun to learn how to observe the world
Rewards:
20 Exp, 1 Intelligence, Identify Second Tier Learn a Second Identification Subskill
That was a nice bonus. Jeb opened the new Quest, just to make sure he wasnt missing anything from the title.
Identify
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Second Identification Subskill Diversify your specialization by learning another Subskill. (Update Available).
That was strange. Then again, the feeling that he was missing something about Identification hadnt gone away. As Jeb focused on the feeling, he felt the System pushing him towards Glyph Groking. When he tried to open the Skill to see what was happening, he received a prompt.
Congratulations! New Synergy Detected.
Due to having both Glyph Groking and Identification, Synergy Skill Glyph Groking has been Upgraded to Identification Subskill Improved Glyph Groking.
Underlying patterns between Glyphs are easier to understand.
+1 Magic Affinity.
That explained it. Jeb went back to the Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Identify Second Tier Learn a Second Identification Subskill. You learned the Identification Subskill Improved Glyph Groking. You have learned how to observe the world anew
Rewards:
40 Exp, 2 Intelligence, Identify Third Tier Learn a Third Identification Subskill
The new Quest was almost exactly what Jeb had expected. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Identify
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Third Identification Subskill Diversify your specialization by learning another Subskill.
Jeb looked at the pile of books he had made the day before. The general Magic Primer still seemed like a good idea, but he really wanted the immediate gratification that learning another few Glyphs would give him. He opened the Quest again, making sure that he was spending his time correctly. Also, since Glyph Groking had changed, he wanted to make sure the Quests hadnt.
Grok Glyphs
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a First Tier Spell from all four Primary Elements The study of Magical Glyphs is not to be bound to a single school. Learn a Spell from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the first step on Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, share one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another. (Repeatable, Locked) (Metagroking Chain First Quest)
Thankfully the Quests remained unchanged. His goal before dinner was going to be finishing the First Tier Elemental Chain First Quest. That meant he needed to learn an Air and a Fire Glyph. He flipped a coin to see which Primer hed work through first. He opened the Air Primer, hoping that his new Glyph Groking Skill might help him to learn the Spell Glyph, even through Mud Magics hindrance. He skimmed the chapter, making sure it didnt say anything like this Glyph is intended to show you how upper level Glyphs look. Making that mistake once was enough. The first Glyph in the book was Least Move Air. Jeb sent the smallest thread of Mana into the Glyph and watched it light up. As he visualized it in his mind, he began from the first point. Connecting to the second point felt somehow totally wrong. It was doable, and easily, but it left him feeling like hed committed some offense against his nature. Thats probably just the Mud Magic, Jeb reasoned, continuing to build the Glyph. To his surprise, once he had gotten to the fifth point, the Glyph suddenly felt effortless to learn. It was as though his Mana already knew the path the next twenty points would fill. Jeb could feel a small tug from the System, but he wasnt sure where. Nonetheless, a glance at his Notifications showed him that he had learned the Spell.
Congratulations! You have learned the First Tier Glyph: Least Move Air.
A glance at his Status sheet confirmed it. Jeb realized hed forgotten to light a candle to make sure he hadnt lost track of time, but the sun didnt appear to have moved too much. He quickly ran downstairs and saw his mother preparing dinner. Just double checking, how long have I been upstairs? I couldnt say. No more than fifteen minutes, for certain, though. Thank you! Jeb went back upstairs. Jeb remembered to light a candle this time, setting it in his eyesight but away from the growing pile of books in his room. He opened the Fire Primer, and found that the first Glyph recommended in it was a Creation Glyph. Something about the balance of Fire and Water both recommending beginning with Creation while Earth and Air started with movement resonated in him, but Jeb didnt bother exploring why. After all, he had a Glyph to learn and a Quest to finish. Once more, the first five points of the Glyph were far harder than the last twenty. This time the tug seemed to be, strangely enough, towards the Glyphs hed already learned. Jeb didnt know where the Glyphs were stored in his Spirit, though, so that was unhelpful. The Quest, on the other hand, was far less mysterious.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Improved Glyph Groking Second Tier Learn a First Tier Spell from all four Primary Elements
You have started the journey to learn Glyphs. Rewards: Mana +50 Intelligence +2 Unlocked First Tier Elemental Chain Second Quest Third Tier: Learn the four basic Spells from all four Primary Elements 40 Experience
The candle didnt appear too diminished, but Jeb wanted to try his new Glyph. He put out the candle and then tried to light it with his new Glyph. The wick caught flame, burning as though he had never extinguished it. Jeb felt the same constant pull on his Mana as when he cast Create Water, but noticed no difference in the fire when he stopped feeding it Mana. That would be something hed consider another day. Jeb looked at his Status as he considered what to do next. The Glyph Groking Quest had taken far less time than he expected. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 619/100
Total Statistic Load: 125
Physical Load: 58
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 67
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 17: Farmhand Jeb didnt need to think for long. After all, as much as he wanted to improve his future Classes, he still remembered what the point of all his work was. He wanted to spend time with his family. That in mind, Jeb went downstairs to see if his mother needed any help setting up for dinner. He spent the rest of the night talking with his family, or at least the members who were there that night. In the morning, Jeb woke with the sun again. He started to limber up to do his exercise when he remembered his grandfathers advice against doing so. With the extra time before he needed to do anything else, Jeb practiced his lute again. The scales sounded strange as he switched from string to string. After a few minutes of struggle, trying to find where he was fingering wrong, Jeb realized that he needed to retune the lute. The Bard had made it seem effortless, so he was expecting to be able to do it quickly. After struggling with the lute for half of an hour, Jeb was almost back to the lute sounding as in-tune as when hed started. The last five minutes had been the most productive, and Jeb was certain that he could get the lute fully in tune whenever he came back to it. But, that would have to be at the end of the day, or at least after his uncle was done with him. Jeb went downstairs to breakfast. His uncle was at the table, and he greeted Jeb. Are you ready to unlock Animal Handling? he asked. I hope so, Jeb replied honestly. He wasnt totally sure what to expect. Breakfast ended quickly, as it tended to, and Jeb helped clean up before he followed his uncle to the fields. First things first, he said, grab a wheelbarrow and clean out the sty. Jeb looked to where his uncle was pointing. One corner of the sty was certainly much more fragrant than the other portions. Once Jeb had loaded the wheelbarrow, his uncle directed him to dump it into the compost heap. A few loads later, Jeb was beginning to wish that he had a Move Waste Glyph. Still, he finished cleaning out the sty, placing fresh straw down for the pigs. Now then, his uncle said, lets take the pigs out to forage. Jeb followed close behind his uncle as he walked towards the forest. As they walked, a train of pigs followed them. Now, weve got too many pigs here on the farm to feed them all through foraging, his uncle explained, but its still good for them to get some walking in. After an hour of letting the pigs wander about, his uncle gave a short sharp whistle. At once, all of the pigs returned, once more in a single file line. Seeing Jebs stare, his uncle laughed. What can I say? There are perks to the Animal Husbandry path. They walked back to the farm, and Jeb listened to his uncle finish an explanation on how to properly care for the common ailments that the pigs got. Now that were back, make sure the pigs have enough water, his uncle said. As he turned to leave, he looked back, Oh, and dont use your Spell Glyphs to get the water. Much as I love efficiency, hard work is what gets Skills. That seemed fair to Jeb, so he made the trek over to the well the eleven times it took him to fill their water trough up. Of course, it would have gone faster, but the pigs were drinking the water as he filled it. The summer sun was intense that day, without any clouds in the sky. Jeb could feel the benefits from his increased Endurance, but the work was still difficult. Once hed watered the pigs, he refilled their food. While he worked, his uncle explained the ways that they used the waste from animals to keep soils healthy. Apparently there were nutrients that the animals processed that crops used in the soil. They needed to be replenished to keep the soil fertile. Thats really all I have for you today, his uncle said. Come back tomorrow and we can do this again. There was still time before dinner, so Jeb washed himself and went back to his room. Thankfully, this time he was able to tune the lute without issue. As he ran through his scales, Jeb felt like they were finally clicking. He could tell when one note was slightly out of tune with the rest. More than that, though, he noticed that he wasnt placing fingers off tune anywhere near as often as he had been. What was once sliding up and down until the notes sounded like he remembered, Jeb was now just playing the notes as he should. Once hed gone through all the scales, Jeb went through the picking patterns he had been taught. They still felt somewhat unnatural, but he was slowly finding them more soothing as they took less effort to play. As his fingers started to grow weary, Jeb realized that he still hadnt done his lifting for the day. Here we go, he thought. The first few body weight lifts he did were more to help stretch his muscles and recover from the work on the farm that day than to actually get stronger. By the end of the eighty four minutes, he was once again covered in sweat. As he went to the well to draw more water, Jeb remembered that he had Least Create Water as a Glyph. I wonder how much better it will work now, he thought. After all, his Mana Depth was triple what it had been before his Class, for all that it was still only 3. He had much more Mana to use as well. Jeb stood in the tub and focused on Creating the Water above his head. To his surprise, he was able to get completely clean before his Mana ran out. It was a strange experience, to be sure. The Water he made was a completely neutral temperature. Still, he was clean, and he saved some effort carrying water from the well. What else could he really hope for? Jeb went to dinner and bed. The next day was more or less the same. Jeb woke up, practiced a few scales, and then went to learn how to care for the animals on the farm with his uncle. He was assigned to the cows that day, which made him think. Before Jeb had a Class, he was assigned to feed and care for the cows, which he did so without any System help. Now that he had his Class, he was doing the same. It was a strange realization. That night, he went back to his room and practiced his scales. They felt smooth now. His picking patterns also felt natural. Still, his fingers grew tired faster than he liked. The next four days were more of the same. Each day his uncle had him work with a different animal on the farm, and each day Jeb felt like he understood more of what he was being taught. More than that, though, Jeb felt like he was understanding more intuitively. On the sixth day of training, Jeb saw the two notifications he had been hoping for. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Congratulations! Under the direction of a Master Husbander, you have learned about care of animals. You have unlocked the General Skill Animal Handling.
Congratulations! Under the direction of a Fertilizing Expert, you have learned about maintaining soils. You have unlocked the General Skill Fertilizing.
Uncle! Jeb exclaimed, I got the Skills! Congratulations, Jeb. Ill let your aunt know to expect you tomorrow. Um actually, Jeb said, thinking about the days it had been since he saw the Bard, Im supposed to meet with the Bard tomorrow. Ill have her expect you the next day then, his uncle winked. Do you want me to help finish- Jeb was interrupted by a snap from his uncle. The trough that Jeb had been working to fill was suddenly filled. Remember, Skills are really nice. Upgraded Skills from Tier Increases are even nicer, his uncle said. And you should learn some new music. I love scales as much as the next man, but even I can only take so many. Im sorry I just, Jeb looked at his uncles face, seeing a kind laugh. Just giving you a hard time, his uncle said, itd be mighty hypocritical of me to tell you not to learn your Lute Skill the right way when I wouldnt let you use your Magic while working on unlocking your Skills. If the Bard wants you to start on scales, Im sure theres a reason for it. Still, if he offers to have you learn some songs, please dont say no on our account. Jeb went back to his room, thinking about that conversation. He devoted himself all the harder to the practice knowing that his family could hear him. Once he had tired his hands out once more, he started lifting. Thankfully, he had gotten the Skills early in the day, so his body was still mostly fresh. It was worn down from the week, sure, but that was nothing too new. As Jeb finished the workout for the day, he saw the Notification he had been hoping for all week.
Congratulations! Due to your efforts to develop a consistent routine of pushing yourself past your physical limits, you have unlocked the Physical Skill: Lifting.
+1 Strength
Congratulations! Due to earning a Physical Skill to aid in Running and Lifting, you have unlocked the Synergy Skill: Athletics.
Jeb went to shower himself off. He was glad to be ready to meet with the Bard tomorrow. Working on multiple Skills at once was more mentally taxing than he had really expected. Now, though, he could give all of his focus to the Bards lessons. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 619/100
Total Statistic Load: 126
Physical Load: 59
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 67
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 18: Lesson Time After dinner, Jeb gave his lute one final tuning and went to sleep. The next morning, he rose and just stretched his fingers. It didnt seem smart to tire his hands out before meeting with the Bard. How much is the Bard charging you for teaching? his Aunt Esther asked at breakfast. He hasnt mentioned a price, Jeb replied. Jeb, we shouldnt take advantage of peoples generosity. Here, give him this, she handed Jeb a bottle of mead. Thank you Aunt Esther, he replied. Hopefully the Bard liked mead. Jeb walked into the Inn, noting that it was as empty as it had been the time before. The Bard was playing on the stage, but he and the Innkeeper were the only ones in the room. With how empty the room was, Jeb wasnt surprised when the Bard noticed him immediately. The Bard wrapped up his song with a flourish, and Jeb applauded. It sounded a little hollow in the room, and he stopped, feeling awkward. So then, the Bard said, show me what youve learned this week. Jeb took the lute out of the case and quickly stretched his fingers. The lute was thankfully still in tune, so he didnt have to try tuning it while the Bard watched. He quickly ran through the scales and fingering patterns that the Bard had taught him. They were rougher than he remembered from the day before, but not significantly. Its probably just nerves, Jeb thought. The Bard nodded as he played. Overall, nice work! Your scales are very well in tune, and youre doing the picking patterns nicely. The major thing I think you need to work on right now is your tempo. Jeb looked at the Bard, lost. Sorry, I mean the rhythm of your playing. Right now youre still playing the notes as you find them, rather than in time. Seeing Jebs blank face, he tried again, Here, let me demonstrate. Ill tap the table. Every time I tap, play the next note in the scale. Listen for a few beats before you start playing. The Bard started tapping, and Jeb started to understand what he had meant. There was, at least as far as he could tell, exactly as much time between each tap. Jeb started playing a scale. The second note he played before the second tap, because he was used to playing it just that quickly. Listen to the beat and then try again, the Bard advised. Jeb listened for another few seconds before trying again. This time the first two were in time, but he played the third note late. Better! Lets keep trying. If the Bard hadnt been so cheerful about it, Jeb would have felt bad for how slowly he was learning. The third attempt he played the second note early again. On the fourth, Jeb played the first note off the beat, because his finger caught the string weirdly. By the time Jebs fingers were starting to get sore, though, he could reliably play the scale up and down in time. Great job Jeb, the Bard exclaimed. Want to try the same thing with the picking patterns? It was a similar story, though Jeb picked it up faster. Now that he was starting to internalize the concept of the beat, it was easier to play it. Now, before we keep going, I guess I should give you an option. My plan is to have you unlock Lute Playing and Singing to get the Synergy Skill for Music. Technically, you can unlock Music as a base Skill, but I would recommend against it, unless youre really trying to limit the number of Skills youre learning. Im not trying to limit them, Jeb replied, though I did have a question about that. The Magical Primer Im reading recommends keeping the number of Skills you learn to a minimum, but my family keeps recommending that I learn more Skills. Is there some reason that one or the other is better? Thats a great question, the Bard replied. There are two major camps in Theorycrafting. One side generally believes that having more Skills means that you are more fully expressing who you are to the System, and so you will end up with a better fitting high Tier Class. The other thinks that its better to focus your Skills only on what will build your Class the fastest, then explore when you reach Tenth Tier. Why Tenth Tier? Nearly every Class Progression stops aging at the Tenth Tier, so at that point you have the rest of your life to find out what youre truly passionate about. It really seems like the two choices arent equally valid. I will confess to some bias. I personally dont see the point in waiting to live your life until an unknown day in the future. Having more Skills has nearly no downside, and plenty of upsides. Then Ill trust your judgement on how best to unlock the Music Skill, Jeb said. Perfect. Back to the lesson, then. Right now youre picking each note without really paying attention to the dynamics- the Bard caught himself. Here, listen to the difference. The Bard started playing his lute, plucking out a simple pattern. Or, at least, it sounded like a simple pattern. The first time each note felt more or less the same as the notes before and after. Then the Bard stopped. Now listen to how different this sounds. The different notes were slightly louder and softer, and the volume differences made the pattern sound much better, for all that Jeb couldnt describe why. Now you try. For now, alternate one loud and one soft note, like this. The Bard played the simplest pattern that Jeb had learned, clearly exaggerating the difference between the two volumes. Jeb tried, and after a few false starts, managed to get the alternating volumes. The Bard nodded. Now, do you think that you could do that in rhythm? This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Theres only one way to find out, Jeb replied, and the Bard started tapping the table. If you make a mistake with volume, just keep going, the Bard said, and try to get back into the alternation. Jeb started playing, and immediately fell out of rhythm. It was somehow so much harder than he had thought it would be. Each attempt felt like it was getting worse. Take a deep breath, the Bard advised, its completely ok to make mistakes right now. Thats the way we learn. Jeb stopped for a moment, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Throughout that, the Bard kept tapping on the table. Feeling as though the tapping was burrowing into his mind, Jeb started playing again. This time, he just started by playing the notes in time. It started to feel almost second nature, so he started making every other note louder. That was hard, but still maintainable. Once that became slightly easier, Jeb started playing the other note softer, trying to be as exaggerated in his playing as the Bard had been. Now that youve got that, the Bard said, stopping his tapping, lets try something a little harder. The second pattern I taught you is in three, so every third beat is loud. It should sound something like this. The Bard played the pattern that Jeb knew. It sounded so much better when it was accented. Now you try, he said, resuming tapping. It felt wrong at first to make the notes loud in groups of three. As he started to fall apart, though, Jeb took a deep breath and focused on just playing the notes. Listening closely, he could hear where the pattern made one note seem more important even without his actively trying, and so he just emphasized it more. Now then, the last general beat pattern is in four. Its like the first one you learned, but ever so slightly different. Rather than just going loud soft, in four you go loud soft medium soft. Jeb was beginning to worry that he was missing some sort of background that the Bard needed for him to learn. Im sorry, Im still not totally used to being outside of the Academy. I mostly worked with second and third year students, so I keep having to remember that not everyone has taken theory courses. Thats in no way a reflection of you as a student, just me as a teacher. As nice as that was to hear, Jeb wasnt sure he believed it. The Bard started playing the rhythm, though, and Jeb understood what he meant. This new pattern was the easiest one for Jeb to learn. Partially, it was because it was like the version in two, but Jeb was also getting better at hearing the way that the notes he was picking seemed to want to be different volumes. Thats great! Id say keep working on those patterns until you unlock the Skill. If you dont get it in the next week, though, come back here and we can figure out whats going wrong. Make sure to practice playing in time. How can I practice that? Oh, right, the Bard rifled through his bag, take this. It was a strange box, but the Bard showed Jeb how to make it beat in rhythm. Please try to avoid breaking this, it would be hard to replace here. Oh, before I go! Jeb said, noticing that there was a bottle in his bag, my aunt told me that I should give you this. I wanted to say thank you for teaching me. The Bard looked at the bottle. This logo seems familiar, wheres it from? My aunt, sir, Jeb replied, she makes it. The Bard paused for a moment, clearly considering something. Then, shaking his head, he responded. Well, thank you for the mead, Jeb. I hope to see you soon with a new Skill. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 619/100
Total Statistic Load: 126
Physical Load: 59
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 67
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 19: Learning Lute Jeb stopped by the Library before he went home. Hello Jeb, the Librarian said, what can I help you with? I was wondering if I could get a list of Identification Skills and how to unlock them, Jeb replied. Being able to see other peoples Classes seemed like it would be a useful Skill, and Jeb was sure there were plenty of other Identification Subskills that could help him. Pages flashed through the Librarians eyes, though far fewer than normal. Im sorry, Jeb he said, the Identification listing is restricted to Tier Seven and above. Were you looking for that list for some particular reason, though? Jeb thought about that for a moment. Mostly I was just hoping for a Subskill like you or the Bard has, so that I could see what Class other people have. I dont have a great justification for that, it just seems like it could be a fun Skill to have. The Librarian grimaced. Jeb, Id appreciate if you dont spread around too much that I can see Classes with my Skill. Its a special evolution that my Class offered, and its a part of why Im working here. It is interesting that the Bard has a similar Skill, though. Did you notice how it worked? Jeb cocked his head. Seeing his confusion, the Librarian continued, Im not sure if you noticed, but my eyes flashed with pages when I read your Status Sheet. Most Identification Subskills have some physical manifestations when theyre activated. I havent noticed that for either of my Subskills, Jeb replied. Oh, congratulations Jeb! the Librarian said. This time Jeb saw the pages flash for an instant as the Librarian looked at his Status. Interesting. Soil Savvy makes sense as a Subskill, I presume your grandfather taught you that? Jeb nodded, I learned it last week, he replied. But Improved Glyph Groking, hmm, pages blurred by, interesting. How did you unlock that Skill? Jeb paged back through his Notifications. So it became Improved Glyph Groking because I had Glyph Groking and Identification. I unlocked Glyph Groking as a Synergy Skill between Mana Manipulation and Spell Glyphing. Ah, I see, the Librarian said as pages flashed through his eyes. That is a previously attested combination. It hasnt come up in a while, though, so theyve taken it off the Standard List. What made you try for those two Skills? The Librarian seemed more interested in Jeb than he was used to. Sure, the Librarian had always been polite and helpful, but it always came with some amount of professional detachment. Now, however, it seemed like Jeb was receiving all of the Librarians focus. That made his next answer all the more embarrassing. Honestly, I unlocked those Skills by accident. I was trying to learn Least Move Earth (Efficient), because I was curious what was so inefficient about the Glyph I knew. The next thing I knew, a day had passed, I had four new Skills, and I had unlocked the Glyph. Then I realized that the Primer had listed that Glyph as an example of how higher Tier Glyphs werent necessarily more powerful. So I guess the answer is that I didnt try for the Skills, they just sort of happened. Interesting, the Librarian replied. I still cant give you the general Identification Primer, but there are some old Skill Guides relating to Glyph Groking, Mana Manipulation, and Spell Glyphing if youd like any of them. Also, you mentioned that you unlocked four Skills. What was the fourth? Oh, Jeb replied, I unlocked Meditation early on in the process, which I think is what helped me focus on the Spell Glyph. The Librarian chuckled at that. Of all of the people in this world, Jeb, you are the one I think least needs the Meditation Skill. Jeb remembered the classes hed had with the Librarian, where he didnt notice that everyone else had left because he was still working on an arithmetic problem. Thats fair, and more or less what my family said too, he admitted. Id like the Guides, I guess, though Im not sure when Ill have time to look at them. Thats totally fine. As long as you arent sharing everything in the books Ive lent you, he gave Jeb a pointed look, though what it was pointing to, Jeb couldnt say, then as long as you return them eventually, theres no issue. I doubt that well have anyone else unlocking Magic and waiting around here in the near future. Thank you again! Jeb said, taking the Guides the Librarian had gathered. Any time, Jeb. Sorry I couldnt get you the Identification Skill Guide. Jeb left and started walking home. More books, Jeb? his mother asked when he came back inside. I thought you were meeting with the Bard? I did! But then I was wondering what other Identification Subskills there are. The Librarian couldnt give me that book, but he did have Skill Guides for some of the Magical Skills Ive unlocked. That makes sense, his mother replied. Remember that youre starting with your Aunt tomorrow, though. I do! Jeb was excited to get Pollination and Brewing. They seemed like Skills that would help him no matter what he ended up doing. In his room, Jeb started to practice the lute again. He set up the metronome. When he was trying to decide on a tempo, he looked to see if the Lute Method Book had any advice.
When working with a metronome, it is best to start at a slow tempo and slowly build speed, rather than starting too fast and developing bad habits.
That made sense to Jeb, so he put the metronome to its slowest setting. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. This might be a little too slow, Jeb thought, realizing that the slowest setting had a beat every two seconds. He turned it up to slightly slower than he remembered from his time with the Bard. That was a comfortable tempo where he really felt like he could play the scales well. As he did, he decided to try playing the scales with the different emphasis patterns that the Bard had taught him. To his surprise, the scales started sounding much better when he did that. As Jeb started to practice scales and picking, he remembered the Meditation Quest. He focused on the beating of the metronome, almost releasing control over his fingers as they played up and down the lute. The steady rhythm was lulling him deeper into Meditation, but he could tell that he wasnt gaining very much from playing the scales at that tempo. Still focusing on the beat, he adjusted the metronome to start playing faster. In what felt like a few moments, he was completely comfortable with that, so he adjusted the metronome higher. As that new tempo became easy, Jeb tried doing both scales and his picking patterns at once. It took a little bit of adjustment, but he quickly figured it out. That process continued until Jeb realized that the sun was shining on his face. Looking out, he realized that it was nearly time for dinner. Hed apparently spent the entire afternoon playing lute. Jeb went down to dinner, noticing the looks on his familys faces. Jeb, one of his aunts said, did the Bard give you some magical trick? Not that I know of, why? he responded. You just sounded much better today than you had the past few days. Not that youve sounded bad, of course, just that today you sounded, um, nicer. She trailed off at the end, realizing how her comment might be taken more as an insult about his prior playing than a compliment about his recent practice. Thank you! He taught me about rhythm and dynamics, Jeb said, trying out the word hed read in the lute primer. I didnt realize how much of a difference they would make, but I almost feel like Im making music now. So Jeb, whats your plan after you get the Lute Skill? his Aunt Esther asked. The Bard told me to meet with him to discuss the next step, which I think is learning Singing. After that, Ill apparently unlock the Musician Synergy Skill, and then the Bard said we can start on Bardic Magic. That makes sense. Thankfully, Brewing is a fairly easy Skill to get. Ill only need you for an hour or so a day, and it can be any hour, honestly. Of course, more time will help you get it faster, but Im not in a rush if you arent. Thank you Aunt Esther! Jeb replied. The rest of the dinner went fairly normally, and Jeb went back to his room. He set the metronome a few ticks slower than it had been and started playing again. Just as he was realizing he needed to put his lute away and start getting ready for bed, he got the Notification hed been waiting for all day.
Congratulations! Due to your efforts to learn the instrument under the tutelage of a Master Bard, you have unlocked the General Skill: Lute Playing.
New Skill unlocked, Jeb put his lute away and went to sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 619/100
Total Statistic Load: 126
Physical Load: 59
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 67
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 8
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 20: Singing a Song Jeb went to bed, happy with his new Skill. In the morning, he woke up and practiced the lute again. It was shocking how much of a difference the Skill made for his playing. He noticed immediately that he had been gripping the neck too tightly. Unlike before he had the Skill, where adjusting would have taken attempts to not hold it too loosely, he was able to just adjust his grip immediately. Jeb could hear the difference. The notes came out smoother, and he could tell that he would be able to play for far longer as well. Jeb realized that he had a Quest Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Become Personable Second Tier Learn an Instrument Use this knowledge to win the hearts of those around you.
Rewards: 2 Charisma, 39 EXP
As he accepted that Quest, he saw that he had another Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Become Personable Second Tier Become Charismatic Use this Charisma to lead others on your Quest.
Rewards: 2 Charisma, 39 EXP, Gift of Gab upgrade
He couldn''t find a difference in the description for Gift of Gab, but that didn''t mean that there wasn''t one. At breakfast, he told his aunt that he had gotten the Skill. Well, I doubt that the Bard will keep you all day. Go over there first, and then Ill work with you when you get back, she said. Thank you Aunt Esther! Jeb said. When breakfast had ended, he went back upstairs to grab his lute and then went to go find the Bard. Thankfully, he was exactly where Jeb expected him to be. Back already? he asked, coming off the stage. Did you get the Lute Skill already? I did! Jeb exclaimed. I see that now, the Bard said. Jeb remembered what the Librarian had asked him about the Bards Skill. He tried to focus on the Bard was doing as he read his Status. The only impression he could hold onto was some idea of a faint song in the wind. What are you so focused on? the Bard asked, noticing Jebs concentration. When I asked the Librarian about your Identification Skill, he told me I should see if there were any sensory cues involved with it, Jeb explained, so I was trying to notice if there were any. You could just ask me what Identification Subskill I have, the Bard said. I hadnt thought about that, Jeb admitted. What Identification Subskill do you have? Oh, I have no intention of telling you that, the Bard replied with a wink, but now youve asked and Ive refused to tell you, so no one will fault you for trying to find out on your own. Im confused, Jeb responded. Understandable. Anyways, now that you have Lute Playing, we can start working on getting you Singing. My advice for you is to sing scales as you play them on the lute. Work on doing them slowly at first, and then slowly speed up, as you did when learning to play them. That makes sense, Jeb said, anything else? Lets see, your Intelligence is- the faint song came back for a moment, 21. Wow, great job with that! Anyways, thats probably high enough that learning the syllables for scale parts shouldnt be too hard. Jeb looked at him blankly. Sorry, again, I should remember where I am. The Bard grinned sheepishly. Have you noticed that the notes in the different scales sound the same relative to one another? Jeb thought about that for a moment. I guess so. A common way to teach singing is to teach syllables to each note in a scale, so that you can transfer those notes between scales. It makes learning new music easier, especially if you have the Singing Skill. The Bard walked Jeb through the syllables and wrote them down on a scrap of paper for him. With that out of the way, do you have any other questions? I have been wondering about the difference between Bardic and Glyph Magic, Jeb responded. For starters, Glyph Magic isnt technically the right distinction. Glyph Magic is just the most common subclass of Mage Magic. That was news to Jeb, but the Bard kept going, Mage Magic is awkward to say, though, so Ill use Glyph Magic, especially since I think there are maybe two people in the Republic who practice another form. The biggest difference between the two is the way that they effect their changes. In Glyph Magic, the Bard continued speaking as he took his lute out of its case, the world is a series of boxes. Early Glyph Magic distinguished everything as Solid, Liquid, Gas, or Flame. As the Bard named those, what seemed to be pebbles started floating around his hand, joined by a stream of water, steam, and flames. In time, those categories shifted to the Base Elements that youre now familiar with, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. The pebbles turned into what was clearly Earth, though Jeb didnt know how he knew that. The Earth streamed around the other elements, merging with each of them. Obviously, though, nothing is quite that simple. Youre a Least Mud Initiate, so Im sure you understand that much at least, Jeb watched the Earth and Water merge, creating something new. As Earth grows wet it becomes Mud, which slowly fades into Water. As Water is whipped it turns to Mist, which dries into Air. Air heats and fills until it becomes Smoke, which heats more into Fire. Fire dies and becomes Ash, which filters back into Earth. As the Bard spoke, the Mud that was spiraling around his hand shifted along with the descriptions. By placing all magic into these neat categories, though, Glyph Magic has an inherent loss of precision. After all, there are an infinite number of points between Earth and Water. Whats halfway between Earth and Mud? The Element cycling around the Bards hand started shifting again, this time stopping between Earth and Mud. Jeb found that, while resonant, he couldnt tell what it was resonating to. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Any time you draw a line, there is a finer distinction that one can make. The Bard shook his hand and the Earth disappeared. Bardic Magic, by contrast, was not created but discovered. It creates no false distinctions, and so is freer and less restrained than Glyph Magic. There is nothing that a Bard cannot do, but there are no rote-learned Spells to build a wall. It is a simple expression of your Will against the Worlds. If you read the Bardic Magic Primer that you have, it will likely tell you that the first Song Bards learn is an Illusion Song. That is because the book is written by a Mage. After all, what difference is there between the sound of a lute from the instrument itself, Jeb watched and heard the Bard pluck the string, and the sound produced directly through Magic? Jeb heard the same note, without any motion of the lute. Or, what difference is there between a true flame, the Bard reached out, pulling the flames from the torches, and an illusion of fire and light? the flames began to burn an emerald green. Is one more beautiful? Jeb waited for the Bard to continue, only to realize that it was not a rhetorical question. Is one? the Bard prompted again. Im not sure, Jeb responded. The real flame can keep someone warm, and theres something beautiful about function. A woven flame can warm as well, the Bard said, and Jeb felt warmth coming from the emerald tongues. But you answered well at first, everything is beautiful for two reasons: because it is, and for what it is. Seeing Jebs confusion, the Bard dismissed the flames, Though, now may not be the best time for philosophy. Let me demonstrate some True Magics instead. The Bard began tapping on the table, like he had the day before. This time, though, each tap seemed to be deeper and more resonant than the one before. Before long, Jeb felt as though the earth itself was shaking with each finger strike. The flames on the torches seemed to move in time to that beat, and everything grew sharper as the Bard started to play on his lute. The sounds seemed far more primal than anything Jeb had realized a lute could produce. It was no longer the sound of a plucked string, but the sound of a goodbye, a hello, and a learning all in one. Jeb was so entranced that he missed the first line that the Bard was saying. Even when he heard what the Bard was chanting, though, Jeb couldnt understand it. Clearly the Bard was speaking some other language than he knew. Still, Gift of Gab started resonating, and he slowly began to get impressions of the meaning behind the Bards song. More than anything else, Jeb had the overwhelming impression that the Bard wanted him to join in playing. He picked his own lute up and started trying to play something that would match the Song the Bard had started. Without his Lute Playing Skill, Jeb doubted that he would have even been able to find the right scale to work in. As Jeb struck the first note, he suddenly saw that there was a space in the Song for him to play. His first note was wrong, though. The second worked better, and soon Jeb had slotted fully into the Song. He was too engrossed to notice when the Bard stopped singing. Even as the Bard slowly stopped playing the lute, Jeb didnt notice, though a part of him did notice his Mana start to drain. When the Bard had gotten to the point of merely tapping on the table, some small part of Jeb finally noticed that his own playing had grown to fill it. Too quickly, though, his Mana ran out. The tapping of the Bards fingers stopped carrying a resonance beyond themselves. The room grew dim and clouded again. That was the Song of Intention, the Bard said. Do you think you can find it on your own again? Jeb hardly understood what the Bard was saying. The Song was still resonating around his body and spirit. He felt like he could reach out and touch it, if only his body would respond. Ah, right, the first time joining a Song always is the most intense. Next time you sing it, make sure you stop before you run out of Mana. I caught the backlash this time, but I wont always be able to. If Im going to be singing a Song, why did I need Lute Playing? Jeb asked. The lute makes it easier to catch the Song, especially since you can play multiple notes at once with it, completely without Magic. The lute can also catch some of the backlash if you dont end the Song totally correctly. If you just sang the song, your body would still take the backlash, which isnt what you want. I think I understand, Jeb replied. I certainly hope you dont! Mana backlash is a terrible feeling. Still, thats an issue for after youve become a Musician. Remember the scales, and come back after youve unlocked Singing. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 697/100
Total Statistic Load: 130
Physical Load: 59
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 8
Endurance: 17
Vitality: 15
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 71
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 12
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 21: Bees? Jeb made his way back home, still reeling from the Song that hed heard. A part of him was sure he could still hear it if he listened hard enough. When he made it home, he quickly ran to where his Aunt had told him to meet her. Good to see you Jeb, she said, how did your meeting with the Bard go? It went well! Jeb said, he started me on the Singing Skill, because apparently Musician is a Synergy Skill, and you need Musician to get Bardic Magic. Interesting, she replied. It was clear there was more she had in mind, but decided Jeb would be the wrong person to ask. Before we begin with teaching you Pollination, I feel like I should explain why we had you get Animal Handling first. That would be great! Jeb said. As much as he was happy to trust his family, knowing why they were leading him in a given direction was also nice. Im going to have you get Pollination by establishing your own bee hive. I know that there are a number of magical classes that interact with animals, that was news to Jeb, and so having a bee hive you can bond with could be helpful. That, and one off my hives is getting ready to swarm, so Id like to get ahead of that. That doesnt really answer why I needed Animal Handling first, though, Jeb replied. Oh! Is it because its hard to establish a bee hive, and so I need the boost that Animal Handling will give? That sounded reasonable to him. Ooh, thats a good excuse I can try to use if I ever need to lie about it, his Aunt replied, but no, its relatively easy to establish a hive, especially since Ill be helping you. The real issue is that people often get the Apiarist Skill if they dont have any other animal related Skills. Thats far less useful for what you want, and as you know, getting related Skills is very difficult. That makes sense. Im glad! Now then, lets get you ready to establish a hive. Many beekeepers will tell you that the hive is smart, and that you can and should talk to them. I wont make comments about the intelligence of other hives, but while I was an Apiarist, I did make sure to grow my hives to be smarter. So, very much so do be respectful with the bees, and make sure you tell them what youre doing and what you want them to do. Any questions? None that I can think of right now! Jebs Aunt showed him how to put on the beekeeping gear he would need for the next few weeks. I rarely wear this anymore because the hives know me. You, however, are new to them. Safety is a good practice to have. Jeb put on the gloves, hat and coat. What about my legs? Theres a fine line between respecting the bees and being afraid of them. I dont want you to cross that line, so well keep the pants off. Now then, this she gestured to a box near the trees, is a beehive. Its where the bees live. She helped him transfer a bee into an empty box. This is a queen-to-be bee. If we let the hive grow much longer, there would have been too many bees in that box, and they would have flown away. Instead, we can build another box for them, and establish another hive. Since youre going to be in charge of these bees, were going to have your hives further away from mine, to make sure that the bees imprint on you, rather than on me. Now, then, you should spend some time with the queen. Is there anything I should do? Explaining what youre establishing the hive for is a good idea, she said, walking away. Youre a smart boy, youll figure it out. Jeb watched his Aunt depart. He trusted her, and so he decided to start talking to the bee. Honestly, I dont know entirely why Im establishing this hive. Im hoping to get the Pollination Skill, and Im hoping that can help me change my Class. Oh, right, you wouldnt know any of the backstory. Jeb considered where to begin. Ive grown up my entire life knowing that I would be a Farmer. But, when the System gave my my First Class, it made me a Mud Mage instead. I dont want to have to leave my family, so Ive been trying to do whatever I can to make my future Class something that I can stay on the farm with. It felt ridiculous to bare his heart to a bee, but it was also strangely nice. When Jeb had finished recounting his story, the sun was starting to fade down in the sky. His Aunt walked back over to him. Dont you have other obligations you should be doing? Whatever happened to your plan to raise your Vitality? Jeb had completely forgotten. I can see from your expression youve just now remembered that. Make sure to complete your Running and Lifting Quests as well. Jeb pulled up the Quests.
Minor Quest First Tier Run Run for a minute per point of Endurance you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest First Tier Lift Lift ten pounds per point of Strength you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest First Tier Stretch Stretch for a minute per point of Dexterity you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest Second Tier Move Exercise for a minute per point of Vitality you have. (Repeatable)
Those were all far easier than the requirements to unlock the Skill, not that Jeb was complaining. I wonder, Jeb thought as he started to run, if stretching my fingers before playing the lute would count. His routine before had only been seven minutes, so he wouldnt have completed the Quest even if it did. Still, it was worth an effort. Seventeen minutes later, Jeb got the Notification hed been waiting for.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 20 EXP
As he looked, though, he saw that he had another Notification. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics Second Tier Move You have increased your Vitality.
Rewards: 2 Vitality, 39 EXP
That made sense, as he thought about it. His Endurance was higher than his Vitality. Jeb wondered if the exercise had to happen all at once, or if doing each of the other Quests would be enough to raise his Statistics as time went on. Something felt strange as Jeb thought about it, though. His Physical Statistics improved his body, so why couldnt he feel a difference between before and after running? He felt slightly tired, sure, but not noticeably more alive or enduring. Maybe my family will know, Jeb thought, looking for his grandfather. Jeb needed to find something that weighed 150 pounds, and he wasnt sure where he could find something like that. Hm? his grandfather responded to his question. Right, you took the general Lifting Skill. There are ten pound bricks in the drying room. Put fifteen in a sack and pick it up. Jeb did so, but he had a feeling there was a better way to pick up heavy weights than loading them in a sack. Still, he didnt struggle to complete the Quest. His uncle had him lifting plenty heavier things while unlocking Animal Handling.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 20 EXP
All that left was the Quest for Dexterity. Jeb went back to his room after showering himself off and got ready to play the lute. This time, however, he made sure to stretch for longer than he had been before. To his surprise, he saw the Notification after eight minutes.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Atheletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 20 EXP
Jeb started playing through his lute scales out of muscle memory before he remembered that he was supposed to practice singing. He started with the first scale he usually worked through, but realized that he couldnt sing that low. The next one was singable, at least in theory. For whatever reason, Jeb had a much easier time finding the right pitch while the Bard was in the room. Still, Lute Playing helped him at least a little, as he remembered tuning the lute, changing its pitch to be in tune. Picking the same note over and over, he eventually matched it. Then Jeb remembered that he was supposed to be using the syllables the Bard had taught him. Thankfully, that didnt make him forget the pitch, but it made finding the next one harder somehow. By the time that the sun was setting, Jeb had made it through one scale, though he could feel that his voice was going to be sore in the morning. Family, I have a question, Jeb hazarded as everyone sat down. Whats your question Jeb? his mother asked. When I complete a Quest and one of my Statistics increases, I dont feel any different. Do the Statistics do anything, or are they just pointless numbers? Great question, Jeb, his grandfather replied. Statistics are not meaningless, but they also dont track perfectly. For instance, your Endurance doesnt decrease as you run, despite the fact that the distance you can keep running goes down, right? Right? Jeb responded. I think, at least. Technically Jeb had never run until he collapsed so he wasnt positive about that fact. I can see where your thoughts are leading. Dont try to run until you collapse Jeb. Jeb blushed at that. Anyways, your Statistics show what you are capable of at your peak. For most people, that means after a good night of sleep, but especially since youre still growing, theyre also a sign of your future potential. A child with 12 Strength wouldnt be able to lift more than an adult with 11, right? That makes sense, Jeb replied, thank you! The rest of the dinner went on and Jeb fell asleep, ready to continue raising his hive the following day. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 796/100
Total Statistic Load: 135
Physical Load: 64
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 9
Endurance: 18
Vitality: 17
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 71
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 12
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 22: Singing to the Bees The next morning, Jeb woke up and started his workout. After a slightly longer run than the day before, he saw the two Notifications hed been waiting for.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 20 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics Second Tier Move You have increased your Vitality.
Rewards: 2 Vitality, 39 EXP
This time, rather than stretching to play the lute, however, Jeb stretched his legs and arms out. After all, he hadnt forgotten the advice his family had given him his whole life about the need to stay limber. Even after he opened the Notification, he kept stretching. After all, he was still tight.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Atheletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 20 EXP
It might have been his imagination, but Jeb did feel as though he could stretch slightly further after completing the Quest. Once hed finished stretching, there was still some time before breakfast. Aunt Esther did say spending time with the bees is important, Jeb thought, grabbing his lute case. When he got to the hive-to-be, Jeb sat down beside it. The Queen had been fairly lethargic the day before, so Jeb didnt bother putting on the safety equipment. Good morning, hive, he said, not knowing how else to greet it, I need to practice singing and my lute. If its alright with you, Ill do it here. He paused for a moment, then realized he had no way of interpreting the bees response. I guess fly out if it bothers you, he finally said. Jeb pulled his lute out and started to tune it. For whatever reason, it felt like it stayed in tune better since hed gotten the Lute Playing Skill. Then again, that might just be a coincidence. The weather had been more stable the past few days, after all. As he started to run through scales, Jeb realized hed never looked to see what Quests Lute Playing offered.
Lute
Minor Quest First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute What is a lute-player without something to play? Learn another piece of music.
He wondered what the Quest reward for that would be. Jeb really hoped that it would raise his Statistics, though he wasnt sure which he hoped most for. As he thought about it, recognizing how pointless it was, Jeb realized he most hoped for either Intelligence or Charisma. He didnt need any new Quests to help with Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, or Vitality. He still wasnt sure what Presence was good for, but he doubted learning a song would help with that. The same was true for Mana Depth and Magic Affinity. Sure they were nice to have, but Jeb could see no way that the Quest would grow those. Willpower was also nice, but Jeb remembered what the Magic Primer had said about what each Statistic helped towards, and the Intelligence-based Classes seemed more like what he was hoping for. Of course, Charisma would be the ideal Statistic to grow. It was lower than most of his Mental Statistics, and he had at least two Quests related to growing it. Plus, the Bard had implied that increasing his Charisma would help him learn Bardic Magic. As Jeb finished thinking about that, he realized that hed gone through all of his scales and picking patterns. Now seemed like as good of a time as any to start working on Singing. He plucked the first note for the scale that had worked the night before and tried to find it. This time he found it faster, which was a little surprising. The rest of the scale went well, though Jeb did feel like he could sing slightly higher if he needed to. So, he started playing the next scale up. It was strange using the same syllable for what was clearly a different note, but it also felt somehow better. He could understand where it would be helpful for him to be able to switch between scales without thinking once he got the Skill. After all, while the different notes on a lute required his fingers in different places, the different notes he could sing didnt have any obvious differences between them. Soon enough, his voice was tired. It was nearly time for breakfast, so Jeb quickly made his way over to the drying room. 160 pounds later, Jeb had another Quest Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 20 EXP
At breakfast, Jeb saw his Aunt Esther. I noticed that you visited the hive this morning, she said, good job. Even if you have other things to work on silently, that felt targeted for some reason. Surely Jeb wasnt that bad at singing, spending time near the hive is a good idea. Id like you to get Pollinating before we start on Brewing, just because Brewing will take all day for every day that we work on it. Is there anything else that I can do to help the hive establish faster? Jeb asked. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Other than spending time to make sure that the hive bonds with you, no. his aunt replied. But it shouldnt take too long. Breakfast ended, so Jeb went upstairs. He was really curious to see what the Lute Quest would reward him with, so he took the Lute Method Book. He also took the Elemental Primers. Talking with the bees the day before made him realize that he wanted to complete all of his Quests, if only because he wanted his Statistics to be as high as possible. Back at the hive, Jeb opened the Lute Method Book. If the text was to be trusted, there were musical pieces in it. Unfortunately, Jeb realized he had never learned to read musical notation. Paging through the book, however, he found the scales hed learned, with some guides for how to play them. Working from there, he had a vague idea of what the new symbols meant. The first piece it recommended learning was a folk song that he knew. Jeb tried playing the piece like he thought the notation suggested. To his surprise, it did actually sound like what he remembered. The first time he played through the piece, he could tell that he was stuttering throughout it. As he kept going, though, it gradually grew smoother and smoother Finally, with the sun high in the sky, Jeb heard the Notification. Beside the beehive, Jeb completed his first Bard Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Well that was nice, if a little unexpected. At least now his Charisma wouldnt fall too far behind his other Mental Stats. Then again, Jeb thought, looking at how far the sun had moved while he learned the song, I dont know if I want to put the time in to keep learning songs. In the time it took him to learn that single song, Jeb could have easily learned at least four or five First Tier Glyphs. Speaking of that, Jeb looked at his Magic Primers. As tempted as he was to keep learning more First Tier Elemental Glyphs, he knew that the Quest Reward for learning a Mud Spell would be well worth it. Jeb opened the Mud Primer. The first Glyph inside, he learned, was Least Create Mud. That could be useful, especially if he could make Mud that had nutrients in it. He fed a small stream of Mana into the page, watching it light up so he could learn it. Learning it was more difficult than hed expected. That made some amount of sense, since it was a Second Tier Glyph, but it also had more points than he expected. This one had 37 different points, which Jeb thought about for a moment. He could feel Improved Glyph Groking and Spell Glyphing both trying to tell him something, but he hadnt trained either well enough to really know what they were trying to tell him. Or, at least, that was what he assumed. That was another thing he should ask his family. Thankfully, with the help of Improved Glyph Groking, he was able to quickly see that the same patterns hed learned before still held. There was a second level of Mana flow in the Glyph, which flowed to the square of the point it was coming from. He was confused for a second when he saw that the sixth point didnt touch multiple points but quickly figured out why. There were more points in this Glyph, so of course it would take longer to loop. After all, the sixth point only touched two because six by six was larger than twenty five. As he then expected, the first point to start looping again was the seventh. It touched the final point and the twelfth point. Feeling more comfortable now, Jeb started to connect the points of light in his mind. As he did, he could feel the strain growing, though it was still manageable. Though, a part of him was still noticing the passage of time. Maybe his guess that he could learn five Glyphs in the time it had taken him to learn the song was wrong. Just as Jeb got to the final point, he felt the light snap back. Something went wrong. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 915/100
Total Statistic Load: 141
Physical Load: 69
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 10
Endurance: 19
Vitality: 19
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 72
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 15
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 260
Glyph Attunement: 8
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 23: Beekeeper Beekeeper, Keep Me a Bee Immediately, Jeb compared the Glyph hed drawn to the Glyph in the Primer. He saw the issue, and felt dumb. Working from memory, he connected the twenty fifth point to itself twenty five times, like he had with Least Move Earth (Efficient). That wasnt where it should go in the new Glyph, though. Actively focusing on his Meditation, Jeb went through the Glyph again, making sure that he put each secondary path correctly. Unlike the time before, however, Jeb made an active effort not to consult the Primer. He had a suspicion that leaning on his Skills more might make them more effective in the future. Even if not, Jeb had a feeling that relying overmuch on Primers was a dangerous game to play. When he made it to the thirty seventh point, he connected it to itself thirty seven times. This is going to get really repetitive if Higher Tier Elements keep having more points, Jeb thought absently. Still, at least he wouldnt have to keep count. As soon as Jeb linked the final loop from the last point to itself, the Glyph faded from his mind. He felt it imprint on his soul, and a quick look at his Status Sheet showed that he had learned the Glyph. Looking at his Least Mud Magic Quests confirmed it as well.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Mud Spell You have taken the first step in becoming a true Mud Mage, fusing the Magic of Earth and Water.
Rewards: 74 Experience, Mana +75
After looking at his Status Sheet, Jeb noticed that his voice felt refreshed again. He tried singing a few notes, and he was happy to hear and feel that it was. Jeb passed the rest of the day singing as his voice allowed. When his voice felt tired, Jeb cast Least Create Water and slaked his thirst. The first time he did that, Jeb realized how little Magic he had been using since he got his Class. Even the day before he had his Class, Jeb had been emptying his Mana pool at least three times a day. He realized how much he was rejecting something hed loved, entirely out of spite. That realization hit Jeb hard. After all, no one else in his family had spent late nights trying to learn Glyphs. If Jeb was honest about his feelings towards Magic before getting his Class, he might have chosen the Class for himself. That didnt mean he was giving up on his dream to become a Farmer Mage, of course, but it did help him cool down. Of course, explaining himself to the silent hive didnt bring him as much comfort this time as it had the day before. Then again, this was a more self-critical realization, so that made some amount of sense. On the bright side, Jeb now had another task to occupy his time while waiting for his voice to recover. Jeb tried casting Least Create Mud and was unsurprised to see a steadily growing pile of mud appear as his Mana drained. I wonder, he thought, can I control the shape that the Mud comes out in? It seemed like it should be possible, but he had no way of knowing for certain. He had made Least Shape Earth plow furrows in the ground, so he had faith that he could change how this Spell worked, though. Jeb knew the importance of a control in his tests. He cast the Spell, trying hard not to focus his Mana towards anything in particular. A pile of mud started to form. It looked more or less like what Jeb expected a pile of mud to look like, completely nondescript. Maybe I can make it taller? Jeb thought, recasting the Spell. This time he imagined the pile as taller, defying gravity like a great monument to Mud. At first, Jeb thought it was working. The new pile seemed to be growing taller faster than the last had. Then, of course, as mud is oft to do, the tower collapsed. His second pile might have been slightly taller than the first, but Jeb wasnt sure how much of that was just him hoping so. Jeb remembered his Mana Manipulation Quest. Maybe what hed done so far was good enough to earn that Quest?
Modify a Spell Glyph (Repeatable) Change the effect of a Spell, either while casting or by modifying a Glyph To learn how to control your Mana, you must move it outside of the paths that others have set for it. Break free from the bonds of the past.
No update meant that Jeb apparently hadnt changed the Spell enough. He spent the rest of his Mana working to find a way to shape the mud differently as it was Created. None worked, but he was enjoying every minute of his efforts. After all, he was literally Creating Mud out of nothing. Well, nothing but Mana, at least. When he made his way back to the house for dinner, it was clear to everyone that his spirits had been lifted. His grandfather put it best. Im glad to see that youre feeling better Jeb, he said, what changed? I just realized that if Id been given a choice and I was honest with myself, I probably also would have chosen a Magical Class. Jeb said. As the words came out of his mouth, he realized what he had said. Unlike the looks of disappointment or anger that hed been expecting, the rest of his family smiled brighter. Theyd all assumed something similar when hed been focused on learning Glyphs. But, his grandfather explained, seemingly ignoring what Jeb had said, telling someone that they have the class theyre meant to never works out when someone is unhappy. If you hadnt gotten to this conclusion soon, we would have had to have a talk. The next week went by more or less the same. Jeb woke up in the morning, accomplished his daily Quests to raise his Physical Statistics, and then spent the rest of the day training his voice and Mud Magic by the bee hive. Seven days later, as he was getting ready to go home for the night again, he finally saw the Notifications he had been waiting for.
Congratulations! Due to your efforts and growth in singing, you have unlocked the General Skill: Singing.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Congratulations! You have two Musical Skills! You have unlocked the Synergy Skill: Musician.
Congratulations! For establishing a new bee hive, you have unlocked the General Skill: Pollination.
Those were all nice to have. At dinner, he told his aunt about his new Skills, and the table congratulated him. The Bard told you to go visit him again once you unlocked Singing and Musician, right? his aunt asked. Jeb thought back to his last conversation with him. Yes. Oh, he said, realizing what that meant. I understand, Jeb. We can start you on Brewing when you get back, or the next day, depending on how long the Bard wants you for. The rest of dinner passed by quickly, and Jeb went to sleep. In the morning, he woke up and ran through his daily Quests. After breakfast, Jeb went to go see the Bard. Congratulations on the new Skills! the Bard remarked when he saw Jeb. I didnt hear any music this time, Jeb said. The Bard looked confused for a moment. After a moment, he nodded in understanding. Oh, I didnt use my Identify Skill, he explained. Then how did you know Id gotten new Skills? Because every time that Ive told you to come back when you have new Skills, you have. That made sense to Jeb, and he started nodding. Remember, the Bard went on, part of being a performer is dramatic effect. If you learn to use it, youll end up needing to use less magic, which means you can save your Mana for whats important. As was becoming a trend with the adults in Jebs life, he was sure that he was missing a lot of the meaning behind their words. Well then, now that you have Musician, you should start working to get Bardic Magic, the Bard said, glossing past his words. How do I do that? Do you remember the Song I showed you last time? Jeb focused, trying to catch the music that had been floating by him since that day. He could almost hear it, but knew that he wouldnt be able to play it right now. Yes, but I dont think I can find it right now, Jeb admitted. The Bard nodded. Truthfully, I would have been shocked if you could. He started playing. Can you hear it now? Rather than speak, Jeb took out his lute and started playing along. He remembered the advice to watch his Mana, and so he kept an eye on it even as the Bard stopped playing. Jeb was glad he had learned a Mud Glyph. The extra Mana was really helping right now. As Jeb watched his Mana tick down, though, he slowly stopped the Song. Your ability to catch onto the Song so quickly bodes well for your success in learning Bardic Magic. But, lets talk about that. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 1781/100
Total Statistic Load: 182
Physical Load: 109
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 18
Endurance: 27
Vitality: 35
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 73
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 16
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 335
Glyph Attunement: 9
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 24: Bards hate Glyphs First, can you do anything with that Song, or just start playing into it? The Bard asked. I havent tried to do anything, Jeb admitted. Why dont you try now? Jeb still felt the lingering echoes of the Song in his blood. Playing into it felt easier than it had before. The Bard must have noticed his expression, because he commented, each time you play a Song, youll likely find it easier to catch. That is one major difference between Glyph Magic and Song Magic. Knowledge of Glyphs is binary. You either control it or you dont. With Songs, the Bard noticed that Jeb was losing the Song, too focused on listening to him instead. Jeb got back in sync with the Song after the Bard stopped speaking. The Mana he was using had to be doing something, but Jeb could not figure out what it was. Try as he might, no Magical effect seemed to be taking place. Jeb tried to control the Mana that was joining the Song, and immediately broke out of it. He felt the lute shake slightly, and he felt a headache brewing. What broke you out of the Song? the Bard asked him. I was trying to control what my Mana was doing as it joined the Song, Jeb explained. Why? Thats how I change the effect of my Glyphs, Jeb said, so it seemed like it could help me change what the Song was doing. Good instincts! the Bard encouraged him, unfortunately for you, the Song that I taught you is not, technically, a Bard Song. Well, thats up for debate. Some would argue that its the only true Bard Song, and everything else is just a shadow of it, but thats philosophy for another time. That brought up so many questions for Jeb, but the Bard continued before he could ask them. Since youve got so much experience with Glyphs, Jeb heard the song hed begun to associate with the Bard Identifying him, Im going to try to teach you Songs as a counterpoint to Glyphs, if youll pardon my pun. Jeb looked at him for a moment, trying to find the pun. The Bard grinned, continuing Glyphs are fundamentally static in space and time. At the levels youre working in, another hint of a melody, you can think of them as points connected in space. Mana travels through those points, aspecting and shaping into the effect you want as it does. That more or less aligned with how Jeb saw Glyphs, which was a relief. There was a part of Jeb which always worried that the way he was learning Glyphs was wrong. The Bards comment of at the levels youre working in, was an interesting one. Jeb wondered what that could mean. That was a question for later, though. Now was for listening to the Bard. Songs, at least formal Bard songs, Jeb was beginning to understand that the Bard was very concerned with precision in his language, are fundamentally static as well, though in different ways. At lower levels, like the Songs youll learn in the near future, they revolve around a single note, often called the Drone. At higher levels, the Drone often becomes a melody, and at very high levels even multiple lines, but thats beyond what is helpful now. On top of the Drone, notes in time aspect the Mana as you keep playing, producing whatever effect youre hoping for. The Bard pulled out his lute, clearly planning to demonstrate. Now, to be fair, the Drone note is often implied more than played in actual use, but that does bring up another difference between the two Magics. In Glyph Magic, the effects are primarily prescriptive. The Mana flowing through the points of light cause the same effect each time, with anything not explicitly stated by the placement up to your control. In Song Magic, though, the effects are mostly descriptive. The intention behind what youre doing is just as important as the notes youre playing, if not more so. Its for that reason that Bards can perform their Magic even without making explicit music, a flame sprouted on the Bards hand, while Glyph Mages always need access to their Glyphs. The Bard started playing. A glimmer of lights started floating above the two of them, which Jeb assumed was the point of the Song. Can you feel the Drone of this song? Jeb listened hard, trying to find what didnt change as the music flowed. Eventually, he admitted he couldnt. What about now? the Bard shifted what he was playing, emphasizing a single repetitive pattern. It sounds almost rhythmic, Jeb said. Good catch! In Second Tier Songs, for all that the term is more or less meaningless in practice, the Drone shifts from being simply a tone to having rhythmic effect. Do you notice anything else about the Song? Jeb focused on listening to the music. It sounds like youre repeating the same parts of the scale over and over, he finally answered. Great listening! Keep this up and I wouldnt be surprised if you get an Auditory Identification Skill. Modern Bardic Songs tend to use harmonies built around three chords that they cycle between. Then again, that also depends on the philosophy you take. Others argue that the system relies on a single harmony that the other two chords imply and lead to, but thats also a lesson better saved for Theory. Is that how Bardic Songs are static? Jeb asked. Exactly. While the Song is constantly moving, it does so in a loop. At a high level view, moving in the same set pattern is the same as not moving at all, after all. Jeb thought about that for a while as the Bard kept playing. Im not sure if I agree with that, he finally said. If I run in circles all day, Ive still moved a lot. Id get the Quest Notification for Running. On the other hand, the Bard retorted, if someone saw you at the beginning and end of your run, would they be able to tell that youve moved? Thats a fair point, Jeb admitted. You also dont need to agree with me yet. Id rather you think about what Im saying and disagree than blindly agree. That being said, though, is your disagreement something you feel fundamentally prevents you from trusting the rest of the lesson? No! Jeb replied instantly, Sorry, no. Im happy to go along with that answer for now, even if I dont fully agree yet. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. I appreciate the assent. Now, its important for me to note here that Im going to be teaching you the Standard Bardic Curriculum as it stands now, or at least as it stood three years ago. There are a number of Curricula, and none of them are objectively better in all cases. Since youre likely to be spending most of your time in the Republic, though, the Republic Standard is likely to be the one used by most people youll interact with. Seeing Jebs confusion, the Bard moved on. Now, the most important difference between Bardic and Glyph Magic is not in the way Spells are formed. Rather, their fundamental difference lies in the way that they interface with general reality. Bardic Magic does not take our creations from some idealized reality, nor does it reshape existing creations according to a claim towards objective perfection. Bardic Magic neither creates from nor takes creation from some idealized reality, nor does it reshape existing creations according to a claim towards objective perfection. Rather, Bards reshape reality towards their own ideal, subjective as it is. Im not sure I understand the distinction, Jeb admitted. Take this stone, for instance, the Bard said, holding up a stone that may or may not have been in his pocket a moment ago. If I were a Glyph Mage, I would know that in the perfect version of reality, the stone would have a sharp edge. If I was prepared and had the right Glyph, I might use Stonesharpen, to shape this stone into a blade. If instead, I had Shape Stone, I could still turn it into a blade, though that would rely more on my will to actively shape the Spell. If all I had was a First Tier Spell of Shape Earth, I could remember that Stone comes from Earth, and still force the stone into what I know to be its perfect shape. As the Bard spoke, the stone in his hand seemed to flicker between a sharp blade and a smooth river rock. I think I understand, Jeb said. As he thought about it, that was the way that his mind tended to wander as he used Glyphs. When he Created Water, he knew on a deep level that there should be water there. Now, the different Statistics a Glyph Mage uses are also relevant here. If they have high Willpower, they can overwhelm the stones inclination towards remaining dull. If they have high Intelligence, they can more convincingly lie to reality as it is, making it what it should be. That sounded in line with what Jeb remembered from his Magic Primer, which was nice. As a Bard, I find this approach arrogant. After all, according to the Glyphs, the truest form of Water is not a river, or a lake, or an ocean. Rather, it is water devoid of anything else. Is that truly the purest form of Water? Seeing that Jeb was thinking hard about it, the Bard continued on. While that wasnt a rhetorical question, its also not a question we should spend time on now. Im sure that youll ponder that as you practice both Magics. The Bard continued, As a Bard, I would do something totally different. As a skilled Bard, I would find this stones Song. The Bard started playing notes on the lute, and Jeb could somehow sense that what he was hearing was, on some level, the stone the Bard was holding. As he focused, he felt a resonance with Gift of Gab. Once there, I would change its Melody, changing its Song to be sharper. Jeb felt the music shift and watched the stone turn into a knife. A more novice Bard, by contrast, would likely start with a Song of Sharpness, singing to the stone. In either case, my Charisma may encourage it to realize that what I want is also what it wants. Or, if I remain unpersuasive, I could overwrite its will to remain unchanged with my own Willpower. Jeb struggled to see the difference between the two Magics. Both were an imposition of your will on the world, which he mentioned to the Bard. The Bard reminded him that it was about the intent behind the imposition, which Jeb agreed with. Mind swimming in new thoughts, Jeb left the Inn. He was halfway back to the farm before he realized he hadnt been given anything to work on. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 1781/100
Total Statistic Load: 182
Physical Load: 109
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 18
Endurance: 27
Vitality: 35
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 73
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 16
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 335
Glyph Attunement: 9
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 25: Sing Me Song, Songman As Jeb opened the door to the Inn, he was surprised to see that the Bard was still sitting at the table. I was wondering when you would realize that youd left mid-conversation, he said conversationally. Your first Mana Backlash is usually the roughest, at least assuming your Magic Affinity, Mana Depth, or Mana dont suddenly and rapidly outpace your Willpower. How are you feeling now? Jeb thought about the question. I think Im feeling better. My mind feels less like its spinning around. What should I work on after this? I think now would be a good time to learn your first Song. Now, there are a number of different pedagogies for teaching Bardic Magic. Most all of them teach a different first Song, because their creator has an idea for a perfect path. Im no different. The first Song Ill have you learn is Lute Enforcement. The Bard stopped speaking, and Jeb recognized his role in the lesson. Why are you having me learn Lute Enforcement first? The Bard beamed. A number of reasons. There are three primary reasons, though. First, it will prepare you to cast primarily through your lute. Though the Academy will teach you to Sing silently, its important to start with audible Song. You can read, correct? Jeb was confused by the sudden segue. Yes? he replied, confused. Do you still speak when you read, or is it now a silent endeavor? Jeb thought about it. The Librarian taught us that we could read faster if we didnt mouth words, so he made sure that we all read silently. Personally, I think he also just didnt want the constant din of all of us reading aloud at once. The Bard stared for a moment, then shook his head, recovering. Right, I forgot that all of the children here get educated. He still started you reading aloud, though, right? My mother did, yes. Similarly, to learn Silent Song, you should start with audible Song. The second reason to learn Lute Enforcement is that it will attune the Lute to you. That will make any additional Magic you use it for easier. That makes sense, Jeb said. And finally, by casting primarily through your lute, it will help you to avoid future Mana backlash. Lutes are fundamentally static, so Mana backlash hurts them far less. Some would argue not at all, but- the Bard caught himself, sorry, another lesson that this is the wrong time for. Anyways, the important part of this lesson is teaching you the Song to learn. This is categorized as a First Tier Song, though the System doesnt recognize Song Tiers. Its built on a single tone, though you will likely have better luck if you dont play it. The room seemed to fill with a single pure note. The Bard glanced over at the bar and lowered the volume of the note. First, listen to the tone. Do you notice anything about it which isnt totally static? Jeb listened. As he kept listening, he realized that the tone felt like it was cycling. It slowly got slightly louder, peaked, then got quieter again. Now, then, on top of that- the Bard paused, thinking for a moment. Actually, I think that it will be more beneficial for you to figure out this Song by yourself. Im very curious what method you will use to learn the Song. What happens if I cant figure it out? What timeline are you working on? the Bard asked. Ive got until the next Census probably, Jeb admitted. Then Ill let you figure out how long to struggle before you give up on the Song. Come back when you either figure it out or cant make any progress. Jeb started to stand up again, before realizing what was missing from the lesson. Wait, what does the Song sound like? Glad you asked! The Bard started playing a simple repeating pattern. This is the base motif for the Song. Use that to help center and focus your Mana, mind, and will. Once youve done that, layer your Mana on top of the lute playing. Something deeper began sounding in the room. Then youll sing on top of it. The Bard started singing, though the words meant nothing to Jeb. Even Gift of Gab seemed unwilling to help him understand what was happening. This Song has three major effects. First, it will help retune and clean the lute strings, so theyll play better. Second, it will help the lute to stay in tune and strung for longer, and will help a little with the strength of the lute. Finally, it will help the tone and speaking. A well-infused lute can carry for miles and be quieter than a whisper as the Bard playing it needs. Jeb noted that none of the music had stopped, even though the Bard had stopped singing and playing the lute. Now then, the Bard said, somehow stopping the music, repeat the motif and sing after me. Jeb tried, but the pattern kept tripping up his hands. Calm down, the Bard advised, stop trying to remember what comes next and just start mirroring my playing. As Jeb did, the pattern started to feel more natural. The Bard stopped Jeb once he had done three repetitions without making a mistake. Ill leave you to figure out how to add Mana to that, he said, Now for the words. Can you read music? I think so? Jeb replied honestly, I did the Lute Quest to learn a song, and there were strange symbols which I think represented the notes and rhythms I was supposed to play. Good job teaching yourself! the Bard said, though you may want to check with the Librarian to see if you can get a book to learn the notation. Im just going to write out the syllables and music youll need for singing, because teaching you the music will be a lot more difficult than either of us wants to deal with right now. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Jeb had to agree. As he left the building, the tone that the Song was built on seemed to be resounding around him still. The gentle rise and fall seemed trapped in his mind. He walked into the Library and was immediately stopped by the Librarian. Jeb, are you aware that theres a Spell on you right now? Jeb looked into the Librarians eyes. The pages flashing by seemed angrier somehow. No? Jeb responded, confused. What Spell is on me? The Librarian stared just above his head. As far as I can tell, the Spell is just producing a sound. Should I remove it for you? Suddenly it clicked. Oh! Jeb exclaimed, I guess I do know what the Spell is. The Bard told me to learn a Song, and the tone that its built on has been playing in my head since I left. I was wondering if it was something Magical keeping it in my mind. It was, the Librarian said. I assume you dont want me to remove it, then? No, I think I should keep it, Jeb responded. Though, on a similar note, I was wondering if I could check out another book. At the rate youre going, Jeb, youre going to max out your Library Card, the Librarian said. That was news to Jeb. Wait, theres a limit to how many books I can check out? he asked incredulously. Before the Librarian had a chance to respond, though, Jeb realized that he had another question. I have a Library Card? The Librarian chuckled. Ill answer those in reverse order. Yes, you and every other literate Citizen has a Library Card. Since you havent tried to check out a book in any other Library branch, the Card is only linked here. I should probably fix that for you now, though, since you will be leaving soon. It sometimes takes time for the request to go through. Where are you sending my Card to? Hmm? Oh Im just linking your Library Card to the Library System. Dont worry, the books you check out still remain private. As soon as you return a book, it gets removed from your record. And, even while you have it checked out, only a Librarian can see that you have it checked out, and even then only if someone requests the exact edition you have. Thats nice and all, but why would I worry about the books I check out being private? Jeb asked. The Librarian gave Jeb a sad smile. I hope you never find an answer to that question for yourself. But, answering your other question, there is technically a limit to books you can have checked out, but that number is high enough you would actively have to work to reach it. What book are you looking for now? Jebs mind was racing, thinking of reasons he would need the books he read to be private. Still, he answered the question, the Bard recommended that I get a book on reading music notation. Easy enough, the Librarian said, grabbing a book from underneath the counter. Truthfully, I expected you to ask for this book a while ago, so I made a copy already. Thank you! Jeb said, leaving the Library. He put the book in his bag and hurried to the Farm to meet with his Aunt. Hed finally learn what happens in the Brew Barn. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 1781/100
Total Statistic Load: 182
Physical Load: 109
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 18
Endurance: 27
Vitality: 35
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 73
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 16
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 335
Glyph Attunement: 9
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 26: Brewing Part One As Jeb entered his home to drop off his lute, he ran into his aunt. I hope youre ready to learn how to Brew, she said. I am! Jeb rushed to his room to quickly drop everything off. When he came down, she was sitting by the stove, heating a kettle. Since we want to make sure you get Brewing and not Fermenting or Beer Brewing, lets start with tea. Pour the water over the tea leaves and try it every ten seconds. Tell me what you notice. Jeb did. The first drink tasted like water, as did the second and third. Slowly, though, the floral notes started coming through. Earthy flavors came in later. As he kept steeping the leaves, though, bitter flavors came in as well. By the time his aunt told him he was done, the water was cold and the tea was borderline undrinkable. Now, then, time to actually unlock the Brewing Skill. Theres two ways to do this: the fast way and the easy way. The easy way is just brewing a barrel of something potable. Sadly for you, she said with a wink, I dont keep quick yeasts around and nothing we have is worth wasting on a first brew. Instead, you get to earn the Brewing Skill the fast way: helping me with all of the brewing I have for the next week. Jeb was honestly excited to help. First, hed always been curious what was in the barn. Second, he knew that being able to brew would help him make any potions he could need. Im going to lecture first, his aunt called behind her as they walked to the barn. So, though the Skill is called Brewing, it is also incredibly helpful with wine making as well. In fact, it really helps with any sort of drink-making. Mostly, though, she continued, Brewing helps with non-distilled alcohol production. We can categorize the non-distilled alcohols into two categories. Generally, this means we have beer and everything else, but there are some exceptions on either side. The difference is in whether the sugar you ferment is readily available, or whether it needs to be extracted from the starting material. Once youve gotten the sugar out, though, the two processes are identical. The general process is really just adding yeast to water and the sweet thing you want to ferment, but there are a lot of details involved that I will be covering with you. When making beer, we cant just extract the sugars from the grain. We first have to prepare the grain to convert its starch into sugars yeast can use. We start by malting the grains well use. Follow me. His aunt started walking away, so Jeb hurried after, trying to remember everything shed said. Over here is the malting area. Jeb saw the room was filled with bags of dried barley, if the labels were accurate. We start by soaking and draining barley until it starts to germinate. Before malting, the grain will be starchy, which Im sure you know from all the barley bread youve had through the years. She handed Jeb one of the kernels, and motioned that he should eat it. It tasted like barley, which shouldnt have surprised him. When barley prepares to grow, it converts its starch into sugar so that it can grow. Once it has started to sprout, we spread the grain onto a single layer, she gestured to the little seedlings of barley which occupied most of the storage area, and we keep them humid until the barley has germinated. We also need to keep the air circulating around them so they dont cook themselves. Expect to have that as one of your responsibilities. After this stage, the barley has become sweeter. Jeb tasted one of the green pieces, and it was a little sweeter. Now, if we let the barley keep growing, we would end up with a field of barley, which is not our goal. So, we need to kill the barley seedlings, which we do by drying it off. Drying it serves two goals. First, it lets us store the finished malt almost indefinitely, which means we dont need to make a new batch of malt for every single brew. Second, though, is that it changes the flavor profile of the barley. His aunt gestured to the corner of the room that seemed to be covered in flames, for all that Jeb could tell there were none there. The traditional way to dry your malt is still the one your grandfather prefers. We put a mat on top of a large flame. The heat rising off of the pit slowly dries the malt as we monitor and turn it. It adds flavor from the smoke, but does not change the flavor of the barley itself too much. This is some malt from the last time we did that, she said, and handed him another grain. It tasted a little smoky and even sweeter. Another advantage of drying the malt is that it makes the growing bud dry and fall off. If we left it in, our beer would extract off flavors, like in the tea you just made. Now, while we still kiln some of our malt in the traditional way, I did convince your grandfather to build us a modern malting kiln. She led Jeb over to the large barrel of iron which had been turned on its side. With this, we can control exactly how dark the malt becomes, and we dont add any smokey flavor. The kiln sits over the flame and we rotate it, checking on the color of the malt frequently. It lets us darken our malt completely uniformly, and is where the science of beer brewing becomes a subjective art. The less time you heat the grain for, the lighter the malt is. The lighter the malt, the less sugar youve burnt, and so the more sugar you can ferment. That means that darker malts require more grain to get to the same amount of alcohol. However, the fermentable sugars you lose are converted into different and deeper flavors. Of course, there is also a color change. Darker malts are, as the name implies, darker. Beers brewed with them will be darker. She handed Jeb examples of the different grains, and he tasted them one after another. He noticed the way the flavor changed as the grains grew darker and darker. They were less sweet, but they gained new flavors. From here, we grind the grain into coarse meal, and we heat it to extract the sugars. In addition to extracting the sugars that have already been converted, the grains have catalysts that convert the rest of the starch in the meal into sugar. Once weve finished extracting, we have a sweet beverage, known as wort. Jeb tasted a batch that she had apparently been making that morning. It was almost sickly sweet. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. From there, we add bittering agents, which serve three roles. First, they help prevent other bacteria from invading the beer. Once you have the Brewing Skill, that shouldnt be an issue. Before you have it, though, adding the bittering agents cant totally protect from other bacteria. Second, it helps to keep beer fresh for longer. Third, it adds more flavors. The Empire standard is to use hops alone, though that has never been the norm for Brewers, so I will make sure you learn how to Brew with a variety of agents. Once more, Jeb tried a liquid. This one was bitterer, as hed expected. Once youve gotten your future beer to the same point as just crushing some grapes, you have a sweet liquid. You can add yeast at this point. Now, yeast is not a single ingredient, but an entire range of creatures. There are yeasts which ferment faster and slower, and yeasts that prefer hotter and colder temperatures. There are yeasts that add more and less flavor, and different yeasts add different flavors. It is vital that you pick the right yeast for your project. Some of the yeast weve bred to work well on malted wort, while others weve kept for wine or cider. If you use the wrong yeast for whatever you brew, you can end up with something that tastes wrong for the style, or something that may not ferment well at all. Something seemed strange to Jeb. If making beer is so much more work, why do we do it at all? Jeb asked, since it seemed so much easier to just have apples. Good question! his aunt said, A variety of reasons, five of which I can think about right now. First, we can store malt year round far more easily than fruit for wines or honey for meads. Second, wort generally has all of the nutrients yeast needs, which means that a beer ferments far more easily than other kinds of alcohols. Third, tradition. We have always made beer, and what kind of a Brewer would I be if I didnt follow suit? Fourth, the fact that we have far more barley and wheat than we do fruit, so its less of a problem to take it for brewing. And finally, beer just tastes good in a way that the other drinks dont. That makes sense. Jeb hadnt considered the fact that fruit was not as easy to grow in large quantities as wheat and barley. As he thought about what the farm had, though, it made sense. I think thats enough learning for today. Your eyes are glazing over the way mine used to when Id learned too much. Jeb was shocked to see that it was already getting dark out by the time he left the barn. He helped his mother with dinner and went to sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 1703/100
Total Statistic Load: 182
Physical Load: 109
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 18
Endurance: 27
Vitality: 35
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 73
Intelligence: 21
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 16
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 335
Glyph Attunement: 9
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 27: Glyphmaster Glyphmaster, Teach me a Glyph The next morning, Jeb woke up and went through his daily Quests. After seeing his Statistics grow, he went downstairs and found his Aunt Esther. Im fairly busy today, so I thought Id let you know that I wont have time for a full lesson. Im doing a tricky brew, and I dont want to risk it with spending my focus on explaining to you. Do you have other tasks you can work on? I do! Jeb exclaimed. As exciting as learning about Brewing had been the day before, the Song that the Bard had given him to learn was still beating in his head. Great, make a cup of tea to practice Brewing, then Ill see you tomorrow, she said. Jeb made the tea like he had the day before, tasting every thirty seconds. This time, pull the tea leaves out when youve brewed for the right amount of time, his aunt instructed. Jeb tried to, but noticed in the final product that hed started to extract the bitter flavors from the tea. Ill get it next time! he said. Im sure you will, she said, walking out the door. Jeb realized that the rest of his family wasnt in the kitchen. As he looked outside, he realized that it was still fully dark out. He knew that Endurance would reduce his need for sleep, but he hadnt thought it would reduce it that much. On the other hand, having more time to work on his Skills was a nice surprise. Jeb went up to his room to plan how he would learn the Song. As far as he could tell, there were five pieces he needed to have ready to learn the Song. First, he needed to make sure that he had the lute pattern down well. Somehow hed need to tie his Mana into his playing, which felt like it should be doable. Hed need to learn the vocal part and tie Mana into that as well. That meant hed need to learn how to read the music that the Bard had given him. It felt too early to start reading, so Jeb went with learning the lute pattern. Thankfully, he still remembered it from his meeting with the Bard. Or, at least, he remembered it well enough that he could tell when he was making a mistake. The tone playing on a constant loop certainly helped him to spot his mistakes. By the time that the sky was bright enough for breakfast, Jeb felt like he had the pattern down. If the other four tasks were as easy as this one, he might have the Song learned by the end of the day. Of course, he knew that the other ones would not be that easy. Breakfast passed quickly, and Jeb went back to his room. He looked between the lute and the book, deciding whether to learn to read music or try to tie his Mana to his playing. Both had their pros and cons, but Jeb decided to work on the Mana first. After all, he rationalized, Ill need to wait for my Mana to regenerate at some point. I may as well do that while I learn to read music. Jeb started plucking out the pattern again. Once he had it in his hands, he felt the tug of Meditation and slowly tuned out the rest of the world. He focused on his Mana, feeling Mana Manipulation start to activate. In his minds eye, he saw the loop of the base note for the Song. Above it, the pattern he was plucking out seemed to be looping twice as often. Jeb slowly fed Mana into the pattern, trying to figure out how to connect it. He remembered how the Mana Backlash had felt, so he kept an eye on his Mana levels. The string of Mana he was feeding started looping as well, which Jeb encouraged. It started out slower than the beat, which he knew was wrong on some fundamental level. It kept speeding up until it matched the pace of the beat. That felt right, but not fully, so Jeb kept speeding it up. Immediately, it felt worse again, and Jeb saw his Mana start to pour out. It was draining far too quickly, so Jeb tried to end the Song gracefully, or at least gracefully enough to not get Mana Backlash. Just before he felt his Mana fully empty, he closed off the Song. That was far too close. Jeb realized that he would need more Mana if he wanted to learn the Song. It was surprising, because he never ran out of Mana when learning a Glyph. A quick look at his Statistics reminded him of why that was. His Charisma was much lower than his other Mental Statistics. That left Jeb with two real options: increase his Charisma or increase his Mana. Both had their pros and cons, but increasing his Mana felt easier. After all, he knew that his Glyph Groking Questline would help with that, and he had the resources he needed to complete at least one of them.
Grok Glyphs
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn the four basic Spells from all four Primary Elements The study of Magical Glyphs is not to be bound to a single school. Learn Spells from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the next step on Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain Second Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, share one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another. (Repeatable, Locked) (Metagroking Chain First Quest)
The first Quest was the one he decided to do. Jeb made a quick list of the Spells he hadnt learned yet. He realized that he had never learned a Spell to move Water, which he had another Quest for. Jeb pulled out his Water Primer and looked at the Glyph. The Glyph for Least Shape Water was incredibly easy for Jeb to learn. He hardly felt the need to light the Glyph before he mentally connected the points in his mind. Jeb felt Least Move Air and his two Earth Shaping Glyphs resonating with Improved Glyph Groking and Least Mud Magic. Between all of those, he quickly imprinted a new Glyph into his soul.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest : Begin Your Magical Studies Second Tier Learn a Water Manipulation Spell. Building on what you learned, you have taken the next step in your magical studies. Rewards: 49 Experience, Mana +10
After Jeb accepted the Quest Notification, he was confused to see another Notification. He mentally accepted the prompt, curious what it could be.
Congratulations! You have completed the Questline: Begin Your Magical Studies Rewards: 737 Experience, Mana +150
Apparently completing Questlines was worth far more than the Quests that came before it. Jeb was fairly certain that more than half of the Experience hed gotten from Begin Your Magical Studies came from that last Notification. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. That might be enough for him to at least find the right cycling for his Mana, but Jeb didnt want to risk it. A glance at his Mana showed him that it hadnt refilled yet, so he kept learning Glyphs. Jeb paged through the Water Primer until he found the Glyph for Least Hold Water. This one was more difficult for him, though he still learned it quickly. After learning Least Destroy Water, Jeb realized that he was done with the Water Primer, at least for the foreseeable future. Maybe I should return the Earth and Water Primers, he thought. That was worth thinking about, though the Librarian had said that he didnt need to worry about the number of books he had checked out. As Jeb made his way through the Air Primer, he realized that his Magic Affinity had surpassed his other Mental Statistics. Magic Affinity should help him to learn the Song, at least if the Statistics name meant anything. It was surprising how he felt a resonance in his Least Mud Magic. Rather than the beneficial resonance, increasing the signal of his other Skills, it seemed to be interfering in them. Seeing that number rising made Jeb glad that hed chosen to work on Glyphs, rather than learning songs or something else to raise his Charisma. He quickly made his way through the Fire Glyphs as well. They went more easily than the Air Glyphs had. Jeb could felt like he could almost hear the resonance between the Glyphs in his soul as he learned Least Move Fire. They were singing out loudly enough that he almost expected someone to come ask what the noise was. Once the last Glyph had embedded itself in his soul, Jeb opened the new Quest Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Improved Glyph Groking Third Tier Learn the four basic Spells from all four Primary Elements
You have taken another step on the journey to learn Glyphs.
Rewards:
Mana +75
Intelligence +4
Unlocked First Tier Elemental Chain Third Quest Fourth Tier: Learn the six secondary Spells for each First Tier Element
59 Experience
Jeb looked at his new Quest
Grok Glyphs
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Learn the six secondary Spells from each First Tier Element Glyphs are not bound to a single effect. Learn the double-effect Spells from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the next step on Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain Third Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, share one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another. (Repeatable, Locked) (Metagroking Chain First Quest)
Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 2725/100
Total Statistic Load: 200
Physical Load: 114
Strength: 26
Dexterity: 19
Endurance: 28
Vitality: 37
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 86
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 25
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Least Shape Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 28: Learning to Sing Jeb looked at his Mana and saw that it still hadnt refilled. Learning Glyphs would take Mana, so he decided to work on learning to read music instead. The first pages of the book were spent explaining the value of learning to read music, which Jeb skipped. After all, he already knew why he wanted to learn. Once he got a few more pages in, though, he saw the pages filled with arcane strokes, like in the Lute Method Book. Jeb learned that hed missed a lot of meaning behind the symbols when hed learned the folk song. He hadnt done anything strictly wrong, but only because the piece was designed for a beginner on the lute. Jeb got lost in the text. He kept turning between the notation book and the Lute Method Book as he learned what new symbols meant. When he remembered to check his Mana, he saw that it was totally full again. Jeb started plucking the lute part again. The cycling note in his head and pattern on his lute quickly synced up. As he kept playing it, he noticed that they werent totally in sync though. His rhythm wasnt perfect, so some notes came slightly too early or slightly too late. That seemed like something he should fix before he tried adding in Mana again. After playing the loop what must have been dozens of times, Jeb realized that he had slipped into Meditation. It seemed to help his playing, so he tried to maintain the state while he added in Mana. This time, Jeb saw what happened when he began feeding Mana into the Song. Just like how he saw points and flowing light when he learned a Glyph, he saw three wheels spinning, each releasing a thread that wove together. The Mana and lute wove around the base note, merging into a single shape. Of course, Jeb still hadnt figured out the speed for his Mana. Watching it like this, he could tell that it was moving too slowly. He kept speeding up the wrapping speed until it was in time with his playing. Even then, though, something felt off. Speeding up the Mana, the weaving thread seemed to grow less and less stable. Then, just as Jeb was about to give up, the Mana seemed to lock perfectly into place. It was moving three times as quickly as the base note, and it felt somehow right. The thread was clearly missing something, which confused Jeb for a moment. Then he remembered that he still needed to sing and add Mana through his voice, which made sense. Jebs Mana was still pouring out faster than he thought it should. As he watched the thread grow, he realized that there was something wrong with his lute playing. He couldnt quite tell what it was, but it seemed less smooth than the other two strands. Jeb listened to his playing. Adding Mana to the Song had locked his rhythm in perfectly. As he kept listening, he realized that the strings werent perfectly in tune. Jeb turned the tuning peg ever so slightly, hoping to see what it did to the pitch. He apparently overshot, and the string went from too sharp to too flat. He just touched the peg, which thankfully brought the string into pitch. He went through the rest of the strings, bringing them all into pitch. As each one got to their correct pitch, Jebs Mana drained slower and slower. By the time he had the last one in tune, his Mana was almost entirely emptied, but he had plenty of time to unravel the Song. Jeb felt like he had learned musical notation well enough to try learning the vocal part of the Song, so he decided to start learning it while he waited for his Mana to refill. As he started singing it slowly, he realized that he was missing the absolute pitch to start on. A quick glance at the book showed him where the starting note should be on the lute, and so Jeb started to sing. He was singing it much slower than he remembered the Bard singing, but he also knew that he needed to learn the music first. Unlike with Lute Playing, Singing wasnt helping him learn new pieces at speed yet. Still, Jeb was learning the piece quickly, aided by the metronome. When his throat felt dry, Jeb used Least Create Water to fill the glass he kept by his bedside. As it filled, he remembered that he was trying to refill his Mana, not just learn to sing the Song. I feel like the hard part is going to be combining the Song, he justified. The lute and Mana combination is working fine right now. That excuse rang hollow to him, so he stopped singing and just focused on Meditation, refilling his Mana. Once it had refilled, he retuned his lute again and tried singing the Song. Now that he wasnt as focused on making sure that every note he played was right, Jeb heard the Song even as he watched it spin. The many notes he was plucking seemed to be causing a growing resonance with the drone in his head. He still couldnt tell what the Mana was doing, but the longer that he watched the pattern, the more that Jeb realized that he was holding too much control over it, at least if his Mana Manipulation Skill wasnt misleading him. He tried to let go of control, hoping that he wouldnt suddenly face Mana Backlash. To his surprise, his Mana use nearly stopped. The note and his lute playing seemed to be guiding the Mana more effectively than he had been. He tried singing, but his Mana immediately started to empty out. Jeb stopped the flow of Mana but kept playing the lute, trying to remember what the tempo was for the Song. As his voice grew tired, his singing and playing felt like they were resonating with each other. There had been some notes in the lute part that felt strange as hed practiced them. Now that he was singing along, though, they made sense. The two parts were in perfect counterpoint to each other. Jeb looked at his Mana, saw that it was still mostly full, and tried feeding Mana into the lute again. As he did, the interplay between his voice and lute seemed to fade away. Rather than two parts working in harmony, Jeb saw how they were really a single line that he could never do on either instrument alone. Circling around the other three strands, Jeb saw the wheel that represented his voice. It was spinning twice as fast as his lutes wheel, which felt right to him somehow. His Mana was draining faster now than it had been before he sang, which confused Jeb for a moment. As he watched, though, Jeb realized two things. First, his singing was not perfect, and the slight imperfections were affecting the thread of the Song. Second, his Skills were screaming at him that, just like Second Tier Glyphs had secondary pathways for Mana to flow, this Song also had another channel the Mana needed to flow through. Jebs Mana was low enough that he didnt feel comfortable trying to add the Mana to his vocal line yet. Instead, he tied off the Song, feeling the resonance die out of the room. Everything felt muted after that. Looking out his window, Jeb saw that it was nearly dark. He rushed down the stairs, hoping that he hadnt missed dinner yet. Thankfully, his family was just sitting down. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Welcome back, Aunt Bess! Jeb waved to his aunt. Shed just come back from the market, where she went monthly to sell cheeses and cows, along with whatever the rest of the family was trying to get rid of that month. Good to see you, Jeb, she replied, before continuing into what was clearly a story shed begun before Jeb had come down. The Merchants were all totally sure that we would be having another tax increase this year, she said, and most of them think Farmers will be hit harder. Apparently one of the wars isnt going as well as the Empire had hoped, or the enemies burnt their farms behind them, or something like that. Jeb listened in horror. What could drive someone to destroy their farm? Even if he wasnt a Farmer, he still felt the connection to the land from working on it in his childhood. Every piece of the land connected him to his family. The family muttered at the likelihood of an increase to the tax. Theres no point in bemoaning something we cant control and dont know for certain, his grandfather said, trying to calm his family down. And even if we get a higher tax this year, the harvest looks like itll be good, and we managed a second harvest last fall. Still, if any of you see other Farmers, make sure to let them know were always here if they need a hand in the fields. No one really needed the reminder, but Jeb was still certain that theyd pass the word. Farmers in the region always helped each other. Whoevers farm was being helped generally had a barrel of something to share with everyone when the work was finished, and it was one of the main ways that everyone kept in touch. For something like a barn raising, two or three dozen people might come from surrounding farms, which made every barn raising a bit of an affair. Truthfully, Jeb was surprised that there hadnt been any barn raisings since hed gotten his Class. Then again, they had replaced a lot of them the year before. Jeb realized hed missed the end of the conversation while he had been considering that. Jeb went back to his room after dinner to try putting the Song together. His lute had drifted ever so slightly out of tune, so he carefully adjusted each peg. He started playing and singing, waiting until they felt completely in sync with each other and the note in his mind. Once they had, he slowly fed Mana into the lute, watching the wheels spin. When theyd stabilized, he tried adding Mana into his voice. Once more, he felt like hed need to find the speed before the Song stabilized. With as quickly as his Mana was draining, though, he wasnt going to figure it out that night. Jeb closed off the flow of Mana and looked outside. It was well past dark. Apparently hed needed a while to get his voice and lute in sync. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 2725/100
Total Statistic Load: 200
Physical Load: 114
Strength: 26
Dexterity: 19
Endurance: 28
Vitality: 37
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 86
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 25
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 13
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Least Shape Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 29: Brewing Part Two Jeb woke up before the sun. Every day he felt like he slept a little less. Four Quests later, the sun still hadnt risen. His mother had just entered the kitchen when he came back from his run. Good morning Jeb, she said, stoking the fire. Good morning! he replied. Can I help you get the stove stoked? If youd like to, be my guest, she replied, stepping away from the stove. Moments like this were what Jeb hoped his future would bring. Instead of needing to gently coax a flame from the last dying coals, Jeb just activated his Least Create Flame Glyph. The fire started to take, but it wasnt even. Again, rather than needing to wait for the flames to even out, stoking and moving around embers, he just cast Least Move Fire. The flames shifted around, burning happily and evenly. As Jeb cut off the flow of Mana, the logs stayed burning, which made sense to him. After all, the water he summoned to shower off with didnt disappear when he was clean. Im beginning to see why you were so interested in Glyphs, his mother said. Anything else I can help with? Jeb asked. No, I do really enjoy the time in the morning to collect myself before everyone comes down. Jeb didnt miss the subtext in that message. See you in a bit then! he said, returning to his room. Inside his room, Jeb realized that he didnt have enough time to work on the Song. The first rays of light were starting to break the horizon, and he knew hed get lost in the Song if he started it. He had the brief thought of looking in his Bardic Magic book to see if it had any advice for learning Lute Enforcement, but he decided not to. After all, the Bard had told him to try figuring the Song out himself. As Jeb looked around, he realized that he had an issue. There were still endless tasks that he could work on, but none of them were doable in the time before breakfast. Then again, he did have the Musician Skill now. Maybe learning a song would be doable before breakfast, especially since he could read music now. Jeb turned to the second song in the book. It wasnt familiar, but that was ok. This one had both a vocal and a lute line, which he hoped might give him two Quest Rewards. He turned on his metronome and started plucking out the notes. Compared to the Songs pattern, this song was incredibly easy. The same was true for the vocal line. Learning the words took slightly longer than the melody, but he still finished well before breakfast. Looking at his Notifications, Jeb saw that he did, in fact, get multiple Quest Rewards.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Singing First Tier Learn a song Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Jeb realized he had never looked at his Musican Skill, so he took the time to do that as he packed up his lute and walked downstairs.
Musician: Synergy Skill (Lute and Singing).
By demonstrating proficiency in more than one instrument, you have shown yourself as a Musician. New instruments will come more easily as you continue to learn instruments, and practice at one instrument will carry over to other instruments. Quest: Minor, Make Music (Progressive)
Make Music
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn an Instrument What is a Musician without something to play? Learn another way to make music.
Minor Quest First Tier Serenade Someone What is a Musician who doesnt share his music? Share your music with another.
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a Song Even if you arent a Bard, knowing something that can help keep your instrument in tune is well worth it. Learn a Bardic Song
It was strange to him that learning an instrument would be a higher Tier Quest than learning a Bardic Song. Then again, he felt like he might be close to learning the Song, and hed only started working on it the day before. Jeb saw that the sun was high enough that it was nearly breakfast time, so he made his way down the stairs. At the table, the family was far more subdued than normal. What conversations were happening all revolved around the news of an increased tax. Jeb, are you ready to work on Brewing? his aunt asked him after breakfast. I am! Lets start with malt then, she said, walking away. When they got to the roaster, Jeb watched as his aunt started gathering sprouted malt. Weve got another request for a light ale coming up, so we need to prepare more malt. Were starting to run low on light amber malt, his aunt said, gesturing to the storage against the wall. Three barrels filled with grain didnt feel like running low to Jeb, but he knew better than to voice that doubt. Your job right now is to spin the wheel and keep the flame burning at the right level. Feel free to use whatever Glyphs you have to make it go better for yourself. Jeb went over to the log pile and started gathering wood. He knew that he probably wouldnt have the Mana to rely solely on Least Create Fire, so he wanted to keep an actual fire there. That way he could rely on Least Move Fire to keep the flames even. Wheres the kindling, Jeb? she asked as he started piling logs underneath the kiln. I have Create Fire, I dont need kindling anymore. Great, then start building the fire up. Ill tell you when its high enough. Jeb started building the fire. Thankfully, his aunt wasnt asking for a roaring inferno, just something fairly hot. He started to turn the tub as she poured in the malt. Faster! We need to keep all the malt at the same temperature, so that we dont have uneven browning. Jeb started to spin faster. Hold it at that rate. Jeb saw that the flames were starting to grow a little larger than shed asked, so he stopped casting Create Flames. The fire immediately died down. Then it died down too much, and Jeb had to add another log to the fire. Every three or so minutes, his aunt pulled a few kernels from the tub and showed them to Jeb. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Do these look done to you? she asked, handing him one to taste. I dont think so, Jeb replied, noticing how the flavor changed each time. Good answer. Keep spinning and add another log next time we check. Finally, after Jeb felt the sweat completely soak through his clothes, she called it to a stop. Great job. The malt is done, and now we just have to let it cool. Aunt Esther, how do you normally cook the malt? Do you spin and heat and check it all at once? Normally I just connect the tub to the water wheel. It spins at the rate I need, and then I just have to watch the fire and add logs to it every so often. She saw that Jeb was about to speak, so continued, before you ask, because getting Skills requires working hard, even and especially when theres a more efficient method you can use that doesnt result in work. That was familiar from his time working on Animal Handling. He helped her empty the tub into a second one, which had water circulating around it to cool it down. Once we cool this down, its on to grinding. Jeb helped wheel the tub of malt to the small grain mill they used for malt. Do I need to turn the wheel for this one too? Good instinct. Start turning. His aunt smiled at him, and Jeb could tell hed volunteered wisely. He started turning the mill as she poured the grains in. It came out as a rough grind, far too coarse for flour. Off to go prepare the wort. How much water can you make with your Glyph? I havent tried in a while, why? The water you make doesnt have any bacteria in it, and it doesnt have any minerals either. Personally, I like being able to control how much of what is in my brew, so I often have to steam collect water to get the starting liquid. With you here, though, she trailed off. Ill see how much I can do. They came to the large basin where the wort making would take place. Start filling it, she said, and Jeb cast his Create Water. Hed gotten better at the Glyph from using it every day, and it was nowhere near as mentally taxing as it used to be. He directed the water to go onto the pile of roughly ground malt and watched as the water leached color out of the malt. Compared to the struggle to get his Mana to do what he wanted in the Song, it was nice to have his Mana just respond instantly to his desires. Im running out of Mana, he said a few minutes in, I can probably keep filling it for another minute or so. It was incredible how much longer his Mana lasted now that he had much more of it. Thats fine, dont exhaust yourself, she replied. Ill start filling the tub with the distilled water. He watched as she turned a dial. He saw the water start pouring down from a spout he hadnt seen. The water filled up much faster than his casting, and Jeb was reminded again of how little his Magic could really do. Now we need to heat this to the point that the enzymes will start making the sugar, and well hold it there for about half an hour. After that, well drain off the liquid and give the spent wort over to your uncle for feeding the pigs. Start building the fire. Jeb was beginning to regret his choice as he stood in front of another fire, this time building it far higher. After all, they had to heat all of the water in addition to the grains this time. Though, without the need to turn a basin constantly, the work went far more easily. His aunt gave the direction, and he turned the knob at the bottom of the basin, draining the liquid into another pot that had also been heating. They boiled it for ten minutes, to make sure anything inside was dead, before she added in the hops. I really should have had you pick these hops, but theres only so much time in the day. Next batch youll need to do that for sure. She showed him how to quickly cool down the basin, which had the side effect of warming the water they needed for other uses in the building. When the wort had cooled, Jeb added in the yeast cake that she directed him to use. This will ferment fairly quickly, and it gives a fair amount of flavor. With as little malt as this beer has, its important that it has some taste, not just water. She showed him how to measure the density, and then they closed the fermenter and walked away. Jeb wasnt surprised that it was well after dark, but it certainly helped justify how tired he was. He went to his room and fell straight asleep, barely remembering to wash off first. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 2864/100
Total Statistic Load: 207
Physical Load: 119
Strength: 27
Dexterity: 20
Endurance: 29
Vitality: 39
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 88
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 25
Mana Depth: 3
Charisma: 15
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Conjure Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Least Shape Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 30: Modifying Glyphs Jeb woke up and went through his daily Quests again. He saw his mother in the kitchen again, once more preparing to stoke the flames up. Can I help again? he offered. Be my guest. It was easier to stoke the flames up and get the stove ready to cook than it had been the day before. Jeb attributed that to the practice he had with the malt. In his room, he quickly learned another song for lute and voice. It was nice that his Charisma was slowly catching up to the rest of his Statistics. At breakfast, he found his aunt. Today well start by learning about hops, since I need to harvest them soon. She led him to the trellises outside the brewing barn. Its important that we keep close eyes on the hops. If there are any male plants around, the hops will go to seed, which is great for making new varietals, but absolutely terrible for producing hops for Brewing. As much as we can, we keep the males in the greenhouse so they dont ruin any of the hops we have here. His aunt led him through the full series of hop varietals that they were growing. We tend to dry most of our harvest, but theres something special about a fresh hop added at the end of the brewing process. We dont have them for long, though, so thats only really a harvest time special. Jeb listened attentively, really wishing that he had a slate to take notes. Most of his day was spent preparing the grains for malt and roasting. He had to water the sprouted hops, monitor the unsprouted hops, and kiln what felt like endless numbers of malts. Each time his Mana regenerated, his aunt also had him empty it filling the tank. When he asked why, she explained, if you think Im about to ignore a source of free, pure water, you would be completely wrong. It felt strange to be used for his Magic, though Jeb couldnt really say anything. If the positions were switched, hed certainly be using his nephew to make the water. It did make him wonder whether there was an efficient version of Conjure Water that would work. After three cycles of watching his Mana fill and empty, it was time to break for lunch. His aunt lectured about proper hop care the entire way back to the home, and Jeb started to feel how well Brewing would synergize not only with his future goals, but with Soil Savvy and Pollination. When they finished eating, Jebs aunt surprised him. I know youve been meaning to learn some Bardic Magic. You should take some time and go practice now. A few hours here and there wont make Brewing take too much longer to get, and Im almost out of busy work for you to do. Jeb wasnt about to look a gift horse in the mouth, so he went up to his room to start practicing. He checked the tuning of the lute and started plucking through the pattern. As he slowly fed in Mana, he felt the resonance building. Each repetition felt like it was adding another layer to some grand song. Somehow, though, Jeb could tell that the lute was out of tune. When he fixed the tuning, the resonance shifted. What had been a growing chorus before was just becoming a single line that grew deeper with each cycle. In his mind, he saw it like etching something into wood. Before, each stroke had been slightly above or below the previous. Now, though, each one dug directly into the same point. As he watched his Mana, Jeb realized that it was hardly dropping at all. The resonance hed built was that stable. Adding in his voice, Jeb again heard the Song break into a chorus. He was unable to bring the Song back into unison by the time he ran out of Mana. As tempted as he was to learn more Glyphs, Jeb felt like he should go back to learn from his Aunt. Back so soon? she asked, seeing Jeb open the door. I ran out of Mana, he admitted, and it seemed like a better use of my time to keep learning Brewing than to find something else to do while I wait for it to refill. Well, I was about to check on the brews, so Ill just lecture on that now. I check the beers most days, if only to make sure that theyre fermenting properly. Now, there are a few schools of thought as to how often you should check your brews for fermentation progress. His aunt continued to lecture about Brewing philosophy as they made their way to the different fermenters. Jeb realized that the numerous containers probably all had different brews in them, at least given the fact that his aunt wasnt having him make more batches of beer. Aunt Esther, are there other beers youre brewing right now? No, the rest of these are meads, country wines, and ciders. Well, thats a bit of a lie. These five over here, she gestured to five fermenters that had been put slightly further away than the rest, are for those. The rest of the fermenters are for your uncle. It takes a lot more beer to make a glass of whiskey than you might think, though thats probably something hell work with you on when you start working on Distilling. Still, it doesnt hurt to tell you that theres a reason were teaching you Brewing before Distilling. Most Distilled projects come from something Brewed, so being able do Brew is fairly essential for any would-be Distiller. Jeb listened raptly. He had assumed there was some reason for which Skills he was learning in what order, but thought it was more to do with who was free when, rather than actually needing baseline Skills to build on others. By the time theyd finished measuring and recording the densities of all the brews, including the ones destined for the Distilling, his Mana had recovered. I take it by the look in your eyes that your Mana is back? It is! Jeb confirmed. Come back whenever you run out again, she said. Jeb went back to the home. Back to practice? his sister asked. Yeah! Jeb exclaimed, excited to learn the Song. How much longer are you planning to play the same piece? Its starting to get a little repetitive. Im not sure, Im trying to learn a Bardic Song, and I keep feeling like Im about to finish it. Then when I fix whatever issue I find, I realize that I was really making more than just that mistake, Jeb said, realizing how much it sounded like an excuse. That makes sense, his sister said, surprising Jeb, I was wondering why the tone sometimes sounded so different, but it being Magical makes sense. I wont keep you, she gestured to the stairs. Jeb pulled his lute out of its case and started playing again. Once more, with just the lute and the Mana strand for it, he was able to get the Song into a single note. When he tried singing, though, it was still slightly out of alignment. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb tried stopping the flow of Mana. When he did, he realized that hed been changing a few of the sounds when he fed Mana into the Song. Even without the Mana flowing, he still needed to think about what to sing. That was almost certainly going to be an issue, because it took significant effort to keep his Mana flowing exactly right. Since he just needed to practice the non-magical parts of his Song, Jeb saw no reason not to use his Mana for something useful. Back already? his aunt asked. I realized that I dont need my Mana to practice the Song right now, Jeb said, and I figured that I could be useful making water. Of course Ill take an offer for free completely pure water. Start whenever you want. His aunt seemed happy that hed come to the idea himself. As Jeb started singing, his mind started wandering. Something about the Least Conjure Water Glyph was bothering him. He was just trying to produce as much water as he could as quickly as he could. Improved Glyph Groking told him that there was something in the Glyph that was stopping him. Jeb stopped practicing the Song and cut off the Spell. He brought the Glyph to mind and imagined the flow of Mana through the Spell. Something about it was clearly limiting the Mana throughput, which he normally wanted. After all, if he just immediately used all of his Mana, he wouldnt be able to control what happened. That wasnt an issue now, though, so he tried to find what part of the Glyph was responsible for it. Staring at Least Conjure Water alone didnt come with any revelations. As he started looking at the other Glyphs he knew, though, Jeb saw that they all shared a part of their flow. Continuing to look at all of them, there was a loop that he saw used the slightest bit of Mana to prevent it all flowing out at once. It probably wouldnt save that much Mana to not have to use that loop, but every bit counted, and Jeb had a feeling this would finally complete his Mana Manipulation Quest. Modifying Least Conjure Water in his mind was easy enough. It was a First Tier Spell Glyph in an Element he had an Affinity towards, and hed cast it more times than he cared to count. As he rerouted the flow of Mana, he could tell that it was not becoming a new Glyph, but he could feel that he would be able to choose how to cast it in the future. If he wanted to be able to do the same for the other Glyphs, though, he would have to manually change them all too.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Modify a Spell Glyph. Keep changing the Spells you know to fit your needs, rather than the opposite. Rewards: 39 EXP, Magic Affinity +1, Mana Depth +1.
Jeb saw that this Quest was apparently also repeatable. It did make him want to try raising his Mental Statistics a little, but he decided to see how the new Glyph worked first. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3042/100
Total Statistic Load: 216
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 92
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 26
Mana Depth: 4
Charisma: 17
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud Tier 2 Spell
Least Shape Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire Tier 1 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 31: Act First Think Second Jebs aunt looked over at him. Is everything ok Jeb? she asked, seeming concerned. Everything is fine Aunt Esther! he replied, I just had an idea for how to use my Glyph more efficiently. Jeb called Least Conjure Water to mind. This time, he focused on the version of the Glyph that had no limit. Almost as soon as the Glyph activated, Jeb was out of Mana. It had rushed out of him in an instant. Jeb saw the water level in the tub raise instantly. Then he suddenly felt faint. What just happened? His aunt rushed over, concerned, as Jeb collapsed to the floor. In retrospect Jeb realized that he hadnt told her that he was about to try a modified Spell Glyph. I had a Quest to modify a Spell Glyph, and I figured out that theres a control on each Spell that lets me stop casting it before I exhaust my Mana. Apparently it also serves as a speed limiter, which makes sense because... Jeb trailed off at the look Aunt Esther was giving him. You didnt think it was important to tell me that you were going to try something like that before you did? What if something had gone wrong? Jeb was glad she had framed it as though nothing had gone wrong. I hadnt thought of that. I was just so excited about finishing that Quest that I wanted to try it out right away. Next time you do something new, just try to give me a heads up. You definitely made more water, though, so thats an improvement. Before Jeb celebrated too much, he realized that he had another variable to consider. The increase in his Mana Density might have done something for the amount of water he produced. Do you know how much water I produced this time? Four gallons, two pints, and four ounces. Why? I wasnt sure how much of the difference came from removing the limiter in the Spell and how much came from the increase in my Mana Density from the Quest, so I was going to try to modify another Glyph to raise my Mana Density again. Wouldnt it be easier to just recast the Spell normally to see the difference, rather than adding another variable? His aunt asked. Yes, Jeb admitted, but I really do also want to modify my Glyphs. My Mental Statistics are lagging pretty far behind my Physical Statistics. Oh? What are your loads? 124 points in Physical and 94 in Mental. Jeb hadnt realized how much higher his Statistics had grown since hed gotten his Class. It was strange to think that just a little bit ago, hed had had 90 points between all ten of his Statistics. A 94 in your Mental Statistics before Second Tier is really good, but what have you been doing to raise your Physical Load so high? She seemed almost concerned. I got the Athletics Synergy Skill from Running and Lifting, so every day that I run for my Endurance and lift for my Strength I gain a point in each of those with two points in Vitality. Then I stretch for my Dexterity, which gives me a point in that. Since youre a Mage, you will almost certainly want higher Mental Statistics than Physical Statistics. Go take the rest of the day to modify your Glyphs. Jeb stood up and ran back to his room, only barely remembering to grab his lute on the way. In his room, Jeb looked at the list of Glyphs hed learned. Somehow, seeing that he knew 18 Spells was both far more and far fewer than he felt like hed worked for. He started at the second Glyph on his list and started working down. Thankfully, modifying a Glyph took nearly no Mana, so it was still refilling as he worked on them. When hed finished modifying Least Shape Earth, he accepted the Quest. A part of Jeb was curious if it would get easier to modify the Glyphs as his Magic Affinity increased.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Modify a Spell Glyph. Keep changing the Spells you know to fit your needs, rather than the opposite. Rewards: 39 EXP, Magic Affinity +1, Mana Depth +1.
After each Glyph, he did find that he was working a little faster. By the time that he got to Least Hold Fire, it took him longer to accept the Quest Notification than to actually modify the Glyph. When they were all changed, he made his way back to the barn. Jeb practiced singing and playing the Song until his Mana had refilled, then he found his aunt. Ready? he asked. Go for it, she said. Jeb activated Least Conjure Water again. As the final point lit up, Jeb felt like time slowed down. In what was either an eternity or an instant, his Mana pool went from totally full to completely empty. Before, Mana had felt like light coming out of Jeb. It was thin and insubstantial. Now, though, Jeb felt like he was nearly pushed back from the force of Mana leaving his body. Any difference? he asked from the floor. Ill say, his aunt replied, thankfully not commenting on his latest collapse. You made at least eight gallons, at which point I had to switch to a different reservoir. What is your Mental Load at now? I got 34 points from the Quests, so now Im up to 126! Jeb was excited. His Mental Statistics had just surpassed his Physical ones. Go to sleep! He was not expecting his aunt to respond so negatively. Its really stressful to the body to suddenly raise your Statistics so high. Anything over 10 percent of a Statistic as a gain you should do right before you sleep so your body has time to adapt. Jeb stood and went back to his room for a short nap. Well, hed intended to take a short nap. The sky had grown dark by the time he woke up, and everything felt slightly different. The Mana in him somehow seemed closer, as though he could actually feel it moving around. As he watched it, the Mana seemed to start to move to the single note the Bard had tied to him. That bore thinking about in the future. He rushed back to the barn, partially to make sure his aunt was not worried, but more-so because he thought he might be able to play the Song finally. His aunt was still in the barn when he came back, which was a bit of a surprise. Normally she left when everything was done for the day, and hed finally realized that his being there was only a hindrance to her normal pace. Without needing to explain what she was doing, his aunt could run through the days tasks in just a few hours. Have you been skimping on your sleep? she asked, a smile on her face. I didnt think so, but apparently. I barely made it into my bed before I fell asleep, and I dont remember a single dream. I was out like a candle. Jeb was beginning to worry. If it was so abnormal to take time when gaining Statistics, maybe hed done something horribly wrong. It was clear that his aunt saw his face start to change, because she quickly started talking again. Im just messing with you. Quintupling your Mana Depth, or any Statistic for that matter, would leave anyone out for a few hours while their body tries to reestablish a baseline for what it means to feel normal. Id offer to have you do something to work on Brewing, but quite frankly theres nothing left to do. I didnt expect you to be back tonight. Why are you back? Honestly, I forgot my lute, and I was planning to practice the Song Im working on. That makes sense. Make sure to get to bed early tonight, though. Your body needs time to adapt to the changes, and a good nights rest will take you further than a nap, even a long one. She handed Jeb his lute case, and the two of them made their way back to the house. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Jeb went up to his room and pulled out his lute. As he started to pluck the strings, he felt his Mana resonating within him, even without spending it. Singing along, he felt the places where the Song stuttered ever so slightly. This is convenient, he thought. Nonetheless, sleep was calling, so he put the lute away. Jeb felt himself lulled to sleep by the gentle movement of his Mana. Jeb woke up at sunrise the next morning, far later than he had been. Rushing down the stairs, he saw that his family was already seated for breakfast. Did something happen, Jeb? his mother asked, I didnt see you this morning doing your exercises. Wait, one of his uncles said, what exercises? Every morning I do my Running, Lifting, and Athletics Quests, Jeb said, because you all agreed that it was important for me to raise my Vitality. Jeb, what are your Statistics right now? his grandfather asked, seeing his Aunt Esther gesturing. Jeb went through the list. As he did, his family all seemed to realize that theyd forgotten to give him advice. Jeb, your Physical Statistics are much higher than a standard First Tier would have. His family nodded along. I dont see the problem, Jeb said, you told me that there was no downside to having higher Statistics. Generally, thats true, his grandfather confirmed, but Ive been reading up on Magical Class Theorycrafting. The rest of his family seemed as surprised as Jeb to hear that. For Mud Classes especially, he went on, ignoring the gasps and looks, having anything approaching parity between Physical and Mental Statistics tends to lead into Spellsword territory. Jeb thought about that. He hadnt wanted to be a Mage, but he was really enjoying the Magic he learned. What would being a Spellsword be like? Jeb knew that at higher Tiers, people often needed to perform actions in line with their Classes to get enough Experience to level up. If he remained some sort of pure Mage, he could satisfy that with casting Glyphs or Scribing them even, probably. But, if he got a Spellsword Class, hed almost certainly need to start fighting. Could he really handle having to kill, not to protect himself or his loved ones, but simply so that he could gain a level? Even if he could, would he want to be that sort of person? I understand, grandfather, Jeb said, Thank you for letting me know now. With that out of the way, though, his grandfather continued, what have you been doing to keep your Mental Statistics growing that quickly as well? Jeb went through the different Skill Quests that hed been offered and how they raised his Mental Statistics. As he wound down the story, he realized that he had another question. Grandfather, did you happen to see anything about which Mental Statistics I should be prioritizing? he asked, thinking of the book on Magic that hed read what felt like years ago. Bah. Anyone who tells you that you need to focus on a single Statistic to the exclusion of others before the seventh tier is either a liar or wants you to be easily controlled. Theres a balance to the different Statistics, and one that is dangerous to try breaking at low Tiers. What do you mean? Jeb asked. No one had ever mentioned something like this to him before. I usually need to explain this using Physical Statistics, so thats what Ill do. If you grow your Dexterity without growing your Strength, you might find that your body can no longer stay stable when even a breeze hits against you. If you grow your Strength too high without raising Endurance to match, you might find that while, yes you can lift a mountain, you can only do it for the briefest of moments before your body gives out and the mountain falls down on top of you. Endurance without Vitality ends up meaning that your body cant produce the energy it needs to keep going, often leading to injuring yourself through overuse. Finally, Vitality without the other three Statistics can lead to breaking bones and muscles as you push harder than your body is capable of. What about Presence? Jeb asked, noticing its omission. Presence is a bit of an odd one out. None of the others are a problem to grow without growing Presence, though raising your Presence too high without raising the other Statistics will tend to make people overestimate what youre capable of. Having too low of Presence, on the other hand, will make people underestimate you. For some, keeping their Presence low is an intentional choice. His grandfather seemed totally unwilling to elaborate on that topic, so Jeb didnt push it. The rest of breakfast went smoothly, and Jeb followed his aunt back to the barn. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3705/100
Total Statistic Load: 250
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 126
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 17
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 32: A Brewer is Born In the barn, Jeb emptied his Mana into the water reserve, this time managing to stay on his feet. He noticed that the world felt lesser without Mana inside of him. It was hard to describe exactly what that meant, but he didnt like it. The rest of the day was spent helping with other brews and learning more about the specifics of Brewing. Jeb cooked a batch of dark rye malt, which his aunt explained was a beer they made only very rarely. As it grew darker, she started explaining how Brewers were taxed. During breakfast, the family realized that we have been keeping you somewhat sheltered. Normally thats fine, because you wouldnt be expected to go off on your own until at least the Seventh Tier. In your case, though, its likely that well have to say goodbye well before then. So, while you almost certainly wont end up a Brewer, I thought it might be helpful for me to explain the way that I am taxed. Jeb kept spinning the kiln as he listened. By this point in his training, he had developed an instinct for how the grains sounded as they slowly darkened. He still checked them regularly, but his predictions had gotten better with each attempt. As a Brewer, I owe ten percent of the beer I brew, either in coin or in physical beer. I generally pay the beer tax in kind, with the cheapest beer that I can brew. Jeb nodded along. For wines and meads, though, I owe twenty percent of what I produce, which is another reason I produce more beer than those. I almost exclusively pay that tax in coin, because the valuation of wines is based on Tier, relevant Skills, and location. Because of where we are and my more general Brewing Skill, my wine is taxed at a much lower rate than what Aunt Bess can usually sell it for at market, so its in my best interest to pay the cash tax. How did you decide which method to pay each tax? he asked. When I was getting ready to establish my Brewery, your grandfather hired an Economist to discuss the potential tax options with me. Technically speaking, paying my Brewing Tax in beer might still be a little more than the coin would cost, but its nice to have an option to get rid of any beers that didnt come out as well as I had hoped. So if you didnt want to pay any taxes in a year, Jeb thought aloud, you could just not produce anything? Me personally, yes, she replied, but thats because this is not my land. Your grandfather owns the entire estate, which means hes responsible for the general tax for the right to use the land. Dont you mean own the land? Jeb asked. She smiled sadly at that. We arent part of the gentry, she explained, and only titled nobility can own land. However, the Overseer in charge of this part of the country set the standard that Farmers were allowed to do to their lands as they wished without oversight, so long as their taxes were paid on time. That standard got passed down to the local Overseers and even the Tax Collectors, much as theyre loath to follow the restriction. Its part of why we all make such an effort to help other Farms. If any of us become unable to pay our taxes, we could all become subject to much stricter inspections. How could we become titled nobility? Jeb asked. The idea that his family was only able to live the life they could because of the benevolent negligence of the regional Overseer didnt sit right with him. His aunt laughed, then stopped suddenly. I was going to say have one of us become a Mage, but youve already done that. Its very possible that you could end up becoming a noble if you learn to play politics. That sounded terrible to Jeb, though he refrained from saying so. Theres far more to get into for taxes, but none of that becomes relevant until youre at least Sixth Tier. Before then, anything you produce will be taxed under whoever youre apprenticing to. You mentioned that since youre a Brewer, you get taxed on what you Brew. What if you were to make something else, or if Grandfather was to Brew? Great question! she seemed a little surprised that Jeb had asked. Its a little harder to answer, though. Generally, things that you produce for sale outside of your Class are taxed higher than they would be if your Class was centered around them. If your grandfather was going to make beer to sell, for instance, the tax rate would be twenty percent. The Republic wants to encourage people to play to their strengths. Something about that seemed strange to Jeb, but he wasnt sure what. Anyways, his aunt continued, the malt should be finished by now. Jeb checked the malt, and it was perfectly toasted. Once it cools down, transfer it into these containers, she said, pointing to two barrels. Im going to try storing half of it in a charred barrel to see if that does anything to the flavor profile. Im not too hopeful, but better to find out than not. Over the next week, Jeb slowly learned more about the administrative parts of running a brewery while doing various tasks around the Brewery. His aunt tried to make sure that the information was generally applicable to whatever business he might end up running in the future, eliding through details that were only true because she was a Brewer on a Tier Nine Farmers land. An hour into the eighth day, Jeb opened the Notification hed been waiting for.
Congratulations! By learning the fundamentals of Brewing from a Brewmaster, you have unlocked the General Skill: Brewing.
Congratulations Jeb, his aunt said. Ill let your uncle know to expect you tomorrow. Do you have something to occupy you in the mean time? Ive been meaning to get some work on the Song done, but I havent had the energy after Brewing all day, Jeb admitted. So Ill probably work on that. Jeb had planned to use the time before breakfast in the mornings to work on his Song, since he was told to stop doing the daily Physical Quests. After hearing most of his family complain about how early he was playing, though, he decided it would be better to not. You might want to do so around your hive, his aunt chided gently, you havent been spending much time near them lately. Jeb took the chastisement to heart. Im so sorry, Aunt Esther, I completely lost track of time with learning my new Skill and- I understand Jeb, I was young once too. Still, ignoring beings once youve gotten what you want from them is a terrible habit to get into, so I hope that youll work to avoid getting into it. Jeb went back to his room to grab his lute. Lute in hand, he went over to the hive hed established. He could tell that the bees were a little angry at him. Im really sorry for being gone, Jeb said, I lost track of time and forgot about you. Thats on me, and I will do better in the future. Thankfully, nothing bad had happened to the hive, and his aunt had been keeping an eye on them. The bees took the apology well and calmed back down. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Jeb told them about what he had been up to since the last time hed visited. Once he had caught the hive up, Jeb started playing his lute. A part of him hoped that hed get used to the feeling of his Mana resonating with every Magic-adjacent action soon. It was disorienting. Then again, the resonance did mean that he was able to catch when his fingers slipped or he missed a syllable. Jeb felt himself slip deeper into Meditation. A part of him saw that the sun was moving almost visibly fast, but he ignored that. Jeb gently began feeding the slightest bit of Mana into his playing. As before, wheels started spinning in his minds eye and a thread began weaving. He heard the notes in chorus and adjusted his tuning ever so slightly. The notes seemed to thrum into the world around him. Through the focus of his Meditation, Jeb saw the bees in his hive start to move to the Song. Somehow they understood it better than him. Still, a look at his Mana showed that it was stabilized. He carefully connected another strand of Mana into the Song, matching his voice. It was going the wrong pace, and he knew it immediately. The new strand had destroyed the shape of the thread. With his new Magic Affinity, though, Jeb quickly found the speed that it needed to rotate at. As the five wheels spun, Jeb saw them lock into perfect rhythm. The note in his mind was the largest, feeding the base of the Song. His lute moved twice as often, shaping around the note. His Mana moved three times for that two, dancing with the notes on the lute. His voice connected to the lute, doubling its rotations. His Mana moved in concert with the rest, moving five times, and pulling something from the other wheels. As he watched, it was almost like when his uncle would spin yarn out of wool. What had felt like a thread before now seemed entirely like one. Jeb watched as the thread left his mindscape and seemed to really exist in the world. It looped up and moved around, as though it was looking for his lute. As Jeb watched, the thread of magic slowly began to move towards the lute. They grew closer and closer as the five strands mixed and it grew longer. Just as it was about to touch the lute, though, Jeb felt his Mana run out. I dont know why that Mana backlash was so much worse, Jeb thought as he recovered. The thread had seemed almost angry, and snapped at him like a broken bow string. Rather than leaving a cut across his cheek, though, it felt like it was cutting into his very being. Jeb had never quite understood the distinction between his physical and spiritual self, for all that he knew his Mana was coming from somewhere else. He could tell the difference now, though. His body felt totally fine. His spirit, on the other hand, felt like someone had torn through it with a knife. Maybe my higher Mana Depth meant that the Mana did more, Jeb thought as the world around him spun. He was broken out of his Meditation, he knew. The bees seemed almost concerned. The pain in his spirit kept growing, and Jeb gave in to the call of sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3705/100
Total Statistic Load: 250
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 126
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 17
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 33: Distilling Part One Jeb woke up inside his bed. Something about that felt off, for all that he always woke up in his bed. Looking outside, it was nearly sunset. Maybe that was the issue? No, that wasnt it. Well, it was sunset, and that was strange, but that wasnt the issue at hand. Jebs mind felt strangely fuzzy as he tried to consider what felt wrong. Maybe standing up will help, he thought. With far less grace than his 21 Dexterity would suggest, Jeb finally made it out of his bed. Trudging to the door, he felt somehow disconnected from his body. Still, he managed to open the door and start walking down the stairs. At the bottom, he saw his family all gathered for dinner. They looked at him with concern. Are you ok, Jeb? his sister asked. Yeah! he said, though I am a little confused. It is sunset, right? Whats the last thing you remember? his aunt asked in a sharp tone. Jeb thought. Ummmm, his mind felt blank. What was a memory? Had he ever remembered anything? A look at his Status Sheet reminded him. I unlocked Brewing, he said, and his aunt nodded as though he should go on. And you told me that I should go talk to the bees? he inflected as a question. It felt like a truth, but he didnt explicitly remember it. And then? And then- he suddenly realized the issue. Oh no! Where did my lute go?! He didnt have the lute when he woke up. That must have been the issue. Right here, his aunt said, handing him the lute. Jeb quickly took it out of its case. Thankfully, the lute remained undamaged. So you went to talk to the bees, his aunt reminded him. I went to talk to the bees, Jeb confirmed. Holding the lute seemed to bring back some memories. I told them about what I had been up to, and then I decided to start working on the Song. And then? Jeb tried to remember. The bees were moving with the Song. I remember that clearly. I figured out how to get the five strands all weaving together into a thread, and then- Jeb stopped. What had happened next? I dont remember what happened next, he admitted. Well, youve been unconscious for nearly two days, an uncle finally chirped up. Maybe try not repeating whatever went wrong. Not the time, Esther snapped, Jeb, try to think about what happened. As Jeb started to eat, the fog on his mind started to lift. Knowing that he hadnt eaten for two days, part of the fog seemed reasonable. I got the cord moving right, and then I ran out of Mana, Jeb remembered the feeling of the thread snapping against his soul. He shuddered in memory. Then I had bad Mana backlash, and I must have gone back to my room to sleep? Jeb didnt remember walking back, but that was the only explanation he could think of. Do you remember walking back? his aunt asked, seeming serious. Jeb thought about the question. No? he finally replied. Good. You didnt walk back. Before Jeb could ask what that meant, she continued on. You collapsed in the middle of the field and one of your bees came to tell me. What went wrong? Jeb thought about that. I think I just didnt connect the thread of Mana to my lute, so it ended up backlashing against me instead. His family stared at him, and he realized how strange that must sound without context. Im really not sure how to explain it, he said. Do you think you can avoid it in the future? his aunt asked. Jeb thought about that for a moment. He didnt have a good way to increase his Mana, but he should be able to get his Song spinning more quickly. Maybe he could even guide the thread into the lute so it didnt need to search. Yes? he said, hesitantly. That doesnt sound confident, his uncle interjected. Pipe down. his aunt said. Well, Jeb, his Uncle Albert chimed in, while you consider how to learn your Song without passing out for days at a time, would you like to learn another way to lose track of time? He chuckled, then stopped as he saw that no one was laughing with him. I dont get it, Jeb admitted. It was a joke about how alcohol- his uncle cut himself off, never mind what the joke was. Do you want to learn Distilling with me tomorrow? At worst it will give you some more time to think about how to learn your Song. That sounds great! Jeb said. The idea of trying his Song yet felt somehow totally wrong. He knew his spirit hadnt totally healed. Dinner wrapped up and Jeb went back to his bed. To his surprise, despite having just woken up, he felt himself drifting off to sleep as he lay in bed. Jeb woke up relatively late that morning. The first rays of sunshine were just breaking the horizon. The fog was lifted from his mind, though his spirit still felt sore. After breakfast, Jeb followed his uncle to the Brewery again. Welcome to Distilling class, his uncle said, it should be much faster than learning Brewing. If we do it right, we should have you done with the Skill by the end of the day. Jeb nodded, growing excited. The most important thing to know about the Distilling Skill is that it does far less for a Distiller than Brewing does for a Brewer. A beer doesnt need to age for a decade, after all, and most of what you wait for is the few weeks to months as yeast settles down. Various Class Skills can help with that, though. So Distilling doesnt reduce aging times? Jeb asked. I hadnt planned to get into a Theorycrafting lesson on Distilling, his uncle admitted, so I dont have great answers to that. Yes, there are things Distillers can do to speed up aging. More than that, though, there are ways Distillers can improve the quality of what comes out of a still. He continued, Sure, you can drink something straight out of a still, but it wont taste good. Much of becoming a Distiller is in what you do to the liquid after it leaves the still. Since were helping you get this Skill for Magic, we can skip most of that information. Distilling as a Skill covers concentrating materials of interest by systematically extracting them with heat. I, not being a Mage of any sort, mostly concentrate alcohols. Jeb followed his uncle over to a looped creation of glass and copper. Today were going to make some firewater, as it is one of the few alcohols that is rarely, if ever, aged. At its best, it is just alcohol and water, which is part of why its less interesting to Distillers, though it has uses. If you make firewater with wood alcohol, for instance, you can make something vaguely poisonous. Jeb made a mental note for that. He didnt think he would need to poison anyone, but knowing how to was never a bad idea. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. After a moment of thought, he realized that it would also be good for him to know to avoid poisoning himself or others. To make firewater, we start with a fermented liquid, usually prepared by a Brewer. Since all we care about is the alcohol, we use whatever source of sugar comes cheapest and whatever yeast will brew it the strongest. Go ahead and try a sip of the mash. he gestured to the liquid in the pot. Jeb did. He nearly spit it out. It tastes awful, right? Thats because there are a lot of different and bad flavors in it that come from stressed yeast. If we were planning to drink it as is, we would need to let it age for a while just to let some of them degrade. Instead, we are just going to pull the alcohol off and leave the bad flavors behind. How do we do that? Jeb asked, a little confused. Alcohol and water boil at different temperatures, so if we slowly heat the mash, the alcohol will boil off first. We collect it, He pointed to the different copper contraptions in the room, and then cool it down. As you keep boiling it, different parts of the mixture start boiling off. Im still not sure I understand, Jeb admitted. Have you ever poured a bunch of salt or sugar into a glass of water and let it evaporate? Jeb nodded. Similar to how the sugar or salt was left when the water was gone, the water will be left when the alcohol boils off. Of course, without anything else to take the heat, the water will boil pretty quickly too. That is why we collect the distillate in various portions. Jeb watched as his uncle heated the copper device. A slow drip of liquid slowly poured into the container at the other end. Now, before I keep going, I would be remiss if I didnt talk to you about the two major kinds of stills. Generally, stills come as either pot or column form, his uncle gestured at the two contraptions in front of Jeb. One resembled a massive kettle, and the other just looked like a massive column. He had his guess as to which was which. A pot still works much like a kettle on the stove. Liquid evaporates and moves up it. It is then cooled down and condensed. That made sense to Jeb, especially since his uncle showed him what parts of the still were doing each piece of the process. A column still, on the other hand, adds a long tube to the top. As the evaporated liquid rises, it slowly cools off, which we can help by running water along it. Over time, this results in a much better temperature gradient, which we can then collect. I dont think I understand the difference, Jeb admitted. Using pot stills, you cannot get to high levels of separation in a single batch, which is why coupled stills, his uncle gestured to what looked like two pot stills welded together, are used. In a column distiller, though, you can get all of that separation at once. That made some amount of sense to Jeb. Now then, pour the mash into this pot distiller. Jeb did. Oh, I suppose I should mention while were here, most stills used by Distillers are made of copper. Thats because it heats well and removes bad flavors and smells from liquids poured into it, but we dont have enough time to cover the many theories for why that is. Now, then, Im just going to have you distill this mash to dry. Collect the material in these jars, he gestured to a collection of small jars, and whenever they fill up, replace them and seal the top so the liquid doesnt get contaminated. Make sure to keep the jars in order. The slower you heat the liquid the better your distillation will be, so please take your time. Whenever you finish, come let me know and Ill plan our next steps for getting you the Skill. How should I heat it? Jeb asked. Well, Esther mentioned that you can make fire, so Id use that. Using Skills of your own generally makes it faster to learn new Skills, as opposed to having things handed to you. Whenever you run out of Mana, Ill come over and show you how I generally heat the still. How much fire should I be using? Jeb asked, sorry, I just dont really know what Im doing at all. Start making it and Ill tell you when youve got enough. Jeb called his Glyph to mind and a small fire kindled beneath the pot. Or, that was the plan at least. A large flame showed up as he forced his Mana through the Glyph in his soul. So less fire than that, his uncle said, seeming unconcerned as tongues of flame licked up the still. Jeb forced the fire to grow smaller, struggling to hold control over the flame. The flame slowly grew smaller, aided by the lack of fuel outside of his Mana, but hindered by the new Depth of Mana that Jeb had. It was quickly becoming clear that he needed to focus more and more his control as his Mana grew deeper. That should be good. If the liquid starts coming out at more than a steady drip, you should turn it down, though. his uncle said, then immediately walked away. A quick look at his Mana showed Jeb that he still had plenty to keep the fire going for a while. He took a seat and watched the flames for a few minutes until he heard the first drops of liquid into the jar. A steady drip started going, and the first jar filled quickly. Jeb swapped it out for another jar and capped it. As he sat there, Jeb realized that using his Mana wasnt hurting like hed thought it would. The matter of fact way that his uncle had told him to use it had distracted him long enough to prevent any panic. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3705/100
Total Statistic Load: 250
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 126
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 17
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 34: Distilling Part Two Despite the sudden realization that he was using his Mana, Jeb was still remaining calm. After all, if nothing bad had happened yet, then everything was probably fine. His breathing began to slow as he timed his breaths to the constant drip of the still. As he kept focusing on his breath, he slowly slipped into Meditation. The part of him still aware of reality noticed that his flames were shifting in unison now. His breath, flames, and heart all pulsed in a harmony to the steady drip of distillate. Something about that resonated with the note in his mind, even though they were totally different harmonies. As each jar filled, Jeb replaced and capped them. He didnt know how many hed filled or how many were left to fill. All that he saw was the single jar in front of him, slowly being filled by the steady drip of the still. When his Mana finally ran out, Jeb realized that he was covered in a sheen of sweat, and there were twenty or so jars filled and capped. Unlike when hed lost control of his Mana in the Song, though, there was no backlash. Instead, the flames just died out, because they had nothing to feed them. His uncle, of course, noticed immediately. Did you run out of Mana? his uncle asked, or are you just taking a break? Im out of Mana, Jeb said, What should I do now? His uncle showed him how to build a fire of wood, and Jeb tried to build the flames to a similar level as hed been using with his Glyph. It felt strange how unresponsive the fire was to different stimuli. Unlike the flame he created with Mana, this one did not simply grow larger when more wood was added. Although he was not able to fall into the same deep Meditation while watching the flame, Jeb tried to Meditate as much as he could. When his Mana came back, Jeb let out a breath he hadnt realized he had been holding in. Hed been worried that his Mana might not refill, so seeing it back quashed a fear Jeb didnt know hed been holding in. By the time that his Mana had emptied a second time his uncle came over to stop him. Great job Jeb, his uncle said, at this point youre well past the drinkable alcohol, and youll start getting into the bad parts of the distillate. His uncle showed him how to taste the different jars to find which jars were worth saving for drinking and which were better used for cleaning. To his surprise, the first jars, despite being allegedly undrinkable, still had a nice flavor. Apparently wood alcohol, as it was known, had a sweeter taste than normal alcohol. As Jeb kept trying the different jars, he noticed how the flavor changed. It was a subtle shift. The taste of wood alcohol slowly faded out as the taste of alcohol grew in. Underneath it all, Jeb had the impression that there was still a fair amount of water, at least if the way they all called to the Magic in him was any indication. Which of these would you keep? his uncle asked after hed gone through the entire row. So assuming that the flavor of the first jars is something I shouldnt drink, Jeb saw his uncle nod, I would use these jars, he said, pointing to the middle ten or so jars. It was hard to know for certain, as the different flavors grew in and out slowly between the jars. Still, he felt confident in the answer. Thats correct, good job! Also, drink this, his uncle said, handing Jeb a glass of what looked at first glance to be water. After sputtering, Jeb realized it was one of the ten jars hed pointed to. Why did you have me drink that? he demanded. Wood alcohol is toxic, and causes blindness. The treatment is alcohol, which we conveniently had lying around. I doubt the amount you had would do anything too bad, but better safe than sorry. His uncle said it all matter-of-factly, which helped slightly. That was good to know. But, between the dehydration from sweating and the alcohol hed just drunk, Jeb found that he was feeling lightheaded again. His uncle must have noticed. And I should have thought about this before, but, lets go get lunch, his uncle said, and maybe not tell your Aunt Esther that I had you trying wood alcohol on an empty stomach. They walked back to the house and each took a bowl of stew. As he ate, Jeb realized how hungry hed been. Meditation had its benefits for sure, but it also did so much to take him out of what his body was saying. After lunch, Jeb felt much better. Part of it was certainly just that the alcohol had time to process, but the food and water certainly helped as well. Im ready to get back to the lesson! he said. His uncle chuckled, then lets get back to the barn. Back in the barn, his uncle looked around for a moment. Honestly, I was hoping that distilling that barrel would get you the Skill, his uncle admitted, its been long enough since Ive taught anyone that Ive forgotten what all needs to be done. He considered for a moment. Well, no point complaining. How about you distill out another batch of mash in a column distiller? Get some practice with the different kinds of stills. Once more, Jeb controlled the small flames that licked the bottom of the distiller. His uncle had him build the flames as high as they had been before. This time, though, it took far longer for the first drops to exit the device. As they did, Jeb noticed that it quickly turned from a steady drip into a steady if thin stream out of the still. Uncle Albert, is this too fast? he asked. Jeb remembered that the still moving too quickly meant that he wasnt separating the parts well enough. Hmm? his uncle looked over, no, that looks about right for the output speed of a column still. Because theyve got the temperature gradient, they can separate much more efficiently at high speeds once they get going. Once more, Jeb ran out of Mana before hed emptied the still. This time, though, he planned ahead and started burning logs before he ran out. It made the transition far smoother. His uncle stopped him before his Mana had fully refilled. Looks like youve got most of it. Id say we should taste them again, but, he looked at how sweaty Jeb was again, why dont we grab something to eat first? Jeb was about to protest, since hed eaten something only an hour or two ago. As he began to voice that, though, his body pointed out how hard hed been working since then. Maybe something small? he ended up suggesting. After the small meal, Jeb once more tasted all of the jars hed filled. This time, there was far less of a gradient between the flavors. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Sure, one jar tasted of both wood and standard alcohol but it was just the one jar. It made pointing out which to keep much easier. This time, Jeb felt far less light headed after the drink to keep safe from wood alcohol. And, blinking in his vision, he saw the Notification hed been waiting for.
Congratulations! By successfully distilling under the tutelage of a Master Distiller, you have unlocked the General Skill: Distilling.
Well, that took about as long as I was expecting, his uncle said when Jeb told him, Ill go grab your grandfather, and we can plan the next few steps. Why was it so much faster for me to learn Distilling than Brewing? Jeb asked. Partially because a lot of the knowledge you need for Distilling is covered in Brewing. The mash that you distilled had to be Brewed first, and you already had that training. Partially, its a much simpler process. Rather than having to rely on living beings digesting and changing your starting material, you just have to heat and collect it. Finally, I had you distill two entire barrels of hard alcohol alone. If youd brewed a single barrel alone you also would have unlocked the Brewing Skill that easily. If I could have unlocked it that easily, why did Aunt Esther have me unlock Brewing the way that she did? Jeb knew the answer his aunt had given, but he was curious if his uncle might answer it differently. Either his aunt and uncle had communicated the plans, or they had a similar life view. They were married, so it was hard to know. His uncle answered, Most likely because if you mis-brew something, you end up wasting all the material. If you distilled something badly, I could always just mix it back together and distill it again, so there would be no waste except for the firewood, and you didnt seem to need too much of that. Jeb deflated a little at that. He didnt think hed done that poorly, but it made sense. After all, he was only First Tier and had no relevant Skills. His uncle continued, Though, to be fair, I think that what you distilled was a fine job for a first pass. I rarely use that copper still for firewater anymore, because you really need a few passes to get the alcohol totally smooth. In the column still you did a perfectly serviceable job. Id feel comfortable selling that firewater. His uncle seemed to stop and think for a moment. Oh, I guess your aunt probably also though that it was important to understand what happens at every stage of a brew. To some extent, I agree, but theres far less that happens in distilling. As I mentioned before, the aging process is where most of the art and difficulty comes in, especially if you already have a still. Since youre learning Woodworking and Glassblowing, aging and making a simple still are probably skills youll develop there, though. Also, unless your plans have radically changed, you arent planning to make alcohols. I have no idea how aging potions works, if its even done, so teaching you would be useless to your long-term plans. That all made sense to Jeb. He made his way over to his grandfathers workshop. His grandfather opened the door, and Jeb was nearly blown over by the rush of hot air coming out of the room. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3705/100
Total Statistic Load: 250
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 126
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 17
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 35: A Song at Last Jebs grandfather began the conversation, seemingly oblivious to the burning oven behind him, So Jeb, now that you have Distilling, what are you planning for next? Jeb thought about that for a moment. Well, I know that I need to increase my Mental Statistics, so I will probably work on learning new Spell Glyphs, since that lets me gain Mana Density and Magic Affinity. Also, if I choose the Spell Glyphs well, I can gain Intelligence from Improved Glyph Groking. Then again, that will make my Mana Density and Magic Affinity grow far faster than my Intelligence, so I should probably also look for other Quests to improve that. I still dont know if I have any Quests to improve my Willpower, which could also be a problem. That just leaves Charisma, which I can increase with Songs and songs. As Jeb finished his ramble, he realized that his grandfather might not have heard a difference between Song and song. Thankfully his grandfather didnt comment on that. Increasing your Statistics is never a poor choice, he nodded, do you still want to work for the Glassblowing, Smithing, and Woodworking Skills? Jeb had to think about that. I dont know, he finally replied, They do all sound useful, but I really dont know if I can do all of those at once, especially since I need to work on getting new Spell Glyphs learned. I also do really want to learn the Song Ive been working on, and I think Im close to a breakthrough. His grandfather nodded. Well, given the Skills that you already have, how do you think the three rank in terms of synergy? The question surprised him. Up to this point Jeb had mostly been doing what his family thought he should do because they did. Hmm, Jeb said, looking at his Status, I dont really see how Woodworking necessarily works with any Skill I currently have, though I guess if I need to establish another hive it could come in handy for building the structure. Glassblowing seems mostly useful for making containers for Brewing and Distilling. Oh! Jeb realized there was another use for Woodworking, Uncle Albert pointed out that Woodworking would be useful for making barrels. Metalworking feels like it might help me with Identify, from what little I know, along with making containers for Brewing and Distilling. Good analysis, his grandfather nodded, confirming that it had been a test. You missed a few things, but nothing that Id have expected you to see. I agree with you, by the way, I think Blacksmithing would be a good Skill to work for first, especially since I dont feel like working more than a few hours a day teaching someone to make and shape metal. We can start with Ore Analysis, especially since you seem to want another Identify Subskill. Come back tomorrow morning. Yes, Grandfather, Jeb said, hearing the dismissal. He closed the door and walked back to the main house. When he opened the door, he realized that it was already nearly dinner time. All his work getting Distilling had taken longer than he thought. He helped his mother finish setting up. At the meal, his uncle announced that hed unlocked Distilling. There was a shocking amount of cheering for that. Does that mean weve got another source for firewater and brandy? one of his cousins called out. Jeb didnt think the question was directed at him, but no one else seemed to be answering it. No? I mean I dont have a still of my own or any mash to distill. I would still need to use Uncle Alberts equipment to make anything, and I have other Skills to work on. That answer seemed to mollify his family, and the conversation grew less excited. After dinner, he collapsed asleep. Hed thought that his spirit was totally healed from the Mana backlash, but apparently not. Jeb woke up at what hed begun to think of as his standard time: a few hours before dawn. He felt totally healed from his Mana backlash and really hoped that feeling was real. After a quick stretch to wake up, he pulled his lute out of its case. Then, thinking about what he was about to do, he put the lute back away and went to play by his hive. After all, he didnt want to wake anyone up again. The fact that some members of his family might prefer that he wait longer before learning the Song didnt weigh in at all. Not even a little. Good morning, hive, he said to the sleepy hive. I realized I havent thanked you yet for getting my aunt after I collapsed. Thank you. A couple of bees started to dance, and Jeb had the impression that they were saying it was their pleasure. Jeb could feel Gift of Gab activating, which made him think that the bees might actually be saying that. Then again, Gift of Gab was only supposed to help with humans, so maybe he was just imagining things. Anyways, Im going to try learning the Song again. At that, the hive grew active. It seemed like they also wanted to learn the Song. More bees than Jeb had realized were in the hive started streaming out. Jeb started plucking out the notes on the lute. It had drifted tuning ever so slightly in the days, so he retuned each string. The bees started dancing around the hive, and it reminded him somewhat of the melody he was playing. He had played the melody enough that it quickly synced with the note in his mind. Once it was fully in cycle, he started singing. Something had changed. The words were flowing out far more easily than they had the time before. If Jeb hadnt been sure that he was close to the Song already, that would have made him think it. As he sang, he watched some of the bees break off from the first dance to dance a counterpoint. At least, it felt like they were. When the cycles felt totally in time with each other, he slowly fed Mana into the notes he was playing on the lute. The world faded away as he started using his Mana. As before, cycles appeared with a thread. He added the second stream of Mana in, and the thread stabilized. As before, the thread seemed to aimlessly search the air. Jeb worried about the thread finding the lute before he ran out of Mana, so he tried guiding the thread into the lute. To his surprise, the thread moved fairly responsively. It responded to his direction like his Mana did when trying to cast a Fire Glyph: grudgingly, as though he was asking it to go against its very nature. Jeb had plenty of experience with that, though, and did not let up. The cord finally touched the lute, and Jeb felt a connection flow through every piece of him at once. Time seemed to stop as he finally understood the Song totally. Jeb suddenly saw every imperfection in the practice lute he had borrowed. The neck had a slight bow to it, so subtle hed never seen it before. The thickness of the bowl wasnt totally the same throughout, in a way which prevented the notes from ringing as truly as they could. As the thread passed by them, these small blemishes started to repair. The neck grew less bowed as the bowl slowly evened out its thickness. As Jeb watched, the Mana seemed to infuse the instrument itself, making it slightly more resilient. There was a small part of him that was not completely awestruck at the beauty of the Music he was making. It started thinking about how nice it could be if he could reinforce himself with the Mana. The rest of his mind quickly ended that line of thought. Now was not the time to think about Mana Enforcement. Now was a time to enjoy the harmony of the spheres. Too quickly, Jeb saw that he was nearly out of Mana. Since he didnt want a repeat of his last time, he slowly pulled back on his Mana, and the Song started to fade away from him. He wasnt surprised to see the notification when he stopped to look. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Congratulations! You have learned the Bard Song: Lute Enforcement.
Congratulations! By learning one of the Songs of the Bards, you have unlocked the Magical Skill: Bardic Magic.
Jeb opened his list of Quests, hoping to see what the reward would be from the Musician Quest to learn a Song.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Musician Second Tier Learn a Song. You have woven Music and Mana into a cohesive whole, creating something from Mana and Will where there was not before. Rewards: 39 Experience, 2 Charisma
What did surprise Jeb, as he saw the bees moving, was that he could see them doing a similar Song on their own hive. He couldnt tell if they had put any Mana into the Song, or if they were just dancing in rhythm with him. Either way, though, it was interesting that they seemed able to learn it so much more easily than him. As Jeb kept watching them, something finally clicked. Even though they were performing the Song, they werent producing any real sound. Sure, there was a buzzing in the hive, but that sound wasnt a part of it at all. That resonated somewhere deeper inside of Jeb than his Skills, but he really couldnt figure out where. Shrugging, Jeb opened up his Bardic Magic Skill, curious what it would have him do.
Bardic Magic: Magic Skill (Held in Abeyance due to conflict with Class-Granted Skill: Least Mud Magic).
You will not receive any benefits from the Skill until you resolve this conflict.
That was incredibly frustrating. Jeb hoped that he would be able to find a way to resolve the two Skills in the future. Honestly, he was tempted to increase his Class right there just to fix the issue. He wanted to keep learning Songs, and if he didnt have a Skill benefiting him, Jeb was worried each one would be just as difficult to learn. As Jeb started observing the wider world again, he realized that dawn still hadnt broken. He hoped that his Mana would refill before breakfast, but it didnt seem like it would, so he went back inside to see if his grandfather was already in the shop. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3744/100
Total Statistic Load: 252
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 128
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 19
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 36: Lets Talk About Metal Jeb knocked on the door to his grandfathers workshop. He knew that his grandfather only slept for an hour every few months, but that still wasnt a guarantee that hed be in his workshop. After all, the entire farm needed to be managed, and Jeb knew that his grandfather advised everyone on it. As people grew older and more set in their paths, they tended to need less guidance. Still, having someone to ask for help was always nice. As the door opened, Jeb wondered who his grandfather asked for help. His thoughts were blown away in the rush of heat as his grandfather welcomed him into his forge. Youre up at a strange hour, his grandfather commented. He wasnt wrong. It was far too early to be up for breakfast, but still at least an hour later than if Jeb had gotten up per his new routine. I went to go finish learning my Song at the hive, Jeb explained, and I did! But now Im out of Mana, so I wondered if you could start teaching me Ore Analysis? Absolutely, though I do have a suggestion. Jeb cocked his head. I started looking through the list of Identification Skills after your visit, and I wonder if Metal Identification might not be a better fit? Whats the difference? Jeb asked. Both sounded fairly similar. Its really in their scope. Ore Analysis is what I have. It lets you see what metals are in stone and generally how to best extract them. Its also nice as a Farmer, because I can see what the metal levels are in the soil, which Synergizes with my other Skills to let me know if theres too much or too little of the metal. I dont know how useful that would be for me, Jeb admitted. Which is why I was thinking of Metal Identification, his grandfather went on. That Skill is more focused on determining the individual metals that make up an alloy, but when trained, can also be used to detect metal levels in other materials. The information it gives tends to be focused entirely on identification, though, rather than any sort of use. That stumped Jeb for a moment. Do you mind if I think aloud? he asked his grandfather. Not at all! His grandfather smiled, Im glad that youre giving this the attention it deserves. Jeb thought about why he was getting the Skill. Im getting this Skill to complete the Identify Quest of getting a new Subskill. Both of these will meet that objective. His grandfather nodded. In particular, these Identification Subskills are going to help me with Smithing. Another nod. So then the question is really what I want Smithing for. Jeb had to think about that. The major use for Smithing that I can think of is making enchanted goods. If thats the case, I probably wont need to start from ores, because making items from ingots or even just reforging existing items will be a much more effective use of time. Can I add something? his grandfather asked. One reason I work from ore is that its far cheaper to get ore than ingots in my specific situation. Generally, though, since most of ore is just stone, its a waste of money to transport it far, so most mines have smelters in them. So then it becomes a question of whether Id rather be in an urban or rural environment? Jeb asked. Not quite, his grandfather corrected, the question is about what you value. I chose Ore Analysis when I got this Skill initially because I refused to be reliant on anyone else. That was something Jeb hadnt considered at all. Taking Metal Identification would make me reliant on others producing the metal, Jeb thought aloud. Before I keep thinking, how many members of the family have Smithing or some similar Skill? More than enough, his grandfather said without thinking. You getting this Skill or not wont affect our familys ability to produce metal. So it seems like Metal Identification is just all around a better Skill for me to learn, Jeb concluded. That was the conclusion Id come to as well, his grandfather agreed, but I thought that it was important for you to come to the decision on your own. Jeb looked around before realizing that there was nothing in the room which would show the passage of time. Do we have time to start before breakfast? A difficult question to answer, his grandfather replied cryptically, do you not think that deciding what exact Skill youre working towards is starting? His grandfather couldnt keep a smile off his face as he said that, and Jeb rolled his eyes. Do we have time to start learning Metal Identification now that I have decided that its the Skill that I want to work for? Oh, no, not at all. his grandfather said, opening the door to the outside. Its time to eat. After breakfast, Jeb and his grandfather returned to his workshop. His grandfather consulted an Identification Subskill book before rummaging in his workshop. After a minute of searching, he came back with two bars of what looked like iron. Whats the difference between these two bars? his grandfather asked, handing them to Jeb. Jeb held one in either hand. They felt like they were the same weight and temperature. Both were too hard for him to bend by hand, but that didnt say very much. Im not sure, Jeb finally admitted. Is there nothing else that you can think of to distinguish two materials than just sight and feel? his grandfather asked, sounding disappointed. Jeb remembered learning that different metals were easier and harder to bend, so he asked for a hammer. Is there somewhere in particular I should hit these? he asked, not wanting to break anything in the shop. Come over here, his grandfather said, leading him to an anvil. Jeb tried hitting both bars. They sounded slightly different when struck, though not in any way that seemed meaningful. After a few strikes, one looked more deformed than the other. This one is softer, Jeb said. Any other differences? his grandfather asked. Jeb had a vague recollection that certain compounds could react with some metals but not others, but that didnt seem to be what his grandfather was asking. As he thought about how else he could distinguish them, Jeb grew more and more uncomfortable due to the heat from the raging fire. Then it clicked. Will they have different properties when heated? he asked. Great question! his grandfather replied. Before you heat it up, though, try this, he said, pointing to a lodestone in the room. Jeb noticed that the lodestone was attracted to the softer bar but not the harder one. One of these is magnetic, he said. Before we start heating bars, we should talk safety, his grandfather said. After a lengthy discussion on how to safely work with hot metal, which centered a lot around hot metal looks like cold metal until it gets incredibly hot, it was time for another meal. Leaving the workshop, Jeb was shocked at how cold the summer air felt. Then again, with all the sweat on his body, he realized he shouldnt be too surprised. After all, even a hot summer day is much cooler than a forge. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Jeb heated the two bars after lunch. The harder bar started to heat and melt faster than the softer. So theres also a difference in their melting points, Jeb concluded. How similar are the metals? One is pure iron, his grandfather said, picking up the red-hot bar in direct violation of the safety talk hed just given. He seemed to realize what hed done, because he gave a sheepish grin and put it back down. Sorry, I fell into habit. It takes much more than hot iron to hurt me at my Level, but that isnt true for you and I should model better behavior. Thats ok, grandfather, Jeb said, I still wasnt planning to touch the hot iron. Jeb didnt really need the advice of Dont touch red hot metal to know better. Maybe when he was younger, but he was fully sixteen years old now. Moving on, the other bar is iron mixed with ash to make a form of steel. Jeb cocked his head. Grandfather, before we keep going, will Metal Identification really help me tell these two bars apart? Both are iron, right? His grandfather nodded. They are both iron, Jeb, but one is fully iron and the other is not. Metal Identification would tell you that. I think the Skill Guide said it can be trained to help you distinguish different kinds of steel by more than just the percent of iron in them, but I dont know that for certain. Jeb had an idea. Is there a more general Skill for just identifying elements? Like an Elemental Identification Skill? That seems like it could be even more useful for me than being able to distinguish metals. His grandfather froze for a second. Good instincts, Jeb, he replied. Let me look. Jeb watched the two bars cool down as he waited for his grandfather to finish. They slowly dimmed from a yellow to a cherry red to their normal silvery color. So there is an Elemental Analysis Skill, his grandfather said finally, but the Skill Guide highly cautions against learning it. Why? asked Jeb. For starters, it makes a lot of other Identification Skills much harder to learn, since they have overlapping domains. Seeing Jebs confusion, he went on, For instance, Soil Savvy has on some level knowledge of the nutrients inside of the soil. Detecting and Identifying those nutrients is part of the common way to gain Soil Savvy. If you had Elemental Analysis, however, that knowledge would already be in your mind, and so you would need to work harder to specifically apply that knowledge to soil. But I already have Soil Savvy, Jeb said, before catching himself, but that was just an example, right. The same will come up in other Identification Skills I want to learn in the future. Right. Thats also not the only issue. Unlike other Identification Skills, which give you some amount of absolute knowledge, Elemental Analysis relies on your own fundamental understanding of what an element is. I dont understand, Jeb replied. His grandfather consulted the book again. Nodding, he began to explain, you just got Brewing and Distilling. So, imagine you have a bottle of fortified wine. You could see that as being made of wine and brandy. Or, you could see it as being made of alcohol and flavors and water. Some would even see it as being made of whatever water and alcohol themselves are made of. You have to train your Elemental Analysis to tell you the information you want. I think I see the issue, Jeb replied. Depending on the circumstances, any of those three ways of seeing fortified wine might be what I want, and I would have to train my Skill to only tell me one of them. Well, no, his grandfather replied, it seems as though you can train it to tell you all of those, it just takes far more effort. So that doesnt really seem like a downside, Jeb said. Well, it does mean that instead of having three Skills which could tell you each part, you instead have to make the single Skill work to cover all of them, so it wont be as good as a Child Skill that could only do one. Is it possible to get those three Child Skills? Jeb asked. Not if you want to be able to Identify anything, his grandfather replied. Then I think thats the Skill I want to work for, Jeb said more confidently than he felt. I dont disagree, his grandfather replied, honestly, broader Skills are probably best for you right now, since you have no idea what your future will bring. Ill need to read up on how to teach this Skill, though, so come back tomorrow. What should I do in the meantime? Jeb asked. Didnt you say that you finally learned your Song? Why dont you go see the Bard? His grandfather was already engrossed in the book. Jeb left and used a quick application of Least Conjure Water to clean the sweat off. The sun was still high in the sky, so he was sure that he would have time to get to the Inn and back. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3744/100
Total Statistic Load: 252
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 128
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 19
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 37: The Binding of Lute Jeb quickly made his way to the Inn after grabbing his lute. The Bard was in the middle of a set, and Jeb noticed that the Inn was less empty than it had been. Looking behind the bar, Jeb saw the logo of his aunts Brewery on the barrels behind the bar. He felt proud of the fact that hed helped make that beer, even though he knew that he wasnt a necessary part of the process. Still, he had helped make the beer that the patrons in the room were enjoying. As Jeb sat and listened to the Bard, he realized just how far he had to go as a Musician. Seeing his grandfather pick up the red-hot iron had made Jeb aware of just how different a First Tier Mud Mage was from a high Tier specialist. Though maybe less obvious to a non-Musician, Jeb had no difficulty seeing how much better the Bard was than him. There was the obvious Magic, since the Bards voice and lute were the same volume throughout the entire room, perfectly clear and yet quiet enough that people could easily have a conversation over it, if they were so inclined. Of course, Jeb saw as he looked around, no one was talking. It wasnt that, though. Every note the Bard plucked was absolutely perfectly in time. Jeb knew that even when hed gotten the Song to play, there were still the slightest mistakes in his playing, at least if the way the sound sang was any indication. It never became a single tone. At best, it sounded like the five parts were playing together. As the Bard played and sang, though, Jeb was finding himself unable to tell where sounds had come from. Even without Magic, the Bards voice and playing blended together perfectly. It was more than that, though. The Bard knew how to work a room. As he wound down a slow piece, he looked up. After winking at Jeb, the Bard cast his gaze around the room. He must have felt like the energy was getting too low, because he immediately started into a fast jig. It was a simple melody, to be sure. Or at least, it started as a simple melody. The first time through the song, the Bard just plucked out the fast notes on his lute as he started stomping on the stage. The crowd joined in by the end of the first repetition. As the Bard started singing, the crowd let out a cheer. At the end of the first verse, the Bard added a counter-melody to the lute playing. It was simple, just the root of each chord that the melody implied. Jeb was still impressed that he was able to add another line as he sang the tongue-twister lyrics over the melody. Jeb felt like he could do that, if he practiced. By the end of the song, though, Jeb knew that he couldnt hope to play what the Bard had without years of intensive practice. On each verse, the Bard somehow added another melodic line. Jeb counted at least eight distinct lines by the time the song ended. He looked at the Bards hands. The Bard only had five fingers, the same as Jeb. Somehow, though, he managed to play more than a line per finger on his fingering or picking hands. The Bard ended the song on a flourish, and the crowd all cheered. And thats a set, folks, he said. Ignoring the cheers for an encore, the Bard came and sat by Jeb. Welcome back, Jeb, the Bard said, how can I help you? Jeb was confused for a moment. The Bard had told him to learn the Song, so he did. Playing the conversation back through his head, though, Jeb realized that the Bard also gave him the option of asking for help. I finished learning the Song, he said, or at least the System says that I have. Oh! Congratulations, the Bard said, clearly a little surprised, why dont you walk me through how it felt? When I finished the Song, when I finally got the Song to resonate with itself, or while I was learning it? Jeb asked. He started preparing an answer to any of the questions as the Bard considered. Lets go through those in reverse order. What process did you take to learn the Song, and how did it feel while you worked to learn it? I started by learning the lute part, Jeb said, remembering the past few weeks, and when I felt like Id learned it, I tried tying my Mana into it. How did that go? the Bard asked. Jeb tried to think back to the first time hed tied Mana into the Song. At first, I wasnt sure how fast it needed to spin, he said. Seeing the look of confusion on the Bards face, Jeb stopped. Did I say something wrong? No, no, not at all! the Bard replied quickly, could you elaborate what you mean by spin, though? When I fed Mana into the Song, it felt like the notes ebb and flow turned into a spinning wheel. My lute playing felt like it was looping twice as often and so spun twice as fast. With Mana, the wheels started sending forward strands that looped around each other, like spinning yarn. The Bard gestured for Jeb to get back to the question of tying Mana. So when I tried to tie the Mana in, I wasnt sure how fast it was supposed to spin. I figured out that it needed to spin three times as fast as the note, though. The Bard nodded, clearly considering something, so Jeb kept going. After that, I tried tying in my voice, but that was really difficult. The Bards nodding changed, this time somehow conveying agreement. Once Id gotten those three together, I started trying to add the other line of Mana. Did you have an impression of what that was like? the Bard asked. The question was hard to parse, but Jeb felt like he knew what he was being asked. It reminded me of the secondary connections in a Glyph, Jeb said, hoping the Bard would know what he meant. Whether or not he did, the Bard gestured for Jeb to continue, It seemed to stabilize the flow of Mana, like it was giving it another pathway to return through? Jeb ended the sentence as a question, not quite sure how to describe it. Thankfully the Bard seemed to know what he was trying to describe. And then what? Well, it took me a while to find its rotation speed, Jeb admitted. How did you figure it out? Honestly, I just kept speeding it up until it was rotating five times as fast as the note. At that point, the Song locked into place. And thats when you learned the Song? Jeb stiffened as he remembered the feeling. No, not quite. The thread didnt quite make it to the lute before I ran out of Mana. Instead, it lashed back at me. How bad was the backlash? I was apparently unconscious for a day, Jeb replied, shuddering as a phantom ache coursed through his soul. And you pushed on still? the Bard seemed impressed. Well, it was that or give up, and I did feel like I almost had it before I ran out of Mana. So, the next time that I played the Song, I actively tried guiding the thread into my lute. That worked, and the world felt like it stopped for a moment. The Bard gave a wistful smile at that description. Hold on to that feeling, kid. It wont last forever. Jeb didnt know how to respond to that, so he didnt. After a pause, the Bard spoke again. Well, then, since you have the Song, I suppose that you dont really need the note in your head anymore. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. All of a sudden, the world felt quiet. It took Jeb a few moments to realize that it was the absence of the ebbing and flowing note that had been playing continuously since hed last seen the Bard. Now then, the Bard continued, play the Song for me. Jeb pulled out his lute and started warming up. It was strange, but the lute felt more natural in his hands than it had before. After quickly checking the tuning (and blushing a little at the few heads that turned towards his table), Jeb began to play. The Song came out slightly differently without the note to base it on, but he still quickly found the melody. Weaving in Mana came just as easily as it had before, and soon he was singing the Song. He guided the thread into his lute, and just like before, the world stopped for a moment. Jeb still saw the bend in the neck and the other issues in the lute, but he could also see that they had all been slightly fixed. Of course, his Mana still ran out quickly, so he wrapped up the Song. Jeb looked up to see the expression on the Bards face. It was carefully blank, which Jeb didnt know how to interpret. Good job Jeb! he said, Id recommend that you keep Enforcing your lute until its bound to you. Actually, here, Ill make it an assignment. Jeb saw a new Quest Notification.
Personal Quest Bind Lute Enforce the lute until its bound to you.
That was strange. The Bard saw Jebs confusion and was quick to ask a follow-up question. Is this your first time receiving a Personal Quest? I think so? Jeb answered, still unsure what to do with the Quest Notification. Let me explain, then, the Bard replied. Most Classes that have implied leadership give the ability to assign Quests. They generally look a lot like the Quest I gave you, and they serve more as reminders than actual Quests. I, at least, cannot offer Experience or Statistics as Rewards, which makes finishing my Quests less valuable for the average youth. Jeb thought about that. If a person could give a Quest, did that imply something about the other Quests that the System or the Paragons were giving? Were they different too? Before he could get too lost in his thoughts, he realized that he had forgotten about the Quest. What do you mean by binding my lute? How do I do that? he asked. The Bard chuckled, I was wondering when you were going to ask that. The short answer is keep Singing. The longer answer is that when you Sing Lute Enforcement youre adding your own Mana into the lute. It is aspected by the Song, certainly, and it disperses from the lute when the Song ends. Nonetheless, traces of you remain in the lute. Im sure youve already noticed that the lute feels more responsive now? Though his inflection made it a question, Jeb knew that it was a statement. Jeb nodded and the Bard continued, If you put enough Mana into the lute, it will eventually become tied to you. Magically speaking, it will become a part of you, though thats only relevant if you have someone who can see bindings. Seeing Jebs expression, he continued, as far as I know, there are fewer than a dozen people in the Republic who can see bindings. Any other questions? Dont I need to return this practice lute at some point? Jeb asked. We can discuss that after you bind it. Anyways, I need to get back to my set. Best of luck binding the lute. Your completion of the Quest will let me know when that happens, but please come back when you do, or if you run into issues along the way. The Bard stood back up and took the stage. As tempted as Jeb was to stay and watch, he knew that there was work to do back at the farm. He repacked his lute and started the trek home. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3744/100
Total Statistic Load: 252
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 128
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 19
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 38: Smithing Part One As Jeb started his walk home, he thought about how he should prioritize his time. Of course, hed keep working on Skills with his family, but it made sense to refocus himself. Between learning Brewing and Distilling and learning how to Enforce his lute, Jeb realized hed unthinkingly slipped back into a thoughtless routine. High on the list was obviously binding his lute, whatever that meant. The Bard seemed to suggest that Enforcing it would eventually cause it to bind, and Jeb had no reason to doubt that. Increasing his Charisma would probably help him work the Song, so Jeb made a note to try learning some songs. Increasing his Mana would also help with that. As Jeb looked through his Notification History, he realized that the only Quests hed done that increased his Mana were the Least Mud Initiate Class Quests and the Quests for Improved Glyph Groking. Hed finished all of the Least Mud Initiate Quests, so that wasnt an option, and all of the Glyph Groking Quests looked like theyd take far too long. Jeb pulled up the Quests to confirm.
Grok Glyphs
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Learn the six secondary Spells from each First Tier Element Glyphs are not bound to a single effect. Learn the double-effect Spells from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the next step on Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain Third Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, share one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another. (Repeatable) (Metagroking Chain First Quest)
As he looked, he realized that the final Quest was available now. That made sense, since hed Modified all of the Glyphs that he knew. Jeb considered doing that Quest, but he wasnt sure how he could share a Modified Glyph. He had an instinct that it would require whatever special paper all of the Magic Primers were made of, but Jeb had no idea where he could get that. Thinking about Glyph Groking made Jeb realize how little time hed spent thinking about the Glyphs. Given that he had two Skills explicitly geared towards Glyphs and another that synergized with them, Jeb knew that the System had given him the tools that he would need to really dive deeply into the topic. As risky as it had initially seemed to modify Glyphs, the fact that nothing bad had happened when he did gave Jeb more confidence. If someone had asked him how collapsing from the feeling of losing all his Mana didnt count as harm, Jeb would have pointed out that he collapsed from using the Glyph, not from modifying it. Certainly hed plan to use safeguards in the future, but safety checks were an issue for the future. Jeb was so lost in thought that he hardly noticed hed made it home. After putting his lute away, he was a little surprised to see his grandfather waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. Jeb, I was just looking for you, he said. That was strange. I thought you said that you needed the day to prepare for me to get Elemental Analysis. I did, but then I remembered why we were working for that Skill at all. His grandfather grinned sheepishly, at least no one can say you dont come by your distraction honestly. Right! Jeb remembered, so are we going to work on Smithing today then? That was my plan, yes. Ill teach you Smithing until you get it and study how to teach Elemental Analysis while you sleep or during parts of your work that I dont need to supervise. That makes sense, Jeb said, following his grandfather to his workshop. It remained uncomfortably hot. We started to cover this before, his grandfather said, but Ill restart. After all, the goal is no longer getting Metal Identification or Ore Analysis, so we can skip a lot of that content. In the center of the room is the center of the Smithing process, the forge. Jebs attention hadnt drifted from the forge, especially given how much heat it was giving out. Still, he focused harder on it. With this, you can heat metals. Heating metals can cause a variety of effects, but chief among them is that it makes shaping metal easier and stronger. Jebs grandfather paused, clearly considering something. Before we keep going, there is a difference between the way we have been teaching you Skills and the way that Ill teach you Smithing. I think its time that we take the kid gloves off. Before Jeb could ask what he meant, his grandfather took a rod of what looked like iron off of a shelf. Skills, Levels, and Statistics can and should vastly change the way that you interact with the world. Even though I can bend this rod to shape, he said, looping the bar around itself, even I will normally heat my metal first. When you shape metal cold, you run into a number of problems. Cold metal wants to keep its shape, so it will show each strike that you give it. More than that, though, if you bend cold metal too far, it will break. He kept twisting the bar until Jeb heard a loud crack. Any questions so far? Jeb thought for a moment. Not yet I dont think, he finally replied. Then lets start with your first project. Its traditional to start with a dagger, but for a number of reasons, we will not. His grandfathers eyes hardened. Jeb thought he could hear him mutter something about how no one in my family will need a dagger ever again. His grandfather fell silent. Jeb sat in the room with the roaring of the furnace as the only sound. Just as the silence was growing uncomfortable, his grandfathers eyes brightened and he continued talking. But thats neither here nor there. Instead, why dont you make a shovel? Jebs grandfather showed him how to heat a bar of iron up so that he could beat it flatter. Jeb watched his grandfather grab the hot bar and strike it a single time. Somehow the strike brought it to exactly the thickness he wanted. A few strikes later, Jeb saw the shovel head shaped exactly right. Im not expecting you to have something of this quality your first time through, his grandfather said, but as close to this as you can get would be ideal. Jeb had been watching for so long that a piece of his bar melted off into the fire. Careful, his grandfather chided, never forget whats happening when working with fire. That just felt like good life advice. Also, remember to take a break every thirty minutes. I know that youve got a high Endurance, but that doesnt mean you can go indefinitely. Jeb pulled the rest of the bar out of the fire and waited for it to cool down. Even without his grandfathers advice, he had an instinct that it wouldnt be useful to try shaping it while it was still that hot. When it had cooled to merely red hot, Jeb began striking it. Even though he knew intellectually that he wouldnt instantly flatten the iron, it was disheartening how little the bar changed shape. It might have been slightly less round exactly where Jeb struck it, though he wouldnt swear that it was. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. By the time that the iron had cooled too far, Jeb had turned the round bar of stock into a slightly flat rectangular bar. That was progress, though at this rate Jeb knew that he would be working on the shovel for days. He reheated the bar and pulled it a little too early. A few strikes in, he needed to reheat again. The cycles of heating, shaping and reheating started to pass by in a rhythm all their own. When his grandfather stopped him for dinner, Jeb saw that he was nearly done thinning the metal out. Stepping out of the shop, Jeb nearly collapsed. The only reason he didnt fully collapse is that his grandfather caught him as soon as he started to fall. Now, Jeb, I have a question for you, he said. Whats your question, grandfather? Jeb asked, hoping it wouldnt be anything too difficult. For whatever reason, his head was spinning. How often should you take breaks in the metal shop? Jeb thought back to the directions hed been given. Im guessing the answer is more often than I did, he hedged. Well, that depends, his grandfather said. For whatever reason, Jeb felt as though hed been given a length of rope, how often were you taking breaks? How long were we in the shop? Jeb asked. Why does that matter? ...Because however long we were in the shop is how long I went without a break, Jeb admitted. If I was only there for half of an hour, then I would have been taking my required breaks. It was much more than half of an hour, his grandfather said. And I could have stopped you, but weve been noticing a troubling trend in you Jeb. You dont know how to listen to your body when its telling you to stop. In part, thats probably due to how high your Statistics are. You can push much further than you could before getting your Class, so your body needs time to adjust. In part, though, its that you dont seem to believe you can really be injured. Thats not true! Jeb protested, I take reasonable safety precautions. How long did you wait to try the Song again after you were unconscious for two days? At least a day! Jeb said. Even as he protested, though, he realized how little time that really was. And did you tell anyone that you were about to try it again, so that we could be there to help if you needed it? Well no, but- his grandfather interrupted him. And when you were given an explicit instruction to take breaks while smithing, did you? Well, no. Jeb saw where the conversation was going and realized he had no real leg to stand on. So, moving forward, his grandfather said, and Jeb felt his heart stutter. What if they wouldnt let him keep studying? Well be planning your schedule more rigidly. Youll still be taking the lead on deciding what you want to do and when, but well be here to make sure that you take your breaks, at least until it becomes a habit. That was a much better outcome than Jeb was expecting. Some of the surprise must have been showing on his face, because his grandfather let out a chuckle. I can hardly blame you for wanting to improve more, especially given that we pushed you into it. I also cant really blame you for not knowing how to take the breaks your body needs, especially given how new you are to your Class. Still, it is a skill that you need to develop sooner than later, especially since Im pretty sure you wouldnt be able to catch yourself if I let you drop right now. Jeb tried to move his legs so that he could argue that point, but his body refused to move. I think I would too, though I dont want to find out for certain. Then lets get you dinner and to bed. In the morning we can plan out your schedule before breakfast. When they sat at the table, Jeb hardly noticed what he was eating. His body let him know that he needed food and immediately. After dinner, he collapsed in his bed and fell directly asleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3744/100
Total Statistic Load: 252
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 128
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 20
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 19
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 39: Smithing Part Two Jeb woke later than normal. The sun still hadnt risen, but the first glimpses of dawn were showing. I guess I did push my body a little too hard yesterday, he thought. It wasnt that hed doubted his grandfather. He had just hoped that his body was resilient enough that a normal nights sleep would bring him back to normal. He felt fine now, but hed needed far more sleep than what he was beginning to suspect would become his normal. When he made it to the kitchen, he was surprised to see his grandfather already waiting for him. Good morning Jeb, he said, are you ready to plan your day? How far in advance are we planning? Jeb asked. Just today for now. If it goes well and you follow the schedule, we can start planning further ahead tomorrow. Also, Im not sure how quickly youll learn the skills for Smithing. By the end of today I should have a better grasp on how long we should expect you to take. Now then, what are your priorities? Jeb was glad that hed taken the walk from the Inn to think about that question. I obviously would like to work on getting Smithing, Glassblowing, and Woodworking, he said. And whenever you learn how to teach Elemental Analysis, that as well. His grandfather nodded. Is that all for your priorities? No, Jeb continued, you mentioned that I should try to raise my Mental Statistics above my Physical Statistics, so I looked through my Notification History to see how I can raise them. I gained Willpower through my Class Quest, but thats over. Im not sure how else to raise it. Meditation should have Quests to raise Willpower, his grandfather said. One second. Jeb realized he hadnt checked his Meditation Quests in a while.
Begin Your Journey of Introspection (Update Available)
Minor Quest First Tier Active Meditation for 24 Hours Meditation can also take the form of mindfully moving through your day. Practice this form of Meditation for 24 total hours. (24/24 completed) Update Available
Minor Quest First Tier Make Music Meditatively for 24 Hours Focus on music can blind its performers to the outside world. Spend a full day mindfully making music. Update Available
Minor Quest First Tier Meditate in Motion for 24 Hours Some find that the path to silencing the outside world comes when pushing their body to excel. Practice this for 24 hours (24/24 completed). Update Available
Minor Quest Second Tier Practice your chosen path for 48 hours Once you have chosen to focus your Meditation in one of the four paths, spend 48 hours continuously to finish the first step on your Journey.
Jeb accepted the Quest Notifications.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Begin Your Journey of Introspection First Tier Active Meditation for 24 Hours. You have found silence in the world around you and reflected it internally. Rewards: 20 Experience, Willpower +1
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Begin Your Journey of Introspection First Tier Make Music Meditatively for 24 Hours. Music begins and ends in silence. You have found the silence in music and embraced it. Rewards: 20 Experience, Willpower +1
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Begin Your Journey of Introspection First Tier Meditate in Motion for 24 Hours. You have made silence in the world around you. Rewards: 20 Experience, Willpower +1
That caused another Notification to appear.
Congratulations! You have completed the First Tier of your Journey of Introspection. Rewards: 24 Experience, Willpower +2.
Choose which path you will focus into.
Grandfather, Jeb said, I apparently finished my First Tier Quests for Meditation. Obviously, so whats the problem? Apparently Jeb wasnt keeping as calm as he thought. It says that I need to focus on one of the paths. I dont want to, though. Then dont choose any of the paths. How will I increase my Willpower otherwise? Im sure that one of your other Skill Quests will have a Willpower gain, especially since your Class did. That made sense to Jeb. Moving on, though, Jeb continued, the only way I know to increase my Intelligence so far is to learn a new Identification Subskill. Pollination Quests tend to give Intelligence. What Quests does it have for you?
Pollinate
Minor Quest First Tier Breed a Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having plants if they dont look how you want?
Minor Quest Second Tier Breed a new Variety of Plant Make your mark. Create something distinct from its parents.
Minor Quest Third Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Mana Manipulation) Breed a Magical Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having Magical Plants if you cant bend them to your will?
Minor Quest Fourth Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Spell Glyphing) Create a New Magical Plant If you can make new Spells, why not new Plants?
Jeb read off the list of Quests to his grandfather. Interesting, his grandfather replied, I suppose that well need to update the Skill Guide to say that Pollination can synergize with Magical Skills. I have some ideas to help with those two Quests, but you should finish going through your Statistics. I can increase my Charisma by learning songs or Songs. I also think that I could raise it by learning new instruments. Seems straightforward enough, his grandfather agreed. Magic Affinity I can increase by learning new Glyphs, and then I can modify them to increase my Mana Depth, Jeb continued. That can also help me increase my total Mana, because my Grok Glyph Quests seem to reward me with Mana. So, then, what are your priorities? The Bard told me to bind my lute, which means that Ill need to use my Lute Enforcement Song a lot until Ive bound it. Doing that during my breaks from Smithing seems like a reasonable use of time. Jeb saw that his grandfather was getting ready to make a point, so he hurried on, and otherwise, I think that I would really like to try creating my own Glyphs. I have a Quest for it, and I have a feeling that new Glyphs might be how I can increase my Willpower. More than that, though, I have multiple Skills relating to that effect, and it feels like a waste to not use them. That makes sense to me. Now then, you need breaks every half of an hour from Smithing. It sounds as though youd like to use that time today to work on your Lute Enforcement? This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. I dont think that my Mana will refill totally between each break, but whenever its full I would. Jeb responded. By the time they finished scheduling the day it was time for breakfast. After eating, Jeb and his grandfather moved over to the forge to continue his shovel. Ill stop you after half of an hour, his grandfather reminded him. Jeb nodded, already focused on the metal hed put in the forge. When it had gotten hot enough, Jeb began shaping it again. He still had the example shovel head that his grandfather had made the day before. With each pass in the flames, what had started as a bar of metal slowly changed shape. When Jebs grandfather called for his first break, Jeb wanted to protest. Even as Jeb paid attention to his body, he could tell that it didnt need a break. Unfortunately, that argument didnt sway his grandfather. Once youve demonstrated that you can take breaks, was his only reply, then you can decide when you need one. Still, the break did give Jeb a chance to Enforce his lute, which was nice. The lute stayed in tune far better than it had before. Jeb hardly needed to adjust anything before he started playing. Jeb felt the world sharpen as the cycles linked together. It was different without the tone in his head, but it seemed if anything more stable. Without his prompting, the thread sought out his lute. Jeb felt himself connect to the lute, if only for the briefest moment. Now that he knew what to expect, the connection wasnt surprising. The bow in the neck still hadnt fully been fixed, but he could tell that it was about to be. When his Mana ran out, Jeb looked up at his grandfather, who was staring at him intently. Is that what its going to sound like every time you practice? he asked. Yes and no, Jeb replied. When Im Singing Lute Enhancement, yes, but when Im learning another song, no. Why? Something about music having Magic feels so much stranger than your Glyphs. Jeb had no idea why that would be, but his grandfather didnt feel inclined to talk about it. With the rest of his time, Jeb drank some water (at his grandfathers prompting) and started working on the next song in his Lute Primer. You dont take time off, do you? his grandfather commented. What do you mean? Jeb asked. He was taking a break from Smithing, just like hed been told. Most people with a new Class would take a break time as a time to relax, not a time to work on another Skill. But why wouldnt I make the most of my time? Jeb asked, confused. I couldnt tell you, his grandfather said, I was just making an observation. Though Jeb made progress with the song during his break, he didnt quite learn it. His grandfather gestured, and Jeb put his lute back in its case. Working at the forge felt more comfortable each time Jeb reentered the workshop. The heat hadnt diminished any, but he felt like his body was adapting to the changes somehow. Grandfather, why doesnt the room feel as oppressively hot this time? he asked as he took his second break. Hmm? Oh, I completely forgot about the temperature. Jebs grandfather paled for a second. Good thing that your Statistics are so high, then. Thats most of the reason too. Im sure the Bard talked to you about how having a high Dexterity didnt mean much if you didnt train your fingers specifically to be nimble. Jeb remembered that conversation, so he nodded. Its a similar concept. Between your Endurance and Vitality, you can adapt to different environments. Since you hadnt spent time in a forge before, youd have no reason to be comfortable in the conditions. By the time you get Smithing, though, you should be able to stay in that room fairly comfortably. The rest of the day passed by similarly. It apparently took about an hour for Jebs Mana to refill as he worked the forge, which meant that he Enforced his lute every other break. By the end of the day, hed learned two new songs for lute and voice and nearly finished the shovel. Tomorrow well get you started on some gold-work, his grandfather said. Seeing Jebs confusion, he went on, if I only had you working with iron, youd be likely to get Blacksmithing, rather than the parent Skill of Smithing. Instead, Ill have you work through as many different forms as we have easy access to, making sure you get at least a passing familiarity with a variety of tools and techniques. Dinner that night was a much happier affair. Or, at least, Jeb felt much more able to participate in the conversation. Jeb decided to spend his time after dinner thinking about Glyphs. Jeb called each Glyph up one after another, trying to understand what the itching in the back of his mind was for. It was clear that they werent all completely unique, but try as he might, Jeb couldnt figure out what the similarities were. Just before bed, though, inspiration struck. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 3908/100
Total Statistic Load: 261
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 137
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 43
Mana Depth: 21
Charisma: 23
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 18
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 40: Glyph Generation Rather than looking at each Glyph individually, Jeb called up all four Water Glyphs he knew at once. Straining what he could visualize, he overlaid the four Glyphs on top of each other. To his surprise, the four Glyphs overlapped at the first five points. Even as Jeb considered what that could mean, he felt like he was missing something else. Hed been thinking of the Glyphs as tied to their Elements, but what if there was something more? Jeb dismissed three of the Water Glyphs and pulled up the other three Destroy Glyphs that he knew. It took more manipulation, but Jeb found that the four Glyphs all shared their final twenty points. The idea that Glyphs took five points to attune the Element and twenty to attune their effect felt wrong. Not just wrong. It was the same feeling as playing his lute when it was horribly out of tune, except within his soul. Jeb pulled the Water Glyphs back into his mind on an impulse. This time, rather than aligning the first point in the Glyph, Jeb felt an instinct to align the final point. When he did, he saw that the final ten points were shared within all of the Water Glyphs. In fact, as Jeb kept pulling more Glyphs to mind, they all shared the final ten points. That revelation seemed to remove the dissonance in his mind. The First Tier Glyphs, at least, spent five points attuning the Element, ten attuning the effect, and ten that every Glyph shared for some reason. Something about that numbering still didnt quite fit, but it was close enough that Jeb felt like he could make a new Glyph. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Jeb remembered hearing about Elementally Attuned Mana, though he couldnt quite place what it was. A Glyph that had no effect but still attuned the Mana passing through it seemed like that might be what he would need. Jeb looked at how the first five points of the Water Glyphs connected into the next. Thankfully, it was always fairly similar. The same was true in reverse. The last ten points all connected more or less the same way to the eleventh from the end. Jeb dismissed all but a single Glyph from his mind. After all, any of the Glyphs had the points he would need, and he knew that he would need all of his focus to make the new Glyph. On top of his mental image of Least Conjure Water, Jeb traced out its first five points. Light flowed through them normally, which he had expected. After all, hed learned eighteen Glyphs by this point. Jeb placed the sixth point in the same place as it was for Least Conjure Water. It was as good of a guess as he could make, even though he was sure hed need to shift it around. With that point placed firmly, if only for a moment, Jeb mentally shifted the Glyphs in his mind. Or at least, he tried to. Shifting one ended up shifting the other. Then, when Jeb managed to separate the two Glyphs from one another, he started losing his image of the new Glyph. After a few trials, though, he managed to get the two Glyphs to move separately from each other. Now instead of lining up with the first part of the Glyph, the last two points Jeb had created lined up with the eleventh and tenth from the last points. He filled in the last points of light. Sadly, he didnt feel the burning in his soul as a new Glyph etched itself into him. Looking more closely at the Glyph, Jeb saw that the point hed guessed on a location for was restricting the flow. He tried shifting it so that it didnt restrict the flow, only to realize that hed need to move the entire section of the Glyph together to find the right location. Jeb had barely been able to move the single point, so trying to move a whole section at once felt beyond him. As he considered how he could move the Glyph, he let the images fall from his mind. Immediately, he remembered that he was supposed to check in with his family before doing anything potentially dangerous. Even though nothing about making the new Glyph felt dangerous, Jeb supposed it was probably still a good idea to let someone know what he was doing. That realization reminded him that he hadnt spoken to his bees in a few days again. He really needed to remember to check in on them daily. His grandfather was working at the forge, if the sounds coming out of the door were any indication. Grandfather, in the interest of informing you when Im about to do something dangerous, Im going over to my hive to try and create a new Glyph, Jeb said. Thanks for letting me know, his grandfather replied, if you arent back by midnight Ill come look for you. With that settled, Jeb made his way over to the beehive. Hello, Im sorry that I havent been by in a few days. The bees buzzed something that felt like a shrug. Rather than continue anthropomorphizing his hive, Jeb moved on to talk through his plan for creating a new Glyph. Jeb called Least Conjure Water back to mind and once more filled in the first six points. Shifting the Glyph over was far easier this time around. As he finished filling in the Glyph, he saw the same hesitation in the flow. He had an idea. Right now, the Glyph he was working on was still untied to Least Conjure Water. Jeb tried binding the last points back to the Glyph. To his surprise, he was able to move the ending points relative to the attuning points, though still with some difficulty. Shifting it slightly to the left made the block worse. To the right made it slightly better, so Jeb kept shifting it until he went too far. Even once hed found the best lateral position, the flow still seemed blocked. It was a two-dimensional shape, so Jeb tried shifting the point up. The block seemed to be clearing, so he kept going. As he kept moving it, something changed. Jeb suddenly felt the Glyph burn into his soul. Checking his Status, he found that the Glyph already had a name. Rather than question if the Glyph existed before hed made it or if the System just named Glyphs on its own, Jeb realized that he had not finished his Quest. Looking closer, he saw why. The new Spell Glyph was Attune Water Mana, a Tier 0 Spell. Jeb pulled up his Quest to see why.
Glyphmastery
Minor Quest First Tier Scribe a First Tier Glyph Before you learn to create your own spells, you first need to learn how to copy the work of others. Engrave an existing Spell Glyph onto a physical medium that others may learn. (Repeatable, Scribe Chain First Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Create a New First Tier Spell Glyph No true Glyphmaster uses spells others have created. Create your own First Tier Glyph. (Glyph Chain First Quest)
He needed to make a First Tier Glyph to finish the Quest. Jeb tried modifying the Glyph, just to see if he could. To his slight surprise, not only was he able to modify it, he even saw a Quest Notification after he did.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Modify a Spell Glyph. Keep changing the Spells you know to fit your needs, rather than the opposite. Rewards: 39 EXP, Magic Affinity +1, Mana Depth +1.
That was nice, though Jeb realized that his Magic Affinity was rapidly outpacing his other Mental Statistics. Whether or not that was a problem he wasnt sure, but it certainly wasnt ideal. Future Theorycrafting aside, though, Jeb had a new Glyph. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it More than that, Jeb had a new Glyph that had an effect he didnt understand yet. He called the Glyph back into his mind, making absolutely sure to use the unmodified version. Then, feeding in the slightest trickle of Mana, he watched what happened. To his eyes, there was no change other than the steady decrease in his Mana. As he looked at the Glyph, though, he saw that there was a steady pool of clear blue Mana building around him. The bees seemed to notice it as well. They flew in and out of the pool, not seeming to disturb it in any way. Hmm, Jeb wondered, I wonder what that could be about. Was it possible that his bees were able to recognize areas of increased Mana? Again, that was a question for the future. Now that Jeb knew what he was doing, he decided to make the other three First Element Attuning Spell Glyphs. Since Jeb had Least Mud Magic, he assumed that Earth would be the next easiest for him to create. Pulling Least Move Earth into his mind, Jeb again affixed the first six points. He was able to shift the Glyphs relative to each other much more easily this time through. As before, there was a blockage when he finished adding the final points. Shifting the two parts relative to each other also seemed easier. Not only that, Jeb was gaining an instinct for how to move the two to improve the flow. Jeb soon had Attune Earth Mana and quickly modified it as well. Unlike the Water Mana, the Earth Mana he made did not pool. Instead, it seemed to form a heap in the air. Jeb noticed that the bees were continuing to fly around both areas. As he watched, he noticed that some preferred to fly in the Water Mana while others preferred the Earth. Attuning and modifying Fire and Air went even faster, even despite the System discouraging his experimentation with the Manas. Jeb tried making Attune Mud Mana, since he did have a Mud Spell Glyph. As he looked at it, though, he was confused. There were more points, certainly. As he looked at the last twenty points, they did line up with the last points of any of his other Least Create Glyphs, but the first seventeen made no sense to Jeb. As he sat there thinking, he stifled a yawn. That broke him out of his trance. After all, while learning was important, being well rested for Smithing training the following morning was probably more important. Jeb bid the bees goodnight and went back to his room. He woke up the next morning and went out to the bees. Good morning hive, he greeted. A few bees came out to greet him as well. Jeb took out his lute and made sure that it was in tune. The Enforcing he was doing was clearly helping it stay in tune, at least. He quickly fell into the Song, watching the hive join in. For whatever reason, Jebs attention was drawn to the thread that flowed into the lute. He knew that he could control it at least a little, if previous experience was any indication. Out of curiosity, Jeb tried moving the thread. He was careful not to disconnect the thread from the lute. A shiver ran down his back as he even thought about that. Still, Jeb was able to shift the way the thread came together and into the lute. As his Mana ran empty, he considered what use that might have. Lacking any obvious idea, Jeb packed up his lute and went back to plan the day with his grandfather. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4064/100
Total Statistic Load: 273
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 149
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 23
Mana: 570
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 41: Smithing Part Three Jeb started working on the shovel after breakfast. Hed been diligent about taking all of his breaks the day before, so his grandfather was willing to compromise on how often he needed to take them. Instead of breaking twice an hour, Jeb would be allowed to work forty five minutes between breaks. On an impulse, Jeb tried Attuning Fire Mana into the shovel as he heated it. He was unsurprised when the Mana just floated around the shovel head, rather than entering into it. If it was that easy to enchant an object, then they wouldnt be so expensive. Still, watching the Fire Mana made Jeb realize that the forge was already attuning some of the Mana that was in the air. He was certain that Mana aspecting itself was something hed need to consider, but, like so many of the observations hed been making lately, he would think about it later. The hours passed as Jeb worked. Right before they broke for lunch, Jeb was finished with the shovel. Sure, he could keep refining the shape more and more, but he had already passed the point of diminishing returns. It certainly wasnt the nicest shovel ever made, but it was serviceable. Great job Jeb, his grandfather said. That is certainly a shovel head. After lunch well start working on silver. Lunch was a quiet affair. Most of Jebs family was off preparing for the harvest. Back in the workshop after lunch, Jebs grandfather showed him how to shape the silver from a raw shape into a long and even rod. From there, Jebs grandfather showed him how to shape a ring. Call me over once youve shaped one hundred rings, his grandfather said. If Jeb had been less distracted, he might have asked why one hundred. But, despite intentionally not focusing on the many questions he was thinking about, part of his mind was still stuck on them. Still, Jeb took to the work diligently. He measured the right length off of the rod, cut it off and then shaped it around the sizing rod. With each passing ring he became more comfortable with the technique. As he became more comfortable with the technique, his rings grew better shaped. When he took his first afternoon break, Jeb realized that his Mana had fully refilled. He started playing his Song again, playing with the shape of the thread even more than the time before. He was even able to add loops to the thread now. As his Mana emptied, Jeb felt a pressing urge from the System to do something more with the thread, though he still wasnt sure what. Back inside, Jeb finished making the rings. Grandfather, Ive finished! he called. His grandfather showed him how to solder the rings together, and Jeb then forged all of the rings together. Once he had, his grandfather started him on making gold thread. It began similar to making the silver rod, though he just kept feeding the rod through thinner and thinner holes until it moved less like a bar of metal and more like an actual thread. Once theyd made the gold thread, Jebs grandfather showed him how to do delicate gold work. They finished working for the day and Jeb enjoyed dinner with his family. After dinner, he Enforced his lute while his bees danced and went to bed. The next morning, Jebs grandfather was waiting for him in the kitchen. Good morning, grandfather, Jeb said. Good morning, Jeb, his grandfather replied. What am I working on today? You should have nearly finished unlocking the Skill, his grandfather replied, so for your final work, make a project using the skills youve learned. What should I make? Jeb asked. Its your project, so everything is your choice. Ive been told that enchantments are often made with gold thread, though, if youre looking for some inspiration. Jeb considered what to make as his grandfather left. He could tell that he had nearly earned the Smithing Skill already, because a look around the room told him how to work with the different metals in it, even if he wasnt quite sure what all of them were. After a bit of deliberation, Jeb came up with his idea. First, though, he needed to build a few test pieces. Jeb took out a small sheet of iron and started to heat it. Once it was glowing, Jeb called Least Create Fire to mind. Mentally placing it over the iron sheet, Jeb began to draw grooves underneath the tracing of the groove. It took a few cycles in the furnace to finish the rune, but Jeb managed to carve the channels in just before he needed to take a break. Time for the moment of truth, Jeb thought. He tried feeding a small amount of Mana into the rune. To his surprise, a small flame appeared for a moment before guttering out. When Jeb looked, he saw that the Glyph had distorted when he put Mana into it. It had heated unevenly, so one of the points had shifted. It hadnt shifted much, but apparently it had shifted enough to make the Glyph not work. In retrospect, starting with Creating Fire might not have been his wisest choice. When Jeb came back from his break, he fixed the Glyph and then filled the channel in with a thin strand of gold. Once more, he poured the slightest bit of Mana into the Glyph, curious what would happen this time. A flame appeared again, this time lasting until Jeb cut off the flow of Mana. The iron had heated to nearly cherry red in that time, though, which wouldnt work for his project idea. Jeb tried removing the gold tracing from the iron, suddenly curious if he needed the stabilizing shape. Of course, it had welded itself to the iron when he used it to make Fire, so Jeb needed to reshape something. Working with a thin piece of gold, Jeb pulled Least Conjure Water to mind, carefully shaping the gold along the sharp lines of the Glyph. Once it was finished, he carefully fed in the slightest bit of Mana that he could into the new Glyph. Water started beading on its surface, though as Jeb watched, it seemed to concentrate at the end of the Glyph. Jeb was elated. His mind swimming, he took his break slightly early, already planning out what he would make for his project. Of course, hed lost track of the time. It was dinner, which meant he was done in the shop for the night. Jeb accepted the two Quest Notifications when he sat at the table.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Create Fire in iron and gold. Rewards: 20 Experience, Mana +5 Unlocked Scribe Chain Second Quest: Scribe a Second Tier Glyph
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Conjure Water in gold. Rewards: 20 Experience, Mana +5
The two Notifications were more or less the same, but Jeb was even more excited than he had been. Now he not only had confirmation that what he was doing counted as scribing a Glyph, but the Quest even gave him more Mana. Then again, given that it had taken him all day to make two Glyphs, it wasnt as though he was suddenly going to be able to double his Mana the next day. That wasnt even getting into the cost of the gold. Jeb knew that gold was costly, though he had no real sense for how much it was. The next morning, Jeb rose and went immediately to the shop. Hed spent the time after dinner planning what he would build. First came the iron. Jeb made another shovel head, though this one was far thinner than the first hed made. Once it was finished, he made a second. In them both, he carefully etched the paths for Least Move Earth, making sure that they lay perfectly on top of each other once he had finished. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Satisfied, Jeb brought over the gold thread and carefully set it within the iron. After hed successfully made the Glyph, as a quick Notification told him, Jeb carefully welded the two pieces of iron together. Jeb felt incredibly nervous as he stepped outside. He placed the shovel head on the ground and fed a stream of Mana into it. He found himself suddenly grateful for the practice hed had with the Song. Not being able to see the Glyph as he activated it made it far more difficult than hed expected. Still, as Jeb took a scoop out of the earth, a wide trough in front of him came as well. As it did, Jeb saw the notification hed been waiting for.
Congratulations! By learning to smith under the tutelage of a Master Smith, you have unlocked the General Skill: Smithing.
Jeb called his grandfather over. I finished my project and unlocked Smithing! he exclaimed as his grandfather drew near. Congratulations Jeb. What did you make? he asked, looking at the seemingly plain shovel head. Im guessing that it wasnt just a slightly nicer shovel head. I put a Glyph between two half shovel heads, he explained, and it still worked after I welded them together. Care to demonstrate? That was all the excuse Jeb needed. He sent Mana into the Glyph again, this time struggling far less. Maybe the difficulty had been a mental block rather than an actual Magical one. Whatever the case, Jebs small scoop with the shovel took out a far larger chunk of the soil. I put Least Move Earth on it, Jeb explained, so that it could replicate what I did before I got my Class. Does it only work for you, or can anyone use the Glyph? his grandfather asked. That was a good question. Why dont you try? Jeb asked. I dont know of any reason why I would be the only one able to use it, but I might be wrong. Well then, toss it over.. Jeb quickly tossed the shovel head over, and his grandfather gripped it gently. What now? Do you know how to move your Mana? Jeb asked, hoping that the answer would be yes. I cant say that I do, his grandfather admitted, I guess that its your turn to teach me. Jeb thought back to the feeling he had when he first learned Glyphs. To start, close your eyes and imagine that theres a pit of energy deep in your chest, he said. His grandfather nodded, so he continued, now push the energy into your hands, he said, and the shovels enchantment lit up. Well that was easier than I expected, his grandfather said. Now what? Try moving some earth I suppose, Jeb said, barely restraining his excitement. His grandfather moved a shovelful of earth and another three or four came with it. Well, that certainly helps a little, his grandfather said, though Im nearly out of Mana already. Still, for a first attempt, that was certainly a good job. Most of Jebs family came to see what Jeb and his grandfather were so excited about. They spent the remainder of the afternoon all taking turns with the new shovel head. At dinner, Jeb realized that hed forgotten to test something. Shoot! he exclaimed. The rest of his family turned, confused at his sudden outburst. Sorry, Jeb said, I just realized I never tried shaping iron into a Glyph, only gold or etched iron. His family muttered vaguely comforting comments, since none of them really knew what Jeb was annoyed at himself for. He tried to sneak back into the shop after dinner, only to be stopped by his grandfather telling him to take a break. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4124/100
Total Statistic Load: 273
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 149
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 23
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 42: Extra-Systemic Synergy With nothing else to do before he went to sleep, Jeb made his way over to the hive. The bees seemed as though they were already dancing along to the Song before Jeb had even pulled out his lute. His lute seemed to want to connect to the Song more than it had before, and it hardly took any effort for Jeb to start the Song playing. The urging hed felt the past times he had played the Song finally crystallized. Or, at least, Jeb realized which Skills were urging him right now. Spell Glyphing and Mana Manipulation both seemed to be urging him to do something. Strangely, Improved Glyph Groking stayed silent. After a few moments thinking, Jeb thought he knew what the Skills were urging him to do. Jeb started shaping the thread as it flowed into the lute. Hoping against hope that he wouldnt end up with Mana Backlash, Jeb called the Glyph for Attune Water Mana to mind. He carefully shifted the thread until it flowed over each point in the Glyph. To his surprise, Jeb felt something shift in the Song. The thread took on a slight blue tint in his eye. It still seemed to go into the lute with no problem, but Jeb could tell that it wasnt going to strengthen the lute as a whole anywhere near as efficiently. The nearly fixed bow in the neck was no closer to being fixed. However, Jeb could tell that the instrument was becoming far more resistant to humidity, even if he wasnt sure why. There was something else happening to the lute, but Jeb could only see that it was happening, not what it would do. His Mana drained more quickly than before, but Jeb was curious what would happen if he let his Mana run out without stopping the Song. Most of the thread was bound up in the Glyph, after all, and his first experiment had already worked. To his surprise and slight annoyance, the thread just seemed to keep flowing into the lute. When the wheels stopped turning, the end of the thread just detached from the wheels and kept moving through the pattern. It all faded into the lute, and as the last piece of the Song went into the lute, Jeb felt his grip on the image disappear. Hm, that will certainly save some effort. Now that Jeb knew he didnt have to worry about backlash as long as the Song had connected to the lute, he could experiment more. He was sure that if he made Fire Aspected Mana, he could make the lute fireproof, which had to be helpful, right? Maybe not. After all, Jeb had no real intentions of setting his lute on fire. Still, what else had putting Water Attuned Mana into his lute done? Since he couldnt play the Song, Jeb played through his scales. The sound from the lute came out darker and smoother than it had been before. Something in the sound suggested slow and continuous motion in a way it hadnt before, though incredibly subtly still. The lute itself looked different too. Its finish seemed glossier and darker, as though light itself was starting to be caught. Jeb was now incredibly curious what putting other Elementally Attuned Mana into the lute would do. Still, that was an issue best dealt with in the morning. It was nearly time for him to go to sleep. Jeb hoped that he would be learning Elemental Analysis in the morning, but he would need to wait and find out. As he drifted off to sleep, Jeb dreamed of what his future would bring. In the morning, Jeb made his way quietly over to his hive. It seemed like more of his bees were awake this early every passing day. This time through the Song, Jeb wanted to try pushing Earth Mana into his lute. It seemed smart to start with the two Manas the System had pushed him to before he tried to work with Fire and Air Mana. As Jeb started playing and singing the Song, he tried shaping the thread through Attune Earth Mana before it connected to the lute. To his minor surprise, the thread moved far more easily while disconnected from the lute. At the end of the Attuning Glyph, Jeb saw that the Mana had taken on a greenish brown color and felt somehow heavier. As it entered his lute, Jeb noticed that it also wasnt fixing any of the issues that the lute had. He was beginning to feel like he would need to put Unattuned Mana into the Song if he wanted to get rid of the last bow in the neck. Then again, he had gotten used to how he needed to bend the strings as he got higher up the instrument. Did he really need to fix it? His ruminations distracted him from seeing what the Mana was doing. Jeb got a feeling that the instrument was becoming more resistant to physical damage. As with the Water Mana, Jeb was sure that there would be a change to how the lute played, though he wasnt sure what it would be. The thread finished feeding into the lute as he slowly wound down the Song, and Jeb took the chance to play his lute again. The smoother tone was still there from his Water Mana, but as Jeb kept listening, there was something new. The tone felt more powerful as he plucked out each note. It wasnt like when he played his Song, where each note was etched into reality itself. Though, it felt like the first step on that path. Jeb had a feeling that everything he played might begin to feel like a Song if he kept feeding Earth Mana into the lute. He could think of at least a few situations where that wouldnt be ideal. Jeb tried playing more scales, this time trying to avoid that extra presence in the notes. To his relief, the lute started sounding like it had a few days before. None of the effects from the Water or Earth Mana were obvious in it. Convinced that there were no downsides to Enhancing his lute with Elemental Mana, Jeb took another look at the instrument. The Water Mana had made the lute seem darker and glossier. The Earth Mana, on the other hand, seemed to make the wood underneath appear more present. The lute seemed darker for the effect, and it seemed to spread the light more like stone would. Strangely, the effects from the Water and Earth Mana, while seeming opposed, didnt seem to affect each other at all. Jeb felt certain that the effects would remain separate even if he kept filling the lute with the two Attuned Manas. It almost made him hope that his grandfather wouldnt be ready to teach him Elemental Analysis. He was only too curious what Fire and Air Mana could do, to say nothing of Mud Mana. That reminded him. Jeb called the Glyphs for Least Create Mud, Least Conjure Water, and Least Create Earth in his mind. He still couldnt find the way to overlay Water and Earth to make Mud, though he was certain that he was getting closer. When he looked at the end, however, Jeb was able to overlay the Creation parts of the Earth and Mud Glyphs. Trying to connect the points in the Mud Glyph to make Attune Mud Mana failed again, though. As Jeb thought about it, it made some amount of sense. The secondary connections between each point in the Glyph were dependent on the square of the number of points in the Glyph. He would need to do the math for where they should connect. A quick glance at the brightening sky showed him that he would need to wait until after breakfast. Jeb saw his grandfather at breakfast and went to go see what he would be working on that day. Im sorry, Jeb, his grandfather said, Im still not totally sure how to teach you Elemental Analysis. It would have been easier if you hadnt learned Soil Savvy, just because of how much overlap there is between the two Skills, especially for the materials I have expertise in. Thats completely ok! Jeb replied, so what will I be working on instead? His grandfather looked at him for a moment. Do you have any other projects you could work on? The rest of the family isnt ready to teach you any of the Skills they might have been planning to. That was a nice coincidence. I do actually! Jeb confirmed happily, Ive been working to continue Enforcing my lute. I found out that I can feed in Elementally Attuned Mana and that doing so changes the lute in different ways than feeding unattuned Mana. Even as Jeb said that, though, he realized that it wasnt totally accurate. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. If he looked at his Mana honestly, it was slightly brown, which Jeb knew meant that it was Mud Attuned. Still, it was only the slightest coloration, and by the time it was woven into the thread of a Song, Jeb was positive that it was unaspected. After breakfast, Jeb walked back over to his hive. Sitting with his back to the device, Jeb felt a few bees land on him. He pulled out his lute, ready to Enforce his lute again. As Jeb quickly found the Song again, he decided to be rigorous and see what happened if he didnt do anything exciting and just put the Mana into the lute. The moment that the thought went through his mind, he almost lost the Song. His voice caught for a moment as he suppressed a laugh. What had changed in his life since getting a Class that sitting next to the hive that hed established while Enforcing a lute with his Mana was an unexciting event? Jeb moved on from that question and noticed that his memory had been correct. The thread going into the lute lacked any color from a specific Elemental Aspect. As his Mana ran out, Jeb was curious if the Song would still take the rest of the thread as it spun down. To his relief, it did. As Jeb looked at his lute, he found that the bow in the neck had completely fixed itself. So far as he could tell, there was no longer anything that needed to be repaired in his lute. The last Mana that had gone into the instrument was serving to do nothing more than the Song implied that it would. It was Enforcing the lute, generally making the instrument more reliable and playable. Now Jeb just needed to find something to occupy his time before his Mana refilled. He remembered that his hive was constructed to make getting honey out easier. His grandfather had said that his aunt wasnt free, but Jeb was sure it couldnt hurt to check. As he opened the door to the Brewing Barn, he saw his aunt working. It was so different from the way that she taught Jeb to brew. Malt darkened to the perfect color nearly instantly. She didnt bother measuring a single ingredient, and yet Jeb was certain that everything was poured perfectly. His aunt gave a brief nod to him before going to another fermenter and emptying it into the waiting barrels. Well, clearly his grandfather wasnt lying. Jeb went back to his room to grab the Lute Method Book. He figured that would give him something to spend the day doing as he waited for his Mana to refill. Back at the hive, he kept part of his focus on his Mana as he started learning the next song in the book. From the first notes, though, Jeb could feel the difference Enforcing with Attuned Mana would make. Even as Jeb messed up notes, the lute made them sound like intentional choices. His Mana had refilled before he finished learning the song, at least if he trusted the System. Jeb started to play the Song and move it to Attune Air Mana. As the thread started to move through the Glyph, though, Jeb noticed an issue. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4124/100
Total Statistic Load: 273
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 149
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 23
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 43: Mana Attuned Enforcing Jeb knew that his Mana was only ever so slightly Attuned to Mud. Apparently that slight Attunement was still enough to make it difficult for him to force the thread through the Attune Air Mana Glyph. As his Mana ticked down without the Glyph being formed, Jeb started to get worried. If I cant get Air Attuned Mana before Im at a third of my Mana left, Ill give up for now, Jeb decided. A third of his Mana would still be more than enough to push it into the lute, and it would give him more time to try wresting control over the unruly thread. Jeb focused more intently on the thread. He was no longer content to let it move on its own, only being guided by his will. The Bard had mentioned that at different times Charisma and Willpower would be more important in a Song, and now Jeb had object experience with that. He forced the thread of Mana to flow according to his design, despite the fact that it was nearly counter to what the thread wanted to do. Each piece of the Glyph resisted Jeb more. It made no sense to him. His Mana should have been getting less attuned to Mud with each point, and yet it felt like it was only getting further from Air. Point by point, Jeb forced his way through the Glyph. When he finally got it attuned to Air, Jeb hurriedly sent the thread into his lute. Thankfully, it didnt resist him there. He felt the Mana flow into the lute after what felt like an agonizing age. His Mana was less than half full, which was frustrating. So much Mana wasted. The fact that his Mana regenerated so quickly was hardly relevant here. Still, as the Mana went in, Jeb was curious what the newly Attuned Mana would do to his instrument. Water had made the lute water resistant, and Earth had made it more resistant to blunt force damage. As it turned out, Air Mana made the lute more resistant to slashes. It felt like a nice symmetry, especially given how sure Jeb was that Fire Mana would make the lute more fireproof. Air and Earth were often seen as opposing elements, so the fact that both made the lute more resistant to different kinds of damage made some amount of sense. He had no intention of testing any of the resistances, but Jeb was glad to know that his lute was becoming harder to damage. As the last traces of Jebs Mana flowed into the lute, he was incredibly curious what differences he would see and hear in it. The Water Mana made it seem like there was deep water in the finish, making it darker and glossier. The Earth Mana made the lute look more like stone, darker and more matte. The Air Mana also seemed to affect the finish. It made the lute seem brighter, as though the sun was shining directly on it. The grain in the wood seemed to glow in the sunshine, reflecting all of the light. As Jeb started plucking out the notes, he heard the smoothness from the Water Mana and the depth from the Earth Mana. Listening more closely, Jeb heard the effect the Air Mana was starting to give the lute. It sounded like the sound was carrying further. If Jeb kept Enforcing his lute with Air Mana, he was sure that it would eventually be audible for miles. As Jeb waited for his Mana to refill, he started daydreaming about his bound Lute. He would play a little ditty, and it would resonate through to the Capital, sounding like a Song the whole way. Shaking himself out of his consideration, he went back to practice. By the time that hed finished learning the song in the book, Jebs Mana was nearly refilled. He accepted the Quest Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Jeb realized that he hadnt accepted the Quest Notification for his Gift of Gab Quest.
Become Personable
Minor Quest Third Tier Become More Charismatic Become more Charismatic. Double your Charisma Score (Repeatable, Update Available)
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Become Personable Third Tier Become More Charismatic Use this Charisma to lead others on your Quest.
Rewards: 4 Charisma, 59 EXP, Gift of Gab Improvement
Just like that, Jebs Charisma suddenly became his second highest Mental Statistic. He checked the Skill Description for Gift of Gab, but it remained unchanged.
Congratulations! Through your efforts to complete your Major Quest, the Paragons have rewarded you with the Special Skill: Gift of Gab
Charisma +5, You gain the ability to communicate general concepts with other sentient beings, even through language gaps. Use this skill to help recruit others to your holy and noble mission.
As Jeb checked the tuning on his lute, he saw his bees start to prepare to dance. They seemed excited and ready, which seemed more like a real message and not just his anthropomorphizing the hive. He started playing the Song, ready to force the Mana to Attune into Fire Mana. It resisted him if anything more than when he tried to form the Air Glyph. This time, though, Jeb had experience with wrangling an uncooperative Attunement. Point by agonizing point, Jeb watched his Mana shift from a light brown to the clear of Unattuned Mana and then slowly into the colors of Fire Mana. When he had finished pushing the Mana through the Glyph, Jeb hesitated for a moment. The Mana was shifting between shades of red and yellow, giving off an impression of heat. Jeb was a little worried about what that could do to the lute. After all, if the forge was giving off Fire Mana, he wasnt sure if he wanted that in his lute. Then again, the Librarian had assured him that he couldnt do any damage to the lute with his Magic, and Jeb knew better than to doubt the Librarian. When the thread connected to the lute, nothing terrible happened. The instrument took the Mana, just the same as it had every other time. Time still felt like it stopped, but Jeb was growing used to the feeling. As the Mana flowed in, Jeb felt, just for a moment, like the lute was a part of him. The feeling passed, but he felt like he had an inkling of what it would be like when he had fully bound the lute. He was right in his initial guess. Fire Mana did, in fact, make his lute more resistant to fire. It also seemed like it would help the lute to dry faster in the event that Jeb got it wet. As he probed that feeling, he saw that the Water Mana would also help prevent the lute from being damaged if a fire did happen to get past the Fire Manas protection. When his Mana was emptied, Jeb took the chance to look at his lute and see what had changed. He saw some bees buzzing their curiosity, confused why Jeb was looking at his instrument so often recently. Im trying to Enforce my lute with Elementally Attuned Mana, he explained, and Ive noticed that the Mana changes how the lute looks and sounds. The bees buzzed closer, confusion turning into excitement. Jeb ignored them, focused on the new changes to his instrument. The Fire Mana almost seemed to make the lute light up. The wood seemed to be giving off its own light, dispersed like a candle behind a screen. The overall effect of the four Manas was difficult for Jeb to put into words. Somehow the lute seemed both brighter and darker, glossier and more matte all at once. As Jeb turned the lute around, it almost seemed like each piece of light striking the lute did something else. It was subtle for now, but Jeb could tell that it would quickly become a striking effect. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Jeb thought a little more about the changes Attuned Mana made to the lute. It was a cycles, of sorts. Water Mana was darker and shinier. Earth Mana was darker and matte. Fire Mana was brighter and matte, and Air Mana was brighter and shinier. It was interesting that both Water and Earth made the lute darker. He wondered if that meant anything for the kinds of Magic that he would be called towards. Then again, he realized that he would be thinking something similar if hed gotten any other pair of elements. Other than the opposites, each pair shared something. Jeb broke out of his reverie, though the trail of thought was interesting. Now that hed seen what the different Manas did to the appearance of the lute, it was time to look at what they all did to the sound. Jeb played a slow scale, listening carefully to hear the slightest differences. He still heard the sounds from the other three Manas, but it was immediately clear to him what the Fire Mana was doing. Each note seemed to be brighter and sharper. In complete opposition to the Water Manas effect, the music seemed to be moving rapidly and pointedly. Combined with the Waters effect, it made a beautiful sound. Each note sounded sharp and pointed, but they flowed together into a smooth melody. That was another interesting set of effects. Air and Earth Mana affected the way the sound carried, while Fire and Water Mana affected the way that each individual note sang. Jeb stopped himself before he got too far into that line of thought. Rather than continue to daydream about the effects that continuing to Enforce his lute might bring, Jeb decided to try communicating with his hive. He faced his hive and called out. Hello, can you understand me? Jeb asked, feeling a little ridiculous. Gift of Gab shouldnt have changed their ability to understand him that much, so the answer shouldnt have changed from any other time hed just spoken to the bees. Still, it seemed polite to check. More bees than Jeb knew were in the hive started to swarm around him. None of them individually seemed to be talking, but as a whole, Jeb started to get an impression of what they were saying. As Jeb stood in the swarming bees, he slowly understood what they were saying. Dancing? Regardless of how to refer to the way that the bees were communicating, Jeb got the feeling that they were asking him why he was only now asking if they understood. That was a good question, one that Jeb didnt immediately know how to answer. After a moment of thought, he started speaking. The bees calmed down as he explained, at first, my aunt recommended that I talk to you as a way to establish trust. As I kept talking to you, though, it became a great way for me to work through whatever I was dealing with. These past few days, though, Ive started to feel like our conversations arent as one sided as I used to think. The hive kept buzzing, letting him know that he wasnt wrong about that. So, have you been Enforcing your hive? It seemed like you started dancing along when I was working on my Song. The hive went into a flurry. They were clearly communicating something, but Jeb was unable to understand what they were saying. Apparently it was far more than just a general concept. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4203/100
Total Statistic Load: 278
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 154
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 44: Were Going on a Field Trip Jeb apologized for his lack of understanding, and the bees seemed to accept it. He was still curious about the answer, but he knew that he wouldnt be able to understand it yet. At lunch, Jeb saw a surprising face. Aunt Sue, what are you doing here? She was almost always at her workshop in Midville. I came to pick you up, she replied simply. Are you ready to learn how to fashion wood? Well, that solved the issue of how Jeb would pass the time. I am! he said. Just give me a moment to pack. Theres no rush Jeb, his mother said, Im sure Aunt Sue is staying for lunch. Shes right, his aunt confirmed. But I would like to leave as soon after lunch as possible. I hear youve been working on a number of other projects. Other than the lute, youre probably safe to leave the rest here. Your grandfather informed me that youre pouring your Mana into it? She framed it as a question, though Jeb wasnt sure why. I am! he replied happily, taking the lute out of its case. He had started to grow used to the way the light was striking the lute, almost thinking of it as normal again. The gasps that his family gave as he pulled it out reminded him of how different it looked now. So, Jeb, his aunt finally asked, how did you get the lute to look like this? I was told it just looked like a mediocre lute. Oh! Jeb was excited to get to share, I had a Quest to create a new Glyph, and so I made Glyphs that just Attune Mana to an Element. I realized that I could force my Song to go through those Glyphs, and therefore Enforce the lute with Elementally Attuned Mana. As it turns out, that changes the color and sound of the lute. Do you think you could put Elementally Attuned Mana into other pieces of wood? she asked. Jeb thought about it for a moment. I tried putting Mana into a shovel that I was smithing, and that didnt work, he finally replied, but I might be able to figure something out if I tried harder. He wondered whether just leaving something in an environment of highly Attuned Mana might do something, but that was far too theoretical to bring up to the family just yet. No, your efforts are better spent elsewhere. Though, if you do figure out how to put Mana into wood, I would greatly appreciate if you send me a letter with instructions, his aunt replied. Do you already know how to use your Mana? Jeb asked excitedly. He assumed that no one in his family did. Then again, maybe his shovel was only exciting for the members of his family who couldnt already use their Mana. His aunt exchanged a look with his grandfather, who shook his head. Before Jeb could ask what that was about, his aunt replied, Im comfortable with using my Mana, yes. Her tone left no room for a response, and so the conversation ended. Jeb put his Lute Method book back in his room and packed a few changes of clothing in a travel sack. With that and the lute, he should be ready for whatever training his aunt had in mind. He followed his aunt as they made their way to her cart. As much as I love being at the farm with the rest of the family, she said as they started walking, almost all of my equipment is in Midville. Are you ready for your first trip out of town? I hope so! Jeb replied, I have some clothes and my lute. She started to jog, and Jeb was worried that she would make him run all the way to Midville. He had no clue how far away it was, but it must be far if hed never gone. Thankfully, they quickly came to a cart, and Jeb got inside with his aunt. Why did grandfather say you went to the market for wood if were going to be working at your shop? he asked once they had started to travel. I needed to get wood for you to work with. Most of the wood I keep in the shop is wood that Ive purchased for a specific commission. Also, I wanted to make sure that you end up getting Wood Identification. Your grandfather tells me that youre working on getting more Identification Subskills, and its vital to know as much as you can about a piece of wood before working it. If theres a knot in the board, its best to plan on dealing with it at the start of the project, rather than the end. Different woods, even from the same kind of tree can have wildly different grains, and you need to know how to treat all of them. Most importantly, though, the two Skills require fairly identical workflows for you to gain. They fell into silence as Jeb tried not to annoy his aunt with too many questions. It was strange having nothing to occupy his hands or mind but the road around him. Jeb realized that he couldnt remember the last time hed just sat, rather than running around on some idea or another. He didnt regret his musings, but it was nice to have this time to recenter and refocus on why he was doing what he was doing. Even though he wasnt a Farmer, Jeb wanted to do the most he could to help the farm. After a few minutes, his aunt started talking. Your Aunt Esther promised me that youd be talking my ear off, why so quiet? his aunt startled him out of reflection. Honestly, I was just thinking about how I havent taken enough time to plan for the future. Since getting my Class, I kind of feel like Ive just been floating from project to project, half the time trying to pretend Im not a Mage and the other half acting like I always wanted to be one. I dont really know what Im doing with myself, and Im worried about that. He had never been too close with his aunt, but in a way it made the confession easier. He knew how much work his grandfather and the rest of the farm had been doing to help him adapt to his Class, so it was hard to tell them when he was having doubts. Jeb didnt question their advice; he knew it was meant with the best of intentions and would likely help him get to his goal, he just wasnt sure what his goal was anymore. His aunt didnt say anything, so Jeb continued, Grandfather said that I should spend more time planning, but its hard. I want to be doing, not just thinking about doing. But more than that, I dont know what I want to do. I think we all go through phases of our life where we feel unmoored, his aunt said after another pause. I know that when I was offered my Woodworker Class this Tier, I spent a few months considering what to do. Jeb had never known that his Aunt used to be anything but a Woodworker, but couldnt find a way to ask. I know what that expression means, she said, expression turning wistful, I remember when I was young and excited by Classes too. Before I was a Woodworker, I was a Carver. Truthfully, I thought the Woodworking Class was a joke when I first saw it. I had just come back from a trip hunting- she glanced at Jeb and clearly changed what she was about to say, anyways, I had to cut down a lot of trees while we were there. When I got the Class offer, though, I was conflicted. Becoming a Woodworker was going to mean a much different life, but I was tired of spending my time on the road, and I was ready to start settling down. Still, there are nights where I regret it. That was clearly all she was going to say, despite the many questions shed just introduced to Jeb. What was a Carver? What was she hunting? How old was she now? What Tier was she? Jeb pondered those questions as he considered his own future. He wasnt sure if he was supposed to learn a message from her story, but he thought it might be that he needed to keep his future Class advancements open. The two of them sat in their thoughts as the countryside passed along. After a few more hours in the cart, Jeb realized that his Mana had refilled. Aunt Sue, do you mind if I Enforce my lute while we ride? My Mana refilled and Im supposed to keep Enforcing it until it binds to me. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Hmm, his aunt said, clearly thinking. After a few moments, she seemed to realize that she hadnt responded to Jebs question. Sorry, yes, go ahead and Enforce your lute. I was just wondering why youre trying to bind something. Jeb cocked his head. The Bard told me it would be a good idea and no one else has disagreed, he answered. Do you think its a bad idea? Thats a difficult question to answer, his aunt replied. You do know that once youve bound something to yourself, it becomes a part of you, right? More or less, Jeb replied hesitantly. Have you thought about what that means? When youre separated from something that youve bound, it feels like youre missing a limb. More than that, though, if a bound object gets destroyed, its not uncommon for the person bound to it to break as well. What do you mean? Jeb asked, somewhat horrified. His aunt started and stopped a few times, clearly trying to shield Jeb from how harsh life could be without actively lying to him. Imagine life without one of your arms. That wasnt difficult for Jeb to do, so his aunt continued, its like that, but on a metaphysical level. Seeing Jebs confusion, she shook her head, never mind. It will hopefully never become relevant for you. Jeb shrugged. Ok! he fixed the tuning on his lute. Apparently the jostling from the cart had been enough to finally detune it slightly. Are you planning to put Elementally Attuned Mana into it right now? she asked. I was going to, Jeb said. Which Element? Jeb considered. He liked the effect that Earth Mana gave his playing the most. Probably Earth Mana, he answered. Do you mind if I watch? Jeb couldnt find the polite way to say I would have no way of stopping you and no reason to mind, so he refrained from saying anything and just nodded. He pushed his Mana through the Attune Earth Mana Glyph. It went far more quickly this time, which he attributed just as much to the difficulties of Attuning Air and Fire Mana as to his growing experience Attuning Mana. It went into his lute, and he heard his aunt gasp. Rather than break his concentration to see what was distracting, Jeb tried to remember to ask once his Mana emptied. The feeling of oneness lasted longer this time. Jeb almost forgot where his fingers ended and the lute began. Then, too soon, he ran out of Mana. Coming out of the Song remained a bittersweet experience. Sure, he no longer felt at one with the universe, playing the music of the heavens. But, he could talk to people again. What was the gasp for? he asked his aunt. I just didnt expect Lute Enforcement to look like that, she replied unconvincingly. Jeb knew that it was impolite to pry, so he let the half-truth stand. Before his Mana had refilled again, they had made it into Midville. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4203/100
Total Statistic Load: 278
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 154
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 45: Woodworking Part One It was past dark and Jeb was starting to fade. He wasnt used to feeling so tired after doing so little in a day, but travel was shockingly exhausting. His aunt seemed to notice his exhaustion, and she smiled. Its a shame youre so tired for your first time in a city, she said. Well have to make sure to schedule time for you to see the sights before you leave. For now, though, help me get this wood inside. Jeb hadnt really been able to see what a difference doubling his Strength had made. He knew intellectually that he was getting stronger, if the progressively heavier sacks he had been able to pick up were any indication. Then again, he hadnt ever failed to pick one of them up, so a voice in the back of his head pointed out that he might not have actually grown any stronger. Carrying wood for his aunt quickly killed that thought. He was barely able to move under the load she gave him. Jeb knew without a doubt that he could not have carried the many logs and planks before hed gotten his Class. Now he heard a new voice asking how much stronger he could have been with a Farming Class. Thankfully, Jeb was tired enough to not entertain that line of thinking. After all, there was nothing he could do to change what he was, so why waste time on regrets? He started Enforcing his lute again, but the dirty looks (and calls) he started getting showed him how different city life was, and he stopped well before his Mana emptied. Jeb collapsed in the bed his Aunt Sue showed him, tired but excited for the next days work. For the first time in as long as Jeb could remember, he was woken up by another person. Come with me, his aunt said, shaking his shoulder. Jeb groggily followed. We need to get this onto the roof, she said, gesturing to the large desk in the center of her workshop. For a moment Jeb thought she was joking. Then she went to one side of the desk and picked it up. Jeb hurried to follow. On top of the roof, Jeb looked out. The sky was still completely dark. Dawn had yet to arrive. Now that he was awake, he noticed some differences in the air. There was a tinge of sweat and rot here that hed never noticed on the farm. Sure, the farm got fragrant during fertilizing seasons, but that was still a scent of growth. This was different somehow. Jeb was shaken from his thoughts by his aunt pointing to the east. Look! she said. As Jeb looked, he saw the first hints of dawn. Following her finger, he saw that she was pointing towards the desk. Jeb realized that he wasnt as awake as he thought he was. As the sky started to brighten, it seemed like the desk was beginning to glow. Though, as the first rays of dawn turned into full dawn, Jeb realized that the glow was real. The majority of the desk began to glow in the bright colors of dawn. Yellows, reds, and pinks all seemed to swirl about the wood, coming out of the grain. As dawn turned to morning, the desk stopped emitting light, though the colors remained. This desk is made of Dawnwood, his aunt explained, preempting Jebs question. Its an incredibly easy to work with wood until you expose it to dawnlight. At that point it becomes one of the strongest woods. For that reason, she paused, along with how it looks, its one of the most expensive woods. This commission is worth more than the rest of the wood in my shop combined, just as a frame of reference. Jeb had only seen the shop briefly, but it seemed like it was the size of the brewing barn and filled nearly to the brim with various woods. If this single desk was worth that much, he had one pressing question. How do you grow Dawnwood? he asked. Hmm? his aunt seemed surprised by the question. Great question. As far as I know, Dawnwood only grows in the personal glades of a Tenth Tier Druid. The Republic doesnt have any Druids left, let alone at the Tenth Tier, so I suppose theres none growing here right now. So theres just no more Dawnwood ever again? Jeb asked, horrified. The thought that he would never be able to share the experience of watching Dawnwood cure horrified him. Oh, no, we just have to trade with other nations for it. Seeing Jebs confusion, his aunt cocked her head. You know that there are countries other than the Republic, right? Jeb nodded unconvincingly. Either his aunt wasnt paying attention, or she didnt want to have a geopolitical lesson that early in the morning. Jeb quickly asked another question. Should we move the desk down? he asked. Dawn is over now. No, the inlay is all Duskwood, she said, pointing to the points of the desk that hadnt glowed. It cures at dusk, and its supposed to be sunny all day. Theres no point in hauling the desk down just to haul it back up in a few hours. That made sense to Jeb, so he followed his aunt back inside. After a quick breakfast, Jebs aunt led him into the shop. Jeb was finally awake enough to notice the smells of different woods and varnishes. There were a few other people in the room, all working on different pieces of wood. One had some spinning device that they were using to make what looked like a vase. Another was carefully putting scroll work into an end table. The overall feeling in the room was similar to his grandfathers forge. There was something in the air, Jeb just couldnt say what just yet. He followed his aunt to another room, where there were piles of wood stacked on top of each other. Jeb recognized some of them from the loads hed carried in the night before. This is where youll be spending your time while youre learning the Skills, she said. Im going to have you learn the most common types of wood in the region, and how you should prepare, shape, and protect them. Im busier right now than your Aunt Esther was, so Ill be going faster than she did. She started lecturing on the first piece of wood, and Jeb tried his hardest to remember everything she said. His aunt was thorough in her discussion. She talked about the growth cycle for each tree, their harvesting methods, the tools that would shape them best. She discussed the aesthetic pros and cons of each species. When shed finished discussing a board, she would quickly demonstrate the Woodworking she wanted Jeb to attempt. First came pine. It was cheap enough that his aunt was willing to let him make mistakes. She pointed him to what looked like the trunk of a pine tree. Remember, pine is mostly used for planks, she explained. Go ahead, she gestured to the trunk, all the tools you should need are in the corner over there. Jeb managed to debark the tree, though that took far longer than he thought it should. His Aunt Sue hadnt told him to save anything, but she also hadnt said to throw anything out, so Jeb started making piles of each piece as he removed it from the tree. Once the tree was bare, Jeb moved it over to the portable saw. From a single glance, he knew that it was something that could be powered by a waterwheel. Still, his aunt hadnt given him one, so he adjusted the blade height to be two fingers thick. Jeb cut down the length of the tree, then came to his first issue. Was he supposed to flip the saw around or back it up? Either answer seemed like a waste of energy, but the saw blades werent sharp on both sides, right? In an action that he immediately realized was the wrong way to check, Jeb drew his finger across the back of the saw. Thankfully, it was dull. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Looking around the space, he felt like it would be more effort than it was worth to try turning the saw and jig around. Instead, he raised the blade a small amount and backed it up. Once the tree was cut into fingers thick-planks, Jeb went through and evened them all out. That, thankfully, went far faster. As it turns out, it was easier to cut through thinner wood. That wasnt surprising, but it was still nice to know for certain. Jeb looked up from the last plank to see his aunt standing over him. Jeb, why didnt you eat anything today? she asked, pointing to the multiple covered dishes that were by the door. I didnt notice them, Jeb replied honestly. Hed been too engrossed in the way that the grain of the pine wood split and appeared to change as he turned the log into planks. Now that he had, though, he was ravenous. Jeb missed whatever his aunt said, rushing over to the trays and scarfing down the food within. This is really delicious Aunt Sue, thank you! he called out between bites. Did you hear what I just said? she asked. I did not, he replied honestly. I said that the Duskwood is about to cure, so you should hurry upstairs. Food once again forgotten, Jeb sprinted to the roof. The sun was still almost entirely visible, so he was grateful that he hadnt missed the show. As the sun kept setting, the darker inlay in the board seemed to grow darker. It slowly sucked in the night, spiraling in blues and purples, like the last traces of the sunset. When the sun had set fully, Jeb realized that he couldnt see what the desk looked like finished. His aunt was standing behind him with a lamp, and Jeb finally took the chance to really appreciate the desk. It was a masterwork, to be sure. Each line of the desk was perfectly balanced against every other line. The desk even seemed at first glance to be a simple block of a single wood. As he kept looking, though, he saw the way that the two woods were worked together. It almost seemed like theyd been woven in certain sections. Despite that, and despite how incredibly eye-catching both woods were, the desk managed to look reserved and regal. It screamed that whoever was sitting there was powerful, rich, and comfortable with that wealth. The reds and yellows bled into blues and purples in a way that Jeb knew had to have been planned. Even as he became entranced by the appearance, though, his stomach reminded him that it hadnt been sated. As he went back down the stairs, he heard his aunt muttering, I didnt believe Esther when she said that he was the worst person to get the Meditation Skill. That stung a little, for all that he couldnt argue. As he ate the two meals hed missed, Jeb made a mental resolution to better schedule his day. Tomorrow, at least, he would try to. His aunt came in as he finished the last bites of what he assumed was dinner. Good job with the pine, she said, especially for your first attempt. Tomorrow Ill have you start working it. Its soft and cheap, which makes it great for learning techniques on. For now, though, she said, pointing at the bed in the corner of the room, get some sleep. Jeb started to drift off to sleep. Just as the weight on his eyes seemed like it had passed the point of no return, he jolted up. What had happened to his lute? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4203/100
Total Statistic Load: 278
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 154
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 46: Woodworking Part Two Before Jeb grew too panicked, he remembered leaving it beside his bed. After a brief search, Jeb found his lute in its case, exactly where hed left it. With that problem resolved, he rolled back over and let sleep take him. In the morning, Jeb tried to think of a way to keep track of the passing time. The room was lit from some artificial source. It was nice, because it meant that there were no dark spots in the room, but it meant that Jeb couldnt rely on the position of the sun to keep track of time. After a brief scan, he saw a clock on the wall. Jeb resolved to check the clock often. His aunt showed him how to prepare the planks for curing, though she did not have Jeb cure them. When asked why, she simply responded, theres no point in you waiting for something I can do in an instant. He started making his first project: a wooden square. His aunt had told him that he would be making a square with a variety of different binding techniques. First was glue. Thankfully, Jebs aunt wasnt so harsh as to require him to make his own glue. She pointed him to a sealed container. Jeb tried making the squares two different ways. In his first attempt, Jeb carefully cut each piece of wood to the same length and then glued them all together. As it turned out, between the gluing and the compressing, the piece ended up slightly wider than it was long. Jeb was able to cut it down, sure, but it felt like hed wasted some time. So, his second time making one, Jeb roughly cut the boards to be slightly longer than he expected to need. It was far faster to cut, and it didnt take any longer at the end. The days faded by in a blur. Sure, Jeb made sure to take a break every few hours, but those short breaks were filled with reviewing what he''d learned. His aunt demonstrated each piece of Woodworking once, since, in her words anything more is just wasting good lumber. Jeb did his best to replicate her work, but every piece he made had some fundamental flaw, which his aunt was not afraid to point out. She never did so with malice, but it seemed as though she didnt understand why he would make each mistake he made. After all, she gave him a perfect piece to replicate. The disappointment she showed each time he made a major error was an effective teaching aid, and Jeb never made the same mistake twice. When shed finished explaining the final piece of wood in the room, Jeb began making what he assumed would be his final project: a walking stick. He deftly worked around the grain, knots, and bends of the wood, carefully making sure that every surface was perfect. When hed finished smoothing out the wood, Jeb began carving it. His aunt had suggested carving a Glyph into the staff if he could, so Jeb tried to work the Glyph for Attune Water Mana into it, if only because hed been thinking about it lately. Water was the only Element hed learned that used Conjure instead of Create for its First Tier Glyph. Jeb wanted to try making Least Conjure Earth or Least Create Water, but he hadnt had the time yet. His Attune Mana Glyphs were also the only Glyphs hed learned so far that didnt say Least in front of them, which made Jeb think hed be relying on them for far longer. Now that Jeb had thought of two reasons to put Attune Water Mana into the staff, he just had to figure out how. The project was far more difficult than Scribing a shovel had been. The shovel was mostly square-shaped, so he was able to understand how the Glyph would fit on it. The staff was not. It was thin and roughly cylindrical, so Jeb had to think about how to connect the points. Thankfully, Jeb had a lot of scrap wood that he could practice on before committing to the staff. First, he tried just imagining that the Glyph were on a sheet of paper, then tracing that onto a nearby plank. He didnt think that it would work, but it would certainly be the easiest answer. To his complete lack of surprise, the carving didnt take even the slightest bit of Mana, no matter how hard Jeb tried to push. Jeb took a moment to consider what he was doing, making sure to be methodical and intentional. He sat with his back against the wall, feeling the smooth wood beneath and behind him. The feeling quickly faded from his mind as he brought the Glyph to mind. Hed always thought of the Glyphs as lying more or less in a square. Part of that was obviously because of the medium he was learning them. After all, images on books could only really be two-dimensional. Still, was that an actual requirement in the Glyph, or simply a convention? Jeb imagined the Glyph rotating in his mind, this time rotating so that he saw it edge on. To his surprise, the Glyph wasnt totally flat. The Water Attuning portion of the Glyph lay slightly in and out of the overall plane of the Glyph. Even without adjusting them, Jeb knew that the non-planar portions were there for a reason, even if he didnt know why just yet. Exploring what would happen if he made the entire Glyph lie on a plane went on the list of experiments to try later. For now, he would figure out how to make the Glyph fit on a rough cylinder. Out of curiosity, Jeb mentally wrapped the Glyph like he had over the plank of wood. The light immediately guttered out in his mind. Well, that was promising. Maybe he wouldnt need to test the carving over and over on different pieces of wood. His aunt would certainly be happy to not have so much wood wasted. He tried making the Glyph wrap not around square corners, but in a smooth curve. Somehow Jeb had the image of the Glyph both lit up and not lit up at the same time. Apparently his Skill wasnt yet able to predict completely new configurations of the Glyph. For now, at least, he would need to try carving things into the wood. Before he did, though, Jeb wanted to see what would happen if he adjusted the shape. Though the Glyph remained both lit and not, Jeb could see how some changes made the light feel more or less likely. It was barely more than a hunch, but it felt like the best path forward. Jeb decided that he would imagine the Glyph and rearrange it until his Skills and experience told him he had found the best likelihood of success. At that point, he would try carving the Glyph into the wood. He figured that each attempt would either work or help train his mental models more effectively. His next attempt required a cylindrical piece of wood. Thankfully, his attempts at learning how to spin a lathe had left him with plenty of wood to use for that purpose. Once more, the Glyph failed to activate. Acting on instinct, though, Jeb tried looking at it while watching the Mana around it. Hed only ever done that while using a Glyph or the Song, so it took a few moments to separate the two feelings. When he did, he saw what points in the Glyph were blocking the flow of Mana. It was really helpful, he was sure. It just didnt mean anything to his conscious mind. Realizing that this might help him train his mental models faster, he grabbed his first failed experiment and looked at the places Mana was stuck through it. That was less than useful, because it failed on the first point in the Glyph. Still, it was good to know. The rest of the day passed without touching the beautiful piece of wood his aunt had given him. When she came in after dinner, as had become the norm, she seemed confused. Jeb, not that I think you should rush into carving wood, but why havent you started yet? Her tone let Jeb know that this question had wrong answers. Jeb took a moment before answering, breaking out of the model he was currently working on. A part of him wished that he had a way to save each previous attempt in his mind. I still havent figured out how to engrave a Glyph onto a cylinder, he replied. And each attempt is getting me closer. He gestured to the pile of dowels hed carved into throughout the day. Im glad that your woodworking skill is continuing to develop, his aunt said, nodding approvingly. Jeb cocked his head, then looked at the different dowels. The Glyphs became closer to functional as he looked down the line. That clearly wasnt what his aunt was referring to, though, so he ignored that. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. He looked at the physical lines and points that he had carved into the wood. Each one looked smoother and cleaner. Jeb was even gladder that hed waited now, since the lines still werent totally clean. Though, that did add another complication. Was the Glyph not working because the design was bad, or because Jebs implementation of the design was bad? He decided to figure out the answer to that the following day. In the morning, Jeb started on his next dowel. As night fell again, he felt so close to the right arrangement. He was certain that the next dowel he carved would Attune Mana that was passed through it. Jeb felt the same way the following night. After his fifth day working on to adapt the Glyph, his aunt suggest that he might want to just carve the staff without a Glyph. It was a fair idea. Hed stopped making notable improvements in his actual carving, for all that the Mana flow through the dowels continued to get better and better. Even if he wasnt making incredible progress on the specific task of engraving Attune Water Mana onto a staff, Jeb could feel his Skills growing from the experimentation. Hed practiced modifying Spell Glyphs more in the past few days than he had up to that point. It wasnt modifying the way that his Quest asked him to, that much he was sure of, but it was the same skill being developed. His aunt came in after the eighth day to the sounds of cheering. It was immediately clear why. Jeb was holding a dowel that glowed with wet blue light. I see that youve finally figured out the Glyph, she commented. Almost! Jeb exclaimed. Now I just need to clean it up a little. The Glyph shouldnt light up when its activated. That means that theres a mistake somewhere in the path. As a counterpoint, his aunt offered, it looked very impressive when I came in to see you holding a staff that was emitting a glowing trail of light. Jeb considered that, but this is a really nice piece of wood and- His aunt interrupted him, its nicer than most of what I had you work with, sure, but its nothing horribly expensive. In a few years when you actually know what you want out of a staff, you can remake it. For now, though, she gave him a pointed look, finish the project. They chatted a little longer before his aunt left. Jeb had an urge to start carving right away, but he knew that he should wait for the morning. It was only as he looked for the Quest Notification that he realized he wouldnt be receiving a reward for all his work adapting Attune Water Mana. After all, his Quests were for First and Second Tier Glyphs. Jeb spent a few minutes bemoaning his own shortsightedness before he went back through his logic for using Attune Water Mana. He still thought it would be more useful than any of his First Tier Glyphs, and it wasnt like he was hurting for Experience. Having more Mana was always nice, but he didnt strictly need the extra five. Feeling better, Jeb let sleep take him, ready to finish the staff in the morning. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4203/100
Total Statistic Load: 278
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 154
Intelligence: 25
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 47: On Staff Carving and Trade Secrets Jeb woke up the next morning and began carving his staff, carefully marking out the lines to be carved. He worked more slowly than he had with the practice piece. After all, this was his final project, and he didnt have a backup if he made a mistake. The hours passed by as he slowly etched the Glyph into his staff. Around lunch time, his aunt came in with a suggestion. Have you considered adding other carvings to the staff as well? No, why would I? Jeb asked. A few reasons. First, the Glyph isnt particularly symmetric or detailed. Jeb didnt disagree. It looked like hed carved something into the rod intentionally, sure, but it wasnt the most aesthetically pleasing. Also, if it would be that difficult for anyone to adapt a Glyph to fit on a staff, hiding your work is important. Jeb took a moment to digest that advice. I understand the first reason, he said slowly, but whats the problem with someone else seeing what I did with the Glyph? If it saves them the time to discover it themselves thats good. His aunt saw how confused he looked. It hasnt come up for you yet, Jeb, but at some point, youll need to be provide for yourself. If you sell a product, making it easily copied just means that youll be undercut in prices, either by someone with lower standards, or someone with enough money to sell at a loss until youre too far in debt. But I dont plan to be an Inscriber, Jeb said. So if my work would help one, I dont see why thats an issue. His answer surprised his aunt, who took a few moments to consider what Jeb had said. Thats a fair position for you to take right now, but do remember that a secret, once let out, can never be put back. I do still think you should add more decorations, though. If you could also make them glow, that would be ideal. They finished their meal and his aunt went back to her work. Jeb considered what shed said. A part of him recoiled at the idea of intentionally making the Glyph even more inefficient by having extraneous decorations glow as he used the staff. Then again, it wasnt like he needed the staff to be efficient. After all, he knew the Glyph for Attune Water Mana, and it would always be more efficient for him to cast his own Spell than to cast through a medium. Or, at least, Jeb assumed it would always be more efficient. He supposed that hed never actually confirmed that. Still, he couldnt deny that the idea of a staff that glowed an ethereal and arcane blue was appealing. Eventually, he came to the conclusion that decorations were always needless and often slightly detrimental to the performance of a carved piece of wood. But, there was a value to the beauty or effect that the carvings could add. Once Jeb had come to that conclusion, he realized he would need to find a way to make the entire staff glow as he channeled Mana into it. Thankfully, he had an already engraved rod that he could practice with. As it turned out, it was very easy to add other lines to the Glyph to siphon off some of the Mana. Because it was fundamentally adding diversions to the Glyph and therefore making it less efficient, it meant that they all glowed. And so, once Jeb had finished carving Attune Water Mana into the staff, he got ready to add decorations. His aunt came in and the two of them discussed potential motifs and designs. Jeb spent the next days cutting and refining the decorations on his staff. When he finished, the staff stood just taller than him, carved in what looked like mystical knotwork. His aunt walked in as he finished applying the sealing coats. Well, now, she said, youll look like quite the little Druid as you carry that around. Jebs eyes widened. Wait, he cried out, isnt Druid a forbidden Class? Will I be in trouble for having this staff? His aunts mirthful grin died down at that. Sorry for teasing, Jeb, she replied, no. You wont really be confused for a Druid, at least to anyone who has the power or persuasion to care about your Class. That was a relief. But enough of that! Show me what your staff does. Jeb had been willing to show his aunt before, but she had refused, saying that a Woodworker never shows their project before its finished. Why that wasnt an issue as she was helping him design new patterns wasnt clear to Jeb, but he decided not to ask. He stood, gripping the staff loosely. Slowly, he began to feed Mana into the Glyph, buried beneath the intricate designs hed carved. The staff began to glow, and misty Mana began to fall off of the staff, dissipating well before it hit the ground. Jeb hadnt expected that. Apparently hed made the Glyph inefficient enough that it was more or less completely visible without his Mana vision. Still, Jeb was curious what it would look like with the vision on. Surprisingly, some of the Mana seemed to be entering into the wood. Well, Aunt Sue, he said, breaking her out of her focus on the staff, I think I might have found a way to infuse Mana into normal wood. The extra patterns in the Glyphs seem to be channeling a small amount of the Mana Im sending through my staff into the wood. There was silence for a long while. Jeb kept feeding Mana into his staff, mostly because he didnt know what else to do. That, and it did look really striking, at least to him. I know that you have other uses for your Mana, she said, nodding towards his lute case, but I would be curious if you end up seeing similar effects in your staff as when youve Enforced your lute. Will do! he replied, stopping himself from rhyming. Have you unlocked the Skill? she asked. Jeb remembered what he was doing in Midville. Once again, he realized how easily distracted he was. He ended up becoming so focused on ideas to prevent getting distracted again in the future that his aunt had to remind him to check if hed unlocked the new Skills. Sheepishly, Jeb opened his Notifications.
Congratulations! By learning about the different varieties of wood and their uses from a master Woodcarver, you have unlocked the Identify Subskill: Wood Identification.
Congratulations! By learning to shape and carve wood under the personal direction of a master Woodcarver, you have unlocked the General Skill: Woodworking.
Jeb completed the next Identification Quest, since he was already in the menu.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Identify Third Tier Learn a Third Identification Subskill. Congratulations, youve learned another way to view the world. Rewards: 59 EXP, Intelligence +4.
Unlocked Identify Fourth Tier Learn a Fourth Identification Subskill.
Unsurprisingly, the next Identify Quest was more or less identical to the first three hed completed.
Identify
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Learn a Fourth Identification Subskill Diversify your specialization by learning another Subskill.
Jebs aunt saw his face light up. Congratulations Jeb! she said, back to the farm? she asked. Sounds good! he said, Ive missed being able to Enforce my lute. It was more than that, though he wouldnt say anything to his aunt. Even at night, it never got quiet. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! When Jeb looked out the window before bed, he couldnt see the stars. Instead, all he saw were streetlights and candles in windows. He missed his family, his bees, and his farm. His aunt must have seen some of what was going on in his mind, because she gave him a supportive smile, next time you come to Midville, Ill be sure to show you the better parts of the city. We never did get the chance to see a real Bard play. Ive seen the Bard play at the inn in Humdrumville, Jeb protested. His aunt started to say something about how the Bard there wouldnt be as good, then stopped. I suppose you do have the Librarian there, she muttered under her breath, who knows what Tier of Bard hed drag into town. It was clear from her tone of voice that she didnt want Jeb to ask about it, so he looked around the room instead. Hed certainly left his mark. The room was filled with dust, shavings, and mediocrely worked wood. What are you going to do with all of the projects you had me make? Jeb asked out of idle curiosity. Hmm? His aunt shook herself out of whatever shed been thinking about, oh, Ill probably just burn them, she said not unkindly. Theyre not up to the standards of my workshop, and theres not a lot else I have use for them. Why? Did you want anything? No, I was just wondering, Jeb replied. It stung for a moment, but then he remembered the desk on the roof. His work was nothing like that. The two continued chatting as Jeb packed the few things that hed brought to Midville. All set? his aunt asked. At a nod from Jeb, they left the city. He was glad to be going home again. On the road home, Jeb tried Enforcing his lute again. Since hed been working with Attune Water Mana so much in the past days, Jeb decided to put Water Mana into the lute. If it had felt easy to force the thread through the Glyph before, now it almost felt like the thread was pulling itself through the points. Jeb watched the Mana enter the lute and felt it binding closer to himself. Unlike before, though, he was a little warier about the feeling now. His aunts comments about the dangers of binding an instrument had been floating around his mind during his time in her shop. He resolved to ask the Bard first thing when he got back home. As he thought about it, he realized that the Librarian might be a better person to ask. After all, the Bard obviously thought that binding the lute was worth whatever risks came along with it, because hed recommended that Jeb bind it. The Librarian should have more information, and hed be an unbiased source. Nodding to himself, Jeb looked out at the countryside as his Mana quickly drained. When the thread finished winding its way into his lute, his aunt spoke up, do you know any music for the lute, or is it just Bard Songs? She was grinning as she asked, which let Jeb know that she was kidding. Jeb started playing one of the songs hed learned from the method book, marveling at how much of a difference the Enforcing hed done was making. It was one thing to hear the way that individual notes changed as he played through scales or plucked individual notes. It was something completely different to hear the way that the lute seemed to meld with his own voice. He nearly missed a beat, so entranced by the sounds he was producing. Thankfully, the Skills and skill hed developed prevented that mistake. When he finished his song, his aunt started clapping. Bravo, she said, truly a performance worthy of a Bard. That was an exaggeration, Jeb knew. Still, his cheeks started flushing. It was a nice compliment nonetheless. Jeb spent the rest of the drive playing songs for his aunt while his Mana refilled, then Enforcing his lute with the different Aspected Manas he could create. By the time that they got back to Humdrumville, it was nearly dark. Are you ok to walk the last few miles? his aunt asked, Ive got to deliver the desk, and Id rather stay on the road. Thats completely fine with me! Jeb confirmed, I wanted to stop by the Library, so this just saves me the walk. The two said their goodbyes, and Jeb hopped off the cart. He waved to his aunt as she drove away, then opened the door into the Library. The town was quieter than Jeb remembered, and a part of him felt strangely nervous about entering the Library. He ignored those thoughts and stepped inside. As soon as the door closed behind him, Jeb heard the sound of rustling pages as the world suddenly grew dark. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4262/100
Total Statistic Load: 282
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 158
Intelligence: 29
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 48: Conversations Jeb was confused, though unconcerned. After all, the Librarian wouldnt do anything to harm him, so this must have just been a mistake. A few moments later, Jeb heard the Librarian start to speak. Jeb, is that you? he asked, sounding confused. Hello! Where am I? Jeb responded. It was starting to grow brighter again, and Jeb saw shelves of books all around him, stretching off beyond his vision in all directions. Hmm? the Librarian suddenly noticed where the two of them were. With panicked eyes, he started muttering and waving his arms. In no time at all, Jeb was back in the Library, where he expected to be. What did you see in there? the Librarian demanded, strangely aggressive. Bookcases? Jeb asked, Oh! Is that the Central Library? The tension bled out of the Librarians body. Never change, Jeb, he said, shaking his head. Now then, before I ask what you came in here for, what are you doing with an enchanted staff and an Infused lute? I carved the staff, Jeb explained, and this is the practice lute that I rented from the Library! Thats what I came here to ask about, actually. Before the Librarian could derail the conversation, Jeb continued, he told me that I should bind the lute to myself, which seemed like a good idea. But, then I went to learn how to Woodwork with my Aunt Sue, and she seemed to think that binding was a bad idea, or at least a neutral one. Can you give me any advice about whether or not I should bind my lute? The words all came out in a bit of a rush, Jeb knew, but he needed to tell someone, and the Librarian was there. Were going to circle the discussion back to the staff later, he said, but I can get you some materials on binding and what it means. Or, I can just discuss it with you. Which would you prefer? Jeb considered that. Any book he read would have the authors bias, he knew. The Librarian would have biases of his own, sure, but hed never steered Jeb wrong before. Which do you think is a better idea? he asked the Librarian. Lets start with discussing it. What reasoning did the Bard and your aunt give for why you should or shouldnt bind the lute? The Bard didnt give any reasons that I can remember. He just told me that it was the next thing that I should do. Jeb thought a little longer. Oh, I suppose that he implied it will make using Bardic Magic easier and safer, because the lute can take the Mana Backlash instead of myself. I dont know if thats true, though, because he didnt explicitly say that binding it will make the lute take the Backlash instead. Did your aunt give any explanation? the Librarian prodded, seeing that Jeb was lost in thought. More of one, at least, Jeb said somewhat sheepishly. She said that by making it part of myself, it becomes far worse if someone takes the lute away from me or breaks it. I think she said that someone breaking the lute would break me. So in short, youre deciding between an unknown benefit and a known weakness? I guess? Its also really fun to Enforce my lute, especially now that Ive learned how to use Elementally Attuned Mana to Enforce it. Jeb, you are fantastic at offering conversational threads to derail even the most straightforward conversations, the Librarian said in a strange tone. Jeb legitimately couldnt tell if it was meant as a compliment or an insult. As Jeb pondered what to make of the comment, the Librarian continued talking, Well come back Enforcing your Lute with Elemental Mana at First Tier another time, but I can enumerate some of the benefits of binding the lute in the meantime. One major benefit is that, especially at lower Tiers, youre limited to how many different lines you can sing at once. Jeb cocked his head. What do you mean? Can you sing harmony with yourself? No, Jeb replied, confused. Exactly. At higher Tiers, there are Skills that can develop to let you sing in harmony with yourself, but theyre often very limited. As Im sure youve noticed while playing Lute Enforcement, Jeb didnt think to ask how the Librarian knew what Song Jeb was Singing, you need multiple different pieces to Sing a Song. As you improve, you can substitute them for more strands of Mana, but having a bound lute means that notes you play on it are treated the same way as notes you sing. That lets you either use Mana only for the explicit effect youre trying to cause with the Song or Sing Songs that have even more lines in them. That seems like a fairly large benefit, Jeb said, so I should bind the lute then? Have you decided to become a Bard? the Librarian replied, seeming genuinely curious. If so, then you should absolutely bind the lute as soon as you can. Your teacher is used to- he stopped himself, is probably only used to teaching Bards. Jeb wanted to ask what that correction was for, but the Librarian kept speaking before he could interrupt. Since Bards only tend to use Magic through Songs, there are massive advantages to binding their main instrument. If you dont plan to become a Bard, however, those benefits are less relevant. After all, if you continue down the path of a Mud Mage, you eventually wont be able to use any Bard Songs at all. That was news to Jeb. What? he asked, confused. I know that I cant use the Skill for Bardic Magic because of my Class Skill, but why wouldnt I be able to Sing Bardic Songs at all? Im sure youve noticed that Earth and Water Glyphs are far easier for you to use than Air and Fire Glyphs, the Librarian said. Jeb nodded, so he continued, that is because your Mana is slightly Attuned to Mud. If you remain a Mud Mage, your Mana will only continue to grow more Attuned. For most Mages, this effectively means that they cannot use Spells from other Elements, since thats all that they would care about. Is that why enchanted items are still useful? Jeb asked. I was wondering what the point was to putting Spell Glyphs into objects when I can cast the Glyph myself. That is a reason, the Librarian confirmed, though not the only one. But, its also a diversion from the main point I was getting at. In addition to Attuning your Mana to Mud, going up the Tiers of Mage also attunes your Mana to work with Glyphs. That was news to Jeb. Has that already happened? I was wondering why it was so much harder for me to learn Lute Enforcement than the Spell Glyphs. That could be part of it, the Librarian agreed, though Lute Enforcement is also much harder of a Song than Least Conjure Water and Least Move Earth are as Glyphs. Jeb wanted to keep asking questions, but the Librarian told him that the Library was closing, so he turned to leave. As he did, it seemed like the Librarian was incredibly tense, though Jeb had no clue why that could be. Before walking into the house, Jeb stopped by his beehive. It looked stronger than it had before he left, though he couldnt quite say why. Im back! he said, and a few bees came out for a moment to buzz by him. His Mana had refilled again, so Jeb got ready to Enforce his lute again. It was only as he started playing that he realized the Librarian had never given him a specific answer for whether or not he should bind it. As he replayed the conversation, though, it did feel like binding the lute was useful to him if he planned to keep Singing. He did, and so Jeb decided to keep Enforcing the lute. He played a chord, nominally checking if the lute was still in tune. In reality, Jeb knew it would be, though he wasnt sure how he knew. Maybe he was already starting to bind it. More of the hive came out to dance around Jeb as he Sang. Now that he had more practice with the Song, Jeb realized that having the bees dance around him seemed to make the Enforcement go more quickly. Or, at least, he was Enforcing faster now than he was on the road. There were potentially other reasons for that, but Jeb had a feeling it was the bees. The next morning, Jeb made his way downstairs for breakfast. Welcome back Jeb! his mother greeted him, how was your time in Midville? I honestly didnt like it, he replied, it never got dark or quiet. Did you unlock Woodcarving? his grandfather asked. I did! Jeb showed off his new staff. After a few appreciative murmurs, his grandfather redirected the conversation. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. How is balancing your Statistics going? he asked. Jeb took a quick look at his Statistics. Magic Affinity is much higher than the rest of my Mental Statistics, but theyre otherwise growing fairly quickly. Im not sure if I know of any ways to raise my Willpower, though, which could be a problem. You can always just distill barrels of something potable, his uncle chimed in, though wed need to schedule a time for you to do that. Im fairly busy in the next few months. I have an idea for raising your Intelligence and giving you more opportunities to Scribe Glyphs, his grandfather said. Jeb cocked his head, intrigued. Pollination has a quest to breed new traits into plants, his grandfather said, and Managrass allegedly grows faster when its fed Mana. Even without feeding it Mana, its what most people use when theyre trying to train their Pollination Skill. It grows from seed to harvest in about three days, and its known for mutating quickly. It is also the primary component of Manaweave, which is supposed to be essential for Glyphing higher Tier Spells. We keep seeds for the rare years when the President decides that all Farmers will be taxed in Manaweave and our normal crops. Since youre trying to figure out some Spell Glyph, having Manaweave is probably going to be helpful now, and almost certainly later. Jeb was convinced. He wasnt quite sure why Manaweave was needed for higher Tier Glyphs, but if his grandfather said it was, he was probably right. At worst, it might just be easier to scribe into, which would be nice as he started down the Scribing and Glyphing Quests. He pulled up the Pollinating Skill
Pollinating: General Skill.
You have raised a colony of bees and know how different plants can change. Quest: Minor, Pollinate (Repeatable)
Pollinate
Minor Quest First Tier Breed a Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having plants if they dont look how you want?
Minor Quest Second Tier Breed a new Variety of Plant Make your mark. Create something distinct from its parents.
Minor Quest Third Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Mana Manipulation) Breed a Magical Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having Magical Plants if you cant bend them to your will?
Minor Quest Fourth Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Spell Glyphing) Create a New Magical Plant If you can make new Spells, why not new Plants?
Is Managrass considered a Magical plant? Jeb asked. Right, I had forgotten about your Synergy Quests, his grandfather said. Yes, it is considered a Magical plant, so you should get better rewards for growing it. Do you know what trait youd like to shoot for? I have no idea, do you have any recommendations? the Skill gave Jeb some knowledge on traits, but not enough for him to be comfortable knowing what would be easier to breed from a plant hed never heard of before, let alone seen. Color changes are generally pretty easy, his aunt said, and the Managrass we have generally sprouts in a few colors each crop. Ill walk you through what to do, but that would be my recommendation. The rest of the table nodded at that, so Jeb agreed. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4262/100
Total Statistic Load: 282
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 158
Intelligence: 29
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 49: Finally Farming After breakfast, his grandfather and aunt took him to one of the sheds. We keep most of the seeds that we dont need often here, his grandfather said, so you may end up coming here more often than the rest of us since youll probably need magical plants. After unlocking the door, his grandfather reached in and grabbed a small sack. That should be more than enough seeds for you, he said, but feel free to come get me if you need more. He walked away, leaving Jeb with his aunt. Lets get you a plot, she said, and started walking over to the raised beds that his family kept. Jeb didnt hear her, so focused on the seeds in front of him. It was a fairly large shed, and it was filled with seeds in small containers. There was a ledger in the front of the room listing the seeds, the last time theyd been planted, and how often they needed to be refreshed. Jeb scanned the list to find Managrass. Apparently Managrass seeds lasted three decades between planting. As he kept reading through the list, he found very few familiar names. Shrugging, Jeb started looking to see if any needed to be planted right now. He was roused out of his search by his aunt turning him around. Jeb, its time to plant the Managrass. She led him to the raised beds, and this time Jeb actually followed. He saw that there were a number of empty beds, which made sense. They usually kept a fair number of the plots empty. Some were to let the soil rest and others were to test ideas that the Farmers might have. Jeb supposed that he was testing an idea now. It was strange to realize that he was going to be developing some new breed of Managrass, though he still wasnt sure what color he would try for. Since youve got Soil Savvy and Fertilizing, Ill leave you to this, his aunt said, though I will be more explicit with your grandfathers advice. Jeb listened, eager for any wisdom. Managrass loves Mana, and a few people have reported faster growth when they feed their plots Mana. The major downside to speeding the growth is that it allegedly increases the mutation rate, but thats not a negative for you, now is it? She walked away, leaving Jeb to start planting the seeds in the soil. Before he planted any seeds, he took a handful of dirt to see if there was anything he needed to do to ready the soil for his Managrass. Jeb felt the influence of Soil Savvy, and he noticed that the soil was incredibly healthy. It would be good for a number of crops, though he couldnt say how good it would be for Managrass. After all, he had no idea what nutrients and conditions Managrass needed. Jeb carefully turned the soil over, loosening it to make it easier for the Managrass roots to settle. He followed the directions on the bag of seed, placing the seeds every few inches. Once they were in the soil, Jeb carefully watered them and stepped back. His family had suggested that Mana would help, so Jeb tried to empty his Mana onto the field. Try being the operative word. Jeb realized that he had never tried just pouring his Mana out without a shape. He had always constrained it either into a Glyph or a Song. Still, after a few minutes of struggling, Jeb realized that he moved his Mana in the same way when starting either a Glyph or Song, and managed to simply pour his Mana out. It wasnt at all like using a Glyph, where the Mana seemed to stop being his and start being something partially through. It also wasnt like his Song, where his Mana clearly had a direction. He had to force it into the soil, and it seemed like it mostly just sat there. Still, he trusted his aunt, so Jeb kept pouring Mana in until he ran out. While he waited for his Mana to recover, Jeb walked over to get a wheelbarrow of fertilizer and a bucket of water, in case he ended up needing either. He was shocked to see some small shoots coming up by the time that he returned. Then again, if the whole life cycle was only a few days, maybe an hour or so to start sprouting made sense. His Mana had refilled, so he poured it into the field again. This time, Jeb didnt struggle to force his Mana into the soil. Instead, small shoots greedily sucked in the Mana he gave them. At a glance, Jeb noticed that the ground was starting to dry out. Given how quickly the plants had grown, that made sense. He poured out the water hed brought, watching as it flowed into the soil, darkening it. It was as if he was watching a sped up reality. The crops grew as he watched them. More and more shoots poked out of the ground and started to grow thicker and taller. He needed to keep pouring more water onto the ground to keep up with their growth. As he was running back and forth, Jeb saw that a few of the plants were even starting to bud and flower. He felt his Pollinating Skill working as he instinctively knew how to pollinate the flowers so the Managrass would bloom correctly. Hed need to touch one flower to another to spread the pollen If hed been thinking about it, he might have brought the bees over. Then again, he was trying to selectively breed in a trait, so having control over what plants reproduced was in his best interest. Jeb saw a diversity of colors, mostly in shades of grey, though there were some hints of other colors. He thought about what color Managrass hed try to breed. Grey wouldnt really be an option, since that was the color they started out as. He didnt really see enough of any color to make him confident in breeding something like red or blue into the Managrass, at least so far. Then Jeb thought about what Managrass was used for. White paper was nicer to write on than the off-white paper he tended to use. That settled it. He would try to breed Managrass to grow white. He started pollinating the lighter flowers with each other while he pinched darker buds off. Hopefully that would help the next generations seeds to be brighter than this one. Jeb was hopeful that it wouldnt take too many generations to breed the new color into the plants. He could already see that the soils nutrients were being depleted By the time that he had finished going down the plot pinching and pollinating flowers, he turned around to see that more flowers had sprouted. Eventually, the flowers stopped blooming. Jeb saw that his Mana had filled up a fair amount, so he poured it back out onto the field. This time it was even more dramatic to watch the change. The buds hed pinched off faded and wilted. The flowers hed pollinated opened into cloudy tufts. Thankfully, the tufts that came from the flowers were similarly colored to the flowers themselves. In retrospect, that was something he should have confirmed first. Still, Jeb almost felt like he was staring down from above the clouds at the light colored tufts. He went to go find his aunt, hopeful that she could tell him when and how to harvest the plant. He found her in the kitchen. How do I harvest the Managrass? Jeb asked without preamble. Theres no way theyre already grown, she said, though she started to walk to the plot with him. When they had made their way back to the plot, Jeb was relieved to see that there hadnt been much change since hed left. The tufts looked a little more solid, but that was really it. Huh, his aunt said simply. Jeb waited a few moments for her to elaborate, but she didnt. Huh what? he asked. Whoever said putting Mana into the crops undersold how much it sped up their growth, she said. If these were a normal field of Managrass, Id say you have about an hour left before you could harvest them. As it is, I may as well stick around to watch. She sat down. Jebs Mana had refilled ever so slightly in the time it took to find his aunt, so he poured it into the crops and watched them grow even more solid. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Did you just put more Mana into the field? she asked. I did, was I not supposed to? Jeb responded, worried that hed made a mistake. No, thats great. You can harvest them now. She showed him how to pluck the tufts, and Jeb was careful to keep the lighter seeds separate from the darker ones. Even though hed tried to only pollinate the lighter seeds, some of the darker ones had still grown, and some of the flowers hadnt been the same color as their fibers. After they had finished harvesting the field, Jeb called the Glyph for Least Create Fire to mind. The remainder of the plants caught quickly, which he was glad for. The quick growth had drained a lot of nutrients from the field, and Jeb was hoping that burning the stalks could return some of them back. He knew hed still have to make the most of his Fertilizing Skill, but he hoped to minimize how much fertilizer he needed. His aunt led Jeb through the process of separating the fibers from the seeds, and Jeb collected enough of the light seeds to replant the field. He still separated the rest, putting the remainder of the seeds back into the bag his grandfather had given him, at his aunts recommendation. How does this become Manaweave? he asked. We boil it in lye, break it down with a mortar, and then put it on frames to dry. Your Uncle Frank is a Papermaker, so we normally leave it to him. I can go bring the fiber to him if youd like, she said. That would be incredible, thank you! Jeb was excited to see what Manaweave would be like, though he was mostly excited to get back to the bed to grow the next generation of Managrass. As his aunt started to walk away, Jeb finally caught up to the answer shed given him. Wait, why do we need to boil it in lye? Jeb asked. Ill try to find your uncle to see if he wants to teach you Papermaking if youd like, his aunt replied, but I dont know anything more than what I told you. Ive always left making the paper and weaves to him. Doesnt Uncle Frank also do most of the weaving in the family? He does, his aunt said, clearly confused. Why would a Papermaker weave? His aunt said nothing for a moment, as though Jeb should notice something absurd about the question. When it was clear that he wouldnt, she spoke. Jeb, could you remind me of your Class again? Thats not what I meant! Jeb quickly said, I was just wondering if Papermaking and weaving were at all related. Not generally, though both are activities that dont require much interaction with others. Theyre also repetitive and understated, at least the way your uncle does them. Jeb thought about that. His Uncle Frank had always been one of the quietest members of his family. He was never unfriendly to Jeb, but he also never tried to prolong conversations any longer than necessary. Do you think that I have time to grow another patch of Managrass today? Jeb asked as his aunt walked away. Fix the soil first, his aunt said. Then come find me. Probably not, though. Growing the plants that quickly drained the soil quite a bit. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4262/100
Total Statistic Load: 282
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 158
Intelligence: 29
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 50: Conversations Part Two Jeb looked at the soil, aware that it was depleted. His Skills helped him to figure out what nutrients the soil would need, or at least what he could add to the soil to make it fertile again. He was shocked out of his musings by a Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Soil Identification First Tier Fix the Plant You have identified what is wrong with the growing conditions for a plant.
Rewards: 1 Intelligence, 20 EXP
That was a nice surprise. Jeb had completely forgotten that he had a Quest to see what was wrong with the soil. Once he had fixed the soil, Jeb looked up at the sky. There were still a few hours until dinner, but that wasnt enough time to grow another set of Managrass. Instead, Jeb thought about the conversation hed had with the Librarian. He remembered that the Librarian had wanted to talk about his staff and Lute Enforcement, so Jeb decided to go back to the Library to talk. He stopped by his room to grab his lute and staff, told his family where he was going, and made his way over to the Library. Welcome back Jeb, the Librarian said, are you looking for anything in particular? I was thinking about our conversation last night, Jeb said. He was about to continue, but he saw the Librarian suddenly tense. Is everything alright? Hmm? The Librarian seemed to notice how tense he was and relaxed his body. Everything is fine, Jeb, he said, though there was still a note of tension in his voice, what did you want to talk about? You mentioned being curious about my staff and lute, Jeb replied, confused about the question. I dont think that the books on binding will be particularly useful to me, he said, and he watched the hidden tension bleed out of the Librarian. Perfect, the Librarian said. Something in his tone made Jeb think that there was something in the conversation theyd had that he didnt want to revisit. Just to confirm, he started, one more thing. The Librarian stiffened slightly. Jeb continued, it sounded like you know the Bard. Have you two met? The tension bled out of the Librarian once more. We ran in similar circles back at the Capital, he said, He was a little surprised to see that I had come here. Then again, the feeling was mutual. Well that was strange. Jeb had no clue what the Librarian could be feeling nervous about then. So what were you wondering about with the staff? he asked. Where did you get Elementally Attuned wood? Also, who cut down an Attuning tree while it was still so barely Attuned to Water? Jeb cocked his head. I didnt get Elementally Attuned wood. I was trying to learn Woodworking with my Aunt Sue. She suggested that I try carving a Glyph into my final project. If I had to guess, thats because- Jeb realized he was starting to ramble, so he refocused his story. Anyways, I carved Attune Water Mana into the staff. It wasnt totally efficient, so it leaked a little bit of light. My aunt suggested that I lean into the effect and make all of the decorations on the staff glow. It worked really well, at least as an aesthetic piece. The Librarian nodded, clearly humoring Jeb. When I did, I noticed that the inefficiencies were apparently feeding some Mana into the wood. It isnt much, to be sure, but Im curious what will happen if I keep feeding Mana into the Glyph. Jeb flowed a little bit of Mana into the staff and both watched as it lit up. They sat in silence for a few moments. The Librarian was clearly considering his next words carefully. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Jeb shook his head, not at all! Sorry if I was unclear with anything. Where did you learn the Glyph for Attune Water Mana? Oh shoot! Jeb realized hed forgotten part of the story. So you remember how I accidentally learned the Third Tier Glyph Least Move Earth Efficient? The Librarian nodded. So then I got a Quest to make new Glyphs. I was curious how Glyphs work, and I ended up realizing that every Glyph I used had three parts, Attuning the Element, choosing the effect, and then something at the end that Im still not sure what its for I tried just taking out out the effect part of the Glyph, and it turns out that the Elemental Attuning part is a Glyph in its own right! The Librarian just stared at Jeb. Jeb stared back. After an uncomfortably long silence, Jeb realized he was still powering the Glyph in the staff. Oops, sorry! he said, cutting off the flow of Mana. That seemed to break the Librarian out of his thoughts. He started shaking his head at Jeb. Im only asking this to confirm what I assume to be true, the Librarian said, voice full of exasperation and fondness, did you attempt to create a new Glyph without any safety precautions at all? Jeb thought for a moment. I think I told my family that I was going to try, he said halfheartedly, not sure in the slightest that hed done so. I suppose the difference between blind idiocy and boldness are results, the Librarian said, clearly quoting something. Jeb saw pages flash by the Librarians eyes as he looked at the staff. But that is not what Attune Water Mana looks like when you normally cast it I assume? he said, not at all as a question. Jeb tried to think about how he could answer the question, ignoring the tone. If I used my Glyph, would you be able to see what it looks like? Hed never seen someone else cast a Glyph, so Jeb had no idea if the Glyphs were visible as they were activated. The Librarian just gaped at Jeb for a few moments before seeming to come to a conclusion. Is there a reason youre asking? Jeb explained the fact that hed never seen one cast in front of him, and the Librarians constantly shifting tension ebbed again. Yes, I would be able to see the shape of a Glyph you use, he said, so Jeb called Attune Water Mana to mind. After casting it briefly, the Librarian signaled that he could stop. So those are two completely different Glyph formations, the Librarian confirmed. How did you go between the two? Well, first I tried putting a Glyph on a shovel, which was easy. After all, the head of a shovel is basically a plane, and the Glyphs all lie on a plane. Jeb felt the Librarian shift as though he was about to correct some minor omission or inaccuracy in Jebs statement. Instead, he took a deep breath and sighed, gesturing for Jeb to continue. But that wouldnt work with a staff, because staves arent squares, Jeb said, feeling a little like he was stating the obvious. Then it was just a matter of trying different variations on the point placements until something worked. How did you test the different variations? the Librarian asked. I assume the answer is also with a complete disregard for the safety of yourself and those around you. Seeing Jebs sheepish expression, he softened the comment a little. Given that youre still in one piece and not on the run from the law- he paused for a moment as pages flashed by his eyes, it again falls under bold I suppose. I just carved my best guess into a dowel, watched where the Mana was caught, then made my best guess for what would be the best way to fix it, Jeb said. Thats really everything about the staff, he finished. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. If someone I didnt know came to me with this story, I would laugh them out of the Library, the Librarian said. But, its completely in character for you, Jeb. Do you want to put your new Glyphs in the public Glyph Repository? Jeb cocked his head, What new Glyphs? Although you arent the first to make Attune Water Mana, the Glyphs youve made of it are distinct from the existing ones. By putting it in the Glyph Repository, any Librarian or Mage with access can see what youve done. There are minimal benefits, unless youre planning to pursue a research career. If you are, then its more or less vital for you to publish. What are the downsides to doing so? It was the Librarians turn to look at Jeb in confusion. It goes into the public. Anyone could copy your Glyphs if you want. The Glyph Repository also doesnt charge any sort of licensing or royalty, so they can use it without your permission or compensating you. Thats ok with me! Jeb said, they didnt take that long to make, and if theyd help someone, Im glad to be able to. The Librarian smiled and nodded. The Glyphs are open to a subset of the public now, he said. Now, while I have enjoyed this conversation, I dont know if my heart can handle the stress of hearing how you used Lute Enforcement to Infuse a lute today. Come back another time? Ok! Jeb responded eagerly. Can I have access to the public Glyph Repository? The Librarian hummed, clearly thinking. Thats a fantastic question. The requirements have been generally and historically interpreted as needing to be at least Tier Five along with more than your Tier in Glyphs given, at least for Mages. Since youre only First Tier, if we ignore the floor on Tier requirements, the two Glyphs that youve shared would be enough for you to gain entrance. Nothing in the wording explicitly states a Tier Five minimum, but I am obligated to ask: did anyone else make these Glyphs with you, or was it your sole effort? My aunt helped a little, though that was almost exclusively with providing wood and carving materials, Jeb said. Then welcome to the public Glyph Repository, the Librarian said. Since were in a somewhat rural location, there is no terminal for you to access the database. You will need to ask me for any Glyphs youd like to search for. We can discuss that more next time you come in, though. It was clear that the Librarian was trying to get Jeb to leave, so he said his goodbyes and set off for home. As he made his way towards the house, he realized that he hadnt said hi to his bees yet. He made a quick detour over to the hive, where he saw them all gathered around the hive, buzzing with excitement. Working on instinct, Jeb shifted his vision to look at Mana and was surprised by what he saw. There was a definite concentration of Mana in the hive, though Jeb wasnt totally sure how. It wasnt leaking Mana into the air, and it didnt seem like the bees were bringing anything with extra Mana into the hive. Hi hive, Jeb greeted, walking forward. The bees danced around him, echoing his greeting. So how did you get a higher Mana concentration in the physical hive? he asked. As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Jeb regretted the question. Though the bees didnt seem to have any problems understanding him, Jeb still wasnt able to understand what the bees were dancing when it came to anything complex. Apologizing for his lack of understanding, Jeb left the bees and made his way to dinner. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4282/100
Total Statistic Load: 283
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 159
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 25
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 585
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 51: Quests Come in Pairs So Jeb, I understand that congratulations are in order for growing your first crop, his grandfather said without preamble. The rest of his family generally cheered at the announcement. Thank you! Jeb replied, but I dont think its really that big of a deal. The bed was already prepared, and the seeds were all fresh and ready to plant. Jeb saw the rest of his family brighten at that. Im glad you havent started developing too much of an ego, his mother said, giving him a kiss on the forehead. What did you go to the Library for? You didnt take any books there, and you didnt come back with any. Oh! Jeb realized hed forgotten to tell his family about what happened after his aunt had dropped him off the night before. Last night I stopped in the Library after Aunt Sue dropped me off. I came in near closing time, so I guess the Librarian was doing something with inventory with the Capital Library. His family looked like they were about to ask a question, so he quickly continued, thats not relevant here, though. He wondered why I had Elementally Attuned wood and an Imbued lute, but I had questions about whether or not I should bind my lute, so we mostly talked about that. Today I went back to tell him how I made my staff Attuned to Water Mana, and it turns out the Glyphs I made for Attune Water Mana are original! He published them in the public Glyph Repository! Jebs excitement at the situation boiled over, and he couldnt stop smiling. Which Glyphs did the Librarian publish? his grandfather asked. My Attune Water Glyph! Jeb replied proudly. Thats not Glyphs plural, though, his sister pointed out. Oh! I had to modify the Glyph a lot in order to fit on the staff. Seeing that his family at least seemed vaguely interested, Jeb continued, because Glyphs, or at least the Glyphs that Ive learned so far, generally take up most of a square. The staff is long and thin, though, so it had to be shaped much differently in order to fit. It turns out that modifying my Glyph like that was good enough to be worth publishing. Why didnt you give him your other Attune Mana Glyphs? his mother asked. Are you keeping them private for some reason? Jeb cocked his head. Hmm? Shoot! he suddenly realized that he had left without sharing his other Glyphs with the Librarian. He said that he needed a break, though. Maybe when I go back to explain how I Infused my lute. Thats probably a good idea, his aunt said. Do you think there will be any issues from you publishing the Glyph in a public Repository? I dont think so! Jeb said happily, the Librarian said it would make it harder for me to profit off of them, but thats not a huge issue to me. If I was able to make the Glyphs that quickly as a First Tier Mage, Im sure that Higher Tiered people could have made them far more quickly if they had bothered. Im just glad that Ill save someone else the time. Despite his answer, the older members of his family still seemed a little nervous. Jebs sister tried to ask what they were so nervous about, but none of them were willing to answer. Circling the conversation back, his Aunt Esther said, did you grow something from seed in a single day? Yes! Jeb replied happily, glad to move the conversation away from whatever his family was being secretive about. He heard her mutter thats on me, before saying louder, what did you grow in a single day and how? Oh! Jeb realized that he hadnt explained anything, and his grandfather had too. I grew Managrass. It turns out that it grows faster if you put Mana into it, so I poured all of the Mana I could into the field while it grew. I finished a few hours ago. His family nodded at that. Any reason you were growing Managrass? his Aunt Esther prompted. A few, Jeb replied. Most of which come from Grandfather, who suggested it. Thats the primary reason. Second, it apparently mutates really easily, which means that my Quest to breed a new trait into a Magical Plant should be easy, since Managrass counts as one. Third, Managrass is what Manaweave is made of, and thats apparently really useful for Scribing Spell Glyphs. Now that Im growing it, I am a little curious what would happen if I poured Elementally Attuned Mana on it instead of plain and unaspected Mana, but that seems like the sort of experiment to try after I manage to breed it to white. Well reasoned, his aunt replied, though I can tell how much of that came from others. The rest of dinner proceeded off of that cheery note, and Jeb made his way back to his room. He debated Enforcing his lute again, but the conversation with the Librarian and his Aunt Sue still played in his mind. The more that he thought about it, the less sure he was that binding it was a good choice. He had started learning Bardic Magic to increase his Charisma, but that wouldnt be an issue for a while, especially since he could just learn songs. Also, if he continued down the path of a Mage, he would apparently lose access to Bardic Magic at all. If that happened, the lute being bound to him would be nothing but a disadvantage. With troubled thoughts, Jeb slowly fell asleep. The next day, Jeb woke up to two Notifications flashing in his vision.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Grok Glyphs Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, you have shared one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another.
Rewards: 39 Experience, 1 Intelligence, 1 Willpower, 10 Mana, Unlock Metagroking Chain Second Quest Revise a Glyph.
The second Notification was more or less identical to the first, just lacking the second Quest unlock. The fact that the Quest gave him Willpower was the extra incentive he needed to bolt out of his house and over to the Library. If he shared his other three Attune Mana Glyphs, then he would get another three Willpower. When he made it to the door of the Library, he was surprised to see the Librarian waiting outside of it. Good morning Jeb, he said, looking pointedly towards the east. Jeb followed his vision, but didnt see anything in particular. Were the stars extra bright or something? Good morning! he replied chipperly, what are you looking at the east for? Do you see the sun? the Librarian asked. Jeb checked again. The sky was probably growing lighter, though he wouldnt swear to that effect. I dont think so! he replied, why? What would you consider as the beginning of morning? the Librarian asked, stifling a yawn. That was a good question. Jeb thought about it for a minute as he watched the Librarian sip on a mug of something steaming. Finally, he answered, I dont think that I have a strict definition for the beginning of morning. If I assume sleep, then when I wake up from sleep. Is that a rigorous definition? Jeb thought about the times that hed passed out in the middle of the day or woken up well past noon and rephrased his statement. Assuming that Ive gone to sleep after dark, the time between when Ive risen and noon. The Librariana chuckled a little at that definition. So morning is based on your schedule? Mine certainly is! Thats fair, I suppose. What are you doing back so early? If its about your Infused lute, I would rather wait until at least sunrise. Ok! Ill come back later for that then, Jeb said happily. Im here because sharing my Glyphs with the public Glyph Repository satisfies the requirements for a Quest that I have. Id like to share my other three Glyphs, if possible. The Librarian stared at his mug for a moment, clearly considering something. What other Glyphs? he finally asked. I made the Attune Mana Glyphs for the other three First Tier Elements, Jeb said, calming down slightly. Why, is that a problem? The Librarian considered Jebs question before responding. It shouldnt be. Until you log into the Glyph Repository at a terminal, your name is fairly unlinked from your Glyphs. Other High Tier Librarians will be able to see where you entered them from, but other Mages will just see your name. There might be some confusion over the fact that you made the Glyphs for all four First Tier Elements, but nothing too problematic. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Ill trust you on this! Jeb replied happily. Should I just cast the Spells briefly then or...? he trailed off, realizing that he had no other way to show the Librarian. The Librarian just sighed. Until you have a better method for writing the Spell Glyphs down, casting them in front of me is probably the easiest solution for both of us. Now then, show me Attune Air Mana. Jeb went through the three remaining Glyphs hed made. The Librarian noted them down and sent them off to the public Glyph Repository. Hooray! Three more Quests completed! Jeb exclaimed, beginning his walk back home. It was nearly light out, and he wanted to get a head start on preparing for growing his Managrass. Back at home, he saw that the plot hed used the day before seemed ready for replanting. Jeb gathered a trough of water, remembering how dry the plants had gotten while he grew them. Then, he carefully set out the seeds in the early morning light. When all of the seeds were in the ground, Jeb saw that the soil was apparently slightly dryer than the ideal for the seeds to sprout. He poured water across the plot until it seemed appropriately wet. Then, he poured his Mana out on the field. The ground drank it in hungrily this time, which was a little strange. Jeb reasoned that it might be the plants adapting to absorbing Mana more readily. After breakfast, he went back to the field. Shoots were starting to grow, so he watered them and poured the Mana hed regenerated back on the plot. As it turned out, Managrass grew much faster in wetter soil, and he had harvested it before lunch. This time, he carefully pollinated only the absolute brightest of flowers, and then he only collected the lightest fibers when they finished growing. After separating the fibers and seeds, he bagged them up. The almost white bag was far smaller than the remainder of the seeds, but Jeb knew that it would still be enough to replant the field. Unsurprisingly, the field needed the same nutrients as before. He quickly opened the Quest Notification
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Soil Identification First Tier Fix the Plant You have identified what is wrong with the growing conditions for a plant.
Rewards: 1 Intelligence, 20 EXP
Fixing the soil took less time than it had the day before, and he was ready to replant just after noon. Jeb debated between visiting the Librarian and trying to finish breeding his white Managrass. Breeding the Managrass ultimately won out. He scattered the seed and poured his Mana out onto the field. As Jeb watched, the ambient Mana levels even started dropping around the field. He hoped that his Managrass being more Mana hungry wouldnt be an issue. The field sprouted and Jeb went through to pollinate the flowers. They all appeared a uniform white, which was nice to see. When he finished harvesting the plot, Jeb saw that all of the seeds and fibers were an identical shade of near white. He immediately saw the Notification hed been waiting for, along with another.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinating Third Tier Breed a Magical Plant to have a new Trait. Plants, like the rest of creation, are yours to change. You have done so. You have created the Magical Plant White Mana Hungry Managrass from Managrass
Rewards: 59 Experience, 2 Intelligence, 2 Willpower, 10 Mana
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinating Third Tier Breed a Magical Plant to have a new Trait. Plants, like the rest of creation, are yours to change. You have done so. You have created the Magical Plant White Mana Hungry Managrass from Managrass
Rewards: 59 Experience, 2 Intelligence, 2 Willpower, 10 Mana
Well that was a bit of a mixed blessing. Jeb ran to find his aunt talking to his grandfather. Did you finish the Quest already? she asked, half joking. Twice! Jeb exclaimed. The look of shock on their faces was worth the questioning that followed. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4595/100
Total Statistic Load: 303
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 179
Intelligence: 41
Willpower: 34
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 625
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 52: Planning a Path Part Two What do you mean you finished the Quest twice? his grandfather asked. Before Jeb could answer, his aunt asked an immediate followup, what traits did you breed into the Managrass? Jeb paused, waiting to see if there were more questions coming. When none immediately appeared, he tried to answer both of his relatives at once. I saw the Notification for breeding Managrass into White Managrass. When I went to open it, though, I saw that I had added another trait into the plant. Apparently its now Mana Hungry White Managrass. Do either of you know what that means? His aunt looked to his grandfather, who shrugged. I can look in one of the encyclopedias, he said, but thats not a common trait. My best guess is that youve made that Managrass reliant on Mana in order to grow. Since you have Mana to spare, that shouldnt be too much of an issue, but its still something to consider. Congratulations by the way, his aunt said. Thank you! Once I replenish the soil, Im off to the Library, Jeb said, running back out of the room. Why are you going back to the Library already? Werent you just there this morning? his grandfather called out. I was, Jeb confirmed, but the Librarian said that it was too early to hear about why my lute was Infused. Its later now, so I assume its a good time to tell him. Jeb hadnt stopped moving, so he missed his grandfathers chuckle. The field needed exactly the same nutrients that it had before. This time, he didnt get a Quest Notification, which he supposed made sense. He no longer had to diagnose what was wrong with the field because he already knew. Jeb quickly replenished the soil and made his way over to the Library. It took a while for him to explain how he Infused his lute. Apparently it was uncommon to visualize Songs as threads, so his initial explanation of forcing the thread to move through a Glyph didnt make sense to the Librarian. When he finished, though, the Librarian shook his head and sighed. Jeb, I dont know how you have avoided causing any permanent damage to yourself or surroundings. The System itself must be keeping an eye on you. I havent done anything that bad, have I? Jeb protested. No, thats fair, I exaggerated a little. Any individual thing youve done is within at least a few standard deviations of a reasonable choice. Its the consistency of improbable decisions thats astounding, especially since youre still First Tier. The Librarian considered for a moment, actually, that might help explain why youre acting this way. Normally people are consumed by finishing the Quests for Class Skills, but I suppose youve already finished your Questline, havent you? Jeb nodded. The Librarian started nodding, clearly speaking to himself, I wonder if that could be the reason for Class Skills. It certainly would moderate the speed of new discoveries, but- he seemed to realize that Jeb was still there. Was there something more you wanted to speak about, Jeb? he asked. No, I just wasnt sure if you had something else you wanted to talk about, Jeb replied. I think Ive gotten the relevant questions answered. Have a nice day, Jeb, the Librarian said, moving to open the door for Jeb. You too! he replied, making his way back home. As he neared his house, he realized that he had never dropped off the fibers hed grown with his uncle. He went to his Uncle Franks workshop and was relieved to see that he was there. Uncle Frank, I have more fibers for you, if thats alright, Jeb said nervously. He wasnt sure when the last time hed spoken to his uncle had been, though it certainly wasnt recently. Well thank you Jeb, he said, these fibers are awfully light though. Did you bleach them already? No, I wasnt sure what trait I wanted to breed into them, so I thought making them lighter might be a good idea. Makes sense, Frank made no motion to continue the conversation, and it was then that Jeb remembered that his uncle generally avoided speaking too much. He wasnt sure why, but it had never seemed polite to ask, so Jeb never had. He left the fibers with his uncle and made his way back to see his grandfather. What should I do with the seeds? he asked. Well, since your aunt replenished our supply of seed yesterday, I dont think well need either of these baskets, his grandfather replied, gesturing to the baskets which didnt hold the Mana Hungry White Managress seeds. This one, though, may be worth holding onto. If your uncle doesnt find anything wrong with the Manaweave he makes from it, people might prefer having a lighter paper. I know Frank would appreciate saving the time with bleach. Im glad that the White Managrass might be useful, Jeb said. Truthfully, he was ecstatic. A part of him had been worried that he was just wasting the fertilizer that his family had. Knowing that the new crop might be useful was really good to hear. Have you considered what you might do next? his grandfather said. I had an idea, but Im not sure if it will work, Jeb said. Infusing the Managrass with Mana made it grow faster, so I was wondering if infusing it with Aspected Mana could make a difference. Is there anything stopping you from trying? Im just not sure if its the best use of my time, Jeb replied honestly. Well what are your priorities right now? Jeb thought for a moment. One of my chief priorities is absolutely raising my Mental Statistics. Breeding a new trait into the Managrass is worth two points each in Intelligence and Willpower, so its certainly useful for that. The Bard recommended that I bind my lute, but Im less and less sure that binding it is a good idea for me. His grandfather signaled that he had something to add. What makes you less and less sure about binding it? Well, it started because Aunt Sue said that it was risky to bind anything. Then the Librarian said that if I continue as a Mage, my Mana will end up Aspecting entirely to Glyphs, making it so I cant use a lute for Magic at all. We should come back to that later, but go on, his grandfather said, gesturing for Jeb to continue. It feels a little bit like a waste to have earned all of the Skills I have and not use them at all, Jeb said, I dont even think that Ive looked at the Skill Quests for most of them! Do you feel like working on any of the Skills youve earned would be more effective for your long-term goals than what youre currently doing? I think thats really the problem, Jeb admitted, I dont know what my long-term goals are anymore. I still dont want to be a Mud Mage, but I cant imagine that Ill be forced into that role. I had a good time making White Mana Hungry Managrass, but I dont think that I want to do that forever. More and more, I think that I want to go into some sort of Magic research. Ive really enjoyed working to make new Glyphs. Modifying Attune Water Mana to fit on a staff felt like the best kind of assignment. So then how can you lean into those skills and Skills? his grandfather asked. Jeb thought for a moment. Before he started speaking, his grandfather gave him a suggestion. Why dont you go through the Skills that youve unlocked and see if anything stands out about them to you. That made sense. Ive already finished all of the Quests for Least Mud Magic, he said, and I dont want to pick a kind of Meditation to focus on. Mana Manipulation only has a Quest for modifying my Glyphs, I think, Jeb said. To his surprise, the Skill Quest had changed wording slightly.
Modify a Spell (Repeatable) Change the effect of a Spell, either while casting or by modifying a Glyph or Song To learn how to control your Mana, you must move it outside of the paths that others have set for it. Break free from the bonds of the past.
I guess I can use it to change a Song as well now. It would be helpful to do that Quest and increase my Mana Depth, but Im worried that my Magic Affinity is already so much higher than my other Statistics. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. His grandfather gestured for him to go on, so Jeb kept reading through his list of Skills. Spell Glyphing has Quests for Scribing Glyphs and making new Glyphs. It only rewards me with Mana for Scribing them, but thats still useful. Im sure I would get a good reward for making new Glyphs, and I would really like to do that. Then lets make a note to come back to Spell Glyphing, his grandfather said, holding out a piece of paper. Improved Glyph Grokking is a Synergy Skill, so it makes sense to me that it works so well with Spell Glyphing. I get credit for learning a lot of Glyphs or sharing the Glyphs Ive made. Learning more Glyphs seems like it would leave me with the same issues as modifying more Glyphs, my Magic Affinity. And sharing the Glyphs? That gives me Mana, Intelligence, and Willpower, which are all Statistics I would like to raise. It also means that I can help others, which is nice. Jeb continued through his list, Gift of Gab just wants me to double my Charisma. I dont think explicitly working on it is necessary, though the ability to communicate with other creatures could be nice. You told me to stop working on Running, Lifting, and Athletics Quests, which I assume hasnt changed? His grandfather nodded, so Jeb continued, Identify wants me to get more Identification Subskills. Elemental Analysis still seems like a good Skill for me to learn and use, his grandfather grimaced a little, Soil Savvy just wants me to recognize whats wrong with my fields, which is worth working on if I want to commit to being a Farmer. I dont know if I do anymore. His grandfather didnt look too disappointed at his words, which made Jeb happy. He was also realizing just how many Skills he had already. Animal Handling and Fertilizing feel like theyre in a similar space, he said, Lute Playing, Singing, and Musician all have Quests to raise my Charisma, which might be important soon. I had forgotten just how diverse your Skillset had gotten, his grandfather said. The Pollination Quests were rewarding, and I am really curious about what Elementally Attuned Mana would do to my Managrass. Neither Brewing nor Distilling is particularly interesting to me right now, he admitted, but Im sure that could change. No one here has any advice for how they might couple with your Magical Skills, his grandfather admitted. Bardic Magic isnt a real Skill for me. I had an idea for Smithing, Jeb said, looking at the Skill Quests.
Smith
Minor Quest First Tier Take a Commission Make something for a customer.
But it doesnt really align with the Quest I have. What was the idea? I was able to make a Glyph out of gold poured into iron or just plain worked gold. Im curious if worked iron would be able to function as a Glyph. What would learning that tell you? Jeb thought about it for a moment. Not much, honestly, he finally decided. Im still curious, but thats a low priority task for certain. The same is true for Woodworking, though there is the benefit there that modifying my Glyph to fit on a staff was worth the Quest reward for Improved Glyph Grokking without increasing my Magic Affinity. So where does that leave you? If Im only working on things related to my Quests, I absolutely want to start Scribing more Spells. I should probably start making new Spells, though I dont know if thats worth it. Id like to learn Elemental Analysis, and I want to try putting Elementally Attuned Mana into Managrass. Id also like to modify my Glyphs to fit onto other shapes. That was a much more understandable list. How would you rank the relative priorities? Are you free to teach me Elemental Analysis? His grandfather looked apologetic, I dont think I can teach it to you. I dont know enough of the necessary information, especially given how broad your current Identification Skills are. Jeb realized this was the first time his grandfather hadnt known the answer to something. Thats ok! he said, I think Im going to try Water Attuned Mana on the Managrass next, since Im still kind of working on it. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4595/100
Total Statistic Load: 303
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 179
Intelligence: 41
Willpower: 34
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 625
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 53: Manaweave is Kind of Nice As Jeb left the room his grandfather was in, he saw his Uncle Frank walking towards him. Without a word, his uncle handed him a package and kept walking. Jeb looked down at the bundle of papers in his hands. His uncle had apparently left him a note.
Jeb,
I made the Managrass you gave me into Manaweave. I managed to make fifty sheets of Manaweave out of the grass you gave me. If you had concerns about changing some property of the Managrass, I dont think you need to worry, at least for its use in Manaweave. It was more or less identical to work with, though of course with less bleaching.
Your Uncle Frank
The signature at the bottom might not have been strictly necessary, since Jeb watched his uncle hand it to him, but it was still nice. Jeb changed his order of priorities. First, he would fix the field. Then he would play with the Manaweave he had been given. Then he would start testing what happened to Managrass when it was exposed to Elementally Attuned Mana. A part of Jeb wondered if he should test both base Managrass and his modified variant, but he quieted that voice down. If something particularly strange happened, he could always perform more tests. If, like he mostly expected, nothing happened, then there was no point in doubling his work for the same effect. Back in his room, Jeb took the first piece of paper. Now how does this work? he wondered aloud. It felt just like the pages of his Magic Primers that had Glyphs on them, which seemed like a clue. Carving a Glyph into wood or etching one into iron made sense to him. Shaping it out of gold even seemed somewhat reasonable. But, what was he supposed to do with paper? It has Mana in the name, he rationalized, trying something ridiculous. He mentally called Least Create Earth to mind, shaping the Glyph in his head. Then, rather than feeding it Mana, he imagined it impressing itself onto the sheet of Manaweave. To his surprise, it worked. Jeb felt his Mana start to tick down, and the Manaweave suddenly had the Glyph for Least Create Earth appear on it. The Glyph took up the entire sheet of paper, which was a little annoying. On the next sheet, Jeb tried imprinting the Glyph for Least Create Earth on just a corner of the sheet. To his disappointment, it still filled the entire page. Jeb tried tearing one sheet of Manaweave in half, but quickly learned the issue with doing so. Try as he might, the torn sheet of Manaweave refused to accept any Mana at all. He opened his Notifications and accepted the two Quest Rewards for Scribing a Glyph.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Create Earth onto Manaweave. Rewards: 20 Experience, Mana +5
Seeing them made Jeb pause. It only took seconds and a few Mana to permanently gain five more Mana. Jeb realized that he had a new Quest, so he tried putting Least Create Mud onto a piece of Manaweave.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Second Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Second Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Create Mud onto Manaweave.
Rewards: 39 Experience, Mana +10, Scribe Chain Third Quest Scribe a Third Tier Glyph
Jeb tried to put Least Move Earth (Efficient) onto the Manaweave, since hed just unlocked that Quest. His Mana flowed out, far more than had the past three times. When the Quest Notification appeared, though, Jeb had a hard time finding an issue with it.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Third Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Third Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Move Earth (Efficient) onto Manaweave.
Rewards: 59 Experience, Mana +20, Scribe Chain Fourth Quest Scribe a Fourth Tier Glyph
That was a lot of Mana. If Jeb filled the rest of the sheets of Manaweave he had, he would gain far more Mana than he had any idea what to do with. Excited, he tried once more placing Least Move Earth (Efficient) onto another piece of Manaweave. Jeb stopped when he felt Mana Backlash suddenly growing. Apparently there was a limit to how much he could grow his Mana pool from his Scribing Quests. Still, he made a note to make sure that he tried filling at least a sheet of Manaweave every morning to gain the extra Mana for his day. Jeb made his way back to the bed hed been using to grow the Managrass. Something about it still looked different from the beds around it, though he couldnt point out anything in particular. Even the flows of Mana seemed mostly normal. As he considered what it could be, he noticed that his bees were flying towards his bed. Jeb got an impression of searching for Mana, which was strange. Do you want me to give the hive some Mana? he asked. When all of the bees responded with an immediate agreement, Jeb remembered that he hadnt been to the hive in a few days. The hive looked the same as it had, with a slightly higher than normal level of Mana inside of it. Rather than question it again, he asked a different question. What kind of Mana would you like? For once, the hive didnt seem like a monolith. What were clearly different factions within the hive danced their request for each of the Elementally Attuned Manas that Jeb could make. As he watched, the different groups each seemed to realize that they would not become a majority. Slowly, more and more bees began dancing for his Unaspected Mana. That was an easy enough request to meet, but Jeb wanted to make sure that the hive was in total agreement. It hurt him on some deep level to see disagreement between the bees in his hive. When they all started dancing for his Unaspected Mana, Jeb started pouring his Mana into the air around the hive, not really seeing a better option. To his surprise, the bees seemed to have learned how to absorb Mana in the air. Jeb could track the path each bee took on its flight by looking at where the Mana concentrations were lower. As he watched, they slowly absorbed all of the Mana that he sent into the air. Jeb was a little unsure where the Mana they absorbed went. The bees didnt seem to glow any brighter to his Mana vision when they collected it. The hive didnt seem much brighter either. Where is the Mana going? he asked, and I apologize in advance if Im still unable to understand you. Jeb knew it was ridiculous, but it almost seemed like the bees were dancing in an exaggerated and slow dance to try to make it easier for him to understand. The worst part was that it worked. He pieced together that the bees were infusing the pollen on their bodies with Mana and making Mana infused honey. That seemed like it could be a problem, so when Jeb finished talking to the bees he went to find his Aunt Esther. She was working on pruning and harvesting some hops. How can I help you Jeb? she asked. My bees are apparently making Mana infused honey, Jeb said, and that really seemed like something I should ask you about. His aunt froze. When she didnt move for a full minute, Jeb got concerned, Aunt Esther, are you alright? That seemed to break his aunt out of whatever stupor she was in. Yes, sorry, Im fine. How do you know that your bees are making Mana infused honey? Jeb explained how hed gotten Gift of Gab and how it seemed to let him talk with his bees. When he got to his action a few minutes earlier, his aunt interrupted, just to clarify, the bees said that they wanted Mana, so you gave it to them before asking what they were doing with it? If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Yes, Jeb said, glad that he was telling the story in an understandable manner. It didnt once cross your mind to ask what they were doing with the Mana? Jeb considered that. No, I guess it didnt. I know what theyre doing with it now, though. Why are you concerned that theyre making Mana infused honey? Will that change how I have to harvest it? Im worried that Fire infused honey might react badly if I put it in a normal container. Were you planning on harvesting honey from your hive? his aunt asked, seeming legitimately curious. Dont I need to? Its fairly common to wait for at least a full season before harvesting from your hive. Its a way to make sure that the colony youve established has the time and resources it needs to stay sufficient through the winter and moving forward. Then again, with how productive the colony they swarmed from was, I wouldnt be surprised if youre already in a safe space for harvesting. Ill need to think about how to harvest the Mana infused honey, though. I dont think we have any of the tools that Magic Beekeepers tend to use, and Im not sure where we could get it. There are Magic Beekeepers? Of course! Did you think that you were the first person with a Magical Class who was interested in keeping bees? Even ignoring Swarming Druids, having Mana infused honey is apparently a necessary part of some potions. Or, at least, a necessary part if you want it not to taste absolutely revolting. Jeb left the conversation even more confused. On the bright side, though, at least he wasnt the first person to have his bees start collecting Mana. Maybe the Librarian would have a book about it. Im sorry, could you repeat what youre looking for? I was wondering if there are any resources I could check out about how to handle Magic infused honey, Jeb repeated. My bees have started producing it. Jeb watched pages flash through the Librarians eyes for far longer than he was used to. Im sorry Jeb, I dont think theres anything in the Archive that I can give to a First Tier Mud Mage. How did your bees start producing Mana infused honey, and how do you know? Jeb explained the story again. Like his aunt, the Librarian just stood there after he finished. Unlike his aunt, though, the Librarian recovered quickly. Id just like to confirm something, he said. Seeing Jeb nod, the Librarian continued, you had a feeling that your bees might want Mana, so you just gave them Mana without asking what they wanted it for? Yes, Jeb replied, Aunt Esther asked the same thing. Is there something wrong with that? The Librarian paused, clearly considering how best to phrase what came next. Jeb, if someone came up to you and asked to borrow a knife, what would you do? Do I know them? Lets say theyre a member of your extended family that youve never met. Id give them the knife and then ask what they needed it for, if they seemed in a mood for conversation, Jeb replied, seeing where the conversation was going. But I have a hard time understanding the bees, and I always feel bad when I ask them a question whose answer I cant follow. The Librarian shook his head, muttering something about at least youre consistently like this. Jeb didnt know what to say, so he just stood there as the Librarian muttered. When it didnt look like the Librarian was going to stop anytime soon, Jeb called out have a nice day! and started his walk home. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4733/100
Total Statistic Load: 303
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 179
Intelligence: 41
Willpower: 34
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 665
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 54: First Trial When Jeb made his way back home, he decided to start testing Managrass grown with Elementally Attuned Mana. He deliberated on which option would be the best. Each kind of Mana that he could make seemed like it would come with its own benefits and drawbacks. In the end, Jeb decided to go with Water Mana. After all, it was what he had engraved into his staff, so it was on theme. He was beginning to get the impression that defining himself with a theme was key to a lot of Higher Tier Classes. Even though he was not the least bit certain that he wanted to commit now to a single Element, getting in the practice of submersing himself in one seemed like it could be a useful skill to develop. Back in the field, Jeb decided to try an experiment. Rather than seed the field and then pour Mana onto it, Jeb called Attune Water Mana to mind. He tried forcing the Water Mana into the soil as he finished the other tasks to prepare it for the Managrass. It was difficult for him to get the soil to accept the Water Mana, which was obvious when he thought about it. Of course Water Mana would be difficult to bind to soil, which was primarily Earth. Jeb took a moment to consider what else went into soil that wasnt Earth. After all, he had made Earth with Least Create Earth at least a few times. When he did so after learning Soil Savvy, he could tell that it was missing almost everything that a plant would need to grow healthy. He shook the thought away. Although it was interesting, he was in the middle of a task. He scattered the White Mana Hungry Managrass seeds, carefully burying them in the moist soil. Almost immediately, the Mana levels in the surroundings started to decrease. Jeb was almost concerned about that fact. I doubt that theyll get much stronger, he reasoned aloud, feeding the small amounts of Mana that had regenerated during his planting through the Glyph for Attune Water Mana. It flowed onto the crops and they started pulling it in. The drain on the surrounding field stopped, and it almost seemed like the some of the Mana that had been in the field before was being pushed back out by the plants. Jeb chose to believe that they were letting go of the ambient Mana. As he watched the field sprout, though, he noticed that the Managrass didnt all appear to have gotten an equal measure of his Water Mana. He had to assume that each seedling was equally capable of absorbing it, but there seemed to be a wide disparity in how much Water Mana he could sense within each plant. As he looked more carefully, it seemed as though the earlier that Jeb planted a seedling, the more Water Mana it had inside of it. As soon as he made the connection, it was obvious. Of course the Mana would get taken up by the first available plant. Still, it did mean that Jeb had to consider putting his Mana into the plot more carefully. He started watering the plants as he considered what he could do. As the water poured onto the crops, Jeb considered how similar the sight was to his Water Mana pouring down onto the crops. He then realized how ridiculous he was being. Water Mana wanted to bond to water. Or, at least, when Water Mana was made to interface with a physical thing, it preferred to interface with water. Managrass, especially the way that Jeb grew it, needed a lot of water. He found himself at a crossroads. On the one hand, he had crops in the ground that he had started to give Water Attuned Mana to. On the other, he had an idea for how to get Attuned Mana into them far more effectively. Jeb might have stood there in indecision for far longer, but his grandfather stopped by to see why he was standing like a scarecrow in the field. After hearing the story, his grandfather just looked at him. What? Jeb asked. Why dont you just put your Water Mana into the bucket of water when you water the plants again? Theyll need it, and that way you can test it, at least a little. Jeb wanted to argue that it wasnt quite what he meant by infusing the bucket of water with his Water Attuned Mana, but he supposed it didnt really matter that much. As he kept an eye on his growing Managrass, he kept a steady trickle of Mana feeding into Attune Water Mana and directed it into the bucket. He was realizing that his Mana regeneration rate was clearly not constant. While working with his crops, he was able to keep almost a point of Mana a second flowing through the Glyph without draining his Mana down. By the time that the Managrass needed water again, Jeb had poured at least a few hundred points of Mana into the bucket. He carefully distributed the water, making sure to spread it evenly on all of the shoots. When he had finished watering them, he carefully surveyed the bed. The Water Mana levels were evening out between the different plants. When that happened, he wasnt quite sure, but it was another piece of the puzzle that he would need to pay attention to next time. As Jeb watched the plants start to bud and bloom, he realized that he didnt need to hand pollinate this crop. After all, he wasnt explicitly trying to breed in a trait, and even if he was, all of the plants had similar levels of Water Mana. Looking around, he saw a few of the bees from his hive. How he knew that they were his bees was a question best answered another time, but he called them over. Are you all willing to pollinate this Managrass? he asked. Seeing the bees agreement, he realized that there might be an issue, Oh, they are called Mana Hungry by the System, so if you feel your Mana being pulled away from you as you pollinate them, please let me know. The bees buzzed their agreement, and Jeb saw his hive mobilize towards the bed. Unsurprisingly, the cohort of bees that had been asking for Water Attuned Mana were the most enthusiastic pollinators, seeming to sprint between the different plants. A few of the other bees began buzzing a question. The longer that they buzzed, the more Jeb was able to get a sense of what they were saying. Apparently the dancers were a contingent from the parts of the hive that had Attuned themselves to other Elements. They were asking why Jeb favored Water Mana so much. Jeb started to go backwards through his logic. Retroactively, there are a few benefits to using Water Mana, he said. But those arent really relevant right now. I decided to try growing the Managrass with Water Mana because I wanted to see what Elementally Attuned Mana would do to it. The reason I chose Water Mana over the other Elements is because I made a staff with Attune Water Mana on it. Jeb paused. He tried to remember why he had chosen Attune Water Mana to Scribe onto the staff. And I made the staff with Attune Water Mana because Water Mana had been on my mind. Its the only Element I have that uses Conjure instead of Create as a First Tier Glyph. Depending on how these tests go, I am also really curious what the other Elemental Manas would do to the Managrass, though. That seemed to mollify the other bees, and they resumed their role of pollinating plants around the farm. As Jeb watched the bees go, he kept a steady stream of Water Mana pouring into the bucket. He was curious if there was a limit to how much Water Mana a bucket of water could hold. If there was a limit, someone else had certainly measured it before. But, he wanted to find out if he truly loved research, or if it was just something that he enjoyed as a hobby. If it turned out that a bucket of water did have a Mana limit, the next question was going to be how much Mana it could hold. Jeb was also curious how long the bucket would hold Mana, but that seemed like a question for another day. When the plants finished growing, Jeb thanked the bees and started harvesting. The seeds absolutely had some hints of Water Mana within them, but it wasnt enough for the System to recognize it as a new trait. Being totally honest, Jeb wasnt certain if the plants had actually integrated any of the Water Mana, or if it was only obvious that they had Water Mana because of how little Aspected Mana there was on the farm. As Jeb worked on harvesting and regenerating the soil, he tried to maintain Attune Water Mana in the bucket. He realized that he had never tested the range on his Glyphs, which more and more seemed like an oversight. From his initial experimentation, it felt like it was a skill that he could improve. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. It was a struggle for him to keep the Spell going while on the opposite side of the bed from the bucket, and the difficulty increased the longer that he stayed there. It felt like the spiritual equivalent of doing any sort of strength training. Something that was difficult once only became more difficult the longer it was held. When Jeb finished with the field, it was nearly time for dinner. After dropping the new set of Managrass off with his uncle, Jeb walked back home, still carrying the bucket. So, Jeb, his sister began, any reason that you have a bucket at dinner tonight? Did you forget that you were holding it or something? A few of his family members chuckled, though they did all lean in closer to hear what Jeb had to say. No, he replied, thinking of how best to answer the question. Jeb had learned his lesson after speaking to his aunt and the Librarian. He needed to give an answer that was plausible and fit within the realm of answers that they were expecting. If he could preempt whatever question his answer would inevitably lead to, that would make the conversation flow better. As he deliberated on the best way to answer, his sister prompted him again, so then why do you have the bucket? Jeb realized that a bad answer was still better than no answer. Im testing what the effects of Elementally Attuned Mana are on Managrass. Right now Im testing Water Mana, which naturally takes to water well. Also, if I infuse the soil as I plant the Managrass, the seeds I put in first end up with far more Mana than the ones I put in later. By infusing my Mana into the water, each plant gets an equal amount of Water Mana. That seemed to mollify most of his family, though his Aunt Esther looked like she had a follow up question. Jeb tensed, hoping that he hadnt done something wrong again. Entirely out of curiosity, how did you pollinate the flowers for the Managrass today? she asked. I asked my bees to, Jeb responded hesitantly. He couldnt think of any reasons why that would be a problem, except, I warned them that the Managrass was Mana Hungry, so they knew to stop pollinating if it started trying to consume their Mana, he said. Did they seem to have any adverse reactions to it? No, he replied. What did you do with the harvest? his grandfather asked. I gave it to Uncle Frank again, Jeb said. Seeing that the conversation was winding down, the rest of his family returned to their own, smaller groups for conversation. Jeb continued pouring his Mana into the water until he fell asleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 4733/100
Total Statistic Load: 303
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 179
Intelligence: 41
Willpower: 34
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 28
Mana: 665
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 55: Waterweaving and Waterworks The next morning, Jeb was relieved to see that the bucket he had brought was still brimming with Water Mana. It did make him consider his next steps, though. The Magical Skills that he had were absolutely synergizing with the Farming Skills he had, especially now that he was using them in conjunction. Jeb was certain that every living thing had its own Mana signature, and if he wanted to have the Water Mana change the plant, it would be a far more effective use of his Mana to overload the Managrass own innate Mana all at once, rather than trying to do it slowly over a number of generations. That certainly changed how he viewed the situation. If he didnt have enough Mana in the bucket now to completely reaspect the plants, then in many regards he would just waste the Mana. But, he also wasnt sure how much Water Mana the bucket was losing. As he thought about it, there were a number of ways that it could be losing Mana. It could be deaspecting back to plain Mana. The Water Mana could be dissipating into the environment. Jeb supposed that it was theoretically possible for the Water Mana to be making new water, though it seemed unlikely. It could just disappear like his Mana seemed to whenever he used it for a Spell. He considered those possibilities and made the decision to try growing the crops after breakfast. That would give him time to top the bucket of water back up, in case it had lost some of its concentration over the night. After breakfast, Jeb emptied his Mana pool into the bucket of water and started planting the seeds he had harvested the night before. They had lost all obvious signs of Water Mana, which lent more credence to his belief that he needed to overload them with Mana proactively. Still, they couldnt have less affinity for Water Mana than the previous generation, and they might have some slight Attunement already. Once they were carefully planted, Jeb saw them start to draw in the Mana from their surroundings. Just as he was about to empty the small amount of Mana that had refilled his core into the bucket and dump it on the crops, he considered what he was doing. It was almost certain that he would be putting in well over his full Mana capacity at once. That would probably make the crops grow incredibly quickly. A quick trip to the well later, Jeb had six more buckets in case the soil suddenly became too dry. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he started pouring the bucket of water onto the crops. Nothing happened. Jeb realized that he had poured one of the fresh buckets, rather than the one that was screaming in his Magical vision. He started pouring that one, hoping that the momentary waterlogging wouldnt harm the growing Managrass too badly. To his relief, the plants didnt seem harmed. When he watched them shoot out of the ground as though racing into the sun, if anything he thought he might have not put enough water in. The soil was looking dry by the time that he started pouring water on the plot again. It was a good thing hed gotten all six extra buckets. Jeb ended up needing to empty all of them onto the plants. He was a little surprised that they needed so much more water, but had two potential ideas. The first and more hopeful idea was that the plants were Attuning themselves to Water and so needed the extra water to complete the attunement somehow. The second and more practical answer was that they didnt have time to spread their roots deeper or absorb any water from the air. In either case, his Water Bees (as Jeb had begun to think of that portion of the hive) began swarming over the flowers. He could understand why. The flowers practically screamed the feeling of water. It was almost disorienting. His physical senses all told him that he was looking at a plot of White Managrass. His Magical senses, on the other hand, made him feel like he was surrounded by the ocean. At least, what Jeb imagined being surrounded by the ocean felt like. Hed never seen water that didnt have land visible all around it. When he harvested the Managrass, though, he was sad to see that the Quest for Breeding a New Trait into a Magical Plant wasnt completed. Despite the fact that the fibers all seemed completely coated in Water Mana, the Mana must not have penetrated all the way through the plant. When he looked at the Quests for Pollination though, Jeb remembered that there was a fourth Quest option.
Pollinate
Minor Quest First Tier Breed a Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having plants if they dont look how you want?
Minor Quest Second Tier Breed a new Variety of Plant Make your mark. Create something distinct from its parents.
Minor Quest Third Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Mana Manipulation) Breed a Magical Plant to have a new Trait Whats the point of having Magical Plants if you cant bend them to your will?
Minor Quest Fourth Tier (Unlocked due to Synergy with Spell Glyphing) Create a New Magical Plant If you can make new Spells, why not new Plants? (Update Available)
Jeb completed the Quest, more than a little surprised. Water Mana changing some trait in the plant was what he had expected. He wasnt expecting the System to call it an entirely new plant.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinate Fourth Tier Create a New Magical Plant Like the Glyphmaster you are, you have created a new species of Magic Plant. You have created the Magical Plant White Watergrass Rewards: 78 EXP, 4 Intelligence, 4 Willpower, 20 Mana
That was a huge reward, and Jeb was a shocked for two reasons. First, it was a little annoying that it was easier for him to complete the Fourth Tier Quest of making an entirely new plant than the Third Tier Quest of adding a new trait. That was overshadowed by the other surprise, though, which was that he had somehow created a new plant. He quickly ran to find his grandfather, wondering if he might already be familiar with the plant. Thankfully, he was talking to his Uncle Frank, so he explained the situation to both of them at once. Thats something you dont hear every day, his grandfather said when hed finished. Congratulations, Jeb. Ill see how it takes to being made into Manaweave, his uncle said, though maybe itd be more appropriate to call it Waterweave. Jeb was shocked at how unconcerned they seemed about the whole situation. Something must have shown on his face, because the two explained. Honestly, the rumors that Manaweave takes to Mana so well has had a lot of Farmers wondering whether you could Aspect it as Managrass. None of us ever had the Skills to do that, though, and no Mages ever offered. Its still nice to know that we sometimes have good ideas. His uncle collected the fibers and his grandfather took the seeds. Do you have anything in particular you want these for? he asked. If you have a use for them, youre more than welcome to them, Jeb replied. If your uncle doesnt have too much trouble with weaving it, Ill probably bring them to the next big market day. Waterweave will probably be a blessing for some of the farms that grow Managrass often. Something new is usually worth a little more. Jeb had nothing to say to that, so he just went back to the raised bed to refresh it for whoever would use it next. It was unsurprising that the soil was completely depleted. The crops had grown in a matter of minutes rather than days. More and more, Jeb was realizing that nothing came free. Growing the crops more quickly meant more soil depletion. For as long as Jeb was only working in a single raised bed on a project that mostly would benefit himself, there wasnt much of an issue with that. When it came to matters of scale, though, he was certain that there were a number of calculations that needed to be made to balance not only the present success of the Farm, but also its future potential. After all, even if you could reduce the growth time to hours instead of weeks, if you then had to spend all of your profit replenishing the soil, it would do you no good. Jeb considered how he could mitigate his damage to the soil. As he did, he realized that he hadnt Inscribed any sheets of Manaweave that day. He rushed back to his room and quickly Scribed three sheets with Least Move Earth (Efficient). It remained his highest Tier Spell, and that was important for making the most out of his technically limited number of sheets of Manaweave. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Third Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Third Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Move Earth (Efficient) onto Manaweave.
Rewards: 59 Experience, Mana +20
As he did so, he looked at the pile of books in the corner of his room. He hadnt opened any of them since at least before learning Woodworking. It was tempting to try learning a Fourth Tier Spell, especially since he had a Quest to Scribe one, but Jeb hesitated. The last thing that he wanted to do was accidentally lose a few days right now. In the end, he decided to leave the books where they were. The risks outweighed the rewards, at least for the present moment. Jeb then looked over at the lute case he had. Even though he wasnt sure if he wanted to bind it, he did miss the feeling of playing his lute. He decided to take out the Songbook, since he didnt have much else to occupy his day with. There was no point in growing more Watergrass until he found out if it turned into Waterweave well, and the same was true for the other Elements. It might be worth a Fourth Tier Quest, but Jeb did also need to start increasing his Charisma. He looked at the next song in the book. It was a familiar one, an Anthem to the Glory of the Adventurer. No one that Jeb knew actually liked the song, though no one ever got too mad when it was played. His grandfather came up as he started playing the song and sat down beside him. Jeb, I think its time that we have a conversation about life, he said, and started telling stories from his past. Jeb wasnt surprised to learn that there were many Humdrumville residents who had gone off to become adventurers. Some had succeeded, coming back to the town with stories and gold. Others came back broken, able to survive only on the kindness of the town. There were others who only came back as a corpse, though they were rare. Far more often it was simply a name from a Messenger, and if their family was lucky, a cause of death. At least those families had closure. For many, their sons and daughters left with dreams in their eyes and something vaguely sharp in their hands, never to return again. Truthfully, thats part of why Ive always been so grateful that no one in our family was ever given anything but a Farming Class, his grandfather told Jeb after telling him about his childhood friend. Sure, we never have Bards singing our praises, but I never had to lay awake at night wondering if any of my family would ever come home again, or if the last words I said to them would be the last I could say. The stories were clearly meant to remind Jeb that adventuring was not all glory and joys. Why did you feel the need to tell me this? Jeb asked. Sorry, that came out wrong, but- His grandfather held up a hand, I know what you meant. For better or worse, youll probably need to end up going to the Capital, if only to learn how to live your life safely. I just want you to remember that life is never as pretty as songs make it sound. When youre given the choice between glory and safety, please choose safety. With that, his grandfather left. Jeb finished learning the song easily. It was not a difficult song. The Quest rewards for learning a puff piece about adventuring made his fingers feel like lead.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Singing First Tier Learn a song Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 20 EXP
Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5028/100
Total Statistic Load: 313
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 189
Intelligence: 45
Willpower: 38
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 30
Mana: 745
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 56: Soon the Joke Will be “Jeb is Short for Just Everything is Broken” Jeb slept fitfully, waking often. He remembered snippets of his dreams. He dreamed of an ocean of water and an ocean of blood. When he finally gave up on sleep, Jeb looked outside his door to see another package from his Uncle Frank. Inside was what looked like Manaweave, but what Jeb knew instantly to be Waterweave. Jeb eagerly opened the package, revealing smooth white paper. The Water Mana had faded from them, though Jeb still could feel that they were attuned to Water. He tried putting a Fire Glyph on them to check, and confirmed that it wouldnt imprint. A run through Least Create Air and Least Create Earth mirrored the results, which was slightly more surprising. He had expected the opposite Elements to oppose each other, but he hadnt expected all other Elements to. Even Least Create Mud refused to imprint onto Waterweave. That one was more surprising, because Mud had Water in it. Still, if Waterweave was only useful for holding Water Spell Glyphs, it was good to learn this now, rather than after his grandfather went to market with the seeds. Jeb decided to try pushing Least Conjure Water into the sheet. When he tried imprinting the Glyph onto the Waterweave, Jeb felt more resistance than he had with Manaweave, but he was still able to put it in. As the Glyph started to imprint, Jeb didnt feel the same clean break that he had in the past. It seemed as though he could keep pouring Mana into the Glyph. That was strange, and Jeb didnt quite know how to respond. He ended up cutting it off at 170 Mana. Jeb thought about what would happen if 170 Mana of Least Conjure Water suddenly activated. It wasnt a pleasant idea. As soon as Jeb stopped filling the Glyph with Mana, he felt his connection break. The Waterweave looked normal, but something about it felt wrong. Jeb really didnt want 170 Mana of Conjured Water to fill his room, so he quickly inscribed another piece of the Waterweave with Least Conjure Water, only putting in ten Mana this time. As he reached out to it, Jeb felt like he could activate the Spell. Thankfully, he had an empty bucket in his room, so Jeb tried activating the Glyph. A little bit Water water filled the bucket, and the Glyph on the Waterweave disappeared. The Waterweave seemed slightly damaged, but Jeb couldnt point to anything in specific for how he knew that. On the same piece of Waterweave, he inscribed Least Shape Water, since that shouldnt cause any problems if the Mana all emptied out at once. The ten Mana hed used for Conjuring emptied too quickly for him to tell if the limiter was doing anything. When he started pouring in Mana, he again felt like he could put in as much Mana as he wanted. When hed poured 180 in, though, his connection to the Glyph snapped. Jeb found it a little humorous that he had stopped filling the first sheet of Waterweave so close to its maximum, but he supposed that was life. Jeb activated that Glyph and practiced shaping the Water as the Mana slowly used up. Now that the Glyph was running for longer, Jeb could see that once he activated it, the Glyph glowed. The light slowly dimmed as the Mana flowed out. He made sure to keep the water directly over the bucket when it seemed almost completely dimmed, and he wasnt surprised when the Spell ended. What was a little more shocking was the Waterweave crumbling away into nothingness. Apparently the Mana hed poured into the piece had destabilized the Waterweave more than he thought. Well, he did still have a few sheets of paper, so one more for experimenting like this couldnt hurt, right? His Mana had recovered while he played with Least Shape Water, and he wanted to try filling the Waterweave the first time to see if hed maybe lost some Mana capacity from the first time he inscribed a Glyph. To his mild surprise, he had. The fresh sheet took 200 Mana to fill entirely with Least Shape Water, and as Jeb looked closer, he saw that the Glyph seemed totally connected to the paper. The Glyph had reoriented all the fibers in such a way that without it, the paper would fade away. Or, at least, previous experimentation would suggest that without the Glyph, the paper would fade away. The fact that it took 200 Mana seemed to suggest that Waterweave lost some of its capacity when a Glyph was activated. With a single data point, it looked like it lost 10 Mana with each use. He left that Glyph unactivated, since he wanted to see if his family could also activate the Glyph, or if it was only something he could do. Setting the second sheet of Waterweave aside, he decided to test his current hypothesis that the Waterweave lost 10 Mana with each cast. Before inscribing, he accepted the Quest Notification for having Inscribed four First Tier Glyphs. Jeb used the next sheet of paper to see how many times he could inscribe it before it would wear out. He only put 1 Mana in at a time, and the Spell barely took hold before it ended. As expected, he managed to inscribe a Glyph onto the Waterweave 19 times before it finally dissolved. That was certainly nice for his Mana capacity, though Jeb felt like he was at the end of his ability to actually form Glyphs. Each casting on the Waterweave had felt taxing, and that strain only grew with each attempt. It was nearly time for breakfast, so Jeb stopped his experimenting, making sure to note down the 19 times the Waterweave could be enchanted before collapsing. He would need a few minutes to try figuring out the numbers, though trying the same inscription with different Glyphs or different amounts of Mana would be really helpful too. Still, he grabbed the sheet holding 200 Mana of Least Shape Water to see if his family would be able to use it as well. Jeb quickly left his room, hoping that he might have found a way to let non-Mages have access to Magic. As he made his way downstairs in excitement, he realized one miscalculation he had made. It was still dark out. After sitting and twiddling his thumbs for a while, just enjoying the feeling of doing nothing, breakfast started. So Jeb, his mother commented as everyone ate, it looked like you had something on your mind when you came down the stairs. Jeb had nearly forgotten. In a rush, he pulled out the sheet of Waterweave and explained it to his mother. I think that anyone should be able to activate it, he said, but I dont know for certain. After all, I was the one who Inscribed it, and I know how to use the Glyph. Playing along, his mother got a glass of water and tried to activate the Glyph. The sudden silence in the room spoke volumes. Everyone watched as Dorothy, well-known to have no Magic whatsoever, started controlling a stream of water. Every eye in the room fixed on Jeb when the Mana had run out, and Jeb suddenly felt nervous. Hed never been comfortable with people looking at him, and there was a certain weight that a group of high Tiered people had when they all looked intently at someone. It wasnt a nice feeling in the least. Still, it faded quickly as they all found reasons to look away. Clearly they were as aware of the feeling as he was, and they didnt want to force him to experience it. How hard would it be for you to make more of those? his grandfather asked, breaking the silence. Its just putting a Spell Glyph on Waterweave, Jeb said, but the Spell is only as powerful as the amount of Mana that I put into it. So not difficult at all, I suppose? Ill try growing a patch of Watergrass today, then, his grandfather said. Can you put any Glyph onto it? Only Water Glyphs, but I feel like the principle should be the same to Attune any other strain of Managrass to an Element. Well, lets not put the cart too far in front of the horse. First well need to make sure that your Watergrass breeds true without a constant input of Mana. Jeb quickly wondered whether it would be sustainable to use the Waterweave to store Attune Water Mana if it wouldnt, but quickly tossed the idea aside. Even if it did, that would require having a Mage who could use Attune Water Mana to constantly refresh the fields. There wasnt that much of a difference between doing that and just having the Mage Attune the water themself. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Jeb continued to think about how to optimize the situation until his grandfather cleared his throat. Jeb, are you planning to eat breakfast today? he realized that he had been sitting in thought while he ran through the numbers in his head. Before he refocused, he thought about how helpful it would be if he could put more Mana in the Waterweave. I also noticed that you werent using your Soil Improvement Skill the other day, his grandfather said, is there a reason for that? Jeb looked through his list of notifications, scrolling back to when hed gotten Fertilizing. To his chagrin, there was an unopened entry.
Congratulations! By learning Soil Savvy and Fertilizing, you have unlocked the Synergy Skill: Soil Improvement.
Better late than never, he supposed. He wasnt hurting for Statistics or Experience, so it didnt really matter, but as a matter of principle Jeb disliked that hed left that option unopened for so long. I um, Jeb muttered, missed the Notification when I received it. His family laughed, as he feared, but then all began recounting similar experiences theyd had. It lightened the mood at the table a lot. Jeb hadnt realized how much the idea that non Mages would now be able to use Spells had affected the tone at the table. With nothing else to do, Jeb decided to try out his new Skill. He had been wanting to make a new Skill, and now seemed like a great time to do so. He called Least Create Earth to mind, putting just enough Mana into the Spell to get a handful of Earth. He looked at it with Soil Improvement active, seeing where the soil was nutrient deficient and the issues it had. The earth would need at least a little bit of Sand to be healthy soil, so maybe he could emphasize that part of the Earth Glyph and change the placement of the points to Attune to Sand. Jeb quickly ran to his room to grab a notebook before running outside to start testing. He tried casting Least Create Earth again, this time splitting his focus. With one part of his mind, he carefully restrained the Mana from flowing through the Glyph too quickly. With the other, he focused on creating sandier Earth. Soil Savvy helped him here, because it gave some deeper understanding of what sandier Earth would mean. If it hadnt been for all the training he had with Lute Enforcement, he knew that he never would have been able to accomplish it. The Glyph lit up less uniformly brightly than he remembered. Another handful of Earth later, Jeb dismissed the Glyph, quickly noting the parts of the formation that had seemed dimmer. A look at the Earth in his hand confirmed that it had slightly more sand in it than the previous attempt had. Now came the tricky part. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5488/100
Total Statistic Load: 313
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 189
Intelligence: 45
Willpower: 38
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 30
Mana: 860
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 57: Designing and Dreaming For whatever reason, the dim parts of the Spell Glyph were not entirely within the Elemental Attuning portion of the Glyph. Sure, all four of the first four points were dimmer than they should be, but Jeb had expected that. He considered his goal. Jeb had just started the project a few minutes before, but he already saw two potential options. First, he could try to slowly refine the Glyph for Least Create Earth until it became Least Create Soil, but he was unsure if that would work. After all, soil needed a balance of clay, sand, and silt, along with water, air, and other trace metals and salts. That seemed like a lot to make into a First Tier Glyph. His second idea was to shift Least Create Earth until it became Least Create Sand. That might not be quite as useful in the long term, but it could at least give him a starting point for making soil. At the very least, if he was able to combine Glyphs for Creating Sand, Silt, and Clay, he would be most of the way to soil that he could treat with fertilizer. After a few minutes of pondering, Jeb decided to work on making Least Create Sand first. That way, if Soil ended up being a higher Tier Element, he would already be closer to it. He called the Glyph for Least Create Earth to mind and once more split his focus. This time, rather than trying to make Earth with Sand in it, Jeb focused his Intellect and Will on making the Glyph produce only Sand. The latest handful of soil was the sandiest by far, but he could feel the soul ache from the mornings exercise with Waterweave coming back. Pushing through and ignoring the pain, he looked at the points of the Glyph that seemed the dimmest. The second point was the first incredibly dim point, which made sense. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to make it glow brighter by forcing the point up, down, left or right. He was confused and decided to take a break. As Jeb rested and tried to make his soul less strained, he focused on enjoying the feeling of the soft field beneath his back. He felt a soft touch on his forehead and opened his eyes, curious who was trying to get his attention. To his surprise, it was the queen of his hive. Good morning, he said, giving a slight bob of his head. The queen danced back a greeting in return and flew off, hive following behind her. As Jeb watched the hive, an idea came to him. Jeb called the Glyph for Least Create Earth to mind, carefully shifting each point until it was as bright as he could make it while visualizing sand. Then, he tried pushing the second point inwards. To his surprise, the Glyph allowed the change. While it didnt look any different to his minds eye, he knew intellectually that the Glyph had to be three dimensional now. Out of curiosity more than any real belief that it could help, he tried rotating the Glyph so that he was looking along the plane that it sat in. He was unsurprised to see that the point he had pushed lay out of plane, but he was shocked to see that many of the points seemed out of plane. Once more, he was at a crossroads. Jeb could try to make the Glyph for Least Create Sand, or he could see what a perfectly planar Least Create Earth would turn into. He wasnt sure how to decide, so he plucked a flower from next to where he was sitting. He knew a popular childrens chant for divining ones future with the petals of a roselet. Many a petal a roselet is born with, And many a petal Ill tear. For better or worse, Ill find out the answer Remembering life isnt fair. The song kept going as Jeb slowly plucked the petals off of the roselet. The longer that he sang, the more bees came by to see what he was doing, buzzing confusedly. It seemed like they had trouble understanding what was driving him to tear up a poor defenseless flower. When he finished tearing the flower, he had an answer. The flower had had an odd number of petals, so he would work to make Least Create Sand. The Glyph looked brighter with the second point pushed in, it was true, but Jeb was curious what difference it would make in the Earth it created. He focused on making Sand and formed a handful another handful. As it appeared, the Skills in his head felt like they were screaming. Jeb wasnt totally sure what the issue was, but he had a feeling it was about the intent he was pushing through the Spell Glyph. That made some amount of sense to him. After all, he was able to cause vastly different shapes with Least Shape Water, especially now that his Willpower had grown so much. It only made sense that he would also be able to effect some fair amount of change on the effects of Least Create Earth. So, Jeb focused on the Glyph again and tried his hardest to just push a small amount of Mana through the Spell, letting it shift how the Glyph forced it to. He was a little disappointed. If anything, the changes hed made seemed to make the Earth in front of him less sandy. As he stared at the handful of Earth he had just created, Jeb decided to make Least Create Sand in as rigorous a method as possible. He dismissed the modified Glyph he had created and called the base form of Least Create Earth to mind. He conjured a handful of Earth, making every effort not to affect the way the Glyph wanted to turn his Mana into Earth. Setting it down, he moved the first point in the Glyph up slightly and Created another handful. Soil Savvy told him that the soil had slightly less sand than before. He moved the Glyph back to its starting position, then slightly lower. The Earth was almost imperceptibly sandier. Once he had optimized the height of the first point, he shifted it left and right, and then in and out of plane. Once hed gotten it in what should have been the right position, he checked its height again. It needed to be adjusted slightly, so he moved it ever so slightly lower. After three loops through the directions, Jeb was unable to move the point finely enough to improve it at all. Handful after handful, he slowly worked his way through the other twenty four points in the Glyph. When he had finished going through the Glyph as a first pass, the Earth was significantly sandier than it had been. But, it was also horribly inefficient. Jeb estimated that making the final handful of Earth had taken him nearly double the Mana that the unmodified handful had taken. He looked up from his work to see some of the bees clustering around him. Is something wrong? he asked. They buzzed a yes, and Jeb cocked his head. Whats wrong? As they danced, he got the impression that they were worried about him. Im fine! he responded, why are you worried about me? The dance was a little harder to understand. It was something about pollen and honey. As Jeb watched them repeat the message, he understood. Oh! I dont need anything to eat right now, its only been- he trailed off, looking at the sun. He quickly amended that thought to looking for the sun. It was well past dark, and he had apparently been working all day without a break. Never mind, I should probably go inside and go to sleep, he said. The bees buzzed their agreement and flew off. As Jeb watched them go, he had the strange feeling that they were ever so slightly larger than he was used to. Then again, he had only really started paying attention to bees when hed established his hive. Maybe they were just growing. Back inside, Jeb found some food and quickly went to bed. It was harder than normal for him to fall asleep. While his body and soul felt exhausted, his mind hadnt been particularly taxed by shifting Least Create Earth. He had tried his absolute hardest to approach the Glyph systematically, rather than relying on his System. He knew that it would be slower, but he hoped that it would make him more efficient at creating new Glyphs over the long term. When he eventually fell asleep, he dreamed of Magic. It wasnt the Magic of Glyphs, ordered and controlled. Try as Jeb might, Least Create Earth would never be able to replicate Least Destroy Air. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Neither was the Magic he saw in his dreams the Magic of a Song. Jeb knew that the Songs were freer. After all, he was almost certain that his bees were dancing some variation on Lute Enforcement to Enforce their hive. But, he still couldnt think of a way to make Lute Enforcement change a river in its course. As Jeb watched the Magic in front of him, he saw glimpses of both Glyphs and Songs within it. It was hard to watch. He knew that somehow both Glyphs and Songs were someones crude attempts at replicating this Magic. Why have you come, child of man? Jeb heard the voice from all around him. He looked around, making sure that it was him the voice was speaking to. Where am I? he asked. Somehow he got the impression of confusion from the Magic in front of him. Did you not follow the three hundred steps on the road from Fallharbor? Or did you not climb the highest peaks you could find, stopping only to watch the mourning sun rise? No? Something changed in the Magic. What had been potential was becoming manifest. A figure emerged from the cloud of Magic. What are you called, child of man? the figure asked. No longer was the sound coming from around Jeb. In fact, as he looked around, there was no longer a cloud of Magic surrounding him. All of the many ways that the Magic could have expressed itself were gone. Instead, there was only the being in front of him, which seemed as though it could never have been anything else. Jeb stared at it, before remembering that it had asked him a question. Im Jeb, what are you called? he asked, mirroring the beings phrasing. Its look of confusion turned to one of mirth. Oh, this is wonderful! I havent spoken to a child of man who still is a child in longer than you could understand. Do you not know who I am? Jeb considered that for a moment. He went through everyone hed ever known, and none of them matched a being made from the collapsed possibilities of pure and unrestrained Magic. I dont think Ive met you before? he hazarded. You have not, the being nodded in agreement, and yet you know who I am, do you not? My only guess is that you are Magic, Jeb said nervously. Before the being could respond, he went on, Im really sorry if Ive done something wrong by using Glyphs or Songs or modifying them or trying to use them together or- The being interrupted him, did you truly come here without knowing the way? I think so? Jeb said, I fell asleep and then woke up here. The being smiled for a moment, and then it disappeared. As Jeb thought that, though, he realized it wasnt that the being had disappeared. Instead, what had been an absence of potential realities had returned to being solely potential. He felt an urge to reach out to the Magic. He knew without a doubt that any contact with it would change his life forever. Jeb stretched out his hand. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5488/100
Total Statistic Load: 313
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 189
Intelligence: 45
Willpower: 38
Magic Affinity: 51
Mana Depth: 25
Charisma: 30
Mana: 860
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 58: Another Form of Magic When Jeb awoke in the morning, he could not say for certain whether he had touched the Magic or not. He had a memory of the fog collapsing, just for an instant, into an outreached hand stretching out towards him, but he couldnt remember actually touching it. Well, that was a strange dream, he said, stretching the sleep away. Shrugging it off, he made his way downstairs to see if his mother needed any help. Jeb, I realized that we never mentioned, but theres a tag members of the family flip if theyre arriving after dark, his mother said. She showed him where it was. Jeb had always wondered why the board was constantly changing, but hed never seen it change and no one ever brought it up, so he never did. Which one is mine? he asked. His mother pointed to a green tag that had a large J written on it. Where do I move it? She walked him through the process for coming or going, so that people wouldnt be surprised at his presence or absence. After breakfast, Jeb moved his marker to the out of house position and went back to the part of the field he had been working in the day before. He saw his piles of Earth, somewhat scattered by the wind. Wiping them away, he decided to start fresh. Jeb called Least Create Earth to mind and made a handful of dirt. His Soil Savvy pointed out all of the many ways that it was insufficient as soil, but he ignored it. After all, his goal right now was not to make Soil, it was to make Sand. With that in mind, he called the modifications that hed made the day before to mind. It was a relief to see that the difference in efficiency was still there this morning. He hadnt just been imagining things from how late it was. Jeb once more called the Glyph to mind, focusing on the way that it lit up. From the first point, it was already dimming more than it should. He carefully adjusted each point until it was as bright as it could be. When he had finished, he was curious how much he had ended up needing to move the points. He called the unmodified Least Create Earth, the Sand Variation hed started the day before, and his latest one up at once, comparing where the points were. To his surprise, there were a fair number of points that had not only returned to where they had been originally, but had even gone the other direction from where his optimization said it should. Casting the latest version of the Glyph, Jeb noticed that it was nearly as efficient as Least Create Earth. The only downside was that it wasnt as sandy as the Glyph had been when he started. Jeb knew that he could probably start working on the Glyph like he had when he modified Attune Water Mana to fit on the staff. He just didnt want to. A voice inside of him, deeper than even his Skills, urged him to avoid relying on them too much as he created this new Creation Glyph. Jeb was in no particular hurry, so he saw no reason not to listen to that voice. Once more, he traced through all twenty five points in the Glyph, shifting each in all three directions until it was as sandy as it could be. By the end of the process, the Glyph was even sandier than it had been the day before. It was a little less efficient, sure, but still better than it had been. After a third pass through, the Glyph was producing purely Sand. Once more, Jeb rearranged the points on the Glyph until the light flowing through it did not have any kinks forcing it to dim. As he finished placing the twenty fifth point, he didnt need to recast the Glyph to see what it would produce. The burning in his soul told him more than enough.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Third Tier Glyph Chain Create a First Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 58 Experience, Mana Depth +2, Willpower +2, Mana +10, Unlock Glyph Chain Second Quest Create a Second Tier Glyph.
The extra Mana Depth was by far the best reward that he could have gotten from the Quest. It was the only Statistic he didnt have a good way to increase. Sure, he could increase it by modifying a Spell Glyph, but that would also raise his Magic Affinity, which was still far higher than his other Mental Statistics. Now that Jeb had made Least Create Sand, he was ready to share it with the world. He rushed back into his room, quickly grabbing a piece of Manaweave. As he imprinted it on the paper, he realized that he hadnt cycled a piece of Waterweave that day to increase his Mana.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Create Sand onto Manaweave. Rewards: 19 Experience, Mana +5
The burning feeling in his soul from imprinting Least Create Sand was enough that he decided against pushing his limits to increase his Mana pool again that day. He started the walk to the Library as he considered what to do next. Halfway there, Jeb realized that he could and probably should make Attune Sand Mana as well, so he started walking back home to grab another piece of Manaweave as he started working on making the Glyph in his head. Now that he had the experience making a new Glyph without the Systems aid, Jeb felt far more comfortable trusting it to help him make the new Glyph for Attune Sand Mana. When he got to his room, he was nearly finished making the Glyph, and he ran directly into his sister before he noticed she was standing at the bottom of the staircase. Jeb blinked in confusion. Sorry, he said quickly, I wasnt- Paying attention to where youre going or what day it is? his sister finished for him. Tomorrow is Moms birthday. Please tell me you remembered to get her something this year. Jeb froze. He hadnt. Do you have any idea what she might- he was stopped by his sisters upheld hand. Whats something youve done for Mom a fair amount recently that shes mentioned as very helpful? she prompted. Jeb thought about it. Oh! When I use Least Create Fire in the morning to help get the stove running. Great. Engrave that into something she can use. She walked off before Jeb could say anything else. He considered what would be the best way to give his mother permanent access to Least Create Fire. Making and Inscribing Fireweave had the double disadvantages of not existing yet and requiring constant upkeep. Jeb wondered whether there might be a rune that could charge from ambient Mana and then release it when directed. There had to be, since they had a few Enchanted items that no one in the family was constantly topping up, but Jeb wasnt sure if that was unique to the specific Enchantments or if there was some general adjustment he could make when engraving a Glyph. Mind made up, he ran more quickly to the Library. Good afternoon Jeb, the Librarian said, what has you moving so quickly? Two things. First, I have a new Glyph, Jeb handed over the piece of Manaweave with Least Create Sand engraved on it.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Grok Glyphs Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, you have shared one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another.
Rewards: 39 Experience, 1 Intelligence, 1 Willpower, 10 Mana
This is really nice Manaweave, the Librarian said, your uncle has gotten far better at bleaching it, Hmm? Oh, no I just bred Managrass to be perfectly white, Jeb said, the second thing was that I was wondering if there was anything in the public Glyph repository that would let me make an Enchanted item that slowly draws Mana in and then can be released by the user without them needing to be able to use Mana themselves. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. There are, though I would warn you that the Mana Pull Sub-Enchantment generally has to be re-derived for each new Enchantment. What are you trying to make? I can see if youre allowed access to that Enchantment already. Also, just for the record, the Public Enchantment Repository is separate from the Public Glyph Repository. You can request access to the latter since youve created a Glyph Modification that is designed to mimic an Enchantment though. The Librarian seemed just as willing as Jeb was to brush past his breeding a Magical plant to have new traits. I want to make a firestarter, Jeb said, lately in the mornings Ive helped my mother restart the flames in the oven by using Least Create Fire to catch the new logs. Let me see if theres anything like that in the Public Repository that you would be allowed to take, the Librarian said. Pages flashed through his eyes. Hmm, he said after a few minutes of searching, I have good news and bad news. Good news first? I think that a Wand of Fireballs might be able to do what you need. Obviously, you will need to scale down the effects of the flame being created, but that shouldnt be too hard. Is the downside that Ill need to modify an Enchantment? The Librarian just looked at him. Jeb, youve turned in to me six unique Glyphs. In no way did I think that modifying Magical Schema was a downside to you. That was a fair point. Whats the downside then? Well, the phrasing of the rules is slightly archaic. The Librarian grinned, they have a generally accepted meaning, though. You, as a First Tier non-Enchanting Class shouldnt be allowed access to the Public Enchanting Repository. I thought you said- Jeb began before the Librarian interrupted him. It would just be such a shame if some provincial Librarian didnt know the etiquette and unspoken rules about who was allowed access to the Repository. Then they might be naive enough to take the archaic words at their face value and grant you access for having made something that resembles an Enchantment. Jeb smiled nervously. Also, before I give you the Schematic, I need you to promise me that you wont actually make a Wand of Fireballs on purpose until you are at least Fourth Tier, the Librarian grew suddenly serious. I trust you not to do anything intentionally reckless, and making a Wand like this could risk the lives of the entire town. Do I need to hide or destroy the Schematic when I finish then? Jeb asked, now growing increasingly concerned. Hmm? No, the overlap of people at a low enough Tier to be able to Enchant without their Class explicitly allowing it and people with the ability and interest to start Enchanting is really just you. Or, at least, its just you of all of the people for whom this is their Library. Jeb took the neatly bound book that the Librarian held out to him. This book contains all of the Schematics you will need, along with a brief explanation of what each piece does and a brief Primer on Enchanting. If you end up needing more, please feel free to come back. Also, since this book is a special request, you can feel free to annotate inside of the book yourself. Jeb was about to thank the Librarian when he said the final line. That was shocking to him. The first thing that all of the students learned about the Library books was that they were to be treated well. In particular, you were never supposed to mark inside the books. In a daze, Jeb thanked the Librarian and made his way back home. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5604/100
Total Statistic Load: 324
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 200
Intelligence: 46
Willpower: 43
Magic Affinity: 52
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 875
Glyph Attunement: 22
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 59: Enchanting Part One As he started walking, Jeb realized that he had nothing to occupy himself with as he walked home. He briefly considered looking at the Enchantment that he was going to try to modify, but quickly stifled that thought. He would almost certainly need to take notes as he worked through it, especially since this was an entirely new kind of Magic for him. Some small voice in his head suggested that it was an awfully strange coincidence that he was learning an entirely new form of Magic the day after the strange dream he had. It reminded him that he had never known that Enchanting was its own specific kind of Magic before. Jeb did think that was strange, but another voice in his head reminded him that there was nothing that he could really do with the information, regardless of what had happened. Whether or not the dream he had was truly him interacting with Magic, or at least an avatar of the concept was more or less irrelevant to what he could do. It hadnt given him any real instructions or guidance, though he did make a note to look up where Fallharbor was, in case it ever became relevant to his life. His thoughts quickly wandered away from those musings and back to the morning. Jeb was almost certain that he would be able to create the Glyph for Attune Sand Mana before he got home. Not having an Attune Mana for a First Tier Element was bothering him more than he had expected. Not wanting to waste any more time, Jeb pulled the Glyph for Least Create Sand into his mind. He quickly excised the portion of the Spell that was responsible for Creation and began aligning the two portions. It made the walk pass far more quickly. When Jeb finished creating Attune Sand Mana, he felt the Glyph burn onto his soul. Looking around, he realized that he had walked all the way home and into his room while working on the Glyph. The sun was still rising in the sky, which Jeb was relieved to see. Even if he had lost track of time while making the new Glyph, he at least hadnt lost too much. He sat down and opened the Enchanting Schematic for a Wand of Fireballs. At a first glance, Jeb had no idea what he was looking at. It almost looked like there was an entirely different alphabet being used on the page. He flipped to the back of the book, hopeful that the Enchanting Primer would be easier to understand.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Enchanting.
This Primer is not meant for those whose Class has already given them access to the Enchanting Skill. Instead, it is meant as a way for those without the Skill to learn to unlock it.
With an introduction like that, Jeb was hopeful that he would be able to follow what was happening. To his relief, that hope came true. The writer presumed that anyone wanting to learn Enchanting would have experience with both Songs and Glyphs, which was surprising to Jeb at first. As he thought about it for a little longer, though, it made some amount of sense. There had to be a number of young Mages or Bards who wanted to increase all of their Mental Statistics, and learning the other form of Magic was an effective way to do so. Shrugging off the question of why people had seemed surprised that he wanted to learn both, Jeb kept reading. The Primer quickly went on to explain that, as he had first thought, Enchanting used its own alphabet. It went further than that, though. The author explained that, while I will not enter into the debate over whether the language of Enchanting is itself the primeval language of Magic itself, it is a unique and apparently universal language. It had a number of citations to other countries that had developed Enchanting without interacting with each other. All of them used the same alphabet, and strings of characters meant the same every time that the Skill appeared. Apparently scholars (and Scholars) of Magic often placed the different disciplines along a continuum. Songs lay furthest to the side of freedom, which Jeb understood somewhat. The Bard had certainly described the fact that a Song was far freer in its effect than a Glyph. Enchantments were on the opposite side of the continuum. With a Glyph, there was still some ability to change exactly how the Magic manifested. Not so with an Enchantment. The Schematic spelled out exactly what would happen, and there was no way to modify it. Flipping back to the front of the book the Librarian had made him, Jeb still had no clue what the Schematic was saying. All the theory the Primer contained, while fascinating, was not going to help him finish his mothers present. He paged through the Primer, hoping to see where it would explain how to read the Enchanting script. When the sun had fully set, Jeb realized that hed been studying all day. He thought that he understood the Enchanting script well enough to at least understand what the Schematic would do, even if he wasnt totally certain how he could modify it. Once more returning to the front of the book, he was relieved to see that he was correct. One of the most useful things hed learned while reading the Primer was that the first part of every Schematic is always the final diagram, where each of the Magical expressions are shown completely interwoven. The fact that it was nearly unreadable was apparently a common enough occurrence, at least for those without at least a Seventh Tier Enchanting Class. He flipped past the completed Wands diagram to see each of the pieces that made it work. A Wand of Fireballs was simple enough, at least as far as Enchantments went. It only had five Sub-Enchantments: one to pull Mana in passively, one which allowed a user to activate the wand and send out a Fireball, one which controlled the speed the Fireball came out, one which controlled the impact force of the Fireball, and one which controlled the temperature. The fourth Sub-Enchantment was a little confusing to him. Impact force was a function of speed and weight, so why would it specify the energy, rather than the weight? He knew that it was probably not worth the time it was going to take him to find the answer out to that question, but he needed to know. Thankfully, a quick scan in the index of the Primer explained it. Because a Fireball was, as the name implied, primarily Fire, having a specific weight was difficult to determine. Since Enchanting was so fundamentally based on producing results, rather than the route to the result, Sub-Enchantments that mapped more cleanly onto effects were more popular. It made some amount of sense when Jeb approached the problem from that angle. A Wand of Fireballs needed to send a ball of flame with enough force to punch through a thin wall. Rather than needing to calculate how much it would have to weigh given its speed, it was far easier for the weight calculation to happen implicitly with the different linking scripts. Jeb considered which Sub-Enchantments he should prioritize. Two immediately popped out to him as obvious to change. He didnt want the wand to produce a single Fireball so much as a continuous beam of flame, and he needed the impact force of each one to be incredibly low. After all, it would be absolutely horrible if he gave his mother the gift of a fire starter that also destroyed the oven. He looked at the Sub-Enchantment for impact force first. To his surprise, he would need to do very little modification. Even with as little experience as he had with Enchanting, he was able to quickly pick out what was apparently a dial equivalent in the Schematic. It looked as though whoever had first made the Wand had set a specific value on the dial and then effectively just welded the dial shut. He looked at the other pieces of the Schematic and saw that temperature and speed had a similar dial. Jeb quickly sketched out what the dial would look like if it wasnt welded shut. Thankfully, because Enchanting was such a rigid Magical Skill, he did not need to repeat the work three times. It was an identical dial control on each of the three components. That led him to the other important change he would need to make. As Jeb thought about it, he couldnt think of any real practical difference between a constant stream of Fireballs and a constant stream of Fire. He carefully looked through the activation script, finding the point that set a phrase as the trigger. The trigger would activate once per utterance. It was a relatively easy change to make the script take in two phrases, one to start triggering the Wand and one which would stop triggering it. In theory, the script would now read something closer to when activated, use sufficient Mana to produce Fireballs with given speed, impact force, and temperature until deactivated. It was a little strange to Jeb that he didnt need to specify what a Fireball was or how it was formed, but he decided that was probably something implicit in the Script somewhere. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Now all Jeb needed to do was put the Enchantment onto something. He debated between wood and metal, since those were the two materials he had a Skill for working. Ultimately, he decided to go with metal, because an Enchantment that produced Fireballs probably wouldnt be all that compatible with wood. Or, rather, he assumed the two would would be far too compatible. Down in the forge, Jeb was relieved to hear his grandfather still working. Despite the roaring flame and constant pounding, Jeb only needed to knock on the door twice before it opened. What are you doing up so late, Jeb? his grandfather asked. Its Moms birthday tomorrow, he said, and I was reminded that I should get her something. The Librarian gave me an Enchantment that should work as a fire starter for her, and I feel like its better to make it out of metal than wood. His grandfather nodded, so what do you need? Jeb considered the question. He had decided on metal, sure, but there were a number of metals that he could work with. After a little deliberation, he came to an answer, if possible, some steel round stock would be fantastic. He waited for his grandfather to ask about his choice of metal, but instead he was simply handed a long rod. Do you want to work in here, or is this Magical stuff that doesnt actually require a forge? Id like to at least get as many of the Sub-Enchantments physically engraved as possible. The Primer recommends doing that until you have actually unlocked the Enchanting Skill, because forcing Mana along specific pathways is far more difficult if they dont already have a foothold in reality. Jeb realized that he had gone directly into academic language and smiled sheepishly. His grandfather just nodded, your usual spot is open, he said, turning around and back to his work. Jeb took the bar over to the anvil he had used while learning the Skill. It felt strange to be back, because every movement within the forge just felt natural. It was clear that Smithing was helping to guide his movements, which he was grateful for. Without further ado, he took out a hammer and chisel and began to slowly and carefully carve each piece of the Enchantment into the steel. If he hadnt already earned the Smithing Skill, Jeb knew that there was no chance that he would be able to engrave the lines he needed into the metal. They were just too precise. With the Skill, however, it was almost meditative to transfer the drawings onto the rod. When he had finished, Jeb inspected the rod. It was about twelve inches in length, since he couldnt carve any smaller and still fit all the details that he needed onto the piece of metal. Now all he needed to do was force the Enchantment into the premade channels. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5604/100
Total Statistic Load: 325
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 201
Intelligence: 46
Willpower: 43
Magic Affinity: 53
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 875
Glyph Attunement: 24
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 60: Making a Weapon Jeb was a little uncertain how he was supposed to proceed. Rather than take up space in his grandfathers workshop, he packed up and left. Halfway to his room, he realized that he didnt want to be inside, in case anything bad happened. As he considered where he should go, Jeb remembered that he historically had luck solving Magic related problems when he was beside his bees. It had the secondary excuse of being outside, so an accidental activation of the Wand of Fireballs shouldnt be too bad, especially if he was careful where he had it pointed. Out by the bees, Jeb was surprised to see how much stronger the hive looked. It was hard to point to anything specific about it, but it was incredibly clear that the Hive Enforcement the bees had been doing was working. A few sentries lazily floated by him, asking what he was doing there. Im working on a birthday present for my mother, he explained. The bees seemed confused by nearly every noun in the sentence, which stumped Jeb. How could he communicate the concept of birthdays to a species whose lifespan was measured in weeks and occasionally months? How could he explain presents to a species that relied on the concept of completely communal property? Mother was at least an easier concept, since the hive all came from the queen. Then again, with the dynamic between a hive queen and her drones, the connotations he would be setting up werent quite right. On the other hand, tribute to the queen was a close enough approximation to what he was doing. Jeb tried explaining that he was offering a seasonal tribute to his queen, which seemed to mollify the bees. He read through the Primer once more. It seemed like each Sub-Enchantment needed to be activated separately. The author suggested that other than the piece which drew Mana in, there was no real need to imbue them in a particular order. Imbuing the piece which drew Mana in anything but last ran the risk, however slight, of activating the Enchantment when another piece was imbued. For all that Jeb was in the middle of a clearing surrounded by a number of bees that actively fed on Fire Attuned Mana, he still was not excited about the premise of accidentally setting off a Fireball. Or, since he had changed the Enchantment, an arbitrary number of Fireballs until it ran out of stored Mana. Jeb couldnt deny a small measure of curiosity when he imagined what that would look like, but he was certain that someone in his family would notice. I was curious what would happen didnt seem like it would be a particularly effective excuse if someone asked him why he was setting the sky on fire. At least, not yet. Jeb was beginning to understand that the rigidity of a style of Magic was almost inversely related to the ease of beginning the Magical effect. With a Song, his Mana felt like it was almost trying to join even before he actively pushed it out. With a Glyph, he had to carefully study the connections and flow before the Glyph was burnt into his soul. And, with an Enchantment, he had to rewrite the laws of the world, if only slightly. He was more and more grateful for the fact that he had learned a Third Tier Spell well before his time. The added benefit of learning a Song through what amounted to brute force helped too. The fact that his Willpower was nearly triple what it was before he had received his Class certainly couldnt hurt. More than anything, though, it was his Magic Affinity which carried him through the Enchanting process. Jeb began with the Sub-Enchantment which set the speed of the Fireball. He looked at the lines he had etched into the steel and visualized the flow of Mana through them. Then, with an effort of Will, he superimposed the two images. Reality tried to push back. After all, there was no intrinsic reason that a piece of steel would be able to determine the speed of a Fireball. Jeb pushed harder. When Willpower alone was not enough to force the Enchantment to take, he tried sophistry. What difference does it make if a piece of steel determines the speed of a Fireball? he asked, its not like a piece of steel can produce a Fireball. That seemed to help, but it wasnt enough. What Willpower and Intelligence could not do, Jeb tried to make up for with Charisma. In my view of the world, steel that is etched like this can determine the speed of a Fireball. His Mana responded to his desires, nearly merging with the steel. Realizing that it came down to his Manas responsiveness, Jeb called on all of his Magic Affinity. My Mana is mine to do with as I will, he said, feeling his words resonate with Mana Manipulation. As his Mana poured into the Sub-Enchantment, moving it from the solely physical into the Magical, Jeb was a little confused why Mana Depth didnt seem to have any effect on forcing the Enchantment to work. Watching his Mana tick down, Jeb understood. Because an Enchantment was fundamentally static, it had a set Mana Depth. Jeb found a mention of that in the Primer, though it didnt explain how to calculate what the Mana Depth was in an Enchantment or if there was a way to change it. What it did say, however, was that the Mana cost to fill an Enchantment depended on the difference between the Mana Depth of the Enchanter and the Enchantment. With an Enchanting Skill (since that was the only way to test the effects with any degree of reproducibility), there was apparently a nice exponential equation to say how much Mana it would take to fill the Enchantment, based on the number of Sub-Enchantments, the length of the script, and a number of other variables. It was well enough quantified that it let Enchanters know exactly how powerful of a Wand they could make. That stopped Jeb for a moment. Was there going to be an issue if he couldnt completely fill the Enchantment in one go? The answer wasnt as reassuring as hed hoped. Even as his Mana continued to drain, he read further to where the author explained that, if a users Mana and Mana Depth were not enough to fill a given Sub-Enchantment, not only would the Enchantment fail, but the Mana would all be vented at once. Eight hundred and seventy five Mana being instantly released did not sound like it would be at all healthy for Jeb, so he really hoped that he had enough Mana. With just twenty remaining before his Mana was completely emptied, the Sub-Enchantment on the rod flashed a bright blueish white and faded. Looking at the rod, Jeb couldnt see any difference compared to before he had begun Enchanting it. With his Magical sight on, on the other hand, Jeb saw the lines overlaid with Mana. He was relieved to see that the dial would be difficult to adjust. His mind supplied a helpful analogy. It was like the dial was tucked underneath a lock behind a false wall. In order to change it, a user would need to know where the wall was, how to unlock it, and be able to manipulate their Mana to adjust the values. Thankfully, all three of those characteristics applied to Jeb. He set the speed to its absolute minimum. As he waited for his Mana to recover, Jeb found himself starting to drift into a half Meditation half sleeping state. He kept himself focused and awake enough to watch his Mana slowly replenish, but only just. When it had, he moved to the next Sub-Enchantment: temperature. Once more, Jeb needed to use his Willpower, Intelligence, Magic Affinity, and Charisma. Only Intelligence required a different phrase. This time, he tried arguing that if a piece of steel can already control the speed of a Fireball, it only makes sense that it can also control the impact force. Otherwise speed becomes somewhat of a meaningless measure. Reminding the world that the rod still could not make Fireballs no longer seemed to do anything, though he still tried. Watching his Mana tick down again was less stressful, if only because he trusted the authors claim that every Sub-Enchantment would cost slightly less than the one before. It got deeper into Magical Theory than Jeb could totally grasp, but what little he could understand implied that the more Magic an item had already the more readily it took to having more Magic added to it. Jeb once more changed a dial on the Wand of Fireballs, this time setting it to make the lowest impact force Fireballs that it could. This time while dozing and Meditating, Jeb noticed that his Mana refilled faster when he was less dozing and more focused on Meditating. It was possible that he was just losing track of time more, but he didnt think so. Bees werent moving around him any more quickly, which was really the only movement around him happening at a time-able rate. His Mana refilled, Jeb moved on to the third Sub-Enchantment: temperature. On this Enchantment, his attempt to persuade Magic to enter the Wand with just Intelligence worked. Apparently arguing that a Fireball with known speed and impact force would obviously have to have a temperature. Otherwise its just a ball, not a Fireball, was convincing enough. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Jeb amended his thoughts. His increased proficiency with the skill of Enchanting, or the rods gradual change to a Wand was probably more effective than his own arguments for why it made sense for steel to be able to control temperature. It was only as the Sub-Enchantment started to form that Jeb realized he could have tried arguing from a position that steel is a great conductor of heat, so it would make sense that it can tell the temperature of a Fireball, and then try to swap out cause and effect. His Mana stopped emptying out when the rod flashed again. Looking at the rod with his Magical vision, Jeb saw that the three Sub-Enchantments were all feeding into each other. It almost reminded him of the way that the third level of a Spell Glyph functioned. Rather than explore that further, though, he tried to sink into a deep Meditation after setting temperature to its minimum as well. After all, the sky was starting to brighten even as he worked. The Sub-Enchantment to begin and halt producing Fireballs on command was the easiest. After all, he had a rod which controlled everything relevant about a produced Fireball, so it only made sense that it did, in fact, produce the Fireball. His Mana only emptied about halfway, which made him hopeful that he would be able to finish the entire Enchantment before the sun had fully risen. He didnt need to have it ready before dinner, but Jeb wanted time to be able to adjust the Wand so that it was actually useful as a fire starter. As the final Sub-Enchantment started to drain his Mana, he realized that he hadnt needed to specify Mana storage anywhere in the Enchantment. Worried that he had missed something, he frantically flipped through the pages of the Primer. As it turned out, it was uncommon to specify Mana storage. In the absence of explicit directions, an Enchanted object would rely on the Mana storage capabilities of whatever the Enchanted material was. The book helpfully listed the Mana capacities for a number of materials, many of which Jeb had on the farm. He was a little surprised to see that Manaweave was only listed at 25 Mana in a standard sheet, before he realized that he hadnt corrected for Mana Depth. To his much greater surprise, Mana Depth did not affect the Mana capacity of a material, at least according to the author for all practical purposes. Some Enchanters argued that there was an effect of Mana Depth on the capacity, it was just that every material had a higher intrinsic Mana Depth than Enchantments needed. Rather than get into the weeds of a scholarly argument, Jeb skimmed to list to find where steel was listed. It seemed like it would hold enough Mana to make at least a few standard strength Fireballs, which Jeb hoped would be enough to work as a fire starter. When the newly finished Wand of Fireballs flashed, Jeb put down the book. Now it was time to test it out. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5604/100
Total Statistic Load: 325
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 201
Intelligence: 46
Willpower: 43
Magic Affinity: 53
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 875
Glyph Attunement: 24
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 61: Birthday Traditions Jeb looked around him, debating which direction would be safest to launch flames as the sun rose. Since he wasnt sure how far the flames would end up going, he ultimately decided that straight up was the safest course. Just before he tried to activate them, though, he realized that there was one more precaution he should take. He grabbed a bucket and used Least Conjure Water to fill it. Jeb went to activate the Wand of Fireballs, only to remember that, while he had set it to turn on and off at a command, he hadnt yet specified the commands. He went into the Enchantment and set it to respond to I want Fireballs, and I want no Fireballs. Then, thinking about the many ways that trying to calmly say an entire sentence might go wrong if something happened, he changed the activation to begin Fire, and hold. Begin Fire, Jeb said, and nothing happened. He looked through the Enchantment, confused why it wasnt activating. I wonder whats holding- as he said hold, the Wand sent out large orbs of what could only technically be called Flames. Begin Fire, Jeb said quickly, realizing his mistake. He had flipped the activation and deactivation phrases. Quickly reversing them, he started to adjust the different knobs on the Wand. His first instinct was to test the temperature. From behind, he felt like the Fireballs werent even hot enough to catch a piece of paper on fire, let alone a piece of wood. Begin Fire, he said, watching a column of Fire erupt from the front of the Wand. Jeb debated a number of ways that he could test the temperature of the Fireballs. Most of them required getting other equipment. He took a quick look at his Statistics. Thirty Endurance and Forty One Vitality were probably enough to prevent any lasting harm, so he waved his hand through the column of Flame. As he thought, it wasnt even hot enough to singe his hairs. Jeb turned off the Wand and adjusted the temperature. This time, he saw the familiar sight of the air around his flames distorting from the heat. He knew better than to test it again, since he could even feel some of the heat himself. His next priority was making the flame come out smaller. Although it was somewhat fun to see a column of fire as thick around as any of his relatives, the size of the flame would make it less useful inside in an oven. Jeb considered how he could make it smaller. After double checking that the impact force dial was turned as low as it could, he started changing the Fireball speed. As he began to adjust it, he realized that adjusting a Wand while it was actively shooting Fire may not have been something that anyone in his life would condone. Then again, none of them were there, and he knew that it was safe. Nodding, Jeb started to make the Fireballs move faster. As they did, the flames grew more condensed and separated. The Fireballs his Wand produced were roughly spherical, so as they grew smaller, Jeb was more able to see the delay between pulses. As much as he knew that he should optimize the Wand for his mother, he was too curious about where the delay was coming from to not look at it. Hold. The flames immediately stopped shooting out of his Wand. As soon as the air had cleared of flames, a number of bees came out with questioning buzzes. Jeb tried to deflect them, knowing how quickly they had learned other Skills when he practiced them near the hive. While having bees that Enforced their hive or made Elementally Attuned Honey wasnt too big of a deal, he couldnt imagine that his family would be happy if he taught the bees how to make automated Fireball launchers. Thankfully, the bees mostly seemed concerned that he was fighting off intruders. When Jeb explained that he was testing the tribute to his queen, the bees danced their equivalent of a shrug and went off in search of pollen. He breathed a silent sigh of relief that he hadnt accidentally weaponized his hive. His mind started to consider all of the ways that a hive that knew how to Elementally Attune Mana might already be weaponized, but he quickly shut off that line of thought. Begin Fire, he said, watching flames bloom once more from the end of his Wand. This time, he looked at the Wand with his Magical sight active. As soon as he did, Jeb understood where the delay between Fireballs was coming from. He watched Mana flow from the activation script into the rest of the Wand and then out the other end. It moved as a cycle, and as a result, it could not start making another Fireball until the first had been released. In the long term, Jeb knew that he would want to find a solution to that problem. But, for a birthday gift, it was probably good enough. Hold, he said, letting the flames die down. Now that hed made the Wand good enough to work as a fire starter, Jeb realized that he had a Notification he had been ignoring.
Congratulations! By learning and successfully creating an Enchantment, you have unlocked the Magical Skill: Enchanting.
Jeb opened the Skill, excited to see what new Quests he had been offered.
Enchanting: Magical Skill (Held in Abeyance due to conflict with Class-Granted Skill: Least Mud Magic).
You will not receive any benefits from the Skill until you resolve this conflict.
Just like with Bardic Magic, it appeared as though he wouldnt get any benefits from this new Magical Skill at least until he took his next Class. Jeb hoped that he would have met the requirements for a Class that somehow would give him access to Glyph Magic, Bardic Magic, and now Enchanting. If there were other forms of Magic, he would also love if he was able to cast them, though he knew that the odds went down with each restriction he had. He knew that there were countless Classes that had access to Glyph Magic in some regard. The same was probably true of Bardic Magic or Enchanting, though if he was being honest with himself, Jeb had never really lookd into those Classes. Still, he hadnt heard of any Classes that offered access to all three kinds of Magic, and the Librarians comments when hed asked about binding a lute made Jeb worried for his future. Enchanting the Wand had been such a fun experience, for all that it was a struggle. Would he have to give that up forever? Jeb firmed his resolve. No matter what it took, he would find a way to maintain access to the Magics hed learned. As he decided that, something else seemed to crystallize in his mind. He had been putting off working on binding his lute out of a sense of fear more than anything else. His aunts concerns still weighed on him. The more that he thought about it, though, the less they seemed specifically relevant to his situation. Right now his lute was probably harder to damage than he was, and he still had so much more Mana to infuse into it before it was bound to him. Mind made up, he put the Wand of Fireballs into his bag and went back to his home. His family was just sitting down for breakfast when he arrived. Good morning! he said cheerily. Even though he hadnt slept, Jeb found that he was surprisingly energized. Almost his entire family was there for breakfast. They all studiously avoided answering the real reason that they had come, though some with more success than others. His Aunt Zephra struggled the most, eventually just settling for the excuse that the sheep all said that they wanted to come back here, and what kind of Shepherdess would I be if I didnt bring my sheep where they wanted. His mother, as was tradition, accepted all of the excuses his family members gave at face value. They didnt gather for every birthday, but everyone tried to make it to the home for every multiple of sixteen, at least once people had received their Class. They tried to come together more often for younger children, but there weren''t any specific traditions, for all that some of his family pushed for powers of two. His mother had just turned forty eight years old, which was a notable birthday. The super-majority of her life had now been lived as a Classholder. Jeb wasnt entirely sure what Class she had, but he was excited to find out. Tradition and an excuse to see the family was probably enough of a reason for everyone to come home, but there was absolutely another reason everyone made the journey home. It was tradition to lie about why you had come home as a guest. It was just as much a tradition to accept any reason people had made it home when it was your birthday. And, it was even more so a tradition in his family to share your Class and Skill progression since your last celebration. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Whether it was a new Class Granted Skill, a Skill Evolution that the System had granted upon Classing up, or even a Skill Evolution the celebrant had managed to force, the family was there to record, remember, and celebrate. Also, especially for those who were younger, there was the added benefit that you had the rest of your family there to help plan the next sixteen years of your progression. When breakfast ended, Jeb helped his mother clean the kitchen and then went to his room to pick up his lute for the first time in days. He had a brief feeling of sadness over being abandoned when he picked it up, which was disconcerting. If he had known that the lute was already bound to him enough to make him feel emotion, he would never have left it to sit for days. As he thought about it further, though, Jeb considered the possibility that he might just be projecting what he would feel if he were the lute. That rang slightly truer to him than the lute already being sentient, and he hoped it was true. When he picked it up and mindlessly ran through a few scales, he was surprised to see that it was still in tune. He put it back in its case and walked over to the hive. Back at the hive, Jeb carefully adjusted all of the tuning ever so slightly. He had realized that while each string was in tune with the other strings, they were all slightly above the pitch of the instrument. It was an easy enough fix, and he started intentionally warming his fingers up to play Lute Enforcement. As the thread of the Song started weaving out, Jeb remembered that he had just created the Glyph for Attune Sand Mana. Forcing the thread through that Glyph was surprisingly easy. He supposed that since he had made Sand by modifying Earth, his Classs Attunement to Mud was helping him, rather than hindering. The Magic of the Song took on a sandy texture, rough and warm. When it connected with the lute, Jeb felt the difference between him and it fade for just a moment. He had forgotten how nice the feeling of connecting to his lute through Lute Enforcement was. For as long as his Mana lasted, he felt as though he was seeing the world as it truly was, beautiful and full of life. The extra three hundred or so Mana he had since the last time he practiced the Song were a welcome addition. He realized that there was a fairly flat Mana cost to activating the Song, especially when he wanted to run it through a Glyph. As a result, the extra forty or so percent Mana he had gave him far more than forty percent more Enforcement. When he came out of the Song, Jeb realized he had two issues to resolve. The first was obvious and not time sensitive: he needed to know what Sand Mana did to the lute. The second was almost certainly more difficult but far more time sensitive: what looked like his entire hive was rushing towards him from all around the farm, and the bees sounded angry. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5604/100
Total Statistic Load: 325
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 201
Intelligence: 46
Willpower: 43
Magic Affinity: 53
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 875
Glyph Attunement: 24
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 62: Happy Birthday! As the bees rushed towards him, Jeb had a moment where he thought he wasnt their target. After all, despite coming from all directions of the farm, they were grouping at the hive, rather than surrounding him. More and more bees arrived, and he saw them start to break into cohorts. As they started to swarm, Jeb cocked his head. Now that he was seeing them all flying together, he was positive that his bees were larger than the other bees on the farm. They were grouping by Elemental Attunement, he quickly realized, distracting him from that line of thought. When the hive had finished swarming together, they started dancing around him. They still seemed angry, but Jeb was lost in the beauty of their dancing for a while. Some of the bees had become so Attuned to their element that they left small trails of Mana afterimages behind them. After a few moments of wonder, he focused on what they were trying to communicate. When he got the message, he nearly laughed. Yes, I did make a new Attune Mana Glyph, he said, and I put some into my lute. The bees danced more quickly around Jeb, clearly urging him to play. Solving two problems at once seemed like as good of a decision as anything else, so Jeb carefully plucked a few notes, willing the Sand Mana inside the lute to come to the forefront of the sound and appearance. It had a similar effect to Earth Mana, though with a few variations. Rather than protecting from large blunt impacts, it seemed like it would help resist small abrasions, like what he would expect sand in a storm to do. Sand Mana, like Earth Mana, also made the lute darker and dispersed the light more. With Sand Mana, though, it was less the entire lute becoming uniformly darker, and more that light seemed to get caught on individual grains within the wood. Like Earth Mana, the input of Sand made the lute seem more real. Following the pattern that Jeb was beginning to understand, the way it affected the lute was more fragmented. Rather than sounding like the single unified sound of a perfect Song, each note seemed to be foreshadowed and followed by what the note could have been. As he played a scale, that effect was hardly noticeable. When he started playing a song, though, it was as if every harmonic choice he made became crystallized in a specific moment of time. Jeb was beginning to wonder what would happen to the sound if he kept adding more and more Elements to the lute, but the bees kept him from drifting too far in that thought. He stared at them for a moment. Slowly, he began to piece together the meaning out of the dance. There are five factions, he gathered quickly. The bees gave a metaphorical nod. One Unaspected faction, and one for each Element that I have been able to make Mana for. Once more, the bees agreed. That was where he got stuck. They were mentioning a sixth faction, but he couldnt see any new divisions. Suddenly, it all clicked for him. Oh! Did you want me to make a cloud of Sand Mana so that some more of you can Aspect into Sand Attuned bees? The hive buzzed happily, and Jeb looked at his Mana. It had refilled almost completely. Whether that was because he watched the bees longer than hed thought, played the lute for longer than hed thought, or something else, Jeb wasnt totally sure. In any case, he called the Glyph for Attune Sand Mana to mind and began forming it in the air in front of him. A contingent of the Unattuned bees started flying through, absorbing it far more readily than the last time hed given bees Mana. Did you all learn how to collect Mana more efficiently? Seeing their buzz of agreement, Jeb nodded. When his Mana had emptied, he thought about what else he had to do for the day. With a shock, he realized that his schedule was fairly open. Rather than waste time trying to decide what to do, Jeb ran back to his room and quickly put Attune Sand Mana onto a piece of Manaweave. On his way to the Library, he noticed that his Mana had refilled. He debated between waiting until he was home, Enforcing while he walked, or sitting somewhere beside the road. When he realized that he had never Sung a Song while moving, Jeb knew what the answer had to be. He started playing the Song as he finished his walk to the Library, putting Unattuned Mana into the lute. Mostly, he was curious if there was anything new to fix in his lute. As he expected, there was no new damage to the lute, so the Unattuned Mana didnt do anything to make the lute directly better. What surprised him, though, was that the Unattuned Mana didnt remain Unattuned as it flowed through the lute. It seemed to take on aspects of Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Sand. Nearly losing focus on the Song, Jeb watched intently as the Mana flowed through the lute. He saw small pockets of each discrete Elemental Mana in small patches throughout the instrument. As the Unattuned Mana flowed over them, the demarcations between each Mana type seemed to fade. No longer did he see a small patch of Earth Mana next to a small patch of Water Mana. Jeb watched the two pockets flow together. While the center of each remained more or less wholly the single Mana type, there was now a gradient between the two Elements. When his Mana finally emptied, he was beyond curious what the lute would look and sound like. It was difficult to articulate how the sound was different, and Jeb was certain that he would not have noticed a difference if he hadnt just played with the bees. Instead of each Mana type seeming to affect the sound on their own, it now seemed like each effect was working in conjunction with the others. Shrugging, Jeb started improvising a melody and played as he finished the walk to the Library. When he got to the door, he was surprised to find the Librarian standing outside of it, clearly waiting for him. Good- Jeb quickly looked at the sky, morning! Good morning, Jeb, the Librarian replied, do you have something for me or are you here to request something? I made another Glyph! Jeb said, handing over the sheet of Manaweave. Is that it? Jeb nodded, and the Librarian walked back inside. He quickly got the Notification he was expecting.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Grok Glyphs Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Manipulation and Spell Glyphing Quests, you have shared one of your Modified or Original Glyphs with another.
Rewards: 39 Experience, 1 Intelligence, 1 Willpower, 10 Mana
Satisfied, Jeb made his way back home and considered what else was on his general to do list. Pulling out his new Wand, he grimaced. It was not the nicest looking piece of Enchanting hed ever seen, but he knew that he didnt have time to make another before dinner time. More than that, Jeb knew himself well enough to know that he would end up missing dinner, too wrapped up in the Enchantment. The thought of passing time made him realize that hed stayed up through the entire night. As the thought entered his head, he became suddenly tired. He found his sister before going inside. Can you wake me up before dinner? I pulled an all nighter making Moms present. His sister rolled her eyes and nodded. Jeb was asleep before his head hit the pillow. In what felt like no time at all, he was being shaken awake. Is it time for dinner already? Jeb asked, blinking the sleep away. Would I wake you up early just because I thought it was funny? his sister asked. Rather than respond, Jeb looked out the window. The sky was lit up in reds and yellows from the sunset, so he jumped out of bed. Thank you! he said, rushing down the stairs. Happy birthday! his whole family said after dinner had finished. Someone had brought a cake from a nearby city, and they all enjoyed the rare occurrence. As was tradition, everyone had brought a gift. Jeb looked around, realizing with a sense of relief that he still wasnt the youngest person there. His Uncle Sean had brought his toddlers along. Both of them presented, with great solemnity, some misshapen blobs of clay that they claimed were puppies. It was adorable, and his mother thanked them before handing each a small piece of cake. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Jeb waited for the next person to come forward, only moving when his sister elbowed him in the side. He realized with a jolt that he was the next youngest person in the room. Its a little rough, he said, holding out the Wand of Fireballs, but I made you a fire starter for the mornings. His entire family looked at the Wand with undisguised interest. How does it work? his mother asked, taking the length of steel out of his hand. You point that end towards where you want the fire to go, Jeb said, flipping the rod around in his mothers hand, then say Begin Fire. And how do I stop it? his mother asked. Jeb was surprised that shed asked that before turning it on, and his shock clearly showed on his face. A few stifled laughs rang out in the kitchen. You just have to say Hold to make it stop, he said. Begin Fire, his mother said, pointing the wand towards the oven. A roaring stream of fire came rushing out, raising the temperature in the room a notable amount. Jeb realized he hadnt considered how much of a difference being indoors would make for the heat buildup. Hold, his mother quickly said. The room fell silent as they all looked at the Wand with a new sense of appreciation. The younger members of the family all saw something that could produce great gouts of flames. The older members clearly saw something else, though Jeb certainly wasnt going to ask what they were seeing. Their faces were far too somber for an occasion as happy as this was supposed to be. Well, thank you, his mother said, handing him a piece of cake. Jeb noticed his sister glaring at him as she moved up to give her gift. He wasnt sure what the look was for. She had more or less explicitly told him to make his mother something Magical for her birthday. More to the point, her gift was far better than what Jeb had given. I remember how you said that you miss having coffee, she said, holding out a bag, so I worked with Grandfather to breed a chicory plant with caffeine. His mothers smile at that gift confirmed how much better it was than his. There was no hesitation or anything hidden in it, and his sister seemed much happier as she walked back with her cake. The rest of his family also came out with their own gifts. Though not an explicit tradition, there was a common goal of always trying to give a better gift than the last you received, especially from the same person. His mother had always been one of the most empathetic members of the family, and her gifts reflected that. She always gave people exactly what theyd needed. When the cake was gone and gifts had been given, Jeb was about to leave the room. His sisters subtle tug on his arm as he began to move stopped him. Right. He had a Class now, which meant that he was allowed to stay for the Theorycrafting part of the birthday celebrations. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5643/100
Total Statistic Load: 327
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 203
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 44
Magic Affinity: 53
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 885
Glyph Attunement: 24
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 63: Birthdays Part Two Unfortunately for Jeb, the discussions were all much higher level than he was able to keep up with. It didnt help that his mother had been Seventh Tier at her last birthday celebration, so the Family was giving her incredibly specific advice. Did you manage to Evolve your Breadmaking Skill how youd hoped to? his Aunt Zephra asked. His mother shifted her head side to side, clearly trying to decide how best to answer. Not directly, no. Part of it ended up getting consumed into the Baking Skill, while part split off into Yeast Control, but thats been better for me than I think my goal would have. Its been really nice to be able to help Aunt Esther with some of her more complex brews. Do you know what direction youre hoping to Evolve it into going forward? That question came from his grandfather. Ive been reading through the different paths that Baking can go through, but it doesnt seem like there are too many that would be useful given my life. Most all of them specialize in some subset of Baking, and I didnt work this hard for a Generalist Skill just to have it convert into a Child Skill again. That exchange was the closest to something Jeb could understand. He realized that he wasnt even entirely sure what his mothers Class was, let alone what her progression had been. Still, it was clear from the conversations that the focus of the night was nearly entirely on connecting what had happened sixteen years ago to the next sixteen years of goals. It really highlighted for Jeb how different their approach was to his own. His mother spent ten minutes explaining exactly how shed approached baking ten thousand loaves that ranged from a pure flour loaf to what was only bread by the loosest conditions to help merge Breadmaking into Baking. He, on the other hand, could barely think of a decision that hed even spent ten minutes deliberating on. When she shifted her explanation on how she managed to make Yeast Control was fascinating, though. It was clear that the rest of the family agreed. You never told me thats how you got it! his Aunt Esther exclaimed. I think that might be a novel route to it, his grandfather agreed, but Ill check the Skill Histories and see if anyone else experienced something similar. As the conversation stretched late into the night with no signs of slowing, Jeb realized he wouldnt be able to stay up the whole time. He hadnt been able to contribute anything, either, which he was a little sad about. The conversation shifted over to Pseudomagical Skills, which he had never heard of. The fact that they contained Magic in their name was enough to make him perk back up though. His sister elbowed him lightly, sure, when were discussing a potentially first ever method of unlocking a Skill, you look half asleep. The second that someone mentions Magic though, she mimed perking up in her seat. Jeb let out a slight chuckle, as did the cousins sitting closest to the two of them. What can I say? Im the de facto Magical Theorycrafter in the house, he said, jokingly. His sister didnt seem to take it as a joke, though. She just looked at him for a moment before nodding. I guess thats fair. Their bickering had thankfully ended before either missed an explanation of what Pseudomagical Skills were. It came down to the nature of Classes and the Paragons. Since Magical Skills were inherently related to Marcus, common knowledge held that only Classes under his purview could get Magical Class Granted Skills. Whether or not you could earn and maintain Magical Skill with a non-Magical Class was hotly debated. Apparently there were no well-attested Magical Skills remaining in Classes belonging to the Unnamed after the Seventh Tier. What was well attested, however, was a number of so-called Pseudomagical Skills. They had what appeared to be completely Magical Effects, and some even used Magic. Seeing that the younger members of the family all looked confused by the quick explanation, his Aunt Esther gave an example. My husband, she said, gesturing to his Uncle Albert, can instantly distill a pot of liquid, separating it into different components. It costs him Mana to do so, and, she gestured at Jeb, now that we have a Mage of our own, the way he does so is similar to the way that Jeb uses his Glyphs or Song. Jeb blushed a little at the comment. He hadnt known that his family had been watching him as he cast Magic. What Classes can get Pseudomagical Skills? he asked. Everyone looked around, nobody wanting to be the one to speak first. When their eyes all landed on his grandfather, he snorted, Oh sure, just because Im the oldest, I have to teach the children. He winked at the row where Jeb and his sister were sitting. Looking left and right, Jeb saw that all of the young members of his family were sitting there. This might have been the first time that any of them had heard of Pseudomagic. So far as we can tell, his grandfather said, every Class gets a Pseudomagical Skill by the Ninth Tier with no particular effort. With focused work, theyve been reliably attested as early as the Sixth Tier without learning a Magical Skill, and as early as the Fourth Tier if the person learned a Magical Skill, though there are obviously far fewer examples of that. Jeb wasnt sure if there were fewer because so few people learned Magical Skills or because learning a Magical Skill tended to give people Magical Classes. His grandfather continued, most often, people with Classes of the Unnamed unlock their first Pseudomagical Skill around the Eighth Tier. Once youve unlocked one, though, there are two major Theorycrafting paths: trying to unlock more Pseudomagical Skills or optimizing the Skill that youve unlocked. There are less than a handful of cases where someone has been able to both Evolve a Pseudomagical Skill and also unlock a new one. Do you have one? Jeb asked his mother. I do, she confirmed. When she didnt seem inclined to say what the Skill was, Jeb debated whether or not he was supposed to ask. Thankfully, his sister didnt have the same hesitation. Whats your Pseudomagical Skill? she asked, vibrating from excitement. Its related to my Baking Skill, their mother said, to nods from the other adults. I can add some protective effects to the breads that I bake. Last time I had my birthday Theorycrafting, I decided to work to enhance the effects of the protection, rather than working on another Skill or any of the other facets of this one. Jeb had so many questions, but the conversation moved on before he could voice any of them. A few hours later, the first of his cousins started to bow out, citing how late it was. Now that they were no longer the first to leave, Jeb and his sister made eye contact and both nodded. The two of them made their apologies and went to their rooms to sleep. He woke up relatively late that next morning. The sun was nearly out of the horizon when he finally made it down the stairs and into the kitchen. Good morning Jeb! his mother said, far more chipper than normal, the fire starter worked really well today! Good morning, he replied, sorry that I left early last night. She waved a hand dismissively. Honestly, we were mostly impressed that all of you stuck it out for that long. His mother didnt elaborate, so he didnt push. You seem more energetic than usual, he commented. His mother smiled softly, your sisters present was also fantastic. Would you like some? Shrugging, Jeb accepted the mug of dark liquid. It was bitter to the taste, but not unbearably so. By the time that he had finished the cup, the rest of his family was gathered for breakfast. Now that he was looking for it, it was fairly easy for Jeb to see the lines of Magic that traced through the bread. It didnt remind him in the slightest of a Glyph, a Song, or an Enchantment, but he supposed that could just be because it was Pseudomagic, rather than Magic. He still made a note to try learning it when he had the chance. As his extended family said their goodbyes and were sent on their way with baked goods and other foods, Jeb snuck out. He took his lute with him and made his way over to the Library. Along the walk, he adjusted the tuning ever so slightly and began to Enforce it. Yesterdays Enforcing showed him that he would still need to put Unaspected Mana into the lute, if only to help smooth the different Elemental Manas into one cohesive Enforcement. It also showed him how lacking the Sand Mana was compared to the other Mana types in the lute. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Jeb wanted to rectify that problem as soon as he could. It was one lesson from his childhood that he knew transferred perfectly to Magic: the quality of the final product was only as good as its foundation allowed. Lost in his musings, he didnt notice when he was at the Library door. This time, the Librarian was not waiting for him to enter. Shrugging, Jeb opened the door. He heard two voices in conversation suddenly stop as he did. Sorry, did I interrupt something? he asked, I can come back another time. He heard the Librarian sigh, no, thats alright, Jeb. We were just finishing up anyways. Turning the corner, Jeb saw that the Librarian was speaking to the Bard. Good morning! Jeb called out cheerily, sorry that I havent finished binding the lute yet. Theres just been so many things that Ive needed my Mana for. I see what the Librarian was mentioning, the Bard commented, ignoring Jebs apologies. Though I think that I detect a fifth First Tier Element in the grain. Is that the case? Jeb cocked his head, what was the Librarian mentioning? The Bard chuckled dryly, he was concerned that I had told you to start using Glyphs to Enforce your lute. You dont feel like I pushed you into doing that, do you? Jeb thought back to when the Bard had taught him Lute Enforcement. I dont remember you doing so, he said honestly, though I guess you talking about the similarities and differences between Bardic and Glyph Magic might have sparked the idea in me. And that fifth Element? the Librarian prompted. Oh! Jeb looked at the Librarian in confusion, I gave you the Glyph for Attune Sand Mana yesterday, right? The Bard let out a laugh. Where did you learn a Sand Glyph? he seemed both incredibly amused and legitimately curious. I didnt, I made the Glyph, Jeb said. The Librarians gaze sharpened. What do you mean you made the Glyph? he asked. Jeb looked at him, bewildered, I thought I told you? I was trying to make Least Create Soil, but soil is made of sand, silt and clay, so I decided to start by making Sand. The explanation seemed to mollify the Librarian, and the conversation moved on. So, Jeb, the Librarian said, what are you here for today? I was wondering if I could access the Enchanting Repository again, he said. Hmm? What are you looking for? Jeb considered how best to phrase the request. I know that my bees are Elementally Attuning themselves. I would really like to help them with it. Is there some way to just have an Enchantment that passively Attunes a small amount of Mana. The Librarian stared at Jeb and sighed. Pages began flashing through his eyes. They began flipping faster and faster until the Librarians eyes looked like a single volume, rather than someone looking at a page. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5643/100
Total Statistic Load: 327
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 203
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 44
Magic Affinity: 53
Mana Depth: 29
Charisma: 30
Mana: 885
Glyph Attunement: 24
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 64: Caffeine Crash As the Librarians eyes kept flashing, Jeb started to get antsy. Since the pages showed no signs of slowing down, he started pacing up and down the room of the Library. He had never considered how empty the building was. There were no shelves of books that he could browse, which made him stop pacing for a second. He knew that he couldnt be the only person requesting books in the town. Where were the rest of the books stored? Before Jeb could stop to ponder the question for too long, the Librarians eyes returned to their normal shade. Sorry, Jeb, he said, I cant find anything like that. It could be an interesting project for you to work on, though. Thank you for looking! Jeb replied, already moving out of the Library. He considered trying to develop an Enchantment to Attune Mana for the bees, like the Librarian suggested. Ultimately, though, it was a low priority task. The bees didnt seem to have any difficulty finding Mana to Enforce themselves and the hive with. As he walked home, Jeb couldnt shake the energetic feeling. When he made it back to the house, he ran straight to his grandfathers forge. Grandfather, are you busy? he asked as he tapped out a continuous beat on the door. The door opened and his grandfather looked out at him. Is everything alright, Jeb? he asked. Yes! Jeb exclaimed, Im just really energized today for some reason. One moment, please, his grandfather said, passing by him. It looked to Jeb like he was walking into the kitchen, which was a little surprising. His mother was probably there, but it wasnt like anyone else would be. A few moments later, Jebs grandfather came back to see Jeb pacing back and forth in the hallway. I wonder if, no, wait, if I- Jebs mutterings were cut off by his grandfather loudly clearing his throat. What did you come to speak with me about? Jeb tried to remember. His mind had traveled down at least half a dozen paths since his grandfather left his sight. Let me try to remember, he said, stalling for time. I was just thinking about how to Enforce a Glyph, which I got to by thinking about the way that the bees were Enforcing their hive. I started thinking about that because I was trying to figure out where all of their Elementally Attuned Mana was coming from. That thought came from- at last Jeb remembered. Oh! A while ago we talked about how it would be good for me to learn Glassblowing. Are you free now to teach me? His grandfather was clearly reeling from the pace Jebs words were coming at. Can you repeat that all again, this time at about half the speed? My thoughts were wandering, but I was wondering if you would be willing and free to teach me Glassblowing, Jeb said, trying his hardest to enunciate each word and syllable. His grandfather shook his head back and forth, clearly considering something. Tomorrow, he said, come down to the forge before breakfast. For today, though, his grandfather paused, obviously trying to think of some sort of busy work to assign him, see if you can make a Glyph for Sand. Jeb stared at his grandfather. With a start, he realized that he had neglected to tell his grandfather that he had made Least Create Sand. Ive already made it, he said. His grandfather nodded, unsurprised by the answer. Didnt you say that there was some way to make Glyphs Efficient? he asked. Yes? Jeb responded hesitantly. Why dont you try making one of your Glyphs Efficient? Jeb considered the idea. It had some merit, and it would be nice to waste less Mana while Attuning it or pushing it through the lute. He quickly stopped that line of thought. As nice as it would be to use an Efficient Glyph, there was almost certainly no way that he would be able to force his Mana to follow the three layers that the single Efficient Glyph he knew traced. Still, it would at least be a way to get a little more Willpower. Ok! Jeb said, running back to his room. He found a few pieces of Manaweave and some sheets of paper he had set out for a project. Picking up his lute, Jeb ran over to the hive. He assumed the Elemental Manas would be in a better balance after filling his lute with Sand Mana, so Jeb called up the Song and began Enforcing his lute with Unattuned Mana. Now that he was watching more carefully, Jeb saw that some of his Mana was flowing into the hive as the bees danced around him. A tiny trickle of Mana came from each bee, splitting both into the hive and into his lute. He considered whether the sharing of Mana would mean that the bees would also bind to his lute. As that train of thought continued, Jeb wondered whether he would end up binding the hive or the Hive. Since there wasnt really much he could do about it, he put the thought aside, hoping to remember to ask the Bard the next time their paths crossed. When his Mana ran out, Jeb considered which Glyph he wanted to Modify. He quickly decided on Attune Sand Mana for a few reasons, most of which boiled down to the fact that it was the closest to a Spell Glyph that he had created from scratch. With a brief thought and effort of will, he inscribed Attune Sand Mana onto the piece of Manaweave. Staring at the page for a moment, Jeb considered what his next steps should be. It would make sense to look at the only Efficient and non-Efficient pair Ive learned, he reasoned. With another effort of will, he inscribed Least Move Earth and Least Move Earth (Efficient) onto two more sheets of Manaweave. Looking at the differences, the most obvious change was clearly the way the lines on the Glyph were shaped. The Efficient Glyphs lines were all curved, flowing from one point to another. By contrast, the base version of the Glyph had sharp corners and straight lines. Jeb first tried sketching out what Attune Sand Mana could look like with smooth lines. After filling three pages of paper with different variations, all of which felt like they could work, he realized that he would need to build the Glyph in his mind. The low droning of the bees lulled Jeb into a meditative state, and he leaned his back on the hive as he began to visualize the Glyph. The moment he called Attune Sand Mana to mind, Jeb realized the first issue he would need to contend with: Least Move Earth was not planar. He called Least Move Earth (Efficient) to mind and forced it to turn. When he was looking at it edge on, he saw that the curves flowed just as smoothly in the third dimension as in the other two. Jeb looked harder. As he did, he saw that, unlike what he had thought, the secondary and tertiary connecting lines were not in plane with the rest of the Glyph. They didnt even lie orthogonal to the plane in the same direction that the points which came out of plane did. Instead, they moved orthogonally in another dimension altogether. The fact that the Glyph could not exist in the physical world didnt faze Jeb at this point. He was a little surprised that he wasnt struggling to bend the Glyph in more and more directions, but he supposed that all his practice with Glyphs had to be doing something. A bee landed on Jebs nose and broke him out of his focus. When it saw that he was paying attention to it, it flew away. He watched it go, confused why a Sand Attuned bee would be trying to get his attention. Shrugging, he went back to work. Or, at least he tried to remember what he was supposed to be doing. He traced his thoughts backward, remembering that he was going to try to make the Efficient Attune Sand Mana. Calling the Glyph to mind, he debated between adding the extra levels of connections and adding the curves to the lines. Jeb felt an instinct that adding the extra layers of connection would help more, because they stabilized the curved shape. Trusting his gut, he began tracing out the lines. The first point touched itself on the second level. The second touched the fourth, and the third touched the ninth. By the fourth point, though Jeb had to start looping. Thankfully, all his work doing calculations and working on modifying Glyphs carried over here and he had no struggle knowing that the fourth point would connect to the final point and the first point. The fifth, he knew, would touch the final and the tenth. When he got to the fifteenth point, he looped it to itself fifteen times. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Second layer done, he tried to reckon whether it would be better for him to try to start adding curves or to add the third level of connections. His gut was silent, so Jeb decided to go with the easier choice. The first point he connected to each point in the Glyph. The second went to the evens, and so on until hed reached the seventh point, which looped to itself and the penultimate point. When he finished those connections, the Glyph blazed brighter in his mind, though not in a positive way. Unlike most of the times he had learned a Glyph, this light didnt seem to be coming from the fact that the Spell was engraving itself onto his soul and reality. Instead, it seemed like the increased flow of Mana through it was destabilizing the structure somehow. With a renewed sense of urgency, Jeb started adjusting the lines in his Glyph to be curves. To his relief and surprise, it took no effort at all to shift the structure. If anything, it felt like he had just released the hold that he had been subconsciously pushing onto the Glyph which prevented it from reshaping. The light burned far brighter and imprinted itself on his soul.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Fourth Tier Glyph Chain Create a Second Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 78 Experience, Mana Depth +4, Willpower +4, Mana +25, Unlock Glyph Chain Third Quest Create a Third Tier Glyph.
Jeb looked up from his focus to see that the sky was growing dim. He had apparently spent more time working on the Glyph than he thought. As his mind returned to his body, he noticed how exhausted he felt. Standing up to go to bed, he had to catch himself. Are any of the Sand Attuned Bees awake? he asked the hive. A few dozen bees answered the call and flew out. Can you tell me if theres a difference between these two Mana clouds? he asked. He spent thirty Mana on both Attune Sand Mana and his new Glyph, which the System helpfully told him was called Attune Sand Mana (Efficient). Watching the clouds, he couldnt see any real difference, though the bees told a different story. So the second cloud had about thirty percent more Mana? Jeb asked, making sure that he understood what they were dancing. Seeing the bees dance their confirmation, he nodded. Good to know. He made his way back home, flipped the tag to say that he was in, and collapsed in his bed. In the morning, Jeb woke up at his usual time. He had a slight headache, though, which was strange. Drinking a glass of water helped, so he quickly forgot about the pain as he made his way to the forge. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5721/100
Total Statistic Load: 336
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48
Magic Affinity: 54
Mana Depth: 33
Charisma: 30
Mana: 910
Glyph Attunement: 25
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 65: Class Restricted His grandfather wasted no time in starting the lesson. Glassblowing is fundamentally about breath and heat, he said. Air and fire allow you to turn sand into beautiful and functional creations. Something inside of Jeb recoiled at the Skill he was attempting to learn. It was the first time that his Class seemed to dislike something that he was attempting to do. As soon as he probed the feeling, though, Jeb understood why he had was having this visceral revulsion. The Paragons had been explicit about what they gave him his Class for. It was to cultivate Water and Earth to destroy a being of Fire and Air. Thinking about it more, Jeb realized this was the first time that he was doing something so explicitly against the spirit of his Class. As he tried to justify it as learning how his enemy functioned, the disgust died down, if only slightly. Of course, he knew that it was a lie, so he wasnt able to hold onto the feeling for very long. Are you ok, Jeb? his grandfather asked, seeing his obvious discomfort. I think that my Class really doesnt want me to learn this Skill, Jeb replied honestly. Hmm, his grandfather rubbed his chin but didnt follow up with anything else. Hmm? Jeb parroted, hoping that his grandfather would get the message. That seemed to break his grandfather out of whatever reverie he was in. Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a moment. As far as I had always known, Classes have borders for what Skills you can learn. The fact that you hadnt run into any borders yet made me think that the borders might not exist for Magical Classes. Jeb nodded, so what do you do when you run into a border? His grandfather paused, clearly considering his next words. After a moment, he spoke, has anyone had a conversation with you about the Currents of Fate? Jeb racked his mind, trying to think of whether hed heard the expression. His struggle must have been clear, because his grandfather held up a hand. Ill take that as a no. The Currents of Fate are used to explain a number of events and truths about life, Class borders included. Imagine that you are floating in a calm and quiet river. The current is slowly but inexorably pulling you down. Whether it was his Statistics, his Class, or his proclivity to daydream, Jeb had no issue visualizing it. Seeing Jebs nod, his grandfather continued, how much effort does it take to go with the current? None? he responded hesitantly. It seemed like an obvious answer. His grandfather nodded. If you stopped wanting to follow the pace of the current and wanted to set your own pace, which directions would be easiest and hardest? It would be easiest to go faster than the current, harder to go orthogonal, and hardest to go against the current, Jeb said, seeing where the metaphor was going. And Fate is like a river? I can resist where Im being told to go, but doing so is difficult? His grandfather beamed, normally I need to use at least another metaphor or two to get the point to sink in, he said. So, do you want to take the Fated path and trust your Class that this Skill is bad for your future development. That stopped Jeb for a moment. Something being difficult and something being actively detrimental were two very different ideas. His grandfather laughed. Im sorry, he said, I will stand by the fact that if its a Class set border, learning Glassblowing will make it more difficult for you to remain a Mud Mage. Since I dont think thats your goal though? he ended in a question. Jeb realized it had been a while since their last conversation, and he had devoted himself far more to Magic during that time. Im still not planning to remain a Mud Mage, he confirmed. Then lets get to work. Jeb had hoped that the conversation would make the unease inside of him fade, if not disappear entirely. To his disappointment, it did not. Gritting his teeth, he tried his best to listen to his grandfathers lesson. Of course, Jeb had been working in his grandfathers forge long enough that he should have known that the lecturing portion would be short. Handing Jeb a rod, his grandfather showed him how to pick up a piece of molten glass. With a steady breath, his grandfather blew a small orb of glass. Seeing a nod that he should do the same, Jeb tried to blow out a stream of air into his tube. Tried was the operative word there. No matter how much he willed it, his body refused to shape the glass. After a minute of struggling, his grandfather motioned for him to put the rod down. Well, its good to know that this is an actual Class block and not just a mental one, his grandfather said. How do I fix it? Jeb asked in a bit of a panic. He had tried plugging his nose so there would be nowhere for the air to go except into the tube. His body would not let any air out. Being choked by his own mind was not an experience Jeb was keen to repeat. Great question, his grandfather replied, Ive never taught Glassblowing to a Mud Mage before, so I dont know what the general restrictions are for your Class and what restrictions come from the Paragons directly. I dont understand, Jeb said honestly, what do you mean restrictions that come from the Paragons directly? Every Class has Skills that are anathema to them. Most Combat focused Classes, for instance, absolutely abhor learning a Skill like Tilling. The Systems explicit goal for someone with a Combat Class is, well, combat, so a Skill which does not interface with combat does not mesh with them. Those are general Class restrictions. Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, the Paragons restrictions are tailored to the individual. Sticking with the Combat Class example, most First Tier Swordsmen can learn how to use a bow. In fact, it is a common recommendation to learn a ranged weapon as a melee fighter or a melee weapon as a ranged fighter. Jeb wanted to ask why his grandfather knew so much about Combat Classes, but he continued speaking before Jeb could ask. Every so often, though, there will be a Swordsman that cannot even draw a bow. One common thread that they all share is that they were given a mission during their Class Awakening. Even if they did not receive a Major Quest, he gave Jeb a pointed look, they still reported that the Paragons told them something that, in retrospect, should have implied that they would not be able to use a bow. I understand that in general terms, Jeb said, but what about my case? His grandfather blushed a little, sorry, the Theorycrafting for forbidden Skills has always been fascinating to me. If you want to teach a Swordsman Tilling, it is possible, though painful for everyone involved. Though, I suppose a Swordsman might have an easier job of it if you were able to convince them it was cutting the soil... his grandfather trailed off, clearly lost in thought. Jeb coughed. Sorry, returning to your case. To teach a Class forbidden Skill, most advice is twofold. First, it is important to convince whoever the Classholder is that the Skill is, on some level, related to their Class. With a Swordsman, that might mean pointing to the ways that Tilling would help develop her control over her blade. Otherwise, finding a way to frame it as conditioning is often helpful. Once more, Jeb wondered why his grandfather had so much experience making Combat Classholders into Farmers. As before, his grandfather continued speaking before he could ask. Depending on how successfully a Classholder can be convinced that the Skill is actually helpful to their Class and its natural progression, the second part of the advice becomes more or less important. The remainder of the process is entirely just forcing your way against the Current of Fate, actively and intentionally committing to changing your Class. That will likely be more relevant to your specific case. I appreciate the broader picture, Jeb said, but what specifically should I do? This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. His grandfather led him through a few exercises that could help with both approaches to learn a Class forbidden Skill. Come back when the idea of Glassblowing doesnt feel too uncomfortable, his grandfather said, shooing Jeb out of the shop. Jeb started to walk over to the hive. When he felt a few first drops of rain, though, he looked up. The sky was dark and angry, and he could already tell that it would be a stormy day. Thinking of the rain coming down and mixing with the ground to make Mud resonated with his Class so strongly that Jeb nearly forgot about the discomfort of his failed attempt to learn Glassblowing. As comforting as the feeling was, he knew that it was a perfect time to start practicing the exercises his grandfather taught him. Slipping into the feeling for just a moment, Jeb rejected it. The Currents of Fate metaphor flashed through his mind, and he could feel the river trying to get him to just accept the comforting feeling. Instead, he stood his ground. I am not a Mud Mage, he said, trying his best to project confidence. A Mud Mage would not know Bardic Magic. A Mud Mage would not have raised a hive of bees. Jeb was about to continue when he was cut off. He saw a flash of lightning off in the distance. A few seconds later, he felt his body shake from the thunder. His Class gave another feeling of revulsion at the idea of lightning burning the earth to a crisp where it struck. Once more, Jeb felt himself pulled by an unseen current, and once more, he rejected it. Lightning is a natural part of storms, he said, for all that he could not say for certain if that was, strictly speaking, true. That didnt feel like the right kind of rejection to him, though. It was less a rejection of Mud Magic and more a reframing of lightning as a part of Mud. I have learned Glyphs of Air and Fire, he tried, they are as much a part of me as the Earth and Water Glyphs Ive learned are. He felt the dissonance inside of himself building. Something inside of Jeb wanted to reject the Major Quest he had been forced to accept. A much louder voice in him reminded him that the Paragons could absolutely use this storm as an opportunity to smite him if he was so bold in his disdain for the assignment. I am no more bound to Mud than I am to Glyphs, he said instead, feeling the way that his Skills and Class warred with each other. That wasnt something that his grandfather had given him specific advice about, but Jeb felt like leaning into his Skills would help him. By the time he had finished listing all of the Skills he had earned and their own dissonance with Mud Magic, the rain was actively pouring down onto him. Jeb made his way back inside. With a quick application of Least Shape Water, he dried himself off and went to his room. There, he went through a similar effort of rejecting his Class. This time he focused far less on the specific situation he found himself in and far more on the broader picture. Too quickly, Jeb needed to stop. It was a new form of exhaustion to him. It was not the tiredness he felt after a long run or lift. Neither was it the mental exhaustion he felt after learning a Glyph or working a Song. It was closest to the feeling he had when he had filled too many pages of Manaweave, but even that wasnt quite right. The feeling of discomfort around Glassblowing hadnt gone away, though, so he switched tasks. His grandfather had told him to work on Skills he had that felt like they refreshed his soul, so he picked up his lute. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5721/100
Total Statistic Load: 336
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48
Magic Affinity: 54
Mana Depth: 33
Charisma: 30
Mana: 910
Glyph Attunement: 25
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 66: Music Soothes the Weary Soul Chapter 66: Music Soothes the Weary Soul Jeb plucked out the first notes on his lute, wincing slightly at the sound. While not everyone was in the home today, the storm was certainly keeping more of them inside than normal. To his surprise, as he wished that the lute would be softer, the sound dimmed. It was a strange change. As Jeb listened, it wasnt as though the lute had been muted as with a piece of cloth. Nor was it like the lute sound was coming from far away. It really just sounded quieter. Jeb probed the feeling, trying to understand what was allowing the change in dynamics. As his soul twinged with pain, though, he resisted the urge to keep searching. For once, he would accept the gift for what it was, rather than try to understand why it was as well. He debated what to play. None of the songs he had learned felt appropriate for the mood he was in. Staring at the pouring rain, Jeb felt inspired to improvise. He started with a simple scale. As he moved to the top of the scale, he shifted his fingers position on the lute and extended the scale. Coming back down, Jeb added some embellishments and leaps to the scale. The longer that he played, the more that he felt like he was really connecting to the storm. As the storm passed, he finished playing. Smiling, Jeb set the lute down. As soon as it left his hands, it occurred to him that of all of the Skills and skills that he had, it was playing the lute that he defaulted to when he needed to restore his soul. Trying to probe why that was still didnt feel comfortable. Instead, he went outside to see how his hive was doing. The storm that had just passed, while relatively brief, was by far the most intense that he had seen since establishing them. Looking at the hive as it pulsed with Mana, Jeb realized that he shouldnt have been concerned. After all, when nearly a fifth of the hive actively Attuned to Water Mana, there was not much that a little rain could do to the hive, to say nothing of the fact that all of the hives had to live through storms. Jeb spent some time with the hive, just chatting and sending out Attuned Mana as they requested it. When the day ended, he went to sleep. In the morning, Jeb felt far less strain in his soul. Thinking about Glassblowing didnt give him the same sense of horror as it had the day before, which he took as a good sign. He had the feeling that rejecting the restrictions of his Class wouldnt do much more to help him. If he had to guess, it would be necessary for him to try deluding himself into thinking that a good Mud Mage would be able to blow glass. Since lightning had been a good point of contention the day before, he considered how lightning could be in and of itself good for a Mud Mage. Creating healthy soil is well within the bounds of a Mud Mage, he tried. He felt himself continue to float down the Currents of Fate, which was a good sign. The System didnt disagree with his assessment, so Jeb kept going. Good soil requires nutrients, and lightning makes some of those nutrients. Jeb had studied up on farming before getting his Class, and that was something he remembered. Now that he had Soil Savvy, it was fairly easy for him to see what soil had bound air in it and what soil didnt. Sure, some plants could bind air, but that wasnt what he was arguing right now. Seeing that the System didnt disagree with him there, he switched arguments. Even if Glassblowing doesnt do anything to directly improve soil, it is still useful for a Mud Mage to know. He hoped that just stating it so boldly might work. Of course, Jeb immediately felt the weight of resisting the Current. He hurried on, at the very least, knowing how workers of Air and Fire behave is useful for when I might need to combat them. That seemed to work, so he continued on, as a Mage, I might need to make my own apparatus for different experiments, and having the skills and Skills to do that will make me more able to do so. He continued through most of the morning, pausing only to go and eat breakfast. After lunch, he sought his grandfather out. I think that I can do Glassblowing now, he said. Back in the shop, his grandfather began lecturing from the beginning. Most of Glassblowing is similar to Smithing, though there are obviously some differences. If your metal cools too much while you work it, it will just stop changing under your hands. If glass cools too quickly, its likely to shatter. With your Vitality as low as it is, I would not recommend breathing in glass dust. The unspoken message that at some level of Vitality breathing glass dust might be helpful was not lost on Jeb, but his grandfather kept going. Once more, pick up a small bit of molten glass, he said, demonstrating, and then blow it into a bubble. Jeb was still unable to force his breath out, but he had an idea. He pulled his face back from the tube and used Least Move Air to force the glass to expand. Had he been thinking more clearly, he might have considered how little practice he had with controlling that specific Spell. While he was more than able to control exactly the shape that he formed water into with Least Shape Water, very little of that control carried over to the Air Glyph. The bubble quickly popped, and his grandfather activated a vacuuming rune. Do you want to tell me what you were thinking? he asked, tone shockingly gentle. I still couldnt breath out, Jeb said, so I was hoping that I might be able to slowly edge into the Skill by using Magic to shape the glass at first and then switching to my breath when it becomes easier. His grandfather considered that idea and nodded. I suppose that could work, he said, though you certainly need more practice with your control if you want to attempt that. I dont want you to get hurt when a bigger bubble of glass bursts. Thank you Grandfather! Jeb said, rushing out of the shop. By the hive, he called to the bees, I was wondering if any Air Attuned bees are here? A small swarm gathered around him, buzzing in question. I need to practice my control with Air Magic, and I wasnt sure if that left out excess Mana you might want to collect, he said. It was at least part of the truth, though he also hoped that somehow being near the bees would just naturally help his precision. They agreed, and he started using Least Move Air again. As he did, Jeb realized that there was no good way for him to know how well it was working. After all, air was naturally completely transparent, so he couldnt watch it move like he could water or earth. He considered what to do for a moment. After a while of thought, he realized that he might have a solution. He ran down to the inn. Do you have a flute I can borrow? he asked the Bard without any prelude. Sure, the Bard said, tossing a roughly carved piece of wood towards Jeb, what do you need it for? Im practicing control over my Least Move Air Glyph, and this seemed like a good way to know if I am doing it right. The Bard just stared at him. Jeb looked around, a little uncomfortable with the intensity of the Bards gaze. Shaking his head, the Bard finally spoke, have fun with that. Thank you! Jeb said, rushing out. Back at the hive, he considered how best to practice playing the flute. Bringing it to his lips, Jeb immediately felt the way that Musician was helping him. For better or worse, coming up on the border of his Class was at least helpful in recognizing the unseen hand of the System guiding his actions. Since there was no reason not to trust the Systems input on how he should play it, he followed the instincts he was provided. It was relatively easy to play a scale, though he did struggle with his breath support once or twice. When he didnt put enough air into the flute, it didnt produce a sound. When he put too much in, it began to shriek. A few bees popped out of the hive to express their displeasure at the sound of shrieks, not that Jeb could blame them. It was painful to his ears too. On the bright side, though, he noticed that there was not a wide margin of error in how much air he could push through the flute. That would be invaluable to his training, assuming that he would be able to control the pressure even close to that well. Jeb pulled the flute away from his lips. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Holding it slightly in front of himself, he pulled the Glyph for Least Move Air into his mind. Activating it with only the barest trickle of power, he started to send air through the instrument. Jeb was almost certain that he had activated the Glyph and that Air was running through the flute. The lack of sound made him question that, though. Carefully, he began to feed more Mana through it, increasing the rate that the Air moved. Unsurprisingly, he did not have the same level of fine control with airflow through a Glyph as with his breath. There was no transition between the instrument not producing a sound and shrieking even louder than he had done before. He wasnt able to control the airflow before the entire hive was angrily telling him to stop trying. The fact that his aunt came by to ask what was dying didnt help matters either. Sighing, Jeb considered how else he could practice moving air in a way that required slightly less finesse, at least at first. He watched a leaf drifting by and had an idea. Jeb tossed a handful of dirt into the air and tried to catch it with Least Move Air. The dirt fell before he was able to increase the Mana flow enough to support it. The second handful also fell. By the third handful, Jeb managed to keep the dirt from falling. Unfortunately, he had over-corrected, and the dirt flew into the air. When it fell back down, it landed with a heavy thud that he could feel from a few paces away. On his fourth attempt, he was able to hold it mostly steady in the air, though. The dirt bobbled as he corrected for pushing too much or too little Mana in, averaging the right amount. When he finally ran out of Mana, Jeb was mentally exhausted. The slightest distraction while working had made his Mana flow rate much less consistent, which meant that he had to remain hypervigilant as he stared at the clod of dirt. Lying down, he stared up at the afternoon sky, just enjoying the view. The feeling of the late summer grass beneath him only heightened his sense of relaxation. As he relaxed, his mind began to wander and consider what he was doing. For all the effort that he was putting in, Jeb knew that it was worth it if it would help the farm to grow and prosper. More and more, he was realizing that he was not going to end up working the land directly like his father and grandfather. He probably wouldnt be managing animals like his uncle, or producing secondary products like his aunt. The Currents of Fate were pushing him somewhere else. As long as they didnt push him too far from the farm, though, Jeb was willing to generally let them guide him. Well, after he learned to blow glass at least. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5721/100
Total Statistic Load: 336
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48
Magic Affinity: 54
Mana Depth: 33
Charisma: 30
Mana: 910
Glyph Attunement: 25
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 67: Waterweave Again As he waited for his Mana to refill, Jeb spent some time trying to learn how to play the flute. Unlike Singing or Lute Playing, he had no explicit directions or Method Book that he was going to work on. A voice in Jeb told him that it would be good to encourage the System given how much he was currently rebelling against it. As he took his fingers off of the holes on the flute, raising the pitch with each motion, he realized that it wasnt quite that simple. Especially when he was only using his top fingers, he needed to replace some of the lower ones to make the pitch fall more in line. It was so fun learning an instrument from scratch that Jeb nearly missed it when his Mana refilled. Once it did, though, he started trying to catch handfuls of dirt again. By the end of the day, he could reliably hold dirt without it moving too much. It still fluctuated a little as he loosened and tightened his grip on his Mana unconsciously, but it was a massive improvement over what it had been even at the beginning of the day. As he started to drift off to sleep, he considered what he could do to make his progress more efficient. Having more Mana would be nice, and he considered just filling sheets of Manaweave with Glyphs each morning. That idea had merit, though Jeb wasnt sure how sustainable it was. After all, even if he made the time to keep growing a field of Managrass each day, he wasnt sure if his uncle would have time to weave it, or if the family had enough extra fertilizers to replenish the soil for him. It was worth considering, he decided as he drifted off to sleep In the morning, he asked his grandfather about the questions and got the answer he had been privately expecting. While there was always plenty of material for experimentation, his uncle was too busy to weave a set of Manaweave every day, or even once a week. Though on that note, his grandfather said, I realized that we never followed through on testing whether or not youre needed for us to grow Watergrass. Would you like to come test that today? Jeb considered the question. It might mean that he fell a day behind on learning control over his Mana. On the other hand, it would at a minimum probably result in a sheaf of Manaweave, and likely a sheaf of Waterweave. That made the decision easy enough, Im ready when you are! The two of them made their way out to one of the raised beds that his family kept for experiments. His grandfather seemingly thoughtlessly tossed a handful of White Watergrass seeds onto the field. As Jeb opened his mouth to comment, he noticed that each seed landed perfectly spaced from every other seed. Even more than that, each seed also sank to the exact perfect depth for them to grow. Seeing Jebs mouth open in shock, his grandfather laughed. There are some benefits to being a Farmer, he said. It may not be as flashy as a Wand of Fireballs, but being able to grow crops more efficiently has its own benefit. As Jeb watched, the Watergrass started growing nearly as quickly as when he had poured the bucket of Water Mana infused water onto it. As Soil Savvy activated, he noticed that the crops were also draining the soil far less than when he had grown them. Once more looking at Jebs shock, his grandfather just gently reminded him, Im a Farmer, you arent. For some reason, hearing that fact laid out so clearly made a weight leave Jebs shoulders. He hadnt realized that he was feeling pressured, but the explicit comment about their different Classes made him realize that, on some level, he had still been seeing himself as a Farmer with a Mages Class. Jeb knew that this would not be a one off realization, but it was still an important one. As the Watergrass grew, he could tell something was wrong with it, though he couldnt figure out what. When it finished growing, it looked like when he had grown it. His grandfather harvested it, Jeb was about to suggest that they put the seeds in a different container than the seeds he had grown. To his surprise, his grandfather did that without any prompting. Its always good to keep the first generation of a new plant separate from later generations, at least until you know that it breeds true, his grandfather said. As a general rule, that made a lot of sense, and Jeb tried to remember that in case he ever explored this part of his Skills more deeply. His grandfather walked him through cleaning and refixing the soil. Even though there were far fewer nutrients drained than when Jeb grew the Watergrass, that wasnt the same as no nutrients being drained. As he worked in the fertilizer and compost, though, Jeb couldnt shake the feeling that there was something else still drained in the soil. Something must have shown on his face, because his grandfather commented on it, what problem is going through your mind right now? Jeb considered what to say, I have the feeling that something is missing from the soil that we arent replenishing right now, but I cant figure out what it is, he said honestly. His grandfather stopped working the soil. As he stared at it, he frowned. Hmm, I cant see anything missing, he said. As Jeb opened his mouth, his grandfather held up a hand, Im not disagreeing with your assessment, Im just saying that I dont see anything. I can see two reasons that are likely to be why this is true. First, you and I have a far different set of Skills, so there could be a Synergy with one of the other Skills you have that I dont. That made some sense to Jeb. While he didnt know for certain what Skills his grandfather had, his mind went back to the conversation they had at his mothers birthday celebration. There was no chance that he had any Magical Skills. Jeb considered how his Magical Skills could be interacting with Soil Savvy, but before he could get too lost in thought, his grandfather continued, your Soil Savvy is also much younger than mine. Its possible that youre detecting something thats draining from the soil that I have stopped noticing because it doesnt affect the crops we grow here. Whether or not that is also true of Watergrass is its own question, but- his grandfather just left the sentence hanging, clearly not sure how to finish it. Jeb considered both options. The second one really didnt resonate with him at all, and he told his grandfather that. Well, then, while we wait for your uncle to make the Waterweave, try seeing what Synergy is showing you the issue. Once you figure that out, it should be easier for us to find whats missing in the soil. He walked off, leaving Jeb to try to find the answer alone. Jeb sat down and tried to Meditate. As his mind cleared, he looked at the soil more deeply. There was absolutely something missing from it. Try as he might, though, he could not figure out what Skill that feeling was connected to. He found a resonance with Soil Improvement, which made sense. A connection to Fertilizing and Pollination also seemed obvious. But, he knew that his grandfather had those Skills. That made Jeb stop. He didnt actually know any of the Skills that his grandfather had. He briefly considered getting up to ask, but forced the idea down. Even if his grandfather didnt have Soil Improvement anymore, whatever he had was close enough that it probably wasnt the difference. Jebs earlier idea that there was some connection to Magic came back to him. He thought he could see a resonance between his Soil Savvy and his Mana Manipulation, but it was faint. As he focused, the same resonance seemed to be affecting Bardic Magic, Enchanting, Improved Glyph Groking and Spell Glyphing. That was either incredibly helpful or completely useless. If he was actually seeing the resonance, then Jeb had confirmation that the issue was with something Magical in the soil. If he was only seeing the Skills resonate because he hoped to, though, then he was going to be unable to figure out what was actually wrong. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Framing it like that, Jeb decided to just operate on the assumption that he was right. Letting the System guide him, he moved without thinking. A steady trickle of Mana flowed from him and into the soil. It wasnt Attuned to anything or forced through any Glyph or Enchantment. As Jeb watched, though, the soil took in the Mana. As the soil took in the Mana he fed it, the problem seemed to resolve itself. Jeb ran off to tell his grandfather. Interesting, his grandfather said when Jeb relayed his solution. I wonder if thats because you bred the Watergrass from Mana Hungry Managrass or whether its always an issue. I also wonder how our soil has been replenishing itself before. Jeb had an idea for the second question, though no idea how to test the first. After realizing that the issue was Mana, I started looking at the field with my Magical vision. He realized he had never told his grandfather about that, so he quickly explained what his Magical vision was. Anyways, Jeb said, returning to the conversation, once I looked at what was happening Magically, it was clear that the soil had a lower Mana concentration than its surroundings. As a breeze pushed air across the soil, there was a slight transfer of Mana. If I had to guess, it would have reached equilibrium relatively quickly, at least in the timescale of growing things. After winding down the conversation, Jeb went back to the hive to practice his Mana control until his uncle finished making the Waterweave. Before his Mana had emptied, he saw the bees buzz an alert. Looking up, he saw his grandfather and uncle walking over. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5721/100
Total Statistic Load: 336
Physical Load: 124
Strength: 28
Dexterity: 21
Endurance: 30
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48
Magic Affinity: 54
Mana Depth: 33
Charisma: 30
Mana: 910
Glyph Attunement: 25
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 68: Strong Body Strong Mind Heres the latest set of Waterweave, his grandfather said. His uncle began to walk away, and Jeb considered asking if he was willing to teach him how to Weave. He went to raise a hand, but his grandfather stopped him. Were you about to ask your uncle to teach you Weaving? he asked. Yes, Jeb replied honestly. Your Uncle Frank, who youve spoken with how many times? Jeb thought back to their interactions. Before getting a Class, hed had no reason to interact with his Uncle Frank. Even since getting his Class, Jeb had only interacted with him when he made Manaweave. There was the-, Jeb corrected himself, no, he didnt speak then. Oh! When I discovered Watergrass, he mentioned that it might be more accurate to call it Waterweave. I guess he was right about that. And? his grandfather prompted. And thats it. If you really feel the need to learn Weaving, we can look for someone else who has the Skill and has some free time. While your Uncle Frank is a fantastic Weaver, youre already reaching the upper limits of how much he wants to interact with others. Seeing that Jeb looked guilty about that, his grandfather hurried to add, he would tell you if you were being a nuisance, but theres no reason to potentially make him feel guilty by refusing your request. Jeb nodded at that. Well, then, he said, I suppose that its time to see if this Waterweave is any different than the Waterweave that I grew. He took a quick look at his Mana pool. He still had 200 Mana, so assuming the new Waterweave wasnt better than it had been, Jeb would be able to fill one of the sheets. He spent a moment debating which Glyph to force onto the Waterweave. Ultimately, since Least Shape Water was the one that he had used before to fill a sheet, it was the Glyph he used now. It wasnt worth adding in the extra variable of whether different Glyphs might fill the sheet differently. Jeb called the Glyph to mind and forced it to realign the fibers in the Waterweave. As Mana flowed into it, Jeb tried to control the rate it flowed out. He had limited success, but did manage to at least speed it up slightly. When 100 Mana had entered the sheet, the Glyph blazed in his Magical sight and stopped accepting more Mana.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Shape Water in Waterweave. Rewards: 19 Experience, Mana +5
Interesting, Jeb muttered. Hmm? his grandfather questioned. This sheet of Waterweave only held half as much Mana as the sheets I grew last time. That is interesting, his grandfather agreed. I did notice that something felt off about the Watergrass as it grew, Jeb said, which might have had something to do with the way that its Mana capacity was shifting. He thought back to the Enchanting Primer hed read, but he couldnt remember any discussion on how Mana capacity could change for plants. The day is young, his grandfather said, gesturing to the pre-noon sun, now that you know what the issue is, we can try growing another bed of Watergrass to see if you can prevent the generational decay. The two of them began walking towards the raised beds. Back at the raised beds, the two deliberated over whether to use the first or second generation seeds. There were benefits and drawbacks to both, and they ultimately decided to use the first generation seeds, since they at least knew what they would grow into without further interference. As Jeb watched the seeds fly perfectly from his grandfathers hand again, he immediately felt that they were missing something in the soil. He was able to quickly connect that feeling to the feeling of the soil missing Mana that he had felt after the last crop was harvested. Theyre missing Mana, he said. How much? his grandfather asked, and does it need to be Atttuned? Im not sure about either answer, Jeb replied honestly, but I think its probably better to try refilling them with Water Attuned Mana first? Seeing his grandfathers nod, he called Attune Water Mana to mind and started casting a cloud of Mana over the field. As he watched, the plants greedily sucked in the Water Mana. When Jeb had put in two hundred Water Mana, he stopped. The field felt about ten percent less Mana hungry than it had. Grandfather, he asked, cutting off the flow of Mana, how many sheets of Waterweave did you and Uncle Frank manage to make out of the last crop? The bed of Watergrass made twenty sheets of Waterweave, his grandfather said, why? It seems like I need to add around two thousand Water Mana in order for the bed to not degrade in quality, Jeb said. Since his grandfather didnt say anything immediately, Jeb continued thinking aloud, two thousand Mana in twenty sheets of Waterweave means that each sheet of Waterweave would need around one hundred Mana. Each sheet already has Mana capacity of one hundred. That means... Jeb trailed off, his mind struggling to make the final leap of logic. So the Mana capacity of a sheet of Waterweave is the same as the amount of Mana that it was able to absorb while growing? his grandfather finished the thought for him. I suppose so, Jeb said, though I do wonder whether these will hold one hundred and ten Mana, since I fed in two hundred Mana. What do your Skills and instincts tell you? I have a feeling that they wont, Jeb replied, a little confused, it seems like the Mana capacities are discrete values. Do you want to see whether the halving capacity each generation is a trend or if the first generation holding two hundred Mana is the outlier? his grandfather suggested. We may as well, Jeb replied. As they moved to the next plot of land, he realized that there was no Quest Notification waiting for him. Grandfather, can you think of any reason why I wouldnt have completed the Quest for understanding what was wrong with the growing conditions for a plant? His grandfather paused with his hand in the bag of seeds, clearly considering the question. I really have no idea, he finally said, it could be that the System doesnt consider Mana levels as a soil condition. It could be that me being here is holding the Quest back from you, or it could be a matter of intent. Intent? Jeb asked. Think of the many tasks youve done since gaining your Class, his grandfather said. Why did you not receive a Skill for Reading when you read at the Library before you came home? I dont know. Its in many ways similar to the way we advise people to skirt around the restrictions of their Class. Intention is what the System judges actions on. That being said, the actions are just as important. You can believe all you want about the ways that smelting iron would make you able to play the lute, but the System wont give you Lute Playing without picking up a lute. And you think its because I wasnt actively trying to complete the Quest that I didnt get the rewards? Jeb asked, looking for confirmation. It could be, his grandfather agreed. In either case though, its not like youre particularly hurting for Statistics, are you? Jeb checked his Status. My Charisma and my Mana Depth are still lower than my Vitality. None of my Mental Statistics are at one and a half times my Vitality score either, which I have a vague memory of you saying was the safe threshold to avoid getting placed into a Spellsword Class. His grandfather shrugged his shoulders, clearly considering what to say. Ive been reading more, and it looks like there are really two considerations worth talking about. As a general rule, and I havent found anything suggesting its different for Mages or Mud Mages, you want all of your Physical Statistics to be within twenty percent or ten points, whichever is larger. Seeing Jeb about to speak, his grandfather continued, other than Presence, of course. It looks like Ill need to raise all of my Physical Statistics other than Vitality and Presence, Jeb said. Something similar is allegedly true for Mages. You want all of your Statistics to be within fifteen percent or ten points, whichever is smaller. So Ill still need to raise my Mana Depth and my Charisma. It was a little frustrating to Jeb that he had been corrected about which Statistics he would need to improve, only to find out that he was actually right. And for Mud Mages in particular, your lowest Mental Statistic needs to be at least twenty percent higher than your lowest Physical Statistic other than Presence and your highest Mental Statistic needs to be at least twenty percent higher than your highest Physical Statistic. That math took Jeb a little longer. If he brought his Strength and Dexterity to their bare minimum, they would both need to be thirty one. Twenty percent higher than thirty one was only thirty seven, which was less than the forty six that he would need to raise his Mental Statistics to in order for them to be within fifteen percent of his Magic Affinity. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. His Magic Affinity would need to be approximately fifty, which he was well over. That was a relief, though Jeb did realize it meant he would need to start scheduling time for running, stretching, and lifting each day. His grandfather clearly came to the same conclusion, because he told Jeb to go complete the Daily Quests he needed. Jeb took a quick look at the Running, Lifting, and Athletics Quests to make sure he knew what they were. After all, it would be a bad idea to accidentally complete the Quest that gave him Vitality in addition to the ones for Strength, Endurance, and Dexterity.
Minor Quest First Tier Run Run for a minute per point of Endurance you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest First Tier Lift Lift ten pounds per point of Strength you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest First Tier Stretch Stretch for a minute per point of Dexterity you have. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest Second Tier Move Exercise for a minute per point of Vitality you have. (Repeatable)
Jeb focused as hard as he could on his stretching not being the same thing as exercise. It was a difficult argument to make, though his focus on stretching his fingers did help him to justify the claim. When hed stretched for a little over twenty minutes, he saw the Notification he was waiting for.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 19 EXP
Accepting the reward, he began to run. It was strange to think about the fact that hed been running a lot lately without activating the Quest. As the minutes stretched on, though, Jeb realized that he hadnt been running for twenty minutes, let alone thirty since hed stopped working on the Physical Daily Quests. The minutes seemed to drag by as he kept forcing himself to go faster. When the Notification came up in his vision, Jeb collapsed to the ground panting.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 19 EXP
Thankfully, he had managed to avoid activating the Vitality Quest. Jeb looked around. He had gone into a bit of a trance by the end of the run, so he wasnt entirely sure where he had ended up. To his relief, he had finished the run by the barn that held weights. Jeb loaded a sack, picked it up, and completed his final Daily Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 19 EXP
Wiping the sweat from his brow with a quick application of Least Shape Water, Jeb made his way back to his grandfather. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 5797/100
Total Statistic Load: 336 ->339
Physical Load: 124 ->127
Strength: 28 ->29
Dexterity: 21 ->22
Endurance: 30 ->31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48
Magic Affinity: 54
Mana Depth: 33
Charisma: 30
Mana: 910 ->915
Glyph Attunement: 25
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 69: Modifying the System By the time Jeb made it back to the raised beds, his grandfather was nearly finished harvesting the Watergrass they had grown from the second generation seed. It felt even weaker to his Magical senses, which didnt seem to surprise his grandfather. Since your Charisma is so much lower than your other Statistics, why dont you spend some time learning a few songs? his grandfather suggested. Ill come by the hive with the two new sets of Waterweave when your uncle finishes with them. As his grandfather walked off, Jeb was left to consider why it was not an issue for his grandfather to monopolize his uncles time, but it was a problem if he did. A number of reasons immediately came to his mind, chief of which was that his grandfather was ultimately the one responsible for making sure that everyone paid their taxes. Shrugging, he went back to the house. Happy noon, his mother said, how are experiments with your grandfather going? I think theyre going well! Jeb replied happily, Im going to learn some songs while we wait for Uncle Frank to make new Waterweave! His mother was clearly confused about the non sequitur, but Jeb left before she could ask. In his room, he grabbed his lute, Lute Method Book, and realized that he left his flute near the hive. Hopefully nothing happened to it, he said, rushing with a little more emphasis. At the hive, he was relieved to see a small contingent of bees guarding his flute. Thank you all! Jeb said. They danced an acknowledgement and dispersed. He flipped to the next page of the Lute Method Book and began to work on the song inside of it. It was a song about the glory of adventuring, which didnt sit right with Jeb. From everything that his family had told him, adventuring was far from a pleasant time. When he got to the bridge of the song, it mentioned the joys of dispatching goblins. Jeb had slaughtered a few animals on the farm during harvest season. He tried his hardest to think of a way that doing any similar activity could be considered joyful in the slightest. By the time that the System told him hed learned the song, Jeb hoped that he would never need to use it again. If he was being honest with himself, he wasnt even sure that the two points of Charisma were worth having sung the piece, let alone committing it to memory.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Singing First Tier Learn a song Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
Paging through the book, the next songs all seemed to have similar topics. By the time that he found one that didnt glorify killing or living as an adventurer, it was well above his own skill level. Jeb was saved from the dilemma of working inefficiently or learning a song he actively despised by his grandfathers arrival. Before you push Mana into this, his grandfather said, handing him the new sheets of Waterweave. I think it would be good practice for you to guess what result you will see. Jeb cocked his head, how so? Its a good way to build intuition, though it does come with some risks. Once youve stated the reality you expect to experience, your perception might warp until thats all you can see. Still, since it doesnt seem like youve been able to manifest changes in Waterweaves Mana capacity before, it seems safe enough to try now. Jeb considered the idea for a moment. I think that each sheet will hold fifty Mana, he finally said. Why? His grandfather probed. The drop from the first to second generation was by fifty percent. Since this feels weaker again, it would make some amount of sense that the trend would hold for each generation, especially since the other reasonable answer would be that this will hold no Mana, which I dont really want to be the case. Thats a reasonable enough logic, his grandfather said, try it out. Do you think that I should use Attune Water Mana or Least Shape Water? Jeb asked. Least Shape Water is what Ive used in all of our tests up to this point, but since it seems like were going to need to keep seeding the fields of Watergrass to keep them from degrading, it might be worth just preparing Attuned Mana. For the first sheet, keep it with Least Shape Water, his grandfather advised. That way you dont accidentally introduce any new variables. Jeb nodded, glad that he had come to the same conclusion as his grandfather. With a brief effort of will, he began pouring his Mana into the sheet of Waterweave. As he expected, it stopped accepting more Mana after he put in fifty points. Well? his grandfather prompted, somehow sensing that Jeb was finished moving Mana. On the bright side, I have good intuition, Jeb replied, grinning a little. Interesting, his grandfather said. That really means that whoever wants to grow these would need to buy fresh seeds for each crop so that the Mana capacity stays the same. Is there something wrong with that? Jeb asked. At first glance, it didnt seem like a problem. If anything, that could be a benefit, since the farmer wouldnt need to store the seeds and make sure that they didnt die or sprout prematurely from a rainstorm. His grandfather considered the question for a while. More than once, he held up his finger as though he was about to speak, only to shake his head and lower his hand. Assuming that the supplier is trustworthy, it is not a major downside, he finally said, but it does mean that the Farmer would need to trust the supplier. From the suppliers end, it also easily leads to corruption. After all, if someone absolutely needs the seeds you have to sell, whats to stop you from charging them more than they can comfortably pay? Im confused, dont we buy our flower seeds from another farm every year? Jeb asked. Thats different, his grandfather replied, clearly having already thought of that objection. The flowers we grow from those seeds are strictly for our own benefit and the benefit of our pollinators. If we ever had to start paying tax in flowers or flower seeds, we would absolutely begin propagating our own seed lines. As it is, though, its nice having someone else who actually enjoys breeding flowers doing the work on our behalf. What makes Waterweave something you think Farmers would have to pay their taxes in? Jeb asked, unsure if he was following the argument. Hmm? Oh, Manaweave is a not uncommon tax product, his grandfather said. Jeb nodded. He remembered that discussion when he had first started growing it. Waterweave, though more limited, has a lot of benefits that Manaweave does not, right? The realization hit Jeb suddenly. Oh! The fact that non Mages can use Glyphs through Waterweave is what makes it useful? His grandfather didnt legitimize the question by answering. Well, now that we know what happens with Waterweave, what should we do next? Jeb asked when the silence grew too uncomfortable. First, how much Mana can this set of Waterweave hold? his grandfather prompted, gesturing to the other pile of Waterweave. As expected, it held one hundred Mana. What do you think we should do? his grandfather asked. Jeb considered the question. It seems like it could be beneficial to see if we actually can improve Watergrass so that it doesnt decay between generations. His grandfather nodded at that suggestion. Good idea. Since we know that the second generation seeds will produce Waterweave with fifty Mana capacity without any intervention, that seems like the better set to start with, since wed only need to use half as much Mana. That makes sense to me, his grandfather agreed, do you want to prefill sheets of Waterweave or...? he trailed off, letting Jeb suggest other options. I think filling Waterweave makes the most sense, Jeb replied. That way I know exactly how much Mana is going into the plot. An idea suddenly struck him. Oh, before we do this, I think it might be a good idea to make an Efficient version of Attune Water Mana. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Go on. One immediate benefit is that the Attune Mana -Efficient is a Second Tier Glyph, which means that I gain ten Mana per inscription, rather than none. Another benefit is that the conversion is slightly better, so it will take me less time to replenish the Mana needed to fill the plot. How long do you think that it would take you to make the Efficient form of the Glyph? Jeb considered the question, thinking about how long Attune Sand Mana -Efficient had taken him to craft. A lot of the work hed done on that Glyph had been setting the foundation for making other Glyphs Efficient, so he thought he could do it far more quickly. Probably a few hours at most, he said. Ultimately, its your decision, his grandfather replied, but it sounds like that might not be the worst idea. Jeb nodded and closed his eyes. Visualizing Attune Water Mana was easier for him than Attune Sand Mana had been, though not by much. Without any delay, Jeb began making the second layer of connections. When he had finished looping the fifteenth point to itself fifteen times, he saw how strained the flow between the points was. Adding the third level of points, as minor as they were, seemed to relieve a lot of the pressure, though it did highlight how constrained the straight lines were. He quickly forced the overall shape of the Glyph to change, making the straight lines curved to let the Mana cycling through them flow more efficiently. When he had finished, he felt the Glyph burn onto his soul. As it did, he accepted the Quest Notification that popped up in his vision.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Fourth Tier Glyph Chain Create a Second Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 78 Experience, Mana Depth +4, Willpower +4, Mana +25
He looked up to see his grandfather staring at him. How long was I working? Jeb asked. As he looked at the sky, it didnt seem like it had been that long. What do you mean? his grandfather seemed confused. I just made the Glyph, and I was wondering how long it had taken. I hope you werent waiting for long, Jeb said, mirroring his grandfathers confusion. You just closed your eyes barely a minute ago, his grandfather said, your bees hadnt even settled down yet. What do you mean my bees hadnt settled down? Whenever you get deep in your work, your bees also tend to settle down, as though theyre Meditating with you. We asked your Aunt Esther about it, but she didnt seem concerned. She, like us, assumed that it was something you had trained them to do. If I did, it was only by accident, Jeb replied, but thats beside the point. Its time for me to make the Mana we need to improve the second generation seeds. He picked up the sheets of third generation Waterweave. Now that he knew for a fact that they only held half as much Mana, Jeb felt like he could see the difference. The weave didnt seem weaker, per se, but it did feel less confident. Doing the math quickly, Jeb realized he wouldnt have enough sheets of Waterweave to fill the plot if he used the third generation ones. There were only nineteen sheets left, and he would have needed all twenty to double the Mana. Setting the pile down, he picked up the second generation Waterweave and filled the first few sheets with Attune Water Mana -Efficient. When he ran out of Mana, he accepted the Quest Notifications that had appeared.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Second Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Second Tier Glyph. You have engraved Attune Water Mana -Efficient onto Waterweave (Quality: First Degradation).
Rewards: 39 Experience, Mana +10
Accepting the Quests was interesting for a few reasons. First, the Waterweave was now classified with a Quality. The fact that the System agreed it was degraded was interesting. Other than that, Jeb learned that his Mana pool partially refilled when he added more Mana to it. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6341/100
Total Statistic Load: 339 ->350
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 212 ->223
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 48 ->52
Magic Affinity: 54 ->55
Mana Depth: 33 ->37
Charisma: 30 ->32
Mana: 915 ->1050
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 70: Repairing What Has Broken When Jeb had filled all of the sheets of Waterweave that he would need to improve the quality of the crop, he tested one of the sheets of third generation Waterweave, curious how the System would classify it.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Second Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Second Tier Glyph. You have engraved Attune Water Mana -Efficient onto Waterweave (Quality: Second Degradation).
Rewards: 39 Experience, Mana +10
That was more or less what he had expected, but it was good to confirm. What was that about? his grandfather asked, gesturing to the sheet of Waterweave that now held fifty Water Mana. The Quest Notification told me that the Waterweave that held one hundred Mana was of Quality: First Degradation, so I was curious what it would say the Waterweave that only held fifty would be. And? his grandfather prompted him. Its apparently Quality: Second Degradation. Jeb shrugged. I am a little curious why the System didnt distinguish the Waterweave before, though. Thats not too uncommon, his grandfather said. There are two leading theories for why Notifications can develop as people learn more. The first is that the System doesnt give information you dont already have access to, so until you knew how the quality of Waterweave would decay as a function of generation, it wouldnt tell you. That makes some amount of sense, Jeb said. Its generally the most common theory, his grandfather agreed. The other claim is that the System itself is limited by your knowledge. That would mean that it wasnt able to tell that the Waterweave was of lower quality until you did. Huh, Jeb said, I thought the System kind of knew everything. Really, this is a snippet of the larger argument of whether we each have a unique and personal System or whether we are each given access to a broad and universal System. There is no good way to test either belief, so both exist together. Jeb was not particularly engaged in the conversation, so he tried redirecting it, should we try improving the quality of Watergrass now? he asked. His grandfather smiled, sorry, I forget sometimes that your interest in Theorycrafting is still fairly minimal. Yes, lets see whether we can keep Watergrass from continuing to degrade through the generations. The two made their way back to the raised gardens. Oh, I just realized that we never repaired the soil after the last crop, Jeb said, turning to leave. I did it after you left, his grandfather said, reaching into the bag of Watergrass seed. As Jeb watched his grandfather casually throw the seeds, he was again struck at how nice the Skills that a Ninth Tier Farmer had were. He hadnt seen anything too flashy yet, it was true, but not needing to worry about planting depth or spacing was worth a lot. Jeb shook himself out of the thought and began dispensing the Water Mana onto the fields. As each sheet released its Mana, it dissolved and blew away on the breeze. The crops pulled the Mana in quickly, and the sudden pulse of Water Mana seemed to call some of his bees over. Im sorry, Jeb said, Im trying to make sure that the Watergrass gets all of the Mana it needs. The bees buzzed as though they were saying we already knew that, and went to work pollinating the flowers that quickly bloomed. To Jebs surprise, the bees seemed to be increasing the general Mana density as they flew around. He ended up not needing the tenth sheet of Waterweave to finish upgrading the plants, as far as he could tell at least. Grandfather, it looks like the bees being here means that I only needed nine hundred Mana to upgrade the plot, rather than the thousand we expected. His grandfather nodded at the statement. That makes some amount of sense. If Im not wrong, those bees are all Water Attuned, are they not? Jeb hadnt noticed. As he looked, though, it was clear that they were. What difference does that make? Living beings naturally give off some Mana as they move, his grandfather explained, and bees role in pollination generally shifts Mana around, especially in Magical plants. Its part of why high Tier Apiarists are so treasured. Being able to manipulate exactly what Mana a Magical plant is exposed to can make the difference between an incredibly potent reagent and one that doesnt work at all. Jeb wondered how his grandfather would know that. Before he could ask, though, he was distracted by his grandfathers next comment. You should probably expel the final sheet over the field anyways. Your bees deserve whatever your plants dont need. That made sense to Jeb, so he emptied out the tenth sheet of Waterweave onto the field. The plants made a grab for the Mana, but his bees moved far more quickly. The Mana disappeared, and it seemed like the bees might have grown slightly. As they harvested the crops, he expected his grandfather to comment on the bees sudden growth. When he didnt, Jeb shrugged and decided that it must have been in his mind. He helped repair the soil, noting that it was still slightly depleted in Mana. By the time that they had finished replacing the nutrients, though, it was nearly repaired. Back at the hive, Jeb decided to grit his teeth and make it through the next song in the book. At some point in learning it, he decided that it was so ridiculous that it had to be a parody of some sort. Viewing the song in that lens made it more palatable, though he still didnt love learning it. When he received the Quest Notifications, Jeb felt like it was worth it.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Singing First Tier Learn a song Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
As Jeb accepted the Quests, he saw his grandfather approaching. His grandfathers grimace made Jeb reconsider whether he should keep learning the songs. What prompted learning the Adventurers Song? his grandfather asked, voice strangely empty. It was the next song in the Lute Method Book, Jeb explained. Ah. His grandfathers voice hadnt returned to its normal inflection. Heres the Waterweave. Let me know what it says, he said, turning to leave. Jeb wanted to ask where he was going, but given the speed that his grandfather started walking off, he decided against it. It was an easy choice what Spell Glyph he was going to inscribe in the Waterweave to test its density.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Second Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Second Tier Glyph. You have engraved Attune Water Mana -Efficient onto Waterweave (Quality: First Degradation).
Rewards: 39 Experience, Mana +10
After filling the sheets of Waterweave, Jebs soul was growing strained. He decided to fill his lute again as soon as his Mana refilled. Until it did, he passed the time by lying down beside the hive and watching the bees and clouds drift by. A few bees came and landed on him. He could feel their Mana, which was a little strange. It almost felt like his, though he couldnt say why. They must have felt something similar, because more and more bees started landing on him. Idly, Jeb noticed that his Mana was refilling more quickly as more bees covered him. You arent pollinating me, are you? he asked, half joking. Bees that had been about to land on him started dancing. They danced something about the hive being stronger when it moved together. Jeb wasnt entirely sure how that related to them resting on him, but he decided not to question it. When he was about to begin filling the lute again, he did a double take at his Mana. He hadnt noticed that his maximum had broken one thousand. Looking through his Quest Logs, he realized that he had been too distracted by filling the sheets of Waterweave. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. As he started to spin up the Song, Jeb considered whether it might be worth trying to use the Efficient form of one of his Glyphs to Enforce his lute. It was at least ten percent more efficient when casting it raw, so maybe it would be better for filling his lute as well. When he tried, though, he realized that he lacked the Mana manipulation skills he would need to make a higher Tier Glyph with the thread of the song. Shaping the overall Glyph was easy, even when he accounted for the curve. It was adding the second and third levels of the Glyph that eluded him. After all, the way that he formed Glyphs in his song was by forcing the strand of Magic to move as it proceeded forward. He couldnt force his own mental image of the Songs thread to change enough to do what he wanted, try as he might. After wasting a few hundred Mana trying to use Attune Water Mana -Efficient, Jeb gave up and just poured unattuned Mana into the lute. He noted idly that the Mana levels somehow seemed to have evened out between his last time filling the lute. As he watched, the unattuned Mana added some depth to each of the Attuned Elements, though only a slight amount. In the seven hundred Mana that he poured into the lute, no more than ten points went into any of the Elements. As the last pieces of Jebs Mana drained out of him, he nearly didnt notice. He was so connected to the lute that it just felt like he was reinforcing some part of himself with Mana. The feeling of connection faded as the end of the strand flowed into the lute. Even as the feeling faded, though, Jeb was thinking. Could he reinforce himself? More to the point, which adult in his life should he ask for advice on Enforcing his own body? The three obvious choices were the Librarian, the Bard, and his grandfather. Of the three, hed spoken to the Bard the least recently. That seemed like as good of a reason as any to go ask him, and Jeb started walking to the Inn. Halfway there, he realized that the Bard had told him to come back when the lute was Bound to him. It still wasnt though he certainly felt like it was whenever he played Lute Enforcement. The music flowed out of the lute without the slightest effort from him anymore. Maybe the Bard will be able to tell me how close I am to Binding the lute, Jeb reasoned, and while Im there, I might as well just ask how to Enforce myself. Nodding at his plan, he resumed his walk to the Inn. As he drew near, Jeb heard the strains of music, though it did not sound like a lute. Opening the door, he was surprised to see the Bard on stage playing a flute. When he saw Jeb, he finished the song with a flourish and stepped off the stage. Good afternoon Jeb, he said, what can I help you with now? First, thank you for the flute, Jeb said, I havent trained my control with Least Move Air enough to play it yet, but Im looking forward to when I can. He hurried on before the Bard tried to interject, I was wondering if you could help me figure out how close I am to Binding my lute. Oh, I thought that you had changed your mind about Binding it, the Bard said conversationally. Jeb couldnt remember whether or not he had told the Bard that he was giving up on Binding his lute, but realized that the Librarian or anyone in his family could have told him just as easily. It looks like youre most of the way there. Given how much Mana I feel in it, Im honestly surprised that it isnt bound yet. What is your maximum Mana now? Jeb quickly checked. One thousand and seventy, he said, why does that make a difference? Im not going to ask how you have so much Mana at First Tier, the Bard said, but the amount of Mana that it takes to Bind something is related to how much Mana you have. If you didnt keep increasing your Mana capacity, Im sure that the lute would have been Bound to you already. Thank you! Jeb said, making his way out of the Inn. He was halfway home before he realized that hed forgotten to ask about Enforcing himself. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 350 ->352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 223 ->225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 32 ->34
Mana: 1050 ->1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 71: Learning and Binding Jeb debated whether or not it was worth going back. He ultimately decided that it somewhat defeated the purpose of visiting the Bard if he did not at least ask. Back inside the Inn, the Bard still hadnt left the table. I assumed you had more to ask me than just when your lute would be Bound, he said. I do actually have more questions about that, Jeb replied. The Bard gestured for him to continue. Can I continue to Enforce it with Elementally Attuned Mana after its Bound to me? I really like the effects that the different Elements give the sound, and I am curious if theres a limit to how intense the effects can be. I have a number of questions that I will be asking you after you have Bound it, but yes. You can continue to Enforce your lute. If anything, it should be far easier to Enforce it once it is Bound. That somewhat segues into my next question, Jeb said a little more hesitantly. Can I Enforce myself? The Bard mulled the question for a few moments. It seemed like he was deciding between the truth and a helpful lie. Ultimately, Jeb could tell that he settled on the truth. You probably can, the Bard said meaningfully, but I certainly would not, especially given your age and Tier. In no way was Jeb expecting that answer, and it must have shown, because the Bard continued, you are aware that your body improves with each Tier, correct? Jeb nodded. For many in higher Tiers, the gap of time between Tiers is too long, and they need to prolong their youth in some way. Enforcing your own body is a common enough method for doing so, especially if you have a Class that is capable of it. Seeing that Jeb was about to ask what Classes were capable, the Bard quickly added, more or less every Bard Class and a good number of Enchanting Classes are capable of it. Rumors say that Druids were also able to Enforce, though there is of course no way to verify those claims within the Republic. That was a little confusing to Jeb. Why was it that the most and least restricted forms of Magic could Enforce, but Glyphs could not? He apparently had asked the question out loud, because the Bard grimaced. Which book did you read that described the forms of Magic by how restricted they were? he asked with a sigh. It was in an Enchanting Primer that the Librarian gave me, Jeb replied, is there something wrong with that? Not explicitly, no, the Bard replied, especially in the Upper Tiers, Magic Users within each of the different Schools of Magic almost always use their Magic that way. Since learning is almost always done top down, that does end up resulting in the curricula we have now. I want you to consider, though, did you use the Wand of Fireballs Schematic to make a Wand of Fireballs? Yes? Jeb responded, a little confused. Really? You produced a weapon that produced distinct orbs of Fire with the explicit goal of harming others? What? No! What did you use the Wand of Fireballs for? I made my mother a firestarter, Jeb said, beginning to see what the Bard was getting at. Exactly, the Bard said, even though the Wand is only capable of making Fireballs, that does not mean that it only has a single use. Conversely, there are Bardic Songs that can only be used to destroy. Just like that, Jeb had lost the thread of the conversation. Seeing his confusion, the Bard stopped for a second and recollected his thoughts. The way that the Enchanting Primer you read distinguishes how restricted Magics are based on the variety of outputs that can be produced from the same input. Another, equally valid way to define the question is how many inputs can produce the same output. In that regard, Enchanting is far more flexible than Bardic Magic, because anyone can use a Wand that you have produced, while only you can Sing Lute Enforcement to Bind a lute to yourself. What does that have to do with the Wand of Fireballs being used to harm people? Jeb asked. That was me attempting to explain the concept another way. It is harder to put in the same context as the input output analogy, but I can try if you would like. No, I think I understand, Jeb said, but why does it matter? That was apparently the wrong question to ask. The Bards spirit clearly dimmed, and he slumped in his chair. What does it matter indeed? The two sat in silence for a few moments, until the Bard spoke again. Do you know the standard way that low Tier Bards are taught? he asked in what seemed to be a non sequitur. Seeing Jebs head shake, he continued, you would have been taught at least five different instruments. After that, you would have learned seven or eight simple Bardic Songs. By that point, you would be around Fifth Tier. Then and only then, you would begin to Bind your instrument of choice. Of course, many delay until Seventh Tier, when using an instrument for a Song is seen as gauche. At that point, Binding an instrument is a major setback in terms of a Bards progress. And yet, it is essential to have a Bound instrument in order to Sing most Songs that a Tier Nine or Ten Bard would use. Thats not how you taught me, Jeb said. Is that because Im not a Bard? In part, yes. If you were a First Tier Bard to be, I am certain that a Seventh or Eighth Tier Bard would have been notified and you would have been instructed in the standard fashion. Jeb cocked his head. Why wouldnt you have taught me? Werent you in town already when I got my Class? The Bard considered that question. The Librarian could have pointed you to me, that is true. If that had happened, I would have likely trained you in a very similar fashion to the method I am using with you right now. Of course, it would have happened more quickly, because it presumably would have been your primary focus, rather than a dalliance. Jeb nodded at that, for all that he wasnt entirely sure he agreed. After all, even as a Least Mud Mage, he absolutely did not spend the majority of his time working on Mud Magic. That did bring up an interesting question, though. So why would you have taught me differently? he asked. The Bard seemed impressed, though Jeb didnt know why. There are a few reasons. Two stand out in particular, though. First, It feels horribly wrong to me that the lower Tiers of a Bards life are spent entirely learning by rote and performing Songs with no idea how they connect to each other. When you compound this with the fact that Higher Tier Bards are expected to be producing new Songs and weaving tapestries with their Music, the system we use to teach feels fundamentally broken to me. And the other reason? Jeb said, hoping to preempt the rant he could tell was coming. The Bard smiled bitterly. I already hinted at it, but the fact that Binding an instrument is generally reserved for after Fifth Tier, despite the fact that Bards who Bind before Third Tier do not hit the Ninth Tier Wall, feels like an act of active malice more than simple stupidity. Whats the Ninth Tier Wall? Jeb asked, confused. The Bard stared at Jeb for a long moment. If no one else has told you about it yet, I do not believe that it is my place to do so, he finally said. That was hardly a satisfactory answer, though Jeb had no way to dispute it. Well, it looks as though it is time for me to play my next set, the Bard said, clearly signaling that he was finished with the conversation. Jeb made his way back to the farm, considering what the Bard and he had discussed. When he reached the farm, he saw that his Mana was nearly full. Well, I guess I dont have much else to do today, he reasoned, making his way back to the hive. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. It was a struggle to decide which Mana he wanted to Enforce his lute with. On a whim, he tried asking the hive which they thought he should do. To his surprise, the hive did not hesitate. All of the Air Attuned bees came rushing out of the hive and circled him. The air grew thick with Air Mana, and Jeb almost felt like a breeze was beginning to stir. Taking the hint, Jeb opened his case and began the Song. It was normally a slight struggle to push the thread of his Song through an Attuning Glyph. With the bees swarming him, though, his thread immediately went through the pattern and started pushing the transparent white Mana he associated with Air into the lute. As the Mana kept flowing into the lute, Jeb felt the Song grow louder and louder. The small part of his mind not focused on playing noticed that what few birds had been flying nearby suddenly left. That same part also saw that his Mana was draining far more slowly than normal. The feeling of connection to his lute only grew. As the Song kept pouring from him into it, he felt the barrier between them disappearing. Even as that barrier fell, though, Jeb noticed another one falling with it. The bees circling around him, which had only minutes before been visible as points of dense Air Mana to his Magical sight were no longer distinct to him. Now, he saw how they were all just agents of the hive. More than that, though, Jeb saw how connected he was to the hive. Even as his Mana poured into the lute, Jeb saw the Mana in the lute reach towards him. He knew on some fundamental level that if that thread reached him, he would be bound. At the same time, there were strands of Mana reaching out from him to the hive and bees within it. The hive was reaching towards him even as it reached towards the lute. To his surprise, the lute was even reaching out towards the hive. As Jeb debated about the wisdom of letting the strands connect, the choice was taken from him. The Mana in his core finally emptied out, and the Magic which was reaching to connect the three distinct beings broke. No longer could Jeb see the world as a hive of bees. No longer did he know how to sing out like a lute. He tried to stand. The motion felt strange. Jeb had, just for a moment, connected his mind with a number of other beings. Bees may have limbs, but they id not move in any way similarly to him. Shaking the feeling away, Jeb stood. As he went to leave, he turned and bowed to the hive. Thank you for sharing your Mana, he said. The bees buzzed in confused reply. As Jeb watched the dance, he understood the confusion. The bees saw him as, though not the queen of their hive, still someone whose ends must be pursued. As a result, they would help him as they were able. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 72: One Plot Thread Resolved As the feeling of being one with the hive faded, Jeb had a moment of panic. He knew that he had been close to Binding with the lute, but he had never thought that he would be bound to the hive as well. Sighing, he made his way back into town. Hopefully the Librarian would have advice for him. Good afternoon, Jeb, the Librarian called to him as he entered. Good afternoon, Jeb replied, a little muted. It wasnt that he had any real problem with Binding the hive, but his mind was listing every potential issue that making a swarm of bees a part of him could have. Is something the matter? the light in the Librarians eyes that had been growing over the weeks suddenly went out. In its place was confusion and what looked like anger. Did something happen? Ive nearly Bound my lute, Jeb replied. Congratulations? the Librarian replied, clearly confused. Am I misremembering, or was that not what you had decided to do? I had. Then why do you seem so down? I dont know if down is the right word for it, Jeb managed to get out, Im just confused and a little worried. From what I can feel radiating from the case, your lute is less likely to be injured than you. If anything, you might want to learn an Enchantment to shield Magic so that you arent a beacon. The Librarian paused. Sorry, that was out of line. It is not my place to suggest avenues for you to focus your efforts. Why are you concerned and worried about Binding your lute? Im not worried about the lute! Jeb nearly shouted. Immediately, he realized what he had done. Im so sorry, he quickly followed the shout. I also am almost Bound to my hive and I have no idea what that means or whether thats a problem or- The Librarian cut him off, I understand. There is no need to apologize. The knowledge that you might become Bound to a swarm of bees without any preparations for that would be concerning to anyone. His calm tone helped Jeb to relax a little. The fact that he didnt seem worried did just as much to help. Do you have any books on Binding bees or living things in general? I dont want to end up enslaving them or anything, Jeb said. Also, I would appreciate an Enchanting Schematic for something to reduce how visibly Magical my lute is. Ive gotten a number of comments from people able to see Magic that it is incredibly obvious that my lute has been heavily Mana Enforced, and I dont want to have to keep answering questions about that. The Librarian gave him a small smile, the light starting to return in his eyes. I think I can help with both of those issues, he said, though anyone commenting on how Magical your lute is should really learn to hold their tongue. He delivered the last line with a wink, which made Jeb feel better. Even before hed finished speaking, the Librarians eyes had started to flash. Pages only rushed by for a few seconds before the Librarian held out two books. I have the two books youve requested, he said, though to set your mind at ease, you will not be locked in a battle of wills with the swarm. It will just make it easier for each of you to exchange Mana with each other, and it may make it easier for you to communicate with each other. Are there any detriments? Jeb asked. It seemed strange that more people wouldnt bind themselves to living creatures if it just gave you more Mana. Not explicitly, the Librarian said, though there are a number of Classes which preclude being Bound. Seeing Jebs obvious curiosity, he continued, in some cases, the Classes do not allow any Bindings at all. In others, Classes require not Binding specific items. There are, of course, also Classes which require Binding in specific or general. Thank you! Jeb said. Am I allowed to ask your advice as to whether it would be better for me to Enchant my lute case or my lute? It seems like it might be better to have the lute itself Enchanted to not seem Magically Enforced. If Jeb had any doubts that he was still able to surprise the Librarian, his expression at the question answered it. The Librarian had been in the midst of turning around. He froze, clearly thinking about the many ways to answer Jebs question. Jeb watched as a torrent of pages rolled past the Librarians eyes. Faster and faster they flowed, until he stopped being able to even see them move. When the Librarians eyes cleared, he spoke. For now, the only recommendation I can give would be to Enchant your case, rather than your lute. There do not appear to be any good records of interactions between Bound items and Enchantments, especially when the items were bound by Bardic Magic. Thank you! Jeb said, rushing out. He looked at his lute case, thinking. Maybe it would be possible to Enchant the case on the inside, at least, Jeb thought. It somewhat defeats the purpose of Enchanting something to hide a Magical signature only to be obviously Magical. By the time his thoughts had settled, he was back at the hive. A quick glance at his Mana showed Jeb that it had refilled. I think that Im going to just Enforce the lute normally this time, he said to the hive. It also appears that I will likely Bind the hive at the same time that I bind my lute. Do any of you take issue with that? A swarm of bees erupted out of the hive. If Jeb had been paying more attention, he might have wondered how all of the bees were able to fit in the hive. Instead, though, he watched as they all flew off. Did I say something wrong? he asked. The hives queen flew out of the hive and began to dance. Jeb quickly gathered what was happening. The hive had known that they would bond with him, and they had no issue with it. On that account, he was grateful. But, to make sure that the Binding actually happened this time, she wanted the entire hive gathered to ensure that there would be enough Mana to complete the process. As a result, she had sent the hive out to go and bring back all of the bees that were currently at work on the farm and surrounding areas. The hive began streaming back towards him. As they did, Jeb noticed that the sun was setting. As the last bee arrived, the hive began to dance, showing him their excitement for the process. When the last rays of sunshine had disappeared, Jeb began to play. The Song came easily now, which made sense. As the thread of his Mana spun and connected to the lute, Jeb noticed that it was not the only thread forming. Each bee seemed to be sending their own strand of Mana to the queen and their hive, both of whom shaped a thread that broke back apart and flowed into each bee. Just as there were layers to the Magic in a Glyph, Jeb noticed that there were weaker connections forming. He and his lute, being so close to Binding, were both sending a nearly imperceptible thread of Mana towards the other. The hive and swarm both had their own strands reaching out to Jeb. When he looked closely, he saw matching strands reaching out from him. The world seemed to stop, just as it had when he first played the Song successfully. The Elemental Mana inside of the lute was somehow becoming balanced. Even the extreme amounts of Air Mana that he had poured into it only a few hours before didnt seem to be overwhelming the other Manas. Looking more closely, Jeb saw why. The excess Air Mana was flowing back out of the lute and into the Air Attuned bees in the hive. Even as that Mana left, though, Earth, Fire, Water, and Sand Mana all poured out of other bees. The Elements were all kept in close balance and check by the Unattuned Mana from the final section of the bees. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. As the strands all reached out to each other, Jeb was curious which pair would connect first. He should have known that the bees would Bind their hive first. After all, they had never had second guessed whether it would be beneficial, like he had with his lute. As they connected, the bees dance changed. Jeb had already known that the bees tended to act more as a swarm than individuals. Now, though, it was as though the entire hive were one being acting through thousands of limbs. Their dance of the Song locked in. He couldnt articulate how they were moving different, but it was clear that they were. The threads of Mana coming from them looked almost physical with how stable they were. Before Jeb could analyze them too deeply, though, the second pair of threads connected. He was bound to the lute. Something in the Song changed. Jeb could feel that now he was not only making the lute stronger, but on some level, he was becoming stronger. His Mana no longer flowed from him, through the lute, and into the Song. Instead, his Mana just flowed from the lute as though it was a part of him. It had an equivalent effect on the Song as the bees binding their hive had. The Song locked in somehow differently, and he saw the final threads reaching out faster. There were only half as many now, though. The threads from the hive and the swarm were now a single thread, just as he and his lute were only a single thread reaching out. When they connected, Jeb saw a light so bright that he knew it had to be visible to everyone for miles. Then, as the light faded, the bees fell from the sky. Jeb had just enough time to notice them falling before he too fell. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 73: Next Days Revelations When Jeb woke up, he was a little surprised to see the sky above him. It was sometime in the early morning, he was fairly certain. As he sat up, he had a momentary sense of panic as he realized that he had collapsed while holding his lute. Thinking about it, he realized that he knew where his lute was: slightly to his left and uninjured. With that perspective came another realization. Jeb looked around at the still forms of unconscious bees. Each of them felt like some small pinprick of light inside of him. Some instinct told him to start sending Mana in their direction. Trying to send the Mana, Jeb noticed something strange. It was nearly impossible for him to send Mana to any of the individual bees. He could either send Mana to the swarm as a whole or to the queen. Shrugging, Jeb split his flow of Mana into two. To his surprise, even as the Mana was clearly flowing, Jeb didnt notice his own Mana pool decreasing. In case his sense had gotten thrown off from the binding, he double checked his Status. It agreed with his instincts, showing no decrease in his Mana. Still, the flow of Mana into the swarm and queen was doing something. The queen was obviously the first bee to start moving again. She started shaking slightly as her wings fluttered on and off. When they stabilized, she flew back inside the hive. More and more bees started twitching after that. If Jeb hadnt been bound to them, he was certain that the sight would have been disturbing. Even bound, though, it was a little disconcerting. The bees woke up in groups of Elemental Attunement. The first to wake were the Unattuned bees, who didnt disturb the ambient Mana too much. Immediately after them, though, the Sand Attuned bees started to stir. Jeb had the feeling that the air itself had been replaced by sand. He was slowly drowning, he knew. As he started to panic, though, the bees finished their ascent and the Mana in the air stabilized again. They flew into the hive. When the Fire Attuned bees started to rise, Jeb thought that he knew what to expect. The air didnt grow hotter, but he still felt the impression of flames licking across his skin and scorching his lungs. Since he knew that it was only temporary, it was slightly easier to ignore. After the Fire Mana passed, Jeb was buffeted by Air Mana, suffocated by Earth Mana, and drowned in Water Mana. Through them all, his smile slowly grew. As each part of the swarm came back to wakefulness, Jeb felt his connection to them grow. When all of the swarm was awake, he realized that he could not distinguish them from the hive they were in. That made some amount of sense when he considered that he had bound them after they bound each other. Thinking about Binding made Jeb realize that he had a Quest to complete.
Congratulations! You have completed the Personal Quest Bind your Lute. Rewards: One Tier Five Stone.
The currency appeared in front of him and he grabbed it before it could fall. It was nice of the Bard to pay for the cost of the practice lute, especially since Jeb could not imagine giving up the lute now. Like his aunt had said, the lute felt like another limb of his. Testing it out, Jeb tried playing the lute without picking it up. It was incredibly taxing, and he felt his soul strain with the effort of creating a sound. In the end, he was unable to produce more sound than the light breeze running across the strings already did. Whether that was a skill hed need to develop, a Skill he needed to learn, or something impossible, Jeb was ready to find out. Packing the lute away, though, even he could see how much it blazed with Magic. He had a feeling that it had something to do with binding the hive and swarm at the same time. Shrugging, Jeb set the lute case down and opened it up. He pulled back the felt inside and paged through the Enchanting Schematic the Librarian had given him. It seemed easy enough, especially compared to the Wand of Fireballs hed made. Jeb didnt want to just follow the Schematic by rote, though. If there was anything that he had learned over the months since unlocking his Class, it was that understanding how Magic worked was just as important as making it work. Well, he amended to himself, its at least on the same level of importance. At the end of the day, if he had to choose between understanding and getting the Enchantment to work, he would choose a working Enchantment. As he read, the Schematic seemed to make more and more sense. It was build on an incredibly inefficient Enchantment. Jeb wasnt entirely sure what the initial effect was supposed to be, but he decided it probably didnt matter. He saw a number of parallels to how he had made the Attune Water Mana staff intentionally inefficient for aesthetic purposes. The difference here was that the inefficiencies didnt resonate with each other. Instead of producing a fog or anything else, the lines of the Enchantment would absorb any Mana above ambient levels and basically just reinforce themselves. How the Enchantment could detect baseline levels was a little confusing for Jeb to understand at first. When he did, though, he was glad he had taken the Schematic apart first. The default was to set the Enchantment on the outside of a container. It would then absorb any Mana from within the Enchantment. Everything facing outwards was its definition of ambient. In my case- He laughed a little at the accidental pun he had made, then refocused. In my situation, Ill need to flip this rune here, he figured out. Nodding once he felt like he understood what the Enchanting Schematic did, he began to carve the inside of his case. When he had finished the Enchantment, it was nearly noon. The Schematic claimed that it was not a relatively Mana hungry Enchantment, but Jeb was still nervous. What if this was the time that his Mana failed him? As he thought that, Jeb felt the support of the hive in the back of his mind. Even his lute seemed like it was reaching out to him, offering back some small portion of the Mana he had poured into it. Their support urged him on, and he began to force the Enchantment to become real. One place Jeb immediately noticed that this Enchantment was easier than the Wand was that it had no Sub Enchantments. Instead, he just had to force his will onto the world in a single place. Cases are meant to protect lutes, he said, feeling the world resonate with him. Knowing that this lute is Magical will make it less safe. To Jebs surprise, that seemed to be enough. His Mana flowed out of him and into the lute. When the Enchantment had stabilized, he realized that he had been worried about nothing. At most, it had taken one hundred Mana. He carefully replaced the felt inside the case, hiding all of the lines of the Enchantment. When he closed the case with the lute inside of it, Jeb was shocked. He still knew on a deeper than intellectual level that the lute was within it and connected to him. But, to his Magical senses, it was just a lute case. Jeb was certain that if he had a Skill explicitly focused on Magical sight that he would be able to notice something strange in the way that the lute case reflected Mana, but he wasnt certain if those Skills existed. In any case, it would stand up to a cursory examination, which was his primary goal. He ran back home to grab his staff, remembering that he was trying to make Water Attuned Wood, though he was a little hazy on why he was trying to do so. Ill probably remember soon, he justified to himself, and its not like having my Mana pool full does me any good as it is. He quickly waved to his mother as he ran through the kitchen. When he came back down carrying the staff, she cocked her head but said nothing. On the way to the Library, Jeb tried to find if there was a rate he could feed Mana into the staff that wouldnt end up emptying his pool. To his disappointment, it seemed as though his Mana pool either filled or emptied. He, at least, could not do both at once. Jeb shrugged and began feeding Mana as quickly as he could through the Glyph. As he did, the Glyph grew brighter and brighter. The misty Mana coming off of it grew more and more real to his sight. His Mana quickly emptied, which was a great piece of motivation for him to grow his Mana pool. He imagined walking in somewhere, staff glowing like a sun, mist steaming off of it in clear defiance. Jeb wasnt certain why the effect stuck with him, but it did. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. His Mana slowly refilled as he finished the walk to the Library. Just before opening the door, Jeb once more emptied his Mana pool and watched how it lit the staff up. He considered the fact that pushing less Mana in for a longer amount of time might be more efficient in terms of actually making the wood Water Aligned. Jeb reached out for the door handle. As he did, though, the Librarian jerked the door open. He seemed more flustered than normal. When he saw that it was Jeb in front of the Library, he shook his head and turned around. What can I help you with today? he asked. I would like to buy my practice lute, Jeb said, searching his pockets for the Tier Five Stone that the knew was inside of them. In the time it took him to remember that the Stone was inside of his lute case, the Librarian had the contract held out. He opened the case, and the Librarian dropped the contract. Here you go! Jeb said happily, holding out the reward the Bard had given him. Thank you, the Librarian said. It was clear even to Jeb that the words came out from the training he had on interacting with patrons more than any actual thought. Did I do something wrong? Jeb asked. No, but I can see that you have bound your lute, the Librarian said, pulling his thoughts back together. I think it might also be that I bound the swarm and the hive at the same time, Jeb said, but you would know better than me. I would generally agree with your instincts here, the Librarian nodded, the Mana signature coming off of the lute is not what I would expect for a lute that was bound to a First Tier Mud Mage. That statement seemed to spark some thought in the Librarians mind, because Jeb saw pages flip by. After a moment, the pages died down and the Librarian continued, no, that is not what the lutes signature would look like. When you account for a bound hive, it nearly looks right, but there is something else inside of the signature that is still missing. I have mentioned that the bees were Elementally Attuning themselves, right? Jeb asked. A light flashed in the Librarians eyes. That would do it! Yes, given what you have done, your lutes Mana signature seems completely reasonable. Also fantastic work on the Enchantment for the case. Even though I knew that it was there, it still took an effort to notice it. Could it be because I inscribed the inside of the case? Jeb asked. It is possible, the Librarian allowed, though I would attribute it more to your own skill with Enchanting. Not many First Tier people have the patience and coordination it takes to Enchant. Jeb went to return the Enchanting Schematic, but the Librarian held out a hand. You might need this again, he said, handing it back to Jeb. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 74: Music Lessons After finishing his conversation with the Librarian, Jeb made his way over to the Inn. Inside, the Bard was sitting, clearly waiting for him. He gestured for Jeb to take a seat with a nod. Congratulations are in order, as I understand it, the Bard said. Jeb looked at him in confusion. Thank you, he said, but how did you know? Because you completed my Personal Quest? the Bard replied, joining Jebs confusion. I did tell you that I would receive a Notification when you finished it, did I not? Jeb thought back to that conversation. The details were somewhat hazy, but he did remember. My apologies, Jeb said. Not at all! Now that youve bound your lute, though, we can begin to have fun. Confusion once more took over Jebs expression. Ive been having fun with Enhancing my lute and interacting with the hive. Should I not have? There was a pause in the conversation. Im guessing by the fact that you put interacting with the hive in the same sentence that you have also bound the hive? The Bard said tentatively. Jeb nodded. Well, he amended, I bound the hive and the swarm. They had already bound each other, though, so Im not sure if that makes any difference. I assume youve told the Librarian and your family about that? Jeb grimaced. I have told the Librarian, he agreed, but I havent told my family yet. I wanted to make sure that everything was okay. Why wouldnt it be? When I bound my lute and the hive, there was a bright flash of light. I remember the flash clearly, and Im at least mostly positive that it was visible in non-Magical sight. The Bard nodded. After the light, Jeb continued, I collapsed, as did the entire swarm of bees. I was the first to wake up, and I had to send Mana into the bees to get them to arise. He stopped, correcting himself, I had to send Mana into the queen to send into the other bees to get them all to arise. Even as I did, though, I did not notice my own Mana pool draining at all. The Bard stroked his chin thoughtfully. None of that is unheard of when Binding, the Bard stopped himself from speaking, clearly not wanting to say something that might upset Jeb. What is it? Jeb asked. Its strange that you were the default resting location for the Mana, the Bard finally said. Jeb cocked his head. The Bard hurried to explain, the reason that you did not feel as though you were losing any Mana is because you were not. In Binding, it is common for one of the parties to temporarily take the majority of the others Mana until an equilibrium can be established. It is rarely so much to cause the other party to collapse, though I suppose that I have minimal experience with bees, so that may be more normal for Apiarists. As to why you fell unconscious, however, I have a much more sure answer. Your body was overloaded with the new sensations of having bound a lute, a hive, and a swarm all at once. Add to that the fact that you also pulled all of their Mana inside of you, if only for a second, and I am not surprised in the slightest that you fell unconscious. So nothing bad happened? Assuming that no one was injured, then no, nothing bad happened. Seeing that Jeb was about to ask the obvious question, the Bard continued, and you would know if someone had gotten injured during a Binding. It would not be subtle. So what now? Jeb asked. As I said, now we begin the fun part of Bardic Magic. Thus far, the only Song you know is Lute Enforcement, correct? Jeb thought about that. He did have an idea now how he could shift Lute Enforcement to become Hive Enforcement. He deliberated about whether that was what the Bard was asking. Apparently he deliberated for longer than the Bard was willing to wait, because he added, The only Song you know is Lute Enforcement and Variations on it, correct? Correct, Jeb said, though privately he was unsure if Lute Enforcement was the Base Song of whether it itself was a Variation. Then I think that it is time to teach you your first Ephemeral Song. Jeb leaned forward. As far as I have gathered, all of the Magics that you have learned up to this point have been permanent. Your Enchantment will last far longer than you feed it Mana for, and Lute Enforcement makes the lute stronger after your Mana is pulled away. What about all of my Move Spells? Jeb asked. When I stop pulling water up, it falls back down. If you had used Least Shape Water to move Water into a different container, would it stay there when you finished the Spell? Jeb thought about that for a moment. I assume so, he finally said. It would, barring other forces acting on it. Jeb nodded. That made some amount of sense. Ephemeral Songs, by contrast, have effects which only last for as long as they are fed Mana. The Song I will teach you is often classified as an Illusion Song for that reason, though I am happy to explain where that is inaccurate with you if you would like. Jeb considered the offer. Not right now, was the answer he eventually settled on. His mind still hadnt fully settled into the new sensations he was experiencing. Even as he thought about that, Jeb briefly had the feeling of being trapped within a soft felt case. That was his lute, he knew. He noted with interest that there was no sense of panic like he might expect. Certainly if he was in a sealed container, he would not feel calm and safe. And yet, the lute did. It was an interesting enough feeling that Jeb was tempted to explore it further. But, he realized that the Bard was already speaking. Smiling sheepishly, he interrupted the Bard. Im sorry, but I was distracted by the feeling of being bound to my lute, he said, could you repeat what you just said? The Bard smiled at him warmly. I remember those days well, he said, if you are wondering, that feeling never truly goes away. It gets easier to deal with, certainly, but there is still a sense of wonder I feel whenever I consider the connection between my lute and myself. The two sat in silence for a moment until the Bard shook his head. I apologize. I was distracted by memories. Now, as I was saying, while I could explain what an Ephemeral Song is, what this specific Song is, or even how to explicitly effect the change you want to see, I believe that it will likely be more beneficial for you if I do not lecture on the topic. How should I learn it then? Jeb asked. The Bards smile grew a touch wild. How else but by doing? Follow my lead, he said, pulling his lute out of it case. Now that Jeb had bound his own lute, he had expected to notice some difference when he looked at the Bards. To his disappointment, it looked the same as it had before. He couldnt even sense an overabundance of Mana in it like his own lute had. Jeb wanted to ask why that was, but the Bard began playing before he could. The pattern that he plucked on the lute was not particularly difficult. Or, at least, it was not difficult for someone with a bound lute. Jeb quickly picked up on the pattern until he started paying attention to what he was doing. Somehow, despite fretting and plucking a single note, the lute sang out with two. As Jeb noticed that discrepancy, the pattern started to collapse. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Try not to think about what you are doing, the Bard advised. He quickly followed that statement with an amendment, in this specific scenario. In general, please do consider the potential consequences of your actions. Jeb took the words to heart and tried to slip into a Meditative state. As he did, he felt the pattern flow out of his hands and the lute more easily. When he was performing to the Bards satisfaction, he nodded. You mentioned having Magical sight, he said, never breaking the pattern. See if you can follow this. As Jeb watched, the Bard started putting Mana into the Song. He did not work his Mana the way that Jeb did, at least in this song. Rather than a thread of Mana or an outpouring of something, the Bards Mana seemed to form as a loop. Jeb watched as the loop of Mana seemed to start rotating. Even as it began to rotate, it formed into more and more complex shapes. The loop began to weave around itself. Throughout the whole process, though, it remained a single loop. The Bard seemed to notice Jebs confusion, because the complex knot reduced itself until it was only folded over itself once. Jeb tried to mimic that effect with his own Mana, trying to pull it out as though it were a shape, not a strand. It worked poorly enough that the pattern he was plucking out collapsed as well. He watched the Bards knot slowly fade from view as the Bard wound down the Song. I apologize, he said, I had not considered the difference between how our Magics manifest. Let me try again. Before Jeb could ask about what that meant, the Bard once more started pouring Mana into the Song. This time, though, it resembled a thread of Mana floating through the air. Jeb was able to quickly copy this, weaving together the different strands of melody and Mana into one cohesive whole. The Bard nodded. Then, Jeb watched the end of the Mana thread unravel. As it did, he saw an image begin to form. An apple appeared in the space where the thread disappeared. On an instinct, Jeb stopped looking with his Magical sight and saw that the apple was still there. It glistened in the light, a ruby red that begged to be eaten. Returning to his Magical sight, Jeb saw that the Bard formed another thread of Mana and melody. This one split into the sound of logs crackling in a fire, even as the image of an apple became one of a fireplace. With another thread, the Bard gave the scent of wood smoke. Another became the warm heat of a roaring flame on a cold winters day. Finally, Jeb was able to taste the apple that had disappeared. With a flourish, the Bard tied each piece back together until the entire scene was a single thread. Now you, he said, nodding at Jeb. Jeb split his thread apart, shaping the loose Mana and music into an apple. The Bards apple had resembled the most perfect form of an apple. Jeb would have been happy if his resembled any apple so perfectly. Instead, though, it looked like a childs drawing of one. He split another thread off, hoping to add the scent of apple blossoms in the spring to the image. When he unraveled it, though, the entire image destabilized and he felt the Mana as it whipped out. Instead of striking him, it ran directly into the lute, which accepted the Mana as though it was being Enforced. I had expected that, the Bard said, nodding. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 75: Music Lessons Part Two Jeb just stared at the Bard. If you expected me to fail, why didnt you say anything? he demanded. Two reasons, the Bard said, holding up his hand. First, he raised a finger, there was a chance that you would be able to weave multiple strands together. If that were true, then my telling you that you would not be able to would have made that a self-fulfilling prophecy. Jeb nodded at that. It was fair enough. Second, another finger came up, I wanted you to learn that Mana Backlash is far less of a concern for you now than it ever has been before. If you had thought about what you were doing, you might have been tenser, which would not have helped anything. I did notice that, Jeb admitted, it honestly seemed like the lute was strengthened from the input of Mana. The Bard shrugged. Given how much Mana youve poured into it, I would be shocked if the Mana Backlash added any appreciable density to it. That being said, the Mana Backlash going into your lute does certainly have a benefit outside of the lack of pain to you. Jeb waited for the Bard to explain. When it was clear that he was waiting for Jeb to ask the question, Jeb obliged. What is the other benefit? The Bard beamed. Each time that you push Mana Backlash from a given Song into the lute, it Attunes itself slightly to that Song, making it easier for your Mana to flow in the pattern of the Song next time. It is really the greatest benefit of Binding something to yourself. Even your failures begin to lay the foundation of success. Why didnt you tell me about that before I bound the lute? Jeb asked. The Bards grin grew a little strained. Primarily because it did not seem relevant, he admitted with a shrug. You were making choices about whether or not you wanted to Bind the instrument, and I did not think that adding another fact about it would be beneficial to your choices. The Bard paused for a moment before continuing, as though he had just had an idea, also, the Librarian could have told you if he had thought it relevant. He was the one you sought out to ask for advice, after all. Thats true, Jeb said. He spent a few moments probing how he felt about it. The Bard clearly saw the conflicting emotions on his face, but chose to stay silent. On the one hand, Jeb thought to himself, if I had chosen not to Bind the lute, knowing this would have only made the decision harder. There is probably a reason that the Librarian chose not to tell me, and it isnt really that helpful of a reason, right? He focused a little harder on that thought. Nodding, he continued his line of thought, the main reason I was considering not Binding my lute was that I was unsure if I would continue having access to Songs. If I couldnt use a Song, then it would make no difference if failing Songs made it easier to learn them. On the other hand, Jebs thoughts grew less calm. On the other hand, I dont want to have information hidden from me. That feeling resonated with him, and he explored it further. Why does it bother me so much to have information hidden? The answer came to Jeb quickly. I want to choose my own path, and that requires moving with both eyes open. The Currents of Fate might be steering Jeb somewhere, but he was not going to follow it blindly. Even with that decision, though, he was not mad at the Bard. Jeb would take what had happened as a lesson and work to ask more and better questions. On that note, he thought. Why did your Mana look like that? he asked the Bard. Of everything that Jeb could say, it was clear that the Bard was not expecting that. Hmm? Like what? Jeb wasnt sure if the Bard was being intentionally difficult or not. When you Sang the Song the first time, your Mana looked far different than it did the second time. It seemed like a looping and woven knot. And what is your question? Jeb furrowed his brows. Why does your Mana do that? If how is the better question, then I suppose how does your Mana do that? Why does your Mana look like a thread? the Bard retorted. Seeing Jebs expression, he continued, I am not just asking this to distract you. It will help to answer your question. That was an easy enough question for Jeb to answer. My Mana looks like a thread because thats how I visualize it, he replied. Why do you visualize it as a thread? That was a harder question. In the case of Songs- Jeb began, but he was interrupted by the Bard. How did you visualize your Mana when you worked with Glyphs before learning Lute Enforcement? Jeb tried to think back to when hed gotten his Class and before that. As he did, he realized that it was not significantly different from the way that he still saw his Mana when he worked on a Spell Glyph. I see it as a current of light, he replied. My Mana is light that flows between the points of a Glyph. Thats how I can tell when I need to adjust location in creating new Glyphs: the light dims at those points. Why do you visualize it like that? Because my Mana does flow through the Glyph? Jeb replied, questioning. I suppose I dont quite know why I see it as light, but I dont think that would be a problem to visualize it as anything else. Jeb imagined Attune Water Mana in his mind to test his theory. This time, rather than tracing the pattern of the Glyph with a river of light, Jeb imagined it as a thread weaving through the Glyph. To his surprise, it was significantly more difficult for him to push his Mana through the Glyph. It still went through, and it didnt seem as though he was wasting any Mana, but it was still an extra effort that he hadnt felt while using a Glyph. When Jeb stopped pushing Mana into the Glyph, he was a little surprised to see that the Bard was speaking. Im sorry, could you repeat what you said? he asked for the second time in the conversation. The Bard laughed, I take it you attempted to visualize your Mana flow as something other than light? Jeb nodded. Since I view Songs as threads, I thought that I might be able to do the same for Glyphs. I could, but it was far more difficult. That is more or less what I was trying to explain, the Bard replied with a shrug. It is good practice to attempt visualizing your Mana flow as something other than what is natural for you. As though he knew Jeb was about to ask why, the Bard continued, at the very least, it will help when you are in my position and teaching a student who visualizes their Mana differently than you. It has a similar benefit when working Magic with others. Most collaborative Spells require some agreement on how Mana needs to flow through the Spell. Most often, that takes the form of the Spellsmiths preferred visualization. That still doesnt answer my question, Jeb pointed out. Why do you see your Magic as a woven knot? The Bard stared out pensively for a moment. Are you familiar with woven knots as a form of artwork? Seeing Jebs head shake, he muttered something about how the Empire needs to stop suppressing so called foreign elements. In a louder voice, he continued, before I received my First Class, I was fascinated by the form of these knots. When drawn, they have no beginning and no end. When crafted expertly, they appear the same. I think that when I first began to work with Magic, I had similar beliefs about music. You remember the Song of Intention? he asked suddenly. Jeb thought back to the first Song he had Sung with the Bard. Yes, he said. That was the first Song that I learned, the Bard continued, and I stand by my belief that it has no ending nor beginning. The Spells and Songs you learn will impact the way you visualize, but the way that you visualize your Magic will also affect the Songs and Spells you can learn. I expect that this Ephemeral Song will be more difficult for you to master due to your visualization style. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Why would my visualization style make learning the Ephemeral Song more difficult? Jeb asked. In the interest of being precise, it is only an Ephemeral Song, but consider the difference between how I would add another sense and how you will need to. For me, it is as simple as adding a few new crossings in the knot of my Mana. Nothing underlying needs to change. You, on the other hand, need to weave two separate strands, unravel them into their effects, and then reweave the two parts together so that they are a single unified whole. I have two questions, Jeb replied. Seeing the Bard nod, he continued, First, why do I need to weave the two strands together? The Bard bobbed his head from side to side, considering his answer. Technically, he finally said, when you have two distinct strands, you are arguably Singing the Song twice at once. Though it has minimal practical difference, it is a meaningful distinction when it comes to Magical Theory. Applying it to Glyph Magic, you can see how using one instance of Least Shape Water to move two buckets of water at once would be different than casting it twice to move each one separately, right? I guess so, Jeb admitted, but I dont think that I can cast multiple Glyphs at once. First, the metaphor stands in either case, the Bard said, and second, have you ever attempted to cast multiple Glyphs at once? More relevantly, have you ever needed to cast multiple Glyphs at once? No, Jeb replied, why would I ever need to though? The Bard stared, his manic expression softening into something more tender. I truly hope that you never learn the answer to that question, or that if you do, it is only for some incredibly esoteric project of pure theory. Before Jeb could respond, the Bard kept going, what was your second question? Jeb accepted the diversion, sensing that the Bard would not answer what his softened expression meant. Why does it make a difference how I visualize my Mana? Theres no reason that adding another thread is explicitly harder than adding loops to a knot. Believe it or not, the Bard replied, you have stumbled into one of the key teachings that Bards tend to need to have repeatedly drilled into them. The difficulty of most Songs comes not in anything explicit to them, but in our understanding of Magic. It comes down to the nature of the visualization, though. It is not in the nature of threads to unravel and rewind into each other, correct? Jeb nodded. On the other hand, it is absolutely in the nature of woven knots as I understand them to reshape into new patterns with no real change to them. If you had a slightly different understanding of threads of Magic, the same could be true for how you visualize them. Seeing Jebs dazed expression, the Bard continued, I think that is enough of a lesson for the day. Come back when you can Sing that Ephemeral Song with an effect for each of five senses at once in a single Song. Or, come back if you get particularly stuck on the project. Mind swimming, Jeb hardly felt himself put the lute away and clasp it shut as he started the walk home. As he moved, different conceptions of Magic played through his mind. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 76: Refocusing on Skills As Jeb made his way home, he could not stop thinking about the knots the Bard had used. It wasnt a natural pattern for his own Mana to flow through, he knew well enough. Still, something about the way that they looked had hooked his interest. So, as he walked back to the hive, he focused on trying to shape his Mana into the knots that the Bard had used. When that failed, he tried easier exercises, like thinking of his Mana as a thread, or a rushing torrent of water. By the time that he had made it to his swarm, he could cast a Glyph thinking of his Mana as either of those, though they were still more difficult than visualizing it as a stream of flowing light. Beside the hive, Jeb noticed a bucket of water that someone had left. As he thought about it, he realized that it was likely him who had left it. Still, it did give him an idea for visualizing the knots. Up to that point, he had been working entirely in his mind. Maybe working with something physical would help? he reasoned. He called Least Shape Water to mind and lifted the contents of the bucket up. With a slight twist of his will, he made the orb of water split into a ring. Spinning the water within the ring was easy enough. Ok, so next would be a single crossing, Jeb said, trying to visualize the shapes that the Bard had made. He stretched the loop of water out until it was twice as long as it was tall, then bent the two sides so they would loop over each other. Keeping the water rushing through was more difficult this time, but Jeb managed it. Trying to split the water again, though, he ran into another issue. He could split the water the same way vertically as opposed to sideways. But, try as he might, he could not turn the loop into the sheet of woven knotwork that the Bard had carelessly crafted out of Mana. Jeb released the Glyph, moving to sketch on the ground. He tried to call the image back into his mind. The longer that he thought about the knots, the more he saw the pattern in them. Scratching crosses into the ground, Jeb connected the edges of them together. That seemed to at least resemble the shape that the Bard had made. He found himself drawn not to the actual lines of the shape, where he knew his Mana would have to go. Instead, Jeb found his eyes and focus drawn to the gaps between the flowing lines. Suddenly, something clicked. With the briefest exertion of Least Shape Earth -Efficient, Jeb cleared the pattern he had drawn. Keeping the Spell active, he impressed five squares onto the ground. One lay between the other four, points oriented towards each other. Effortlessly, he filled the lines in around them. Of course, he immediately realized that this was not a knot that the Bard had made. Try as he might, Jeb was unable to fill the entire shape in with a single line. Adding another internal square and covering it, Jeb looked at the shape he had made. There were two rows of three squares, with an offset row of two squares between them. With the new shape, Jeb was able to trace a piece of dirt through the entire path before it retraced itself. He let the Glyph fade from his mind and called Least Shape Water to mind again. This time, he was able to form the grid and start a stream of water flowing through it. It was still difficult for Jeb to do, raking most of his concentration, but he knew that it would only get easier with practice. A questioning buzz came from the hive. Jeb realized with a start that he was getting emotional senses from the bees within the hive. Each of them had only the smallest emotional sense. Probing the feeling more deeply, Jeb realized that each bee shared most of its emotional state with the overall swarm. It was strange to him that each bee individually seemed less like a distinct being and more like a limb. Shrugging, he moved on. How the bees operated was none of his business. Calling the Ephemeral Song to mind, Jeb began plucking out its notes. He first visualized his Mana as a thread, letting it form and unravel to create the sight of a deep blue circle. Ok, so I can do that, he said, slowly ending his flow of Mana. With another effort, he called a ring to mind and began pushing Mana through it. There is no beginning and no end to this Song, he said, unsure if he was trying to convince himself or his Mana, only my use of it. I know that this is true because I can find the same rhythm over and over again. Try as he might, Jeb could not convince his Mana to form the Ephemeral Song in the form of a woven knot. By the time that the sun was setting, his soul and mind were exhausted. He collapsed asleep, mind swimming with thoughts of woven cords. Rising before dawn, Jeb made his way quietly out of the home. To his surprise, the bees in the hive were already starting to stir. Did Binding with me make you all rise earlier? he asked. The swarm buzzed in what Jeb could only interpret as a shrug. He nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. Ultimately, it was just nice that they were all up at the same time. Through the Binding link, he felt the queen ask him if there was any way to create a regenerating pool of Attuned Mana. Or, at least, that was what he was certain her dance meant. Not that I could find, he replied. I would be happy to work on it, though. The queen assured him that it was not a high priority request, and that progressing down his own path was worth more to the hive at this point. Jeb realized with a start that he had never been able to understand the dancing and buzzing of the bees so clearly before. It made sense, as he thought about it, though he did wonder why the Librarian hadnt told him that would happen. Sitting with his back to the hive and watching the sunrise, Jeb tried to remember what he had been working on before Binding the lute and hive. There are really three options for me right now, he mused to the passing bees. I could work on projects in the order that I started them, going back through the ideas that I had. I can do the reverse, and finish projects that I started, beginning with the last project I was distracted from. Or, I can once again make a priority list and hope that this one lasts more than a single day. When he phrased it like that, it was obvious to Jeb that making another list would not be helpful. Events changed his priorities too often for one to be particularly useful. Retracing his events over the past few weeks, he remembered what he had been working towards. Right! he exclaimed, searching for the flute. He found it in the lute case and pulled it out. Holding it in his hand, he pushed the slightest bit of air through it with Least Move Air. Whether it was due to the training in Mana control that trying to visualize his Mana moving a different way or something else he had done, Jeb was able to make the flute play notes. It wasnt entirely consistent, at least at first. But, he was still reliably able to make notes come out of the flute, rather than shrieking overblown sounds. By the time that his Mana was empty, the sun had fully broken the horizon. He was able to play notes on the flute as easily with Least Move Air as with his breath. It was a strange feeling, being so detached from the playing of the instrument. Unlike when he played the flute the standard way, Least Move Air never needed to pause for a breath. It meant that the melodies coming from the instrument seemed somehow ethereal, not quite like what they should. Jeb didnt mind the effect. After breakfast, he stopped his grandfather. I think that I am ready to begin working on Glassblowing again, he said. Oh? What prompted that? his grandfather asked, seeming amused. After Binding my lute- was as far as Jeb got through his explanation before his family stopped him. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. What did you say? his mother demanded. Is that where you disappeared to for another night? Did you collapse somewhere overnight again? his sister asked. Other questions came in a cacophony that Jeb was unable to resolve. His grandfather held up a hand, and the family quieted down. Were all adults here, he said, Im sure that we can all wait to ask a question. Im equally sure that Jeb is happy to stay here as long as is necessary to answer all of the questions we might have. Jeb took the pointed comment in stride. There was silence for a moment, before his mother raised her hand. Jebs grandfather nodded at her, and she repeated her question, is Binding your lute why you disappeared for a night? I think so, Jeb said. At his mothers unamused stare, he continued. I also bonded with the hive and the swarm, he admitted. When that happened, we all collapsed. I think that its completely plausible that I would not have fallen unconscious if I had only bound my lute. That started another set of comments, though they died down quickly. Why didnt you think to tell anyone? his aunt asked. Jeb grinned sheepishly. Honestly, I was just so excited to finally have bound my lute that I forgot to tell anyone. The conversation continued for another hour before everyone felt like they had their questions answered sufficiently. Jeb was grateful that the general consensus settled in his favor. Most all of his relatives agreed that, while it would have been polite to inform them that he was going to Bind his lute, the fact that the Librarian and the Bard had both urged him on was a good excuse. After all, the entire family trusted the Librarian not to intentionally lead Jeb into trouble. At the door to the forge, Jeb readied himself to begin Glassblowing again. As he went to open the door, though, his grandfather stopped him. What makes you think that this time will be different than last time? he asked. Did Binding your lute and hive make you suddenly not feel averse to the concept of Glassblowing? Jeb considered the question. No, he finally answered, I still dont think that I could blow glass myself. But, my control over Least Move Air has improved enough that I think I will be able to make glass with it. He demonstrated his control, playing a quick scale and ditty on the flute. His grandfather shrugged. That seems reasonable to me. As he opened the door, Jeb was once more met with a wall of heat. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 77: Glassblowing Part One Inside the forge, Jebs grandfather went through the safety precautions that the two of them would need to take while Jeb learned Glassblowing. Since he had started the lesson like that the previous times that he had tried to learn, Jeb had no problems following along with what he was explaining. Jeb carefully gathered a small amount of glass at the end of a hollow rod. Out of thoroughness more than any real sense of hope, he tried blowing into the rod again. As before, something inside of the System blocked the air from coming out. Shrugging, Jeb called Least Move Air to mind. For a brief moment, he considered visualizing the Mana moving through the Glyph as something else. After all, he reasoned, doubling the learning that I am doing would mean that I would become twice as efficient. As soon as the thought finished forming, though, Jeb discarded it. He knew that learning Glassblowing would be hard enough without adding another barrier. For now, he amended mentally. Hopefully soon Glassblowing would be no more difficult than anything else he was working on. Refocusing, Jeb watched the river of light run through his Glyph. It lit up and he felt the air in the room begin to respond to his command. He pushed a small stream into the tube and watched as the blob of glass at the end of the rod began to grow. Youll want to push air through that faster, his grandfather commented. Notice how its already cooled down. Jeb looked and saw that the orange glow to the glass had faded almost entirely. There was only a very dim red glow left to it. He watched his grandfather heat up his own piece of glass, paying close attention. When his grandfather pulled the small orb he had made out of the furnace, Jeb pushed his piece inside. Once he had finished blowing his first bubble, his grandfather showed him how to cut it off of the rod to save or destroy. Some people like to keep their first piece of blown glass as a memory of how far they have come, his grandfather explained. Personally, Ive never understood the point of that sentimentality. Jeb agreed, and knocked his piece of glass off of the pipe. Now that youve learned how to make a bubble, his grandfather said, I have your first assignment. Continue blowing bubbles until you can make one that is perfectly spherical and has even walls throughout. Jeb accepted the challenge and picked up another piece of glass. A voice in his head told him that there were probably molds which would make this process easier, but he shut it down. If this was the way that his grandfather thought that he should learn Glassblowing, then it was the way that he would learn it. The second orb came out better, though it was still clearly not entirely even or spherical. Orb after orb, Jeb slowly felt himself growing more comfortable. When he took the breaks his grandfather required, he felt himself only leaving the shop physically. Mentally, he was still shaping air within the shop. Still, the breaks were necessary for him for a few reasons. In part, he did not realize how overheated he had become until he stepped out into the heat of the summer sun. It felt cool against his skin. Even outside of that, though, Jeb only had so much Mana. He was not using very much, since he was casting Least Move Air with such a limited throughput. What little Mana he used still added up, though. Each break seemed somehow perfectly timed with when he did not have enough Mana to complete another orb. When Jeb took another break and stepped outside to see a dark sky, he was confused. Grandfather, when you said take a break, you meant...? he trailed off, not sure how to finish the question. I meant that you should take the standard break of waiting for your Mana to refill or fifteen minutes, whichever takes longer. Why? Jeb looked at the starry night, unsure how to broach the topic. His grandfather saw the direction he was looking and spoke again, with the Statistics that you have, missing a single night of sleep may not be detrimental to your progress. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people trying to learn a Class Restricted Skill to struggle more on their second day of working than the first. Why? Jeb asked, I understand if you dont know the answer, but that seems strange. His grandfather nodded, some theorize that your System updates itself when you sleep. In that theory, it notes the way that you are trying to evade your Classs restrictions and blocks off that pathway. That is part of the reason that I told you to come up with multiple justifications. Even if it blocks off one of the reasons you have for practicing and learning the Skill, the other reasons will still remain valid, at least in most cases. But if I dont sleep, Jeb mused aloud, then the System doesnt force new restrictions on me. Youve got the gist of it, his grandfather confirmed. And I can see the progress you are making on the orbs. I wouldnt be surprised if you can earn Glassblowing before you need to sleep. To help that, though, he gestured to the forge, I would recommend that you take your breaks through the other door. It leads to a room that doesnt showcase the time of day quite as easily. Seeing Jebs apprehensive look, his grandfather continued, even if you dont physically need the sleep, your body will react to the cues that it sees. By seeing day turn to night turn to day, your body will know that it should be asleep. That makes sense, Jeb said, but his grandfather had not finished speaking. Then again, he muttered, given how often youve been out in the fields when you stayed out too long, maybe youve already broken that mind body connection. What did you say? Jeb asked. Nothing, his grandfather said, shaking his head, just talking myself through some things. Ok! Jeb said. The two waited in silence for Jebs Mana to refill, and then they returned to the shop to begin blowing orbs again. By the time that he took his next break, he was able to make orbs that were perfect spheres, at least as far as Jeb was able to see. Matching thickness across the entire size came next. One thing that Jeb quickly learned was that working more smoothly and quickly generally resulted in a better product. He couldnt rush, of course, but working on the faster edge of comfortable ended up producing better orbs. His grandfather had left him alone in the shop, trusting that he would take breaks as needed. So, when Jeb made the first orb that he thought met both of his grandfathers requirements, he put it in the annealer to slowly cool. What should I do now? he asked himself. Shrugging, he went back to work making more spheres. When his grandfather came in, the annealers were all filled with orbs. They were all perfect spheres with equal surface thickness across. Great job Jeb, his grandfather said without any preamble. For your next task, make ten perfect spheres, but make all of them the same size. He paused for a moment. Actually, he amended, make ten perfect spheres of the same size in a row. I want to start building good habits, and that includes reproducibility from piece to piece. Jeb nodded. The orbs hed been annealing had served their purpose, so they all went into the waste pile. His grandfather left and he picked up a blob of molten glass. Jeb felt his stomach growling when he had his ten orbs lined up next to each other in the annealer. Each was slightly smaller than his fist. His grandfather came in, as though on a cue. Grandfather, Jeb said, would it be possible for me to get something to eat? This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. His grandfather looked at him, then clearly ticked off the time that they had been working. Jeb, what have you had to eat and drink since starting training? Jeb thought about it. Ive been making water with Least Conjure Water during most of my breaks, he said, it only takes a few seconds to regain the Mana that it costs me. Thats a relief, at least, his grandfather said. Yes, let me go get you something to eat. When he returned, Jeb ate a large meal and stood behind his grandfather as he judged the orbs he had made. Next, his grandfather said, you should learn how to make windows. There are techniques that allow you to make perfectly transparent sheets with next to no effort. We will not be using those. Why not? Three reasons. First, we do not own the equipment we would need for that. Second, once you have a well trained Glassblowing Skill, you do not need the equipment. Third, aids make it harder to gain a Skill. Jeb looked at his grandfather dubiously. His grandfather coughed. All three of those reasons are true, he amended, but my lack of need for the equipment is why we dont have it. Aids do make Skills more difficult, but that is only if you are willing to persevere through the difficulties. That sounded truer to Jeb, and he nodded. The easiest way to make a pane of glass with the skills you have now is to make crown glass. His grandfather quickly blew an orb of glass and then set it back in the furnace to heat. He carefully transferred it to another rod and opened a hole in it. As he spun the rod, the orb deformed more and more, shaping into a circle. Now, his grandfather said, you should not expect your glass to come out this clear. The technique is the same with or without a Skill, though. Im confused, Jeb said, that makes a circular pane of glass. Most of our windows are rectangular. There are other ways to make sheets of glass, his grandfather agreed, but if you wanted a rectangular sheet from this, you could cut it to size. He grabbed an etching tool and quickly demonstrated for Jeb. The edges of the circle fell away and there was a smaller rectangle in the middle. You wont have perfectly clear glass all the way through, his grandfather reiterated, but I think you should be able to make a ten inch circle that is at least mostly transparent. Work towards that goal. Jeb picked up his rod and got to work. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 78: First Cracks in Innocence Jeb worked for six breaks while trying to make a window of high enough quality to see through. He managed to make the glass translucent fairly quickly, but seeing anything, even distorted, was still more than he was able to do. As he stood up after his sixth break, ready to begin work again, his knees buckled. Well, he said to no one in particular, it looks like its time for me to take a nap. Like his grandfather suggested, Jeb had been taking his breaks in the well lit closet beside the forge. As a result, he had no idea what time of day it was, or even how long he had been working. After the first time he had asked his grandfather for food, Jeb noticed that there was always at least a little food in the closet when he took his breaks. It was replenished while he worked, though he wasnt quite sure how. When the question bothered him, he searched the room. As far as he could tell, there was only the single entrance through the forge as a whole. All that was in the past now, though. The bare stone of the closet seemed like a better resting place than his bed ever had. Jeb lay on his back and fell unconscious as soon as he closed his eyes. When he woke up, he ran through some basic stretches. He was shocked at how fine his body felt, especially since he had just been sleeping on a bare stone floor. Shrugging, he decided not to question his good luck and returned to working in the forge. By the time that he needed sleep again, Jeb had nearly managed to make a window large enough to meet his grandfathers specifications. He even stopped himself before collapsing, mentally praising himself for the growth. Upon waking, he once more noted the lack of pain but went quickly to work. Jeb quickly spun out three pieces of glass large enough to cut out a transparent pane of glass. His grandfather came up behind him. Good job, he said. Ill let you pick your next project. You have three choices. Ticking his fingers, his grandfather continued, first, you can learn another way to make windows. Seeing Jebs face scrunch at the option, he moved on, you can start working with colors. After all, clear glass is only one of the many types of glass that you are likely to need to work with. That appealed to Jeb, which must have shown on his face. Nodding, his grandfather went on, I thought that might appeal to you. Finally, though, you could begin working to make lenses. Focusing light is an important aspect of Glassblowing, and one that I expect will be relevant to your future Classes. Unless things have changed significantly since I was in the Capital, Jeb wanted to ask, but his grandfather barrelled on, it will be much easier to get bottles, windows, and even competently colored glass than to get well made lenses. Nearly every Mage I knew- His grandfather coughed, sorry, I lost my train of thought. Grinding lenses is not as exciting as making windows or stained glass, but it does have its benefits. It is far less physically straining, though I suppose thats less relevant when youre using a Glyph to move air. One moment, Jeb said. What Mages did you know? He had never known that his grandfather had spent any time in the Capital, let alone that he knew people there. That was another time, his grandfather replied. Jeb waited for his grandfather to continue. When it became clear that he wouldnt, he prompted him, it was another time and? And I would rather not talk about it right now, his grandfather said, tone sharp. Sorry, Grandfather, Jeb replied. His grandfathers face softened. Its all right. Youll have to go there eventually, so I should do my part to help prepare you. Which of the three projects sounds most interesting, though? Jeb considered. I think that grinding glass seems like the most useful, he finally said. If only because I can think of far more cases where having different lenses would be more useful than different bottles or windows. Though Jeb didnt say it, he was privately beginning to wonder if he would even want windows in his future work spaces. Not being able to keep track of the passage of time was far nicer than he thought it would be. Then lets get started. His grandfather walked Jeb over to a row of thick glass rods. Well need to pull some stock from here, he said. His grandfather showed him how to cut slices off of the rods, giving Jeb the thin cylinders as they came out. Now, there are a few steps to make this into a lens, his grandfather said, walking over to a table Jeb hadnt paid attention to before. Most importantly, you need to decide how quickly you want the light going through your lens to focus. Seeing Jebs confusion, his grandfather pulled some lenses out of a case underneath the table. Now, where did I leave the candles? his grandfather muttered, searching around. After a few minutes of searching, he slapped his forehead. Jeb, would you mind making a small flame right here? he asked, gesturing between the two of them. Jeb quickly called Least Create Fire, producing a small candle sized flame where his grandfather had indicated. He watched as the different lenses focused the light coming off the fire into larger and smaller shapes on the opposite wall. His grandfather continued the demonstration, showing the ways that multiple lenses could combine to produce effects of their own. Jeb was entranced. Well, then, his grandfather said after grinding the discs hed cut into new lenses, do you think that youre ready to try this yourself? Jeb nodded. Ill do my best, he said. He expected his grandfather to leave the room, like he had the past times. Instead, he pulled up a chair and sat down. Well then, his grandfather said, I think that I should start preparing you for life off of the farm. Jeb listened closely as he worked, focus split between cutting thin discs of glass and the tales his grandfather was telling him. At first, he told Jeb about the wonders of the greater world. There were statues crafted so expertly that metal blended into marble which blended into shining glass. He painted a picture of towers of stained glass that told intricate stories. Slowly, though, the stories shifted. I was born in Humdrumville, his grandfather said softly. Jeb turned off the grinding wheel, straining to listen to what his grandfather was saying. I was the youngest of my friends, so each of them received a Class before I did. He paused for a long moment, clearly bringing back details he hadnt thought about for years. First was Ethan. He was given some introductory Swordsman Class, though I do not recall which one. He was so proud, his grandfather smiled wistfully. Immediately, Ethan left to become an adventurer. When Sarah received her own Class, some variant of Healer, we all knew that she would follow after him. She did, of course. His grandfather sat in silence for a moment, clearly unsure how to continue the story. Jeb froze, unwilling to even breathe. He did not want to do anything which would stop his grandfather from finishing the story. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. They came back before I turned sixteen, his grandfather finally continued. He was missing an arm and one of her eyes was gouged out. They did their best to settle back into life here, but whatever happened while they were adventuring changed them. Just a few months after they came back, they left in the middle of the night. As hard as I tried, I never heard what happened to them after that. The fact that they had come back missing parts of their bodies was not the most striking part of the story to Jeb. He had at least a few aunts and uncles who had lost limbs or eyes, and he knew that they had all learned how to manage without them. It was the fact that they disappeared that shot a bolt of panic through his heart. Was that going to happen to him? Would he see something that would make him unable to return to his family home, in mind if not in truth? Before he could dwell on the story too deeply, his grandfather continued his story. There were a few others, of course, who came back broken in some way. We would all try to help fix them, or at least to give them what they would need to fix themselves. Occasionally it worked. The next words seemed to pain his grandfather to say. As I grow older, though, I have to wonder. Is the pain of losing so many friends worth the joy that I managed to rekindle in the eyes of the friends I could? His grandfather fell silent at that, and Jeb watched in silence as he got up and left the room. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 79: Cracked Glass Part Two Jeb started grinding lenses as he reflected on what his grandfather had told him. Some small part of him was still annoyed that he hadnt heard anything about the Capital, though that was overshadowed by wondering why his grandfather knew so many people who had become broken from their Classes. To Jebs disappointment, focusing on getting the angle perfect with his lenses did not take enough concentration to stop him from obsessing over the story his grandfather had told him. He knew that not all of his family had been born as such. Every few years, some new aunt or uncle would be introduced to them. Now, Jeb was beginning to wonder whether they were the few people that his grandfather had managed to help. The thought worried him. His mind drifted to his Aunt Sue. She had said that her last Class had been Carver. At once, the different meanings of the word crystalized in her mind. Woodworkers and Butchers both were described as carving their products. Was he bound to the same position? That thought haunted Jeb as he considered what he had been taught over the past few months. His grandfather mentioned that a common first Smithing project was making a dagger. How many daggers had his grandfather made, and how many lives were lost to those daggers? He had learned the Schematic for a Wand of Fireballs. Though he hadnt considered it at the time, that almost certainly meant that someone else had actually wanted a weapon. Thinking about the settings that it had been originally calibrated to, Jeb realized that the Fireballs it produced would easily blow through a tree, to say nothing of how hot they burned. Would learning how to make a Wand of Fireballs push him into a Class that relied on making weapons? The fact that the Paragons had told him he was destined to slay a dragon had never felt real to Jeb. It was always something that seemed more like something out of a myth than a reality he would face. Where his mind was now, though, Jeb was forced to confront the truth. He had been given his Class for the express purpose of ending the life of a living and thinking being. Jeb felt bile rising in his throat. He forced it back down and tried to refocus on his grinding. His thoughts had distracted him too much. The lens was completely ground through. Sighing, Jeb tossed the lens into the trash and left the shop. He needed to be somewhere else right now. The heat of the room was stifling. Outside, the sun was setting. The way it set the sky ablaze had always calmed Jeb down. Today, though, it only served to increase his tension. He couldnt stop himself from thinking of how easily he could set the sky ablaze if he focused his Class growth on that. Following some tug that he only barely felt, Jeb made his way over to the hive. When he felt liquid running down his face, he looked up, confused. The sky was still clear. That was when he realized he was crying. Some bees came out of the hive, clearly noticing the way that he felt. Jeb struggled to articulate what was wrong to even the bees. When he did, though, the bees danced their confusion. Violence was not a virtue, they agreed, but it was also not a vice in itself. Jeb looked up from his own emotions, confused by their argument. The bees pointed out that they had needed to fight off birds that tried to eat them to survive. Something about that felt different to Jeb, though he couldnt say why. How often are birds attacking you? he asked the swarm. They danced back that, especially since they had begun Attuning themselves, there were few predators who sought them. Seguing the answer into their previous argument, his hive tried to tell Jeb that the path to peace came from overwhelming strength. That did not resonate with him in the slightest. If peace only comes when you are the strongest, what happens when someone stronger than you comes along? The bees danced something which Jeb could only translate as bow. He had forgotten. Even though the bees were able to communicate with him, they were fundamentally different beings. Each individual bee had its value primarily in how it could serve the hive. If that meant stinging someone to drive them away, then they would gladly give their life to do that. After all, each drone was but a limb of the hive. Try as he might, Jeb was unable to think of himself as either a drone or the swarm as a whole. The bees seemed to realize that, because they slowly buzzed away. He was left with the sure feeling of support. Regardless of what he decided to do, the bees in his bound hive would work to further his aims. Jeb stared up into the sky as the blues of day slowly faded to the star marked darkness of night. Looking at the constellations hed known for his entire life, he forced himself to think about what he would do when he left the farm. The stars would be slightly different, he knew. Even just visiting his Aunt Sue, stars were shifted slightly from where they were supposed to be at that time of year. What would they look like from as far away as the Capital? How much further would he go than even that? Jeb did not have an answer to any of those questions. As he fell slowly to sleep, though, he did find that his will was crystallizing on one point. He would not be reduced to a weapon that others could point. Whether or not any killing he did would be necessary was a choice he would make. As the morning sun rose, Jeb returned to the forge. Inside, he took one look at the discs of glass he had cut and began working it into a lens again. As the light shining through it slowly formed into a clearer and clearer point, Jeb felt his own resolve focus as well. The fact that his Class restricted Glassblowing was not something he was willing to tolerate. When he finished the lens, Jeb set it down and moved back to where he had stored the glassblowing rods. He picked one up and took a small portion of glass up with it. My name is Jeb, he stated to the System, the Paragons, and anyone else who needed to hear what he had to say. I have the Class of Least Mud Mage, but I am not a Mud Mage. I am the child of Farmers, and I will become whatever I will become by my own choices. The words felt flat compared to what he was feeling, but he could feel the Currents of Fate pushing him as he put the rod to his mouth. With an effort of will he did not know he was capable of, Jeb pushed his breath through the tube. A distorted blob of glass began to shape at the other end of the tube, but he couldnt find it in himself to be bothered by that fact. He had blown glass on his own accord. He dropped the piece of glass into the trash and moved back over to the grinding wheel. Even as he sat down, though, Jeb felt his head begin to throb. The slightly flickering light from the forge fire sent a new jolt of pain through him each time it danced. Stumbling out of the room, he collapsed on the floor of the closet. When he woke, Jeb found that he did not feel recovered. Through foggy thoughts, he tried to put a name to the feeling that he was experiencing. As best as he could describe it, Jeb felt as though he had discovered a new muscle in his soul. Then, instead of carefully feeling out the limits of the muscle, he had immediately tried to lift the heaviest object he could find while only using it. Strangely, the feeling cheered him up slightly. At least now he knew where in his soul his Class resided. Some part of Jeb was incredibly curious if it would move or grow as his Class changed. Still, that was a question for later. He shook away the last cobwebs from his mind and returned to the grinding wheel. Sitting down, he shook his head. I dont want to stop for anything but the need for a break, Jeb said to the empty room. He quickly cut a rod of glass down into discs and took them by the wheel. He still hadnt fully come to terms with where he fit into the world and his grandfathers story, but he was done obsessing over it. For now, he would work on making light move how he wanted it to. Jebs grandfather had told him about how the path a beam of light took could be changed when it entered lenses. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He was curious if he would be able to make it wrap back around into a circle. Each lens he cut went into place beside the small charred mark where he kept casting Least Create Fire. Slowly but surely, Jeb grew more comfortable polishing the lenses. As with the panes of glass hed blown, Jeb learned that moving smoothly made the end results far better and let him work through the lenses far more quickly. To his surprise, before he needed a break, he had gone through the entire pile of discs. Then again, his last few lenses were ground at almost the peak speed that the wheel could pull material. Jeb turned around and nearly ran into his grandfather. Great job Jeb, he said, gesturing to the arrangement of lenses he had made on the floor. As Jeb had grown more skilled in lens making, he slowly replaced the older lenses for new ones he had made. He quickly gave up on the idea of making light bend into a circle and was instead just enjoying the ways that he could rearrange it, even without using any mirrors. I feel like this project might be improved by the use of mirrors, though, his grandfather said, somehow reading Jebs mind. That wasnt going to be in the list of skills I taught you, but I suppose that it couldnt hurt. Thankfully, making a mirror was far easier than any of the other ways of working with glass he had learned. Once Jeb was able to polish a piece of steel to a perfect shine, he learned how to mix reagents to coat any surface he wanted in a mirror finish. His mind was rushing through all of the ways that he could change the tracking of light when his grandfather moved on. I think that now would be a good time for you to try working with colored glass. Jeb nodded and watched his grandfather began to work. Once his grandfather had demonstrated how to add colors to the work, he walked out of the room, leaving Jeb to decide what to do. He stood paralyzed for a moment, unsure what he should work on. His grandfather ducked his head back in the room. Make a clear window thats at least ten inches square, he directed Jeb. Jeb nodded and got to work. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 80: Glassblowing Part Three As Jeb pulled a blob of clear glass up, he considered what colors he wanted to use. Thinking about it, he decided to make a clear pane of glass first. It would make sure that he hadnt forgotten any important steps or motions for making a pane. It would also give him a standard to reach with colored glass. Of course, now that Jeb could actually blow glass, he found that he needed to relearn a lot of the process. After his tenth popped or sagged bubble in a row, he debated just giving up on using his actual breath. A small part of him wondered whether it was just his Class restriction stopping him from blowing glass well. Jeb shut that line of thinking down immediately. For one thing, there was absolutely no way that he could tell if that was true. For another, his grandfather never suggested that his Class would interfere in subtle ways. Still, Jeb mused aloud as he pulled another piece of molten glass up, it would be nice to be able to blow glass in the standard way. He couldnt think of any scenarios where he would no longer have access to Least Move Air, but that didnt mean that there were none. Even just thinking about it for a moment longer, Jeb realized that he could think of at least one reason that he would lose access to Least Move Air. The Librarian had told him that his Mana would get more and more Aspected as he Leveled and Tiered up. It wasnt a stretch to assume that losing access to Elements would happen just as much as access to other forms of Magic. Gritting his teeth, Jeb refocused. I think I just need to start from the very beginning, he mused as he put his mouth to the pipe. He blew a small sphere, noting where it was less than perfect. Thankfully, learning to blow glass using his breath instead of a Glyph went far more quickly than learning it the first time had. On the other hand, Jeb had not realized just how difficult it was to blow glass. When he used the Glyph, he could blow a steady and continuous stream of air at whatever pressure he needed to shape the glass, only pausing to heat it back up. With his breath, on the other hand, he had to take air in before he was able to take it out. Three breaks later, Jeb managed to make a set of identical spheres. He quickly made a pane of glass using Least Move Air, noting how much easier it felt than even before. Apparently learning to blow glass with his breath helped him shape it with a Glyph, which made some amount of sense. There was something fundamentally disconnected in using a Glyph instead of his breath. He felt like he had a better internal understanding of the medium now than he had before. Once he finished spinning the ring and cut out the pane, he focused his breath. Jeb had found that, despite how demanding the Skill was to earn, he quickly fell into Meditative states while working. It likely had just as much to do with the fact that Glassblowing required a pattern to his breathing as any focus he was putting into the process. When he went to sleep, he was able to regularly make evenly thick and transparent pieces of spun glass, though they still werent large enough to satisfy his grandfather, let alone himself. The breaks started to fade into each other, and Jeb found that he was staying in a state of Meditation as he worked and rested. Each window he blew came out slightly better than the one before it. Jeb sat up from the floor. He was mostly sure that he had fallen asleep on it. Thinking about the glassblowing he had been doing felt more like listening to a story than seeing his own memories. It was a strange feeling. Whether his work was a dream or a memory, he was still able to blow an appropriately sized window quickly enough when he got back to work. Jeb tried not to think about the fact that he had been at this stage before. Technically, all of the work he had put forth to blow glass with his breath was a waste, since he could just use his Mana for the same effect. Then again, he was certain that his his ability to keep working through exhaustion was going to grow more quickly than his Mana pool. In the long run, it would hopefully mean that he would be able to work for longer. As he considered it more, Jeb realized there was another benefit to not using his Magic to make the glass. Any Mana or effort focused on shaping his Mana he spent making glass was Mana and focus that he could not use to work Magics into the glass. He was certain that he would be able to inscribe Glyphs or Enchantments into glass like he had with every other material he learned to work. That would almost certainly require his entire focus. Jeb shook himself out of the thought. Putting Magic into glass, while something he almost certainly planned to do, was not something that he could do yet. For now, he needed to learn how to work it. Jeb pulled another piece of molten glass from the forge. This time, he dipped it in some red crushed glass and reheated it. His strategy of beginning with making orbs had worked well enough, so he shaped a red orb. It came out nearly perfectly. Of course, nearly perfect was far enough away from his goal that Jeb was dissatisfied. He broke the red spherical ball into a different glass disposal and tried again. His second attempt came out far better, and that set the tone for him learning to make windows. Each color had slightly different temperaments, he learned quickly. They all affected the way that the glass moved and heated in their own unique ways. By the time he had gone through the entire set of single colors, Jeb was exhausted. Somehow, though, his Meditative state lasted through sleep this time. He arose and started working without needing to consciously choose what he was doing. He started working combinations of colors. The first time that he did, he found that he had not mixed the blue and green frit well enough, and he ended up with a partial gradient. That broke him from his focused trance. Looking at the window, which was still as transparent as colored glass could be, he basked in the beauty of transitioning colors. Once he was able to mix blue and green to make a single blue-green shaded window, he switched focus. Jeb started working towards making better color transitions between the shades. His grandfather stopped him before he was able to finish following the path to its logical conclusion. Jeb, what is this? his grandfather asked, gesturing to the latest window that Jeb had made. A mistake, Jeb said, the stars bled too much into the night. I see, his grandfather said, staring at the window more closely. It was a picture of the night sky. Or, rather, a night sky. The stars were only in approximate spaces, made with small dashes of yellow dyed glass throughout the deep blue background. Jeb had been able to make gradients almost as easily as solid colors, which prompted him to make single pieces of glass with discrete color boundaries. That was more difficult, but he figured it out quickly enough. Inspired by the success, Jeb found himself wondering if he would be able to make stained glass effects out of a single pane. Initial tests gave him hope. Large and simple shapes were difficult but readily doable for him. He was currently working on making small points, and there was nothing that spoke of small distinct points quite as much as the stars at night. Jeb tried to explain what he had been doing, but his grandfather waved it aside. This is my fault, he said, I should have realized you would pick up working in color quickly. Though, I do have to ask, since when do you blow glass using your breath, rather than a Spell Glyph? Jeb pivoted his explanation, now walking his grandfather through the revelation and decisions that he had made. At the end of his story, his grandfather nodded thoughtfully. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Well, that just leaves your project then, his grandfather said. Sering Jebs confusion, he stared at him for a moment. How did you finish earning Smithing and Woodworking? he asked, clearly leading Jeb to the right answer. Jeb nodded, now following along. Is making a project the standard way of teaching Skills? He was more and more realizing that he would not remain a First Tier student for long. Eventually, it would be his turn to pass his Skills and knowledge on to future generations. Jeb wanted to be sure that he was ready when the time came. His grandfather nodded. It isnt universally practiced, but it is at least a fairly standard method. Clearly understanding why Jeb asked the question, he continued, it makes sure that the skills a student develops while learning a Skill do not remain as isolated elements, and can instead be used as a cohesive whole. It also has the benefit of giving a student the sense of ownership over what they have learned. Im sure that making the staff you have means far more to you than any of the carvings that your aunt had you make before it. Seeing that Jeb was mulling that over, his grandfather finished, if you need me for any advice, Ill try to stop by fairly often. If not, though, I look forward to seeing what you create. His grandfather left the room, and Jeb thought about what he wanted to create. He knew that it would have elements of stained glass in it, just because of how beautiful light passing through colored glass was. Anything more than that, though, Jeb was unsure. He thought about the projects he had made to unlock Smithing and Woodworking and struck inspiration. Seized by the sudden impulse, Jeb got to work. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6457/100
Total Statistic Load: 352
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52
Magic Affinity: 55
Mana Depth: 37
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070
Glyph Attunement: 26
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 81: Glassblowing Part Four With both wood and metal, Jeb had worked Glyphs into the new material. That was not what Jeb wanted to do here. Partially, he wanted to push back on the habit he was forming of using Skills only to improve his ability to scribe Glyphs. While leaning into the habit might give him more Statistics, it was almost certainly going to direct him towards a Class focused on Glyphs and inscribing them. Jeb may not have known what he wanted to do, but he knew well enough that he did not want to be pigeon holed so early in his Class Progression. That wasnt the only reason he was opposed to just shaping a piece of glass into the shape of Least Create Fire, though. The more that Jeb had worked with Glyphs, the more easily they came to him. By this point, the effort required to shape a Glyph was only slightly more than the effort of making any other shape. If he was going to make something to demonstrate his mastery over glass, it would need to be something more than that. Still, Jeb knew that he would need to use a Glyph if he wanted to tie any of the Magics that he knew into the glass. Even though the Bard had assured him that it did not need to be true, he still saw his Magic as fundamentally moving like a river of light or a thread. In the Enchantments and Song he knew, that required his Mana to travel through more than three dimensions. Rather than dive into the project anyways, finding a way to fit the woven thread of Lute Enforcement onto a static piece of glass, Jeb looked through the list of Glyphs he knew. There were a number that all fit in three dimensions, which was nice. Unfortunately, he would not be able to use any of his Efficient Spell Glyphs, because the extra layers of connections all took place in higher dimensions. Still, his eye was drawn to the newest Glyphs he had made. While Jeb had not spent much time making glass from sand, his grandfather had walked him through the process. If Least Create Sand were like any of the other Glyphs that he knew, it would produce perfectly pure sand, which would make firing it into glass far easier. Jeb nodded. He would make Least Create Sand, not through glass, but by bending and reflecting light through lenses and mirrors. The only issue he had to face now was how he could use colors. After all, his image of a Glyph was generally white light. Shrugging, Jeb got to work. He hadnt used every technique he knew while working with wood or metal, so it was probably fine to do so here. There was another question deeper in his mind, which was what the Glyph would do when he ran light through it. As he thought about it, he realized it was a question he could not answer any way except by making the Glyph and seeing what would happen. The first issue was making the beam of light. Jeb considered a variety of sources, but ultimately decided on a candle flame. It was easy for him to get candles, and it would be replaceable with Least Create Fire if Jeb really wanted to add Mana to the working. Once he had marked where the candle would go, Jeb blew a quick sphere of glass, taking the time to decorate its outside with an arrow. As he decided on the color for the arrow, he realized that he had found a use for his skill with color after all. He would use it to mark the flow of light through the system, or any other notes that he wanted to be permanent. When he had blown the sphere, he carefully cut and shaped it, then added a mirror coating. Once the solution had set, Jeb made sure that all the light from the candle would focus on a single point. He was a little surprised at how bright the beam of light coming off of the candle was once it had been focused. If there was anything flammable near him, he would have been tempted to see if the intense beam of light was hot enough to burn it. As the light started to diffract, Jeb placed his first lens. He became doubly glad for the fact that he had chosen not to make one of the Efficient Glyphs. Even with only straight lines, he knew that it was going to be a struggle to get the light to move how he wanted. The hours passed by quickly as Jeb made mirrors and placed them to shape the Glyph. As he started to align the light, though, he realized that he had an issue: the Glyph was not totally flat. It was an easy enough problem for him to fix once he had realized it, since he could just mount the mirrors in other small pieces of glass. But, it did add another level of complication to the process. At the end of the Glyph, Jeb realized that he needed to find a way to finish the light. When he used Glyphs in his mind, the light would change color slowly as it passed through the Glyph, before dispersing as it effected whatever change on the world the Glyph said that it would. Jeb considered how he could represent that with light. He tried just putting a lens out to let the light scatter, but that made it move too regularly. The dispersion he visualized was far more irregular, like fog drifting down the farm on a cool morning. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to get the entire effect to play out how he wanted. When his grandfather came in to check on him, Jeb was going through the entire Glyph for what had to be at least the tenth time, making sure that each line was precisely how the Glyph said it should be. His grandfather cleared his throat, and he looked up. Are you almost finished? his grandfather asked, looking at the project Jeb had made. Taking a step back, Jeb thought he had an idea why his grandfather was asking. What had begun as a single Glyph had quickly spiraled into a much larger project. Now, some of the white light from the candle was broken into red, yellow, green, and blue light, and some was left as a focused beam. The white light traveled through the Glyph for Least Create Air. The blue light traveled through the Glyph for Least Create Water. Jeb had to create the Glyph for himself, because it began to bother him how different Least Conjure Water was from the other Least Create shapes. The red light traveled through Least Create Fire, and the yellow traveled through Least Create Sand. For those four, his impression of the Mana traveling through the Glyph and the colors that he made from the light were mostly the same. He had needed to blend the light more than he had expected to get exactly the colors he wanted. For the Fire Mana, he had even needed to use panes of colored glass to get exact shade that he visualized the Mana as changing into. Unfortunately, try as he might, Jeb was unable to make a satisfying brown color for Earth Mana. The green light that he split from white was more or less unused, so he had resolved to use that as Earth Mana and just ignore the itching in the back of his head that he could be doing it far better if he was willing to just run through some brown glass. The diversion of shading brown glass to produce exactly the shade he saw Earth Mana as took far longer than Jeb was ever going to admit. He just hoped his grandfather didnt ask about the various colored pieces in the trash. Once all the lights split, Jeb reformed them all through their own Create Glyphs. Wherever possible, he had the beams of light overlapping and crossing over themselves. In all, it was a really beautiful work of glass and light, at least in his eyes. Or, it would be if he could just get over the fact that Earth Mana was not green. Im not sure, Jeb replied honestly. He could spend at least as long as he had spent on the project again and still find more to do. A voice in his head suggested that he could blow tubes for the lights on each Glyph to run through. Jeb was distracted from his musings by his grandfathers voice. Have you unlocked the Skill? Um, Jeb realized he hadnt checked.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Third Tier Glyph Chain Create a First Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 58 Experience, Mana Depth +2, Willpower +2, Mana +10
Stolen story; please report.
Congratulations! By learning to shape and blow glass under the personal direction of a master Glassblower, you have unlocked the General Skill: Glassblowing.
Yes, Jeb replied. Congratulations then! What did you make? his grandfather asked, clearly still unsure what the overlapping beams of light were. Jeb explained eagerly. When he had finished his project, his grandfather brought the rest of the family in to look at the work. Now, then, Jeb, he began as the last members of his family filed out, what do you want to do with this? Hmm? I will need the forges floor back at some point, his grandfather prompted, where do you want to move your work? Jeb considered the question. Ultimately, the transient nature of Glyphs and light were appealing to him, though he wasnt sure how to frame that to his grandfather. Still, he tried his best. Nodding, his grandfather helped him to clean the glass from the floor. They kept particularly well ground lenses or beautiful pieces of blown glass, but threw the rest away. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6515/100
Total Statistic Load: 352 -357
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 225 -230
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 52 -54
Magic Affinity: 55 -56
Mana Depth: 37 -39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1070 -1080
Glyph Attunement: 27
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 82: Preparing for the Harvest Jeb and his grandfather chatted as they finished cleaning the glass off of the floor. When they finished, Jeb realized that he was about to see the sun for the first time in a few days. As he reflected on the number of times he had gone to sleep, he readjusted that number to a week, two at the absolute maximum. To his surprise, the leaves on the trees were beginning to change colors. What had been primarily green as far as Jeb could see had changed to the feeling of harvest. Even the air was different. The warm and humid taste of summer had given way to the cool breezes of early fall. He could taste the first hints of winter on the air as he paid attention. Are you doing alright there, Jeb? his grandfather asked. Jeb realized that he had stopped as soon as the door opened. He had just been standing at the frame of the door staring at the changed scenery for at least a few minutes. He gave a sheepish grin, sorry, I just hadnt realized how much time had passed while I was working on Glassblowing. His grandfather grimaced, Thats partially on me. I forgot how invested you used to get in projects. Coupling that with the focus that Im sure Meditation helps you reach, it shouldnt have been a surprise to me that you never needed a break. Not that I think I needed one, Jeb wanted to proactively clarify, but why didnt you stop me if you thought I would need a break? Its good to teach younger Classholders that, even if your body and mind are technically capable of working for days on end with breaks only to eat, drink, and sleep, you are not. Everyone needs to socialize and give their minds time to work on something other than the specific project at hand. Jeb stared at his grandfather, waiting for the reason why he would need a break. Seeing Jebs confusion, his grandfather rolled his eyes, Either the amount of time I spent teaching you the basics of Glassblowing are as much human contact as you needed, or you are far more able to ignore the passing of time than a normal First Tier person is. As the words came out of his mouth, his grandfather chuckled, what am I saying? Of course youre better able to ignore the passage of time. Jeb nodded. He still remembered the way that he had unlocked his first Skills as a Classholder. While it was absolutely the fastest progress he had made, it wasnt worth how concerned his family had been. His grandfather redirected the conversation. Well, now that youve finished learning Glassblowing, are you ready to help with the harvest? Jeb nodded. Even before he had a Class, everyone helped with the harvest. When he was thirteen, he had asked his family why everyone needed to help. As he saw it, there was almost nothing he could do that someone with a Class couldnt do far faster and better. His grandfather explained to him that some Classes benefited from leading others. As a Farm Manager, the quality and quantity of harvests were on some level based on how many people helped to harvest the crops. That was one reason that the entire town made a path through each farm. A secondary benefit of having a Farm Manager leading the harvest was that everyone received temporary Statistics boosts as they worked. They did not show up in the System, so Jeb had no way of monitoring how much faster or stronger he was, but he always remembered the days passing in a blur as he worked with his family and the rest of the community to bring everyones harvests in. This year, Jeb knew that he would likely be working in a different role than normal. His grandfathers next comments only served to confirm that suspicion. Jeb, do you think that you could help your Aunt Esther with drying? I dont know how good your Fire control is, but it would be incredibly helpful if you would be able to. I should be able to! Jeb confirmed. It was a little disappointing, but he supposed it was the most rational choice. After all, even after having his Statistics boosted, he would still be far less effective at harvesting than any of the Farmhands or Harvesters in the town. He knew that his aunt often struggled to keep up with the amount of corn and wheat that they needed to dry. Where is she now? Jeb asked, ready to help as soon as he could. His grandfather chuckled. The harvest isnt for another few days. Do you have something that you can do during these next days to better prepare yourself for your role of dryer? Jeb considered asking about Tiering up, since he knew that he would absolutely be more useful as a Higher Tier Classholder. Before he did, though, he thought about the fact that his grandfather almost certainly would have suggested that he Tier up if it was a good idea. Thinking back to the first conversations that they had after he was given his Class, Jeb remembered why he was waiting. His grandfather and the rest of his family had recommended that Jeb spend a year laying a foundation for his future Class progression. It was hard to believe that more than a quarter of the year was already gone, but he supposed that was the nature of time. Once hed given up on the idea of Tiering up, Jeb considered what he could do to be a more effective dryer. Two ideas came to mind almost immediately. I think that the two most useful tasks I could work for are learning more efficient Fire Creation and Move Air Glyphs or increasing the size of my Mana pool. I dont know whether Aunt Esther will want me to be heating the grains or moving the air as she heats it, or both. If its only one, then I suppose I really only need to learn the single Glyph. Those both seem reasonable, though I would suggest prioritizing increasing your Mana pool more. Seeing Jebs look, his grandfather continued, how many times have you lost days to learning a new Glyph? Thats a good point, Jeb said. Privately, he thought about how much faster he had gotten at learning Glyphs. Still, it was worth seeing what his aunt would need help with first, so he made his way over to the brewery. Good morning, Jeb, his aunt said. What can I help you with? Grandfather said that I would be helping you to dry the crops for storage this year, Jeb said, and I wasnt sure what I could do that would be most helpful. His aunt let out a sigh of relief. Oh thank goodness. Its wonderful that the town has been more and more productive every year, but it is a little overwhelming. Do you have an idea for what you would like to do? I thought that either making fire to heat the room or pushing air to circulate heat would be the most useful thing I can do. His aunt looked at him for a moment, clearly considering her next question. Do you think that you could just pull the moisture out of the harvest? That stopped Jeb. He hadnt even considered that as an option. Im not sure, he said. His aunt tossed him a grain of wheat. Try pulling the water out of this, she said. How much should I take? Jeb asked. We can worry about doing it correctly after we see whether or not you can do it at all. That made sense, so Jeb nodded and focused on Least Shape Water. He visualized the water within the grain, thinking about how it would normally lose water to either forced or natural evaporation. That was no different than what he was doing, just with extra steps. As he slowly fed Mana into the Spell Glyph, Jeb was surprised to see the grain shrink as a small bead of water began to form on its surface. Wordlessly, his aunt tossed him a handful of wheat. Once more, Jeb focused on pulling the water out. It was somehow easier for him to do with the entire handful than it had been to focus on a single grain of wheat. His aunt took the handful of wheat from him and looked it over, nodding. That will make this much easier, she said, especially if you can do this at scale. You pulled the water somewhat unevenly, though. You have both Brewing and Pollination, his aunt reminded him, pull enough water from the seeds that you can store them but still plant them in the spring. Jeb picked up another handful of wheat and tried again. The moment that he reached for his Brewing and Pollination Skills, he felt them sing out to him. The water came up even more easily, and this time Jeb knew before his aunt said anything that he had pulled the right amount of water from each grain. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. To answer your question, it would be most helpful if you could do that, his aunt said. Where should I move the water to? Jeb asked. His aunt considered the question for a moment. If you can put it into a well, that would be ideal. Otherwise, I trust your judgement. Jeb spent a few more minutes catching up with his aunt before he made his way back to his room. It took a moment of searching, but he did find his Water Primer. I wonder if theres a Lesser Shape Water that I could learn, he though to himself. Though he hadnt reached the limits of his Least Shape Water, Jeb could tell that it would be limited in how much it could move. He wasnt sure if its limit was more or less than the amount that he would need to pull out of the crops, but he wanted to be prepared for the worst case scenario. As he paged through the Primer, Jeb quickly found the Glyph in question. Feeding a tiny trickle of Mana into the page, he saw the difference between Least and Lesser Glyphs. The first five points in the Glyph were identical, which made sense, since they were just Attuning the Mana to Water. The final ten points, which he still didnt know the use of, also were the same. In the middle, though, where Least Shape Water had ten points, this Glyph had twenty. Also unlike Least Shape Water, Lesser Shape Water didnt have each point flowing from one to another. While there was clearly some underlying pattern to the web of connections for Lesser Shape, Jeb could not make sense of what it was. Admitting defeat, he started paging through the book once more. He would come back to Lesser Shape Water when he did not have a deadline. For now, he would look and see if Least Shape Water -Efficient was already a Glyph in the book, or if he would need to craft it himself. To his relief, it was in the back of the book, in a section labeled Efficient Versions of First Tier Glyphs. He was tempted to start learning all of the Efficient Glyphs, but restrained himself. He fed a small trickle of Mana into the Least Shape Water -Efficient Glyph, watching the way that it traced through the connections on the Glyph. In a matter of minutes, he had learned the Glyph. It burned into his soul, and he saw that his Status had updated with the new Glyph and point of Magic Affinity. Setting the Water Primer aside, Jeb looked at the stack of Waterweave that his grandfather had given him. He got ready for his soul to burn and called Least Shape Water -Efficient to mind. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 6515/100
Total Statistic Load: 357 -358
Physical Load: 127
Strength: 29
Dexterity: 22
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 230 -231
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 56 -57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1080
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 83: Harvest Preparations Part Two Jeb called Least Shape Water - Efficient to mind and pushed it onto the sheet of Waterweave. Sheet after sheet crumbled into dust as he put enough Mana into them to impress the Glyph, cast it, and repeated the process. When he was about to collapse from pain and exhaustion, Jeb quickly collected his Quest rewards.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Third Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a Third Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Shape Water (Efficient) onto Waterweave.
Rewards: 58 Experience, Mana +20
As Jebs body collapsed beneath him, he reflected on the fact that adding another hundred Mana to his pool when his soul was already in pain might not have been a good idea. To his relief, the intense spiritual pain did nothing to stop him from drifting off to sleep. If anything, it seemed to help him lose consciousness. When Jeb woke, he saw the first few rays of sunshine breaking the horizon. He went downstairs and ate breakfast with his family. What are you going to do today? his grandfather asked. Jeb probed his soul, seeing how much pain it was in. I was only able to Scribe five Glyphs before the pain was too much, he said, and I dont think that I can do that many again today. That only takes a few minutes, so I thought that I might try to get my daily quests for Running, Lifting, and stretching done so that I can help raise those Statistics a little. Other than that, though, I have no real plans. His grandfather nodded. You might want to check on your hive to make sure that its ready for the winter. Do you know what Mana Aspected bees do over the winter? Jeb asked his grandfather. His grandfather just stared at him, and Jeb blushed a little. Ill take that as a no. Let me know what they say, though, his grandfather called after him. At the hive, Jeb chatted with the bees about his new Skill. Their conversation quickly turned to the changing of the seasons, and Jeb remembered to ask what the bees would do over the winter. They danced their confusion. Of course they would go to sleep, like bees always did in the winter time. Jeb nodded and moved the conversation on. He wasnt sure what else he would have expected. He quickly ran, lifted, and stretched, collecting the rewards for each.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 19 EXP
Once Jeb had finished the Quests, he started practicing the Ephemeral Song. He still couldnt hold more than two senses at once, but his ability to spin them up faster was certainly improving. It was shocking how much of a difference the extra Mana made. He would have expected that another ten percent Mana would give him around ten percent faster progress. As it turned out, though, Jebs productivity within each bout of learning the Song increased. The extra time he was able to add at the end of the session meant that he was progressing far faster than he expected. At the end of the day, Jeb returned to his room and started Scribing Waterweave again. He was shocked to find out that he was able to complete the Scribing Quest another five times. He wasnt sure whether he was training his soul to be more resistant to damage or if he was just better able to deal with the pain, but either way it was nice. There was a small voice in his head that told him he might be doing permanent damage. Jeb ignored that voice. The adults in his life would have absolutely warned him if that were the case. At the very least, there would have been an oblique note about soul damage in one of the books that he read. Since hed seen and heard nothing to suggest permanent damage was possible, Jeb embraced the pain and collected the Quest rewards, once more falling asleep in the midst of intense pain. He spent three more days following the same routine. He woke up, ate breakfast, talked to the bees, did his daily Quests for Running, Lifting, and stretching, worked on his Ephemeral Song. Before bed, he Scribed Least Shape Water - Efficient five times and collapsed asleep. When he woke up after four days of the pattern, he saw that his entire family was gathered downstairs. I take it that were starting the harvest today? he asked. His family nodded, and Jeb tucked into his breakfast all the more. He knew that he would be exhausted by the end of the day. When everyone had finished eating and cleaning up from breakfast, they made their way out to the fields. A few of the other townsfolk were already there, and the adults started to catch up with each other. Jeb held back as he always had. His sister started walking towards the adults and he stopped her. Where are you going? His sister looked at him, rolling her eyes, were Classholders now, Jeb. That means our input is technically welcome at harvest planning. Jeb nervously followed her. As he had expected, the conversation was almost completely incomprehensible to him. Rather than talk about what the plan was explicitly, each Farmer only suggested changes to the previous year, often in the form of reminders of earlier harvests. Harvesting the Eastern fields like we did twelve harvests ago meant that we had slightly less loss compared to last year, one grizzled Harvester said. Apparently that was a controversial claim, because the crowd erupted into loud arguments. It took Jebs grandfather a shockingly long time to reestablish order. Even though he couldnt participate, Jeb did his best to try to follow what was happening. Even if he was likely going to work with his Aunt Esther to dry and preserve the crops this year, that did not mean that the same would be true in the future. After all, no one knew where his Class was going to progress. If he did end up getting some sort of Farmer Mage Class, there was a chance he would have Spells which could automate a lot of the harvesting. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Jeb shook himself out of his daydreams of being able to clear entire fields with a wave of his hand when he saw that the crowd was starting to disperse. What did I miss? he whispered to his sister. Great question, she replied, I honestly have no idea. I think that were starting with our fields, though. That happened every year, so Jeb was unsurprised that it would be true again. Well, I guess Ill see you tonight, then, he said, heading towards his aunts brewery. Where are you going? his sister asked, confused. Grandfather thinks that Ill be most useful to the harvest if I work with Aunt Esther to dry the crops we need to dry. She agreed with his assessment, and I cant think of any reason that wouldnt be true. Oh. If Jeb didnt know better, he would have thought that his sister was sad about the fact that they wouldnt be working in the fields together. Well, see you tonight, then. With a hug and a wave, the two siblings went to their assigned stations. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8193/100
Total Statistic Load: 358 ->370
Physical Load: 127 ->139
Strength: 29 ->33
Dexterity: 22 ->26
Endurance: 31 ->35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 231
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1080 ->1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 84: The Harvest Begins Jeb opened the door to the brewery and stopped. It was dark, which made no sense at all. Even accounting for the fact that it was the harvest, his Aunt Esther was always awake before him. As he stood at the doorway, trying to decide what to do, he heard someone calling his name. Jeb, what are you doing here? his aunt asked. I thought we were drying the crops that needed to be stored dehydrated, Jeb replied. He was suddenly optimistic, do we have to wait to do that until after the first day of the harvest? Without waiting for an answer, he began walking towards the fields. His aunt held out a hand to stop him. No, someone will bring the first loads of corn to dry in a few hours. Until then, I normally need to start stoking the fires. We do that in the milling building, though, since well need to mill down a lot of the things we dry. Wheres the milling building? Jeb asked. He didnt remember ever seeing or hearing about that building. Ill show you, his aunt said, moving away. Jeb followed her off the property. While they werent moving at anything even resembling a sprint, he knew that he would have had trouble keeping up before he had gotten his Class. As he watched the fields move by at a shockingly fast pace, he considered how slowly the exertion was getting to him. If he didnt know better, he would have assumed that he had somehow increased his Statistics. Looking at his Status, though, he didnt see any changes. Something in his expression must have given him away, because his aunt chuckled. I suppose that this would be your first time receiving your grandfathers harvest benefits as a Classholder, isnt it? It really is much more of a change than before you have a Class, because the bonuses to your Statistics all come better than additively. The higher your Statistics are, the more that youll benefit from this. The fact that no one with a Class needs to sleep during the harvest is really the only reason that we are able to get through everything in time. Well, she quickly amended, that and the fact that there is a Weather Mage who makes sure that we dont get rained out. Jeb wanted to ask about that, but before he could, his aunt stopped running. Looking around, Jeb realized that they were on the opposite side of town from the farm. Welcome to the mill, his aunt said, gesturing to the large stone building. Most likely, there will already be some oats in here from people who used the time before the morning meeting to start harvesting. She opened the door, and a steady rolling sound reverberated from inside. Its good that someone else is here to start rolling the oats, his aunt continued, starting the mill going is hardly my specialty. Whenever they finish, well take the leftover oats and dry them. Id like you to see if you can dry them to the point that theyre ready to store, though be aware that you wont be able to rely on your Skills as much. After all, youve never used oats in Brewing, and we wont be replanting these. Before Jeb could nod, a pile of what he assumed were partially processed oats dropped into a waiting crate in the back of the room. Well, then, his aunt said, it looks like its time for you to get to work. How much water should I take out? Jeb asked, moving towards the crate. All of it, his aunt replied, so I hope that it wont be too difficult. Jeb called Least Shape Water - Efficient to mind and focused on the water that he knew was within each oat. Instead of focusing on a single oat, though, or even a handful like he had worked on before, this time Jeb tried to focus on the entire crate at once. He pulled with the Glyph and was a little surprised to see a globe of water start to form above the pile of oats. As he kept watching, the globe grew bigger and the pile shifted as the individual oats grew smaller. When he felt like they were all dry, Jeb looked at his aunt. She didnt seem to notice, so he coughed. While it hadnt been as difficult as he had expected to pull the water out of the pile of oats, something about how he activated the Glyph wasnt giving him the mental space that he needed to communicate while holding them aloft. When his aunt heard him cough, his Aunt Esther turned. Looking at the water in his head, she nodded. Theres a stream beside the building, she said. You can put the water youve pulled out into there. Jeb pushed the water out of an open window and let his concentration drop. The ball of water, no longer supported against gravity, fell into the stream and joined it. Jeb shook his head for a moment, trying to focus through the sudden fog that was clearing his mind. While that may not have been the absolute limit of how much water the Glyph would be able to move, it was certainly at nearly his own limit, given his own familiarity with the Spell and his Statistics. His aunt seemed to notice, and asked Jeb what was wrong. When he explained, his aunt nodded, clearly running through some math in her head. If thats near the limit of what you can pull, then that means, her muttering ceased making sense to Jeb when she turned around to push the crate from underneath the chute. Without turning around, she explained what she was doing, clearly seeing the surprise on Jebs face. Theres likely to be another load of oats coming soon, she said, and it would be a shame for all of your hard work drying these oats to go to waste if they were to get covered in still wet oats. Picking one up and tasting it, his aunt frowned. Though, I suppose having you dehydrate oats may not be our best decision. If I had been thinking, that would have been obvious. Why not? Jeb asked. Oats are one of the crops that we actively heat to dry. It imparts a better flavor to them, which you pulling the water out does not. Still, these will do just fine for feed, which is what they were meant for anyways. After rolling another cart underneath the chute, his aunt started to push the first cart towards a large door in the back of the mill. Where are we going? Jeb asked, helping her to push it. The oats need to be bagged for transportation, so were going to leave them outside the barn for someone to take to your uncles workshop. That seems inefficient, Jeb said. Wouldnt it make more sense to pack them here? His aunt laughed. You sound like everyone does on their first harvest. A lot of the steps we have that seem inefficient are designed the way that they are explicitly to make them more efficient. Your uncles workshop is the building closest to the town storage, which means that the bags can all be stored immediately once theyve been filled. Theres not a much better way of transporting unpacked grains to your uncle than in these carts, and the carts get sent back with extra bags when he has them. Jeb nodded. While he was still unsure if what his aunt was suggesting was actually the most efficient way to pack everything, it was clear that someone had put thought into it. When they had brought the cart outside, Jeb was surprised to see his aunt stop. We only need to get it outside, she explained, someone else will take it to your uncle and help him to pack it. Now, then, would you like to help me start the kiln for the rest of the oats? What about everything else that is being harvested today? Jeb asked. Itll just be oats today, his aunt said, you were at the planning meeting. Did you not hear that? Honestly, I followed very little of the meeting, Jeb replied. His aunt nodded. I suppose that makes sense. I certainly couldnt follow most of what the Farmers were discussing for my first few harvests. The two made their way to another building which sat beside the mill. Inside, his aunt showed him how they would roast and dry all of the rest of the days oats. He was surprised to see that the crate of oats needed to be lifted from the mill in order to get to the kiln. Seeing his expression, his aunt tried to explain. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ok, this is one place where you would be correct in assuming that the current process is inefficient. This floor is slightly lower than where anything has its hull removed. They used to just pipe the materials straight from the hull removal into here, where we either piped them back down to be ground or sent off to be bagged. His aunt continued, explaining not only why that hadnt worked, but why every solution that they had tried also failed. As it was, though sending grains down a chute after losing their hulls just to raise them up to dry them just to send them down to be collected again just to raise them up to mill them was not the best process, there didnt seem to be a way that worked better, at least without rebuilding the entire mill or kiln. As the two of them kept working, Jeb noticed that everyone coming by was smiling. He didnt remember that level of cheer when he had been working in the fields. His aunt explained, we were all incredibly worried about being able to keep up with the harvest this year. Part of why we started with oats is that theyre one of the least delicate things we need to dry. If you being here still wasnt fast enough to work at the rate of the Harvesters, we would have needed to find a solution. Instead, were working as fast as they can supply crops to mill. Jeb nodded. He was glad that he could help the community. As the hours passed on, he considered the fact that he had left a room that was hot and had no windows, only to quickly return to another. He had no clue how long he and his aunt had been working. Unlike working alone, having someone to chat with and keep him from getting too dehydrated meant that Jeb had no way to gauge the passing time. Whenever a batch of oats was finished, it disappeared and another arrived. Finally, though, his aunt signaled for him to stop. Its time for dinner, she said. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8193/100
Total Statistic Load: 370
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 231
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 85: Harvest Part Two Jeb followed his aunt out of the kiln and over to the town square. This, at least, was the same experience as it had been every year before. The entire town gathered each day for an evening meal. Those who had small children or lacked a Class would leave for the night to get some rest. Jeb was excited to finally see what the other side of the experience was like. For the first time, he would be awake with the rest of the town as they all continued to work. At dinner, someone complimented his Aunt Esther on how quickly she was able to dry all of the oats. I dont know what changed from last year, but I heard that Frank was struggling to weave quickly enough to keep up with the incoming carts. I dont believe that for a moment, his aunt said, rolling her eyes. I would believe that he wasnt able to weave three bags per bag that he needed, but there is no chance that we were working more quickly than him. Still, the Harvester insisted, what have you been doing so differently this year? Jeb leaned in, also curious. Id have to guess that the biggest difference is having someone else kilning with me, his aunt said, gesturing to Jeb with a nod. I didnt need to stop even a single time to readjust the flames in the kiln. He kept the air circulating quickly and the temperature even. Ah, that makes sense, the Harvester replied, it sure is a shame that- He cut off at Jebs aunts sudden glare. That what? Jeb asked. If I had to guess, his aunt said, staring the Harvester down with a pointed look, then I would guess that the town believes that you want to set off to adventure soon. Jeb shuddered. Grandfather told me stories about adventuring, he said, I dont really understand why I would want to go. He didnt say that he had no idea why anyone would want to go, but something must have shown on his face, because his aunt answered the unasked question. For a lot of new Classholders, the only path they see to escape the situation they were born in is through adventuring. In their defense, there are any number of famous Ninth Tier Adventurer who came from humble beginnings. Jeb nodded. And the risks in adventuring are at least unknown, as opposed to the known life that they would face in their conditions, he continued. Seeing his aunts shock, Jeb hurried to explain, Grandfather mentioned that fear of the unknown and thrill in the unknown are far closer than most are willing to admit. It took me a while to figure out what he meant, but that was my best guess. Well enough said, the Harvester finally spoke up. Anyways, it looks like its time to go back to the fields. Sue, he tipped his hat, Ill be seeing you. As he walked away, Jeb noticed that the crowd was starting to fade. No one was rushing to finish their meals, but those that had began walking back to the fields or their homes. Jeb looked down at his own plate and realized that he still had most of his meal left. Looking at his aunts plate and seeing it nearly empty, he began shoveling the food into his mouth. When he had finished, he and his aunt walked back to the kiln. The rush of hot air that came out when he opened the door nearly bowled him over. Was it that hot when we left? Jeb asked. His aunt shrugged. Probably not. Without the oats coming in to soak up a lot of the heat, it probably heated up a fair bit more. It wont cool down too much, though. Why not? His aunt just looked at him for a moment. Because we wont let it, she finally said. The hotter the general air in the kiln is, the faster we can dry out the crops we need. Even if the Harvester was joking, I would love to no longer be the pace limiting step in the harvest this year. Jeb saw a fire burning in his aunts eyes. It mirrored the fire that he felt burning beneath their feet. As he nodded and called Least Move Air up to show he understood, the first load of oats came pouring out of a crate. Jeb worked without a break for hours on end. While he had the Mana to do so, he used Least Move Fire and Least Create Fire to keep the kiln evenly hot. As his aunt had told him, they never let a region cool off. Instead, as sections started heating up, she told him to start heating the rest of the kiln floor as well. In the moments that the fire was stable or his aunt was working to stoke and replace the wood in the fire, Jeb used Least Move Air to make sure that there were no places where water vapor or heat could build up too much. When his Mana emptied, Jeb took turns stoking the fires by hand and turning the piles of oats. He quickly learned to recognize the way that a pile of oats would change smell as it grew dry and then slightly toasted. By the time that his aunt signaled at him to take a break, Jeb felt like he could do all of the work with his eyes closed. The smell of the air was different when it was stagnant, and he felt like he could connect to the entire kiln when he used Least Move Air. This should be our last load of oats, at least for now, his aunt said, handing him a water skin. How do you know? Jeb took a drink as he listened to her answer. They left a message in the latest cartful, his aunt said, gesturing at the pile of oats waiting to be spread. Where? The pile is the message, his aunt said. Jeb stared at the pile, trying to understand where there was a hidden meaning. When he couldnt figure it out, his aunt suggested that he start drying it. When Jeb went to spread the oats into a thin layer across the floor, he understood what the message was. The load of oats that they had been delivered was only half the size that the previous loads had been. Aunt Esther, he called without looking up or pausing. Was the message the fact that the pile is smaller? Exactly, she called from where she was stoking the flames. Next should be feed corn. If you want to dry it by pulling water out, that would be greatly appreciated. Ok! Jeb saved his Mana, working the oats entirely by hand. Almost the moment that they poured the oats down the chute to be taken to mill, a cart full of corn was dumped into the room. While his aunt started spreading the corn out on the floor, Jeb focused on pulling the water out of it. His Pollinating Skill started screaming at him, and Jeb strained his mind to ask a question while holding the Glyph and its effect. Do we need to keep some water in the corn in case we want to sprout any of it? His aunt looked surprised. It would be better if we can, she said. I didnt realize that you were able to talk while working your Glyphs. Jeb couldnt hold the split focus any longer. He hoped that his silence would be enough of an answer. Pulling water out of the corn meant that it took far less time to dry than the oats had. Since the food was only going to livestock, flavor was less important. Somehow, despite the fact that Jeb knew that they were working far more quickly, it seemed like they were falling behind. When they finished a load of oats, there were often periods of a few moments to minutes where no other oats came down. With the corn, though, as soon as they had sent one load down the chute, another load came through the grate. When they finally paused for dinner, Jeb asked his aunt why that was. There are a few reasons, she said, breathing deeply. She began holding up fingers to mark them as she spoke. A lot of the Harvesters are more efficient at harvesting corn than oats. Corn is easier to harvest in large quantities than oats. The Skills your grandfather uses to increase our Statistics become more effective the longer that the Harvest lasts without sleep. She seemed to consider something for a moment, which is part of why we try to avoid sleeping whenever possible. Im sure that theres an element of seeing how quickly we can move, though that would only be a few people. There are probably other reasons, but they likely either tie into one of those or arent a primary reason. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Jebs mind spun at some of what his aunt had said. He didnt feel like he was any stronger or faster than he had been the day before, but his aunts comment seemed to imply that he should be. Before he could ask about that, the two of them were given a plate of food, and Jeb realized just how hungry he was. When he was able to focus again, he saw that the plate was empty. Someone came around with a pot of whatever theyd been eating, and seeing Jeb trying to mop the last remnants of the meal up with an end of bread, put another scoop onto his plate. Now that his hunger was less pressing, Jeb found that he was able to enjoy the meal. It was always the best part of harvest season. Wherever possible, fresh produce featured in all of the foods. There was nothing quite like eating an ear of corn that had been plucked mere moments before it was placed into a pot of boiling water to cook. Truthfully, Jeb had fond memories of sharing a raw ear with other Unclassed children when they had harvested corn in prior years. The sudden realization that he would never try to hide the evidence of a midday snack in the fields while adults laughed and mentioned their own times doing the same struck Jeb then. No matter what his future brought, it was not going to be the same careless harvest that he had spent with friends and family. Even if he did not remain the crop drier forever, he would almost certainly start giving input into how the harvest should proceed. With a start, Jeb realized that he might not even be in town for harvests forever. Every Magic Primer was very clear that Mages needed to apprentice under Higher Tier Mages. The Priest, Librarian, and even the Bard had made similar comments. Though Jeb knew that the food hadnt suddenly grown less delicious, he stopped tasting any of it as he thought about where his future might take him. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8193/100
Total Statistic Load: 370
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 231
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 86: Harvest Part Three As the meal wound down, Jebs aunt gestured for him to follow her back to kiln. The moment that they entered, another pile of corn came pouring through the entrance. His aunt rolled her eyes. Can you handle this load while I go stoke the fires? she asked. Absolutely, Jeb replied, already calling the Glyph to mind. Before his aunt had made it down the stairs, the first batch of corn was already pouring down the chute. To his surprise, there wasnt another batch already coming in. As he felt the heat in the room grow more constant, Jeb kept waiting for another load of corn to be dropped in. His aunt came up before it did. Why isnt there more corn yet? he asked. Just because the kiln is right next to the town meal doesnt mean that the fields are, his aunt said. It takes time for the Harvesters to move the produce from the fields into town, to say nothing of the time it takes to harvest the crops. She paused for a moment, so Jeb assumed the conversation was over. As he started to call Least Move Air to mind to help reset some of the currents in the room, she spoke again. Also, I would have to assume that theyre no longer focusing on corn to the exclusion of everything else. Jeb let the Glyph fade from his mind in an instant. What do you mean? You remember yesterdays dinner, right? Jeb nodded. The subtext in that conversation that I suppose you must have missed was that they were curious how fast we could actually work, if we needed to. My best guess is that they spent the entire day yesterday only harvesting corn. Honestly, I wouldnt be shocked if a few people also hung around the mill to make it move that little bit faster. Before Jeb could ask what that meant, his aunt continued. Most of the crops that we harvest dont need to be dried out. Generally, I would expect to see two to three loads of corn an hour. Yesterday, we were going through around ten to twelve. How could you tell? Jeb asked. He immediately started thinking of the possible answers. Chief among them was that there were only twenty four hours in a day, so if she kept track of the number of loads they did between meals, that would at least be close to how many they did in twenty four hours. One of my Class Skills is a timer, she responded. It makes malting grain far easier, because I can walk away, knowing how long I have to do other tasks before I need to be back. How have you been keeping track of time? When Im outside, I look at the passage of the sun? Jeb responded questioningly. Otherwise, I dont. Ive just been taking breaks as you told me to. His aunt put her head in her hands. She muttered something that sounded like this boy will be the death of his teachers, before shaking her head and standing up again. Well, she said, tone indicating that she had moved past whatever she had been thinking about, how do you want to spend the time between loads? Jeb considered that. If I had my lute, I would like to work on the new Song that the Bard told me to learn, he said. Otherwise, I suppose that working to even out my Mental Statistics would be a good idea. I think I even still have some space left to grow my Physical Statistics. He looked at his Statistics again, remembering what his grandfather had told him about his Class progression. Actually, he corrected himself, there are a few linked things I need to work on. My Charisma is far too low right now, and I need to raise that at least fifteen points. Once I do that, my lowest Physical Statistic can be as high as forty, which is more than fine. As long as I dont raise any of my Physical Statistics too high, I dont need to increase my Magic Affinity, which is still my highest Statistic. His musings were interrupted by another load of corn coming in. Without thinking about it, Jeb pulled the moisture from the load and used a brief flex of Least Move Air to push the corn into the exit chute. The moments that it took were enough for his mind to catch up to his thoughts. I guess that really just means that the best thing for me to do right now is to learn some songs for lute and voice, since each of those is worth points of Charisma. I can man the kiln for as long as it takes you to go get your lute, his aunt said. Especially since you just saved me fifteen minutes. Jeb rushed back to the farm to take his lute. On the way, he saw a number of carts coming into town. As his aunt had suggested, very few of them had corn inside. Instead, most were filled with tubers and other vegetables that could be stored somewhere cool over the winter. He even saw one filled with apples, which was a surprise. It seemed early in the harvest to already be taking in a load of them. Jeb considered asking about that for a moment. As he opened his mouth to do so, though, he thought about the optics of the situation. Asking about the order that things were harvested in at least implicitly implied that he thought there was a better one. Since he had no clue what the optimal order for any of the harvest was, it seemed best to not ask what was happening. His aunt would be just as able to answer the questions, after all. After grabbing his lute, he had a moment of concern. The room that he was working in was far hotter than anywhere else that he had taken the lute. Working on impulse more than any real understanding, Jeb prodded the connection between the lute and himself. The feeling he got from the lute was that it would be able to handle any heat that he was able to handle. Still, just to be safe, he started playing Lute Enforcement as he walked back to the kiln, first running his Mana through Attune Fire Mana. Back at the kiln, he saw that his aunt was just finishing kilning a batch of corn. The rest of the day passed with Jeb and his aunt kilning the corn with flames and heat, rather than Mana. With the Mana Jeb conserved, he tried to learn the Ephemeral Song that the Bard had tried to teach him. When he ran out of Mana, he started working through the Lute Method Book that he had taken to storing in the case. By dinner time, he had almost learned another song. It had taken him far longer than it should, but Jeb didnt feel comfortable singing about the glories of joining the Republican Army after everything that his grandfather had told him. The next song that wasnt explicitly directing the listeners to join was a little harder than his skill level. If his experiences learning Glassblowing had taught him anything, though, it was the value of sticking to his beliefs. Because he no longer had any real downtime, Jeb forgot to ask his aunt what the singular load of apples had been for. He quickly got an answer at dinner time. Everyone got a fresh apple bake. Jeb was surprised to see how much everyones mood picked up when they started eating it. Asking his aunt about that, she chuckled a little. Harvesting is hard work, and it can feel like theres no real difference day to day. Thats a major reason why your grandfather pushed the town to have communal dinners every day during the harvest. It helps build a sense of town camaraderie and it means that everyone gets the nutrients they need to work effectively. Over the years, hes refined that pattern more and more. By day three, most people are starting to work through their own energy reserves, just because its somewhat difficult to eat all of the calories you need in a day in a single sitting. Making sure everyone gets a baked apple helps to ensure that they have the energy for another day of work. Thank you for explaining, Jeb responded. His grandfather happened to be walking along when his aunt gave her explanation, and he nodded his head. If I could add something? Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Seeing his aunt nod, his grandfather spoke, those are all true reasons. There is another reason, though its slightly less altruistic. Think about how rarely we have baked apples that have this much sugar and spice. By making sure that harvest time is when everyone eats the best, it makes people excited for the harvest, rather than dreading the weeks without sleep or major downtime. Jebs grandfather walked off, and Jeb considered what he had said. It made some amount of sense. He had always looked forward to the harvest as much to help his family as for the communal meals. Thinking back, the food did always seem better than anything else he would eat. After dinner, Jeb and his aunt returned to the kiln. He reflected for a moment about how different it was working in the kiln than in the fields. When he had been working with the Harvesters, the night time work was more difficult, because you had to work by moonlight, which washed everything out. Inside the kiln, though, everything was the same shade of light throughout the day. Jeb had asked about the fact that the kiln seemed so sealed. Were next to the mill, his aunt said, and while they try to keep all of the dust from milling carefully sorted and disposed of, theres always some amount that stays in the air there. While we try to keep the flames well controlled here, theres always a chance of a stray spark, so we keep the mill and kiln as separated as we can, to prevent any chance of a fire. Before they could keep talking, a load of corn poured into the room. Jeb started smoothing it out into a sheet while his aunt went downstairs to adjust the heat. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8193/100
Total Statistic Load: 370
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 231
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 87: Ending the Harvest The next few days started to fall into a rhythm. Jeb would work with his aunt to dry a load of whatever the Harvesters had brought in to be dried. When they finished, he would work on his Ephemeral Song and the songs in the Lute Method Book. Once a day, they would open the doors of the kiln to find that it was somehow already evening. By the time that the harvest had ended, the chill in the air had grown. Each night cooled down to just above a frost. At the final celebration for another successful harvest, Jeb realized that he hadnt collected the Quest rewards for learning songs.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lute Playing First Tier Learn a Piece for Lute Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Singing First Tier Learn a song Go forth and serenade.
Rewards: 1 Charisma, 19 EXP
He had ended up learning five songs in total, which brought his Charisma up a fair amount. Looking at the note hed left himself, Jeb saw that it still wasnt as high as his grandfather had recommended. In retrospect, Jeb thought to himself, maybe modifying all of my Spell Glyphs may not have been the best idea. Hed been so excited to raise his Magic Affinity and Mana Depth that he hadnt considered what that would do to his future progression. As his thoughts moved to his Mana Depth, Jeb realized that it was now his lowest Mental Statistic. Looking through his Quest Logs, he realized that he didnt have a single way to increase his Mana Depth without also also raising his Magic Affinity, if only slightly. It seemed like his best bet was to create Higher Tier Glyphs, since his Glyph Creation Quests seemed to double the amount of Mana Depth with each increasing Tier. As it was, the highest Tier Glyph he had a Quest to create was a Third Tier Glyph. That didnt seem like it would be too difficult. After all, he knew Least Create Sand. He could make that Least Create Sand -Efficient, which every other time resulted in a Third Tier Glyph. Once he had done that, he could in theory go through all of the other Glyphs he knew, though that might be suboptimal. Learning one of the Lesser Spell Glyphs might benefit him more, but it would depend a lot on how much longer it would take him to make those Glyphs. Jeb was distracted from his musings by his grandfather. He had stepped onto the stage in the middle of the town square and cleared his throat. Good evening, he said, and the entire town grew quiet. First, congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped with this years harvest. Though we have not yet finished the official tally, unofficial counts suggest that this is our best harvest yet! The crowd cheered at that, though it was short lived. Even though most of the town had a Class that gave boons to harvesting, and his grandfathers Skills helped that even more, working nonstop was still exhausting for anyone. The fact that they all would all have at least a day or two to rest before the rest of life needed tending to was a nice change. His grandfathers speech turned less cheerful as he discussed the tax situation. Much of the context and specifics went over Jebs head. He still wasnt entirely sure how large a bushel was, though from the look on the nearby Farmers faces, needing to provide as many as they did was clearly a hardship. His grandfather must have noticed the change in the crowd. But, this was not his first time giving the post harvest debrief. He knew better than to derail it for any reason. At the end of the speech, everyone began to follow the tradition of thanksgiving. In short, someone would go to the dais that his grandfather had just stepped down from and give public thanks to an individual who had vastly exceeded expectations, or at the very least was essential to the towns harvest performance. As always, the first thanking went to his grandfather. By and large, Jeb never really understood the explicit reason people were being thanked. Most of the thankers and thankees were Harvesters, and they all had very specialized Skills to help with the harvest. He still cheered as hard as the rest of the crowd though. Even if he didnt know exactly what they were cheering about, it was important to thank people for jobs well done. When his Aunt Esther was called out, though, Jeb cheered even louder. He was shocked to see her stand up afterwards. As she approached the stage, he went through the list of everyone he could think of that she might be thanking. His mind was mostly blank, though. Anyone he thought she might be thanking had already been thanked. As tended to happen, the crowd grew louder as the speakers changed off. His aunt neared the stage, and the crowd started to quiet down. He must have been the only one confused, at least if the expectant looks on the crowds face were any indication. I would like to thank my nephew Jeb, she said, and the crowd roared. His aunt waited for them to quiet down before continuing. Im sure that everyone noticed how much more quickly we were able to kiln and dry everything this year. That was solely due to Jeb being in the kiln with me. He knew that wasnt true. After all, his aunt had also improved her Skills since the last harvest. Feeling his ears start to burn, Jeb tried to hide his embarrassment. It didnt work, especially as his aunt continued to expound on all of the ways that he had helped the harvest to proceed more smoothly. Jeb was beginning to regret not improving his Presence at all since receiving his Class. If he had done so, there was a chance that he would have been able to at least somewhat hide how he was feeling. Still, when the crowd cheered for him, it still did feel nice to know that the work he had done was appreciated. The next few days passed somehow even more quickly. He walked back to the farm with the rest of his family. Jeb, his sister called out, carry me. He almost refused on instinct, but he took a second look at her. The thanks that shed received were clearly earned. She looked completely exhausted, as though she were only on her feet out of complete stubbornness. He accepted, and started carrying her home. She fell asleep before theyd gotten back, and he couldnt blame her. When they got back to the house, the days without sleep suddenly struck him. He tossed her onto her bed, noting that she didnt even react to the impact, made it to his room, and collapsed. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8288/100
Total Statistic Load: 370 ->380
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 231 ->241
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 34 ->44
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 88: Preparing for Winter When Jeb woke from his sleep, he was surprised to see that the sun was only just breaking the horizon. Walking down the stairs, he saw most of his family gathered around the table, quietly chatting with each other. Good morning, Jeb, his grandfather said, raising a mug of tea in salute. The rest of his family muttered similar greetings, and Jeb returned the morning calls to everyone in turn. Well, then, his grandfather continued, it looks as though the wager is up. What wager? His sister began speaking before anyone else could. Everyone collapses for days after their first harvest. Also, the wager isnt over yet, Grandfather. His grandfather rolled his eyes. The wager is over, because I know that Jeb did not accept the Quest for Harvest Season, let alone claim it. The family erupted into an uproar at that. Calls of that was relevant information, and similar cries broke out, and his grandfather let them all settle down. Now, then, did any of you think to ask if Jeb had accepted the Harvest Quest? Mutters of no went around the room. Jeb was beginning to grow concerned. What is everyone talking about? Seeing confusion play across his face, his sister began speaking again. The fact that youre helping with the Towns harvest means that you are able to keep working through the days without needing sleep. But, at the end of the day, youre still only First Tier. Your body does need sleep more than once every few weeks. So, theres always a bet amongst family members about how long it takes people to wake after their first harvest. Apparently accepting the Quest Reward for Harvest Season makes a difference in how long it takes people to wake up, though no one will tell me what that difference is. She glared jokingly at the rest of the family, who all chuckled good naturedly. There are other factors that are far more important, and there also isnt a consensus about what accepting the Quest Reward does, his mother said, provoking another round of mock outrage. The rest of the conversation spiraled from there, and Jeb enjoyed just being around his family for a moment. He knew that it wouldnt last for long. Even if everyone needed rest, the animals would need tending, and the fields would need to be tended as well. That was always true, though. In particular, since it was the end of the harvest, more perishable items needed to be canned, equipment needed to be repaired and mended, and everyone needed to prepare for winter. When his grandfather finished drinking his cup of tea, everyone seemed ready to go out for the day. Jeb realized that he hadnt been explicitly told that he had woken up after a single nights sleep. If he didnt ask now, he might not get the chance. So, how long was I asleep? he asked his family. Oh, just one full day and night, his grandfather said offhandedly. Thats well within whats normal, especially given how high your Statistics are right now. Why didnt I get the Quest Notification to help with the harvest? Jeb quickly followed up. If his grandfather was willing to rapidly answer questions, he was going to take advantage of that. Also, why didnt you tell me that there was a Quest I should have accepted? I didnt tell you because I wasnt sure if you would end up being able to accept it. As it turned out, that was true. Why didnt you think that I would be able to accept the Quest? There are two reasons. First, you were not directly harvesting anything. In past years, lower Tier members of the community who had support roles like you took didnt always receive the Quest. Also, you dont have a Farming Class. While other Classes often have had access to the Harvest Quest, they also dont universally have it offered to them. Between the two, I was fairly sure that you wouldnt get a message to accept the Quest. His grandfather started walking towards the forge. What are the rewards for the Quest? Jeb asked, following him into the hot room. After working in the kiln through the whole harvest, it was shockingly comfortable. Theres an Achievement you get that updates with the number of harvests youve helped out with. Other than that, there arent any explicit rewards. It tells you exactly how much you harvested, and what the town as a whole managed to bring in. For Overseers, theres more detail in it about what the Harvesters under you managed, which is mostly nice for accounting and tax purposes. So I didnt really miss out on anything? Not as such, no. While they had been speaking, Jebs grandfather had started stoking the forge. Without even thinking about it, Jeb called the Least Move Air Glyph to mind and to stoke the forge more quickly. Thank you for that, Jeb. Huh? Jeb finally noticed what he was doing. Oh, sorry. No problem at all. Are you forging something in particular right now? Jeb asked. A good number of tools got bent during work, so I was going to start repairing them all. A few will need to be totally reforged, but most can probably just be beaten back into shape. His grandfather gestured towards the piles of metal tools on the side of the room. Can I help with anything? His grandfather smiled. If youre willing to sharpen, that would be fantastic. Even though a number of tools need more than just sharpening, every tool needs at least a little honing. Id be happy to help. It was clear which pile was tools that needed to be repaired, and which just needed to be made sharp again. He picked up a sickle and tested its edge. As soon as he tried, Jeb knew that the sickle would need major sharpening. He was fairly sure that he could press his thumb into the blade without breaking skin. Thankfully, it was still sharp enough that the bevel angle was clear to him. He started up a grinder and got to work sharpening. That set the tone for the rest of the day. The steady beating sound of a hammer striking an anvil echoed in the room, along with the roar of the flame and the gentle hum of the grinder. Jeb felt himself falling into a similar Meditative state to what he had felt during the harvest. Unlike in the harvest, though, the state was harder to keep. His body clearly had not totally recovered from the work he had done during the harvest, and he could feel himself grow more tired as he worked. After all the time in the kiln, where he could not gauge the passing of time except for the passing of loads of grain, it was a strange contrast. When he heard the hammering stop, Jeb looked up to see his grandfather standing over him. Good job, his grandfather said, nodding in the direction of the tools he had already sharpened. Have you honed those as well? Not yet, Jeb admitted. They arent even totally sharp. It seemed most efficient to go through everything at the same grit level before moving to a finer grit. I dont disagree with the instinct, his grandfather replied, but after lunch, would you be willing to work on that set instead? He gestured to a pile of knifes and other slaughter equipment. Jeb realized why immediately. Oh, its almost time for slaughter, isnt it? His grandfather nodded. I wont ask you to help with that, I hope you understand. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Jeb did. Of all the Skills that he knew his family had, the Animal Husbandry ones were the clearest to see. They were able to make sure the animals did not panic as they waited for their slaughter, and the deaths came far more easily and painlessly than skill alone could explain. During butchering, it meant that no part of the animal went to waste from missed cuts or mistakes. It would be unfair to the animals to have anyone without Skills related to their slaughter take part in it. Im just glad that I can help it go more smoothly. The two left the forge and had a quick lunch. When they came back, Jeb quickly got to work. Before sharpening any of the pieces, he quickly tested each edge. They were all still sharp, so he changed the grinders belt out for a much finer grit. Most of the knives didnt even need to be sharpened, just honed, but Jeb made sure that each knife was able to cut cleanly through anything it would need. It was the least that he could do to help this part of the autumn preparations. His grandfather clearly saw how dedicated he felt about it. Jeb idly noticed that his grandfather stepped out for dinner and brought him back something. Between each knife, Jeb took a quick bite. This sharpening felt much closer to the work he had done in the kiln. He felt resonance with his different Skills as he carefully prepared the pieces of metal for their part in the livestocks lifespan. When he finished the pile, he took a quick step outside to see what time it was. Feeling the chill in the nighttime air, Jeb quickly ran inside. It wasnt quite midnight, which he hoped meant that he would still be able to get enough sleep for the night. Inside the kitchen, he saw his grandfather heading back to the forge. Should I take this to mean that you finished all the tools? he asked. I think so, Jeb replied. Id appreciate you checking the edge on them, though. His grandfather nodded, and Jeb went to sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8288/100
Total Statistic Load: 380
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 241
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 44
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 89: Forging Jeb woke with the sunrise the next morning, reveling in the feeling of being well rested again. As he moved down the stairs to breakfast, he noted that his body was moving far more easily than it had the day before. He hadnt noticed how sore and tired he had been, but the absence of those was just one more piece of what was shaping up to be a great day. At breakfast, something in his mood clearly showed, because his sister commented. Whats got you so calm and happy? she asked. Im not sure! Jeb replied happily. I just have a feeling that today is going to be a great day. After breakfast, Jeb made his way back into the forge. His grandfather had clearly kept working through the night, because the pile of tools that needed to be repaired was far smaller. There was a new pile of broken wooden staves, which Jeb asked about. Oh, I was going to wait for your Aunt Sue to come back through the farm to replace those beams, his grandfather responded. If youd like to replace them, though, I think we still have a lathe somewhere in storage. Can I decide after sharpening the tools for the slaughter? Jeb asked. He didnt want to give up halfway through a task. Absolutely, his grandfather nodded. Youve been doing a good job sharpening those, by the way. Jeb beamed at the compliment and sat back down at the grinder. He noted that his grandfather had moved all of the sharpened tools somewhere else. More than that, though, he had straightened up the remaining pile of tools. Jeb wasnt certain if there was an implied order to sharpening that he was supposed to follow. After looking at the piles for a few moments, he shrugged. If there was a pattern, he couldnt see it. Even if there was an order he was supposed to follow, it wouldnt do any good to waste the time it would take to figure it out. Maybe I should ask Grandfather, Jeb thought momentarily, before dismissing that thought. If his grandfather had wanted him to do the tools in a certain order, he almost certainly would have said something. Jeb picked up the knife closest to him and tested its edge. It seemed completely sharp, at least as far as he could see and feel, so he gave it a quick honing and set it aside. As he worked through that pile, Jeb noticed the same was true for all of them. I wonder, Jeb muttered as he grabbed a random tool from each of the remaining piles. As he had expected, each pile further from the grinder required more sharpening than the ones closer. That made things far easier for him, and Jeb slipped into the repetitive work of honing the sharp tools, only to quickly run out of tools that only needed to be honed. He picked up a knife from the next pile only to stop with it in his hands. It might be more convenient to have all of the tools equally sharp, he thought, looking to the opposite pile. Nodding, Jeb picked up the first knife from that pile. Thought it was not dull, it certainly was not particularly sharp. He nodded again, searching for the right grit to put onto the grinder. When he found it, he started grinding the knife back down. In a few strokes, it was as sharp as the tools in the pile next to it, so he set it there. Jeb worked through the rest of the pile in the same way. When he had finished, he checked the edge on one of the knives he hadnt just sharpened. As he expected, it needed the next finer grit for sharpening. Before he switched the grinder out, he called out to his grandfather, thank you for organizing these! The clanging of metal paused for a moment. Youre welcome. As his grandfather returned to his work on the metal, Jeb looked at the pile of tools that his grandfather had been repairing. He was working through them far more quickly than Jeb was working through his own pile. Watching his grandfather work, Jeb understood why. It seemed as though the instant that his grandfather put a piece of metal in the fire, it immediately began to glow a perfect uniform color. His grandfather worked as though he expected that, sometimes barely pausing between putting a piece in and pulling it out. When he pulled the metal out, he immediately struck it with his hammer. Somehow, the entire piece would reshape, as though his grandfather had somehow hit a resonant note on the piece that caused it to shape into its ideal. If a single strike wasnt enough, his grandfather would shrug, wave the piece through the flames again to make it glow and strike it again. In the five or so pieces Jeb watched his grandfather repair, none took more than two strokes. His grandfather turned after the fifth piece. Can I help you with something? he asked. I was just wondering how you were working so quickly, Jeb said. Skills improve a lot as you grow in Level and Tier, his grandfather said. Truthfully, this is me working with most of the Skill restricted. Why wouldnt you use your entire Skill? Jeb asked. He wasnt entirely sure what it meant to restrict a Skill, but he made a note to look it up later. His grandfather looked pensive for a moment, muttering I suppose that question was to be expected. He raised his finger as though to answer a few times. Each time, he shook his head and put his finger back down. Finally, he nodded and held his hand up. In this particular case, because theres not a massive rush on fixing these tools. I really enjoy the work of reforging tools, and I havent always been able to take the time Id like in fixing each piece. Seeing that Jeb was about to ask what that meant, his grandfather continued, its also a good way to make sure that youre developing your Skills, rather than having your Skills develop themselves. There are more stories than I care to relate of people relying entirely on their Skills through the Tiers, only to find that they were less effective than they should be. Ultimately, while Skills can improve your knowledge and ability, they are dependent on how much you could do without them. A Blacksmith who can forge a blade with his Skill completely suppressed will be far more effective than one who has relied on Smithing since getting the Skill. Of course, theres also the secondary benefit that you can tailor a Skill far more if you only need it to cover a part of what you do. What do you mean? Jeb asked. Do you remember the conversation we had about Parent and Child Skills? his grandfather asked. That Parent Skills have the benefit of being broader, while Child Skills have the benefit of being more specialized? Jeb responded. More or less, his grandfather confirmed. Thats sort of the introductory version of Skills. Even within a Skill, you can focus it towards what will be useful to you. In the Blacksmith example from above, if a Smith knows that he can forge every part of a sword without his Skills but struggles to sharpen it, he might focus his Skill on more efficiently sharpening the blade. Or, if he can do everything perfectly, then he can work to push the Skill to do things that cannot be done without a Skill, like making the blade resistant to dulling or rust. Cant you do either of those by choosing a better alloy? Jeb asked. His grandfather shrugged, not if youre relying on the alloy youve chosen for its hardness and ability to take an edge. There are tradeoffs to every choice you make in Forging. A good Blacksmith can either bring up the weaknesses or lean into the strengths of each of these choices. Theres not a right answer between those two options, by the way. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Seeing Jebs expression of thought, his grandfather continued, they also arent inherently different techniques. A Blacksmith who focuses their Skill on making swords sharper will be leaning into their strengths when working with an alloy that naturally sharpens well. If they work with an alloy that is naturally less able to keep an edge, though, his grandfather let the sentence trail off. I think I understand, Jeb said. He spent a moment trying to remember how the conversation had gotten there. So how are you trying to develop your Smithing Skill? His grandfather laughed. Im glad that youre getting better at refocusing. Im not totally sure where I want to develop my Skills honestly. I havent decided what Tenth Tier Class I plan to try for. Id like to decide on that so I can tailor my Skills to the Class Im striving for, rather than the reverse. That makes sense, Jeb said. He was about to ask what Classes his grandfather was considering when he saw his grandfather pick up another bent tool and start fixing it. Taking the hint, he went back to sharpening the tools. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8288/100
Total Statistic Load: 380
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 241
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 44
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 28
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 90: Winter has Come The next few days followed more or less the same pattern. Jeb would wake up, eat with his family, go into the forge to work on sharpening and repairing tools with his grandfather, and then go to sleep. When his grandfather had finished fixing all of the tools, he left for a few hours, muttering something about time to find the lathe. His grandfather came back carrying a lathe identical to the one Jeb had used when he worked with his aunt. I think that this should be good to go, his grandfather said, setting it down beside the grinder. If it needs any oiling or repairs, though, please let me know. As he watched his grandfather begin to walk away, Jeb noticed an issue. Grandfather, he said, and his grandfather turned around. Theres no wood here. I cant make new rods without wood. His grandfather shook his head. I knew I forgot something. Ill be back in a moment. He left, and Jeb shrugged, getting back to the knives he was working on. When his grandfather returned again, he was wheeling a large cart of wood. Most of it was already shaped into at least an approximation of what he would need for the different handles, which Jeb questioned. Your aunt tends to make a lot of extra blanks because she says it saves time in the long run to only need to finish carving handles down to shape, rather than doing the rough shaping as well. That makes sense, Jeb replied, thinking about the way that his aunt had taught him. Would you like me to start making new handles now, or wait until Ive finished sharpening all of the tools? If you have no objections, starting on the handles would be greatly appreciated, his grandfather said. Sounds good! Jeb replied. By the time that he had finished replacing all of the wooden parts of the harvesting implements, winter had truly come. He left the forge to see that the first flakes of snow were coming down onto the ground. Have you considered what youll spend the winter focusing on? his grandfather asked. Seeing Jebs confused expression, he continued, Most members of the family choose some particular project to work on during the winter. Ideally, it would be quiet and unobtrusive, but if you have a project that isnt, we can make that work as well. Jeb went through the list of tasks he knew he needed to work on. I think that my highest priority would have to be raising my Statistics, he said. My Physical Statistics are lower than they need to be. Since they can be higher, I would really like them to be. My Mental Statistics are also completely unbalanced. I need to increase my Charisma, which will require doing a lot of music. If that would be too loud, though- he was interrupted by his grandfather. Thats completely fine, Jeb. Well find a space for you to work. How long do you think it will take you to increase your Charisma, though? Im not quite sure, Jeb replied, looking at his Status. When he did, he saw that he had a Quest Notification he hadnt accepted.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Become Personable Third Tier Become More Charismatic Use this Charisma to lead others on your Quest.
Rewards: 4 Charisma, 58 EXP, Gift of Gab improvement
When he accepted the Quest, Jeb ran through the math again. I only need one more point of Charisma right now, he replied. I think that number will increase, though. Why do you think that? his grandfather asked. The only Quests that I have which improve my Mana Depth also increase my Magic Affinity, which is my highest Statistic. What do you need to do to increase your Mana Depth? There are technically two Quests I have which would improve my Mana Depth. When I modify a Spell Glyph, I gain Mana Depth and Magic Affinity in equal measure, which doesnt seem particularly useful. And the other Quest? When I make a new Glyph, I only gain Magic Affinity from increasing my Spell list. If the trend continues, making a Third Tier Glyph would gain me eight Mana Depth and Willpower. That made Jeb pause. Though if I increase my Willpower that much, it will become my highest Statistic. Other than Charisma, though, his grandfather redirected the conversation, raising your other Mental Statistics is something that you could do anywhere without needing sound blocking? I think so, Jeb replied, going through his Quest log. Hmm, he said after a moment, I dont know if I have a good way to improve my Intelligence. Other than sharing the Glyphs that Ive made, I dont know if I have any ways to raise my Intelligence that I can do over the winter. Why cant you share your Glyphs over the winter? The Library is still open. Right! Sorry, I was just thinking of Quests that I could complete from within the home, since I thought that was what I was supposed to do. I guess that isnt totally true, though. Well, then, why dont you start making new Glyphs? his grandfather said, gesturing out of the forge. Stepping out of the forge had never felt so cold. As he thought about it, Jeb supposed that made some amount of sense. After all, hed never been in the forge during winter before. Looking down, he saw the snow that was starting to stick onto the ground suddenly melt as the heat from the forge poured out. Dont let all the heat out! his grandfather jokingly chided. Playing along, Jeb cast Least Create Fire for a moment, and his grandfather laughed. Back inside the house, Jeb looked at the different Primers he had. Though he didnt want to lean into his Class, especially since he wanted to change it, Jeb knew that it would be easiest to learn a Lesser Spell that was Mud. Then again, another voice commented in his mind, Lesser Move Mud will be a Fourth Tier Glyph. Is the difference in difficulty going to be offset by the fact that its a Mud Glyph? Ultimately, Jeb decided to go with learning a Glyph that he knew he would need again. He pulled out the Water Primer and flipped to Lesser Shape Water. As a quick sanity check, Jeb also looked at Lesser Shape Earth and Lesser Shape Mud. Though he couldnt arrange the Glyphs perfectly without learning them, it seemed as though the portion of the Glyph attuning the Mana to Lesser Shaping was the same in all three Glyphs. With that in mind, Jeb got to work. As he always did, he first fed a small stream of Mana into the book in front of him. Now that hed worked with it so much, it was obvious to Jeb that the book was written on Manaweave, at least on the pages that had Glyphs. Shaking the distraction away, Jeb focused in on the Glyph. As he expected, the first few points were identical to every other Water Glyph he had learned. There were more connections, obviously, since this was a Third Tier Glyph, not a First Tier Glyph, but those were easy enough to fill in. Taking a quick break, Jeb counted the number of points in the Glyph. As he remembered, there were thirty five points. He tuned out the first layer and noticed that the sixth point was the first point to connect back to the starting point of the Glyph. Diving even deeper, Jeb was grateful that the Glyph remained the same in the third layer as well. The first point still connected to every other point, the second to every even point, and so on. Because this was not an Efficient Glyph, the connections were far straighter, which was a little confusing, at least until Jeb accepted that his mind wasnt well equipped to think about high dimensional projections of even higher dimensional realities. Or, at least, his mind wasnt well equipped yet. He held out hope that this would be easy for him in time. With the connections he had just noticed in mind, he began to draw the Glyph in light, overlaying his own with the Glyph from the book. The first five points were as easy as he had expected them to be. He connected the first point to itself twice, then to the second twice. The second point he connected to the first, and then added a link from the first point again. When he got to the fifth point in the Glyph, Jeb realized that he might have made a mistake. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. It was taking a fair amount of mental energy to keep the untethered connections in mind as he worked through the Glyph. When he looked at the sixth point, he saw that even in the first level of connections, it connected to other points somehow. It almost seemed like it was connected to each of the other nineteen points that he knew made up the effect of the Glyph. Dropping his own attempt at engraving the Glyph onto his soul, Jeb probed that instinct harder. When he finished looking at each point, he could tell that there was absolutely a pattern underlying which points connected to which. Try as he might, though, he could not understand it. I hope that it becomes clearer once its on my soul, Jeb muttered, leaning back for a moment to take a drink of water. Making an effort to refocus himself, Jeb began working through the Glyph. This time, he took the lesson from when he had learned Least Move Earth -Efficient, and began by only working through the first layer of connections. When he got to the sixth point, he traced the web of connections in the next twenty points. At the end of the web, the final ten points were almost too easy for him to do. The light of his Mana seemed to fill in the points before he could consciously force it through. Once the first layer was done, Jeb realized that the hardest part was finished. At this point, it was just some simple algebra to understand which point connected to which. He started connecting the second layer, putting the first point to itself, the second to the fourth, and so on. When he got to the sixth point, he pushed it to the final point and the first, noting how in this Glyph, it seemed like it was a strand broken in two, rather than the two distinct strands he had seen in the past. When he had finished the second layer of connections, the mental strain was growing quickly, and Jeb rushed through the third layer. The first point flowed into every other point, which helped release a lot of the pressure on the Glyph. When he had connected the seventeenth to the thirty fourth, Jeb expected the entire Glyph to sear into his soul. After all, he had finished connecting each point in the Glyph. When it didnt, he double checked each connection in the third level of the Glyph. Without the stress of an unstable Glyph, it was far easier to go through slowly. But, there was no mistake that he could find. The same was true in the second layer. When he moved to the first, he double checked the web, making sure that each point connected to each other point the way that it was supposed to. Each point within the web was touching the right other points in the Glyph, but Jeb saw his mistake. As in the second layer, the flow needed to come as a single branching path, rather than discrete paths. Why that would make a difference, he had no idea. Still, when he fixed it, Jeb felt the familiar burn of a new Glyph settling into his soul. Double checking his Status, he saw that it had been added. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8346/100
Total Statistic Load: 380 -385
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 241 -246
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54
Magic Affinity: 57 -58
Mana Depth: 39
Charisma: 44 -48
Mana: 1580
Glyph Attunement: 29
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 91: Crafting a Spell Glyph As the pain in his soul slowly faded, Jeb realized how tired he was. Looking out his window, he saw that it was night. The coat of snow on the ground was reflecting the full moon, making it seem far brighter than a normal night. Jeb was tempted to go outside. Seeing the moonlight glinting off of an empty field of snow was his favorite part of winter. Something about the brightness of a winters night was hard for him to resist. As he tried to stand up, though, he nearly fell over. His vision blurred for a second, and Jeb was forcibly reminded of the fact that, while he had basically recovered from the harvest, his body was going to need the winter to be able to truly push itself again. Resigning himself to that fact, he lay down in bed. Before his head hit the mattress, he was asleep. In the morning, Jeb called Lesser Shape Water to mind, trying to understand the net of connections. Even after an hour of struggling, he was unable to piece together its meaning. He felt like he understood enough to learn the Glyph, though. I suppose thats as good as Ill be able to get it, he said, resigning himself to the fact that he would have to start working without fully understanding what he was doing. He pulled Least Shape Water and Lesser Shape Water to mind. To his relief, despite the fact that there were another ten points in the Lesser Glyph, the other fifteen points that both shared were in the exact same places. Jeb noted the fact that neither Glyph was completely planar, but refused to follow that path. He knew that he would be able to figure out what a perfectly planar Least Shape Water would look like another time. Jeb dismissed Least Shape Water and called Least Shape Earth to mind. It was slightly harder to slot it on top of the Lesser Shape Water Glyph, since the other points didnt quite line up. Since the last ten points were shared, though, he made do. Jeb started redrawing the points of Least Shape Earth, going through the five points that Attuned his Mana to Earth. As it approached the sixth point, he started connecting the sixth point to each of the other points of the web. Remembering his struggle from the night before, Jeb made sure that the connections came as a single branching line, rather than a series of lines. As he made it to the final ten points of the Glyph, Jeb felt his concentration start to waver. It was harder to hold a Glyph in mind when he didnt actually know what it would totally look like. He considered the fact that he could have sketched out the shape of Lesser Shape Earth, but quickly dismissed that thought. It was too late for that. He would create this Glyph now. Once he had connected the points together in the first layer, he could tell that there was a slight adjustment he would need to make. Dismissing Lesser Shape Water, he focused on the difference between the Glyph he was crafting and Least Shape Earth. As he expected, Least Shape Earth had a slightly different shape than he had ended up making. Carefully realigning the points, Jeb managed to align the first five and final ten points with Least Shape Earth. Since he didnt need it anymore, he dismissed Least Shape Earth. Though it was not a major reduction on his mental load, it was still helpful to not need to focus on it at all. Gritting his teeth, Jeb began forming the second layer of connections in the Glyph. When he finished, he saw the flow of light in the Glyph start to stabilize. He knew that it wouldnt last, though, and refocused. Through the growing headache in his mind, he started adding the third layer of connections. In the third layer, the first point connected to every other point, and he felt his mental load decrease significantly when it had. Still, just like emptying a cart at the end of a long day didnt make pushing the empty cart easy, the pain in his head continued to grow. When he connected the final pieces of the third layer of the Glyph, his vision blurred from the sudden lack of pain in his mind. It almost felt like all of the pain had shifted to his soul, but it quickly faded. As he looked at the new Spell Glyph in his Status, Jeb felt something wet on his lip. He wiped his finger across his lip and looked at what was on it. It took him a moment to register that the red liquid now coating his finger was blood. I wonder where that could have come from, he said. Paying more attention to his body, he felt the steady drip of blood from his nose. Hmm, Jeb thought aloud, I hadnt realized that intense focus would have actual physical repercussions. As his mind slowly cleared, that interest slowly shifted to horror. There was no way at all that his nose bleeding from working could be anything but dangerous. When his nose stopped bleeding, Jeb quickly cast Least Conjure Water to wipe his face off. As his stomach growled, he realized that he hadnt been downstairs at all since before learning Lesser Shape Water. He walked down the stairs to see a number of his family sitting around the table. Most were working on some small craft project. A number of them were darning socks or making other small repairs to their clothes. A few were making hats and mittens in preparation for the winter cold. Good afternoon, an uncle called out as Jeb neared the table. Theres some tea in the pot, and theres some bread with preserves if youre looking for a quick bite. Thank you! Jeb replied, making his way over to the pot that was kept at a constant simmer throughout the winter. Though Jeb had never loved the way that his family brewed tea, he had learned to adapt to it. He poured a small mug and slathered a piece of bread with butter and preserves. Walking back to the table, he idly watched his family work. By the time he had finished his piece of bread, another of his uncles noticed him watching. Would you like to learn how to crochet? he asked, holding up the single hook that he was using to make a hat. At that offer, one of his aunts spoke up as well, or would you like to learn how to knit? A few other family members called out their own offers to teach some sort of yarn work. Jeb almost refused, since he knew that he needed to make the most of the winter time to set himself up for a successful second year as a Classholder. Thinking about the blood that had just come from his work, though, he reconsidered. Maybe taking a break wouldnt be such a bad idea. Which should I learn? he asked. With the way that the room erupted, that was clearly the wrong question to ask. Each of his family members had their own strong opinion about which craft was best to learn, both in general and especially first. Finally, though, the knitting contingent won. So youll need two needles, his aunt instructed, handing Jeb a pair of matching sticks. The way you first put yarn on a needle is known as casting on. She demonstrated the technique a few times, and Jeb felt like he understood. He took the stick when it was offered and tried to put the yarn on it like his aunt had shown him. It was much harder than he had expected. When he finally figured it out, his aunt shook her head and tsked. Its my fault for not telling you, she said, undoing his work, but you also need to watch your tension while casting on. If you cast on with too much tension, it will be almost impossible for you to get the next row of stitches in. She demonstrated a few more times, and Jeb noted that the yarn seemed much looser around the needle than it had when he had cast on. Handing him back the needle, Jeb tried casting on again. By the time that his soul and mind felt totally recovered, he still hadnt learned to cast on to the satisfaction of his surrounding family members. A few of them suggested other methods for casting on, but his aunt silenced them. Its better for him to learn a single technique first. Once hes gotten that well learned, you can teach him whichever other method youd rather. I think I need to get back to work, Jeb said, but thank you so much for teaching me! Absolutely, his aunt said, whenever you need a break again, just come down. Well be working here all winter. Jeb nodded and walked back to his room. Inside his room, he realized that he hadnt ever accepted the Quest Reward for making a Third Tier Glyph. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Fifth Tier Glyph Chain Create a Third Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 97 Experience, Mana Depth +8, Willpower +8, Mana +50, Unlock Glyph Chain Fourth Tier Glyph
The sudden influx of Statistics nearly brought Jeb to his knees. Maybe Ill just lie down for a moment, he thought to himself, moving over to his bed. Once inside his bed, he watched the world slowly spin around him. Somehow, it wasnt disorienting at all. As he watched the shadows slowly move around the room from the setting sun, Jeb felt his mind and body start to reequilibrate. He walked back down the stairs and saw his grandfather. Are you alright, Jeb? his grandfather asked, seeming concerned. I think so? Jeb replied, confused. Why wouldnt I be? Just the way youre carrying yourself, his grandfather replied cryptically. Did you manage to create a Third Tier Glyph? I did! Jeb replied happily. So then Magic Affinity is no longer your highest Statistic? Jeb looked at his Status. No, I suppose that it isnt. That explains it, then, his grandfather started nodding. Before Jeb could ask what it explained, his grandfather continued, when your highest Statistic changes, it can cause some disorientation in your soul. Compared to the overall disorientation of getting a new Class, its hardly anything, but youve had your Class long enough that your body, mind, and soul were all starting to mesh together. How long was Magic Affinity your highest Statistic? Jeb looked through his Quest log. While I was learning Brewing it overtook my other Statistics, Jeb replied. I think that its been the highest since then. That would make it even more disorienting, his grandfather replied. Thankfully, it shouldnt be this bad if your top Statistic changes again soon. Jeb nodded and turned to his aunt. Im ready to try knitting again. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8443/100
Total Statistic Load: 385 ->402
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 246 ->263
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 54 ->62
Magic Affinity: 58 ->59
Mana Depth: 39 ->47
Charisma: 48
Mana: 1580 ->1630
Glyph Attunement: 30
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 92: Starlight Conversations Jeb spent the rest of the day learning how to knit. He eventually figured out how to cast on to his aunts satisfaction, which sparked the next round of debates. It seemed like half of his family thought it would be better for him to learn the knit stitch well, then the purl stitch, and only then to learn how to combine them. The other half, by contrast suggested that it was best to get used to doing both stitches as quickly as possible, so he should start by learning a pattern which required both in quick succession. His aunt ignored both sides. What Ill have you do, she said, is knit across the row two times, then purl across the row two times. The conversation quieted down when his aunt said that, though Jeb did hear a number of muttered replies about why that was a suboptimal way for him to learn. Jeb shrugged, answering the unasked question. Im not trying to optimize how quickly I learn how to knit. If learning like this will eventually result in me knowing how to knit, Im happy to take the extra time. That quieted down almost all of the muttering, and he saw his aunt flash him a brief but bright smile. When his mother called the family together for dinner, Jeb looked at what he had made. His aunt had said that it would eventually be a scarf. Calling the block of fabric wider than it was long a scarf was stretching even Jebs ability to visualize. He had noticed that there were fewer stitches on the later rows, but hadnt thought to ask his aunt about that. Before walking to dinner, his aunt looked over at Jebs work for the first time in hours. Once he had demonstrated that he could, at least in theory, reproducibly make both a knit and a purl stitch, she had left him to his own devices. Youve dropped some stitches, she chided, pointing to the places where Jeb had missed in transferring the loop from one needle to the other. Is that a problem? Jeb asked. Yes. His aunt said simply As though to demonstrate, she showed how the stitch being dropped meant that the entire column could be undone. Thats ok, though, she said, seeming to realize how harsh destroying Jebs hours of work in a matter of moments was. Its incredibly common to drop stitches when youre starting off knitting. Thats a benefit of crocheting, his uncle called out, grinning. His aunt rolled her eyes. But, Jeb noted, she didnt correct him. In any case, she said, half heartedly glaring at his uncle, youre probably better off restarting this scarf after dinner. Ok! Jeb replied happily. Dinner was a calm affair, which was typical of winter. Everyone stared out at the sky, already growing dark. There were no clouds in the sky that night, and Jeb knew that it was going to be a great night to look at the stars. As though reading his mind, his sister proposed it to the entire family. I think it would be really fun for us all to go stargazing, she said. Hearing the general agreement from the table, she grinned. With the new incentive of something different to occupy the night, people ate a little faster. When the table was cleared, they all put on an extra layer or two and walked outside. Looking up, Jeb saw more stars than he could ever hope to count. There was something so amazing about looking at the winter sky. Each star somehow seemed just a little brighter than it did in the summer. With the moon glinting off the snow, it was no difficulty for everyone to navigate the terrain. As long as he didnt turn his head, Jeb could almost imagine that he was alone, staring at the lonely sky with no one near him. The realization that he would need to do that sometime soon struck him suddenly. Even if it not for the requirements of his Class, Jeb knew that no one in his family had spent their entire life in the farm. He hadnt thought about that fact, but he suddenly realized that his sister might be leaving the farm before him. He turned to her, and she turned, hearing him rustle. Whats on your mind? she asked. Im just realizing that you might leave the farm before I do, he said. His sister rolled her eyes, clearly thinking that it was a joke. Well of course I will, she said, Ill become a Journeyman soon, even if Im not some fancy Mage. She laughed a little. When she saw that Jeb wasnt laughing with her, she paused. You hadnt thought about the fact that there was no way for you to stay on the farm forever, had you? Jeb flushed a little. I just hadnt thought about the fact that my life keeps moving, even outside of my Class being what it is. His sister nodded. I thought the same when you came back with your Class. Hearing that you were a Mage, I realized that you almost certainly wont be at the farm whenever I come back. Do you know when youre going to the Capital? Jeb shook his head. Even though he knew that it would have to happen, he didnt know when in his Class progression it would be necessary. He assumed that his grandfather would tell him, if not the Bard or Librarian. I know that Ill need to go somewhere next Tier, his sister said. But Ill need to know what my next Class is before I know exactly where Im going to go. Theres a chance that we could both end up in the Capital together! She reached out an arm and hugged Jeb. He appreciated the gesture, even though both of them knew that there was no chance that she ended up in the Capital. At least the stars will be the same wherever we are, Jeb suggested. His sister brightened at that. Thats true. That one right there, she said, will be our star. If were ever alone, we can just look at it and remember that not only do each of us have a fantastic sibling, she elbowed him, but we also have a family waiting for us to come home. Jeb followed her finger and saw that she was pointing at a dim star near the horizon. It was near one of Marcus constellations, which Jeb knew had to be intentional on his sisters behalf. That sounds good, he said. What are you two being so maudlin about? his father joked, handing them each a mug. Sarah, youll be gone for a few years at the most. Well, unless you find that you love life off the farm so much that you cant bear to ever come back. Jebs sister took the mug with an eye roll. Im sure that will happen. Thats why the farm keeps getting bigger, right? Everyone goes off, meets the love of their life, gets married, and stays where they are instead of bringing their partner here? His father grinned. Exactly! The grin grew slightly strained as he turned to Jeb. I dont know how long youll need to be away from the farm, he said. But if its too long, we will find a way to visit you if you cant visit us, or well send letters. Dont we only get mail from the Capital once a year, during the Census? his sister asked. In the grand scheme of things, whats a two year delay in communication? his father replied. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Their conversation was by far the loudest in the area, and it drew the attention of his grandfather. In a tone that brought the somber cast back to the conversation, he spoke, two years can be an eternity, as he clutched the locket around his neck. He came over and hugged Jebs father. But, he said, trying to lighten the mood, your father is right. However long you need to study, well be here when you come back, even if its just a stop on your way somewhere fantastic. And Sarah, Jebs sister turned, a number of people fall in love with somewhere else. Your Aunt Sue lives in Midville, after all, and shes hardly the furthest relative. I know, Jebs sister replied, sipping from her mug, but I cant imagine that I would ever want to leave. Jebs mother came over, and the five of them sat near each other, each trying to embed the memory in their minds forever. Each of them knew that there would only be so many more times that they would all be together. As the night passed, people began drifting to bed. Jebs sister left before he did, and he watched her walk away. The stars grew blurry for a moment as Jeb teared up slightly. Thankfully, there was no one there to see. When Jeb finally went back inside, he buried himself under his blankets and tried to get warm. As his waking thoughts turned to dreams, he pictured the star that he shared with his sister. He fell asleep with a smile. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8443/100
Total Statistic Load: 402
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 263
Intelligence: 47
Willpower: 62
Magic Affinity: 59
Mana Depth: 47
Charisma: 48
Mana: 1630
Glyph Attunement: 30
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 93: Finally Fixing Statistics The next morning, Jeb woke up with the feeling that he should check on the hive. He knew it was a silly impulse, since the bees had winterized their own hive during the harvest. Still, he was learning to trust the gut feelings that he had, so Jeb quietly snuck down the stairs. He switched his name tag to the away position and walked out to the bee hive. The predawn light made each flake of snow on the ground shimmer in its own way. Jeb nearly stopped to appreciate the sight. A cold wind blew by and encouraged him to keep moving. At the hive, he saw that the bees were all safely inside. Is everything ok? he asked, not really sure if he would be able to hear a reply. The feeling he got back from the hive was that everything was going well, they were just curious how his experience with the harvest went. He felt another undertone of concern about how cold he must be without a hive to keep him warm, but he ignored that. Oh! Jeb exclaimed. Im sorry, I hadnt even thought about the fact that you would still be active in the winter time. Jeb had never seen a bee in the winter, so he had never considered what they did during the snow covered months. After recounting his experience in the harvest, he felt the connection between himself and the bees close again. It was the first time that he had felt it close so suddenly. Probing it gently, Jeb was certain that he could open the connection again if he needed to . Seeing that the hive was doing well, though, Jeb shrugged and walked back inside. He made it in the door just as his mother started stoking the kitchens fire for the morning. Good morning, she called to him. Where were you wandering so early? I just wanted to check in on the bees, Jeb replied. His mother smiled warmly. That makes sense. Jeb noticed that his mother used the birthday present he had gotten her to start the fire, which brightened his day even further. So, she continued when the fire had stabilized, what are you planning to do with your day today? I was thinking about seeing whether the Glyphs that Ive Modified would count towards the Quest I have to share my new Glyphs. Is that at the Library? Seeing Jebs nod, his mother handed him a jar. If you would be willing to take that to the Librarian, I would appreciate it. Whats inside? Jeb asked. Some berry preserves, his mother replied. Shrugging, Jeb went upstairs to put the jar in his carrying sack. While there, he took the pile of Manaweave his grandfather had given him and considered his options. If the Quest would work on all of his Modified Glyphs, it would make the most sense to just inscribe every one of them onto a piece of Manaweave. Or, at least, all of the non-Water Glyphs. If it didnt, though, Jeb didnt want to waste the Manaweave, especially since he knew there was no way for him to get any more before the winter ended. After deliberating for a moment, Jeb realized an easy solution. Starting at the top of his Spell List, he pushed Least Shape Earth (Modified) onto the first piece of Manaweave in the pile. He put that sheet and the rest of the pile in his sack and started walking to the Library. The wind encouraged him to move quickly, and he made it to the Library just as the sun broke the horizon. Jeb saw the Librarian standing outside of the Library watching the sun rise with a smile. Good morning, Jeb, the Librarian called without turning around. How did you know it was me? Jeb asked. Lucky guess, the Librarian replied. What can I help you with today? Two things, Jeb said, rummaging through his bag. First, my mother wanted me to give you this. He handed the jar of preserves to the Librarian, who accepted them. Tell your mother thank you, he said. What else did you need? I was wondering whether the Modifications I made to the Glyphs I know was worth completing a Quest. Jeb pulled out the sheet of Manaweave he had engraved and checked his Notifications.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Grok Glyphs Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Mana Mastery and Spell Glyphing Quests, you have shared one of your Modified or Original Glyph with another.
Rewards: 39 Experience, 1 Intelligence, 1 Willpower, 10 Mana
He had another Quest Notification, which confused him for a second. When Jeb accepted it, though, it made sense.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery First Tier Scribe Chain Scribe a First Tier Glyph. You have engraved Least Shape Earth (Modified) onto a piece of Manaweave. Rewards: 19 Experience, Mana +5
It looks like it will, Jeb said. The Librarian nodded. I can see the Modification you made. What does it do? Normally Glyphs have a limiter on them that lets you affect how much Mana you feed into the Glyph at once. With the Modification I made, that disappears. Casting the Glyph takes your entire Mana pool. The Librarian quirked an eyebrow. And what is the use for that? Jeb thought back to when he had modified all of his Glyphs. It takes slightly less Mana to make the same amount of water without the limiter. Since I was emptying my Mana to Conjure Water, it made sense to do whatever I could to make that as efficient as possible. The Librarian nodded and pages started flashing through his eyes. This is not a novel Modification, he said after a moment, though that specific use case is not the standard one. Oh? Jeb replied, leaning in. The Librarian shook his head. If you have not figured out what the standard use for your Modification is, I do not believe that it would be helpful for your development for me to tell you. Seeing that Jeb was about to object, the Librarian held up a finger, if you truly believe it would be in your best interest to know what the Modification is typically used for, I will tell you. That made Jeb pause. If you really think its in my best interest, I trust you, he said after a minute considering. But I do still have more Glyphs to share with you. I would expect nothing else, the Librarian replied. Also, instead of ruining your entire stock of Manaweave, he said, running a finger down the sheet that held Least Shape Earth (Modified), you can just reuse this one. Jeb gaped. How did you do that? he asked, desire plain in his voice. The Librarian chuckled. That began as a parlor trick I learned to impress a friend as a young man, he said. When I received my next Class, I was shocked to find that it had become a Class Skill. It has more practical uses now, though I suppose that erasing a First Tier Glyph is practical for our uses right now, is it not? Jeb had questions, but the Librarians tone implied that he wouldnt take any more questions about what had happened. Accepting that he would have to wait for answers, he started to go through the Glyphs. Jeb planned to stop when his Intelligence was high enough to match his Willpower. After five Glyphs, Jeb saw his problem. Each Glyph he shared increased his Intelligence, it was true. But, they also increased his Willpower. Doing some quick math, Jeb realized that he wouldnt be able to match his Willpower with his Intelligence even if he shared all of the Glyphs with the Librarian. Jeb, what happened? the Librarian asked, seeing the sudden change in Jebs demeanor. Are you getting Statistic Fatigue? The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Seeing his confusion, the Librarian explained, when your Statistics increase too quickly, it can cause a variety of ailments in people. The technical term for the overall set of symptoms is Statistic Fatigue. Oh, Jeb replied. He felt his soul and mind. They were a little tired, but it wasnt anything that would force him to recover. Not particularly, he said, but I realized that even if I share all of my Glyphs, my Intelligence wont be high enough. Jeb thought about how their two positions had just flipped. Now the Librarian seemed confused, and Jeb needed to explain what was happening. He quickly summarized the situation, starting with his grandfathers advice on keeping his Statistics balanced. The Librarian nodded as Jeb talked, though Jeb noticed that there were pages constantly flashing through his vision as he listened. When Jeb had finished, pages kept flashing. As the silence grew almost too heavy, the Librarian finally spoke. I see your conundrum. Most Least Mud Mages would not have the issue, since they would be seeking a very specific Second Tier Class. The Librarians voice grew quieter for a moment, as though he were talking to himself, and theres simply less time to have Statistics diverge so wildly if you progress at the standard pace. What did you say? Jeb asked. Nothing relevant, the Librarian replied. I think I have a solution for you, though. The Bard should be able to extend your Musician Class to give you a Quest in your Musician Skill to compose new songs. That will give you a point each in Charisma and Intelligence. Thats perfect! Jeb exclaimed. I still need to figure out another way to raise my Magic Depth, but thats a different problem, I suppose. Jeb, do you mind if I look at your Status? the Librarian asked. No? Jeb replied, confusion returning. Why are you asking this time, though? I am asking because this will be a much deeper scan than I have done in the past. It will likely be somewhat uncomfortable. It will also take slightly longer. What are you looking for this time? Jeb asked. I will go through your entire Status, Quest Log, and Skills. Once I have all of that information, I should be able to help you balance your Statistics. Thank you! Jeb said. The Librarian grimaced. It might help you to sit down, he said. Jeb sat and felt the Librarian start to read his Status. The only way he could describe the feeling was as though his soul had been torn open and stitched into a book that was being roughly paged through. Jeb remembered thinking I hope that passing out wont affect the process. That was the last thing he remembered. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8443/100
Total Statistic Load: 402 -412
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 263 -273
Intelligence: 47 -52
Willpower: 62 -67
Magic Affinity: 59
Mana Depth: 47
Charisma: 48
Mana: 1630 -1705
Glyph Attunement: 30
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 94: Forming a Plan When Jeb regained consciousness, he quickly sat up and looked out the window. Thankfully, it didnt seem like he had lost more than an hour. Just to be safe, though, he asked the Librarian, how long was I out for? The Librarian jumped. I did not hear you get up. He glanced at the clock behind the desk. You were unconscious for around fifty minutes. I was about to call your family, so I am glad that you woke up on your own. Why did I pass out? Jeb asked. The Librarian blushed a little. I have never used the full extent of my Skill on someone so much Lower Tier than I am. I did not expect that to happen, but I suppose that I am not too surprised. I had expected your consent to make more of a difference, but- the Librarian stopped for a moment, actually, I suppose that it very well may have still made a significant difference. Jeb felt a slight shiver pass through him as pages flashed through the Librarians eyes again. Well, I do not see any lasting effects from my scan. I will need a bit of time to consider the best way for you to balance your Statistics. When you finish talking to the Bard, come back here, and I should be able to help you plan your winter. Thank you! Jeb replied, standing up quickly. A little too quickly, if the stars that flashed through his vision were any indication. He caught himself before he fell, though, which was the important part. Jeb opened the Library door and noted how much colder the air felt compared to when he had entered the Library. He hadnt realized that he had frozen in the doorway until the Librarian cleared his throat. Sensitivity to temperature is a common side effect of Statistic Fatigue and falling unconscious, he said. Jeb nodded and quickly rushed to the Inn. The Bard was sitting on the stage tuning his lute. Good morning Jeb! he called when Jeb opened the door. Should I take it by you coming here that youve mastered the Ephemeral Song? Jeb blushed and looked at his feet. Um, no, sorry, he said. The Bard jumped off the stage. No problem at all! What are you here for? Jeb considered how to phrase his request. The Librarian told me that you would be able to unlock a Quest for my Musician Skill? he asked. The Bards eyes sharpened. What Quest did he tell you I could unlock for you? In the silence after the Bards question, Jeb felt as though the attention of the entire world was on him. He didnt give me a specific name, but he said it would be a Quest to compose a song, Jeb replied. The intensity in the Bards gaze dropped, and Jeb felt the attention of the universe fade from him. The Bard smiled, and Jeb felt something change in his Status.
Congratulations! Your teacher has unlocked the Musician Quest Second Tier: Compose a song.
Would you like me to explain the Quest to you? the Bard asked. That would be fantastic! Jeb replied. The Bard gestured for him to take a seat, so Jeb sat down at the nearest table. The Bard joined him and began to describe what the System defined as composing and song. Now, a number of my colleagues would be enraged at the fact that Im teaching you how to accomplish the bare minimum for the Quest, the Bard said casually, so if you ever happen to run into another Bard, and they ask you about your Quest- he trailed off. I should deny that you unlocked it for me and taught me how to optimize composition? Jeb guessed. No, the Bard said, shaking his head, tell them what happened. Why? Jeb asked. I just think it would be entertaining, the Bard replied with a shrug. It isnt really as though theres much that the Bard College can do to me, especially since Im completely within my remit as a teacher to decide the best pedagogy for each of my pupils. Jeb looked around the room discreetly, in case there were other students he had missed. He apparently wasnt discreet enough, because the Bard chuckled, fair correction. As a teacher, it is completely within my remit to decide the best pedagogy for my pupil. I would request that you still spend at least a little time working on your Ephemeral Song. Even if it doesnt seem like it, it will be incredibly helpful in composing. Thank you! Jeb replied, making his way back towards the exit. The conversation with the Bard had given his body the time it needed to recover, if Jebs lack of a shiver when he opened the door was a reliable gauge. Back at the Library, the Librarian handed Jeb a book. This book contains some advice I would give you in developing your Class. If there were a Mage in town, this would be far easier, since they could just unlock a Quest like the Bard did. As it is, there are a number of options you can take, though the easiest might be to just modify the Spells you have until your Magic Affinity overtakes your Willpower. Once that happens, I trust that you can create another Glyph to increase your Mana Depth and Willpower? Seeing Jebs nod, the Librarian nodded as well. Well, then, best of luck. If you have any questions, you know the Librarys hours. Thank you! Jeb replied as he left the building. Unlike his previous walks home, Jeb wasnt able to spend the time reading the latest book he had taken from the Library. When he tried, the wind nipped at his fingers. When he made his way back inside, his mother called to him. Are you all right? she asked. I think so? Jeb replied. The Librarian was reading my Status, and I passed out, though, he said, realizing that it was probably an important thing to tell his mother. Her face went through a series of expressions too quickly for Jeb to catch any of them. Did you find a solution to balancing your Statistics, at least? she asked. I did! Jeb exclaimed, holding up the book the Librarian had given him. His mother looked at the book and then back to Jeb. It might be a good idea for you to go through the plans you made with your grandfather. Hes in the forge right now. Jeb walked over to the forge and knocked on the door. Come in, Jeb, his grandfather called. How did you know it was me? Jeb asked. Youre the only one who would both come to the forge looking for me and knock, his grandfather replied. What can I help you with? The Librarian gave me some advice on balancing my Mental Statistics, Jeb said, handing the book to his grandfather. His grandfather quickly paged through the thin tome. When he finished it, he nodded. That all seems fairly reasonable to me, his grandfather said. Though, I do notice that the Librarian did not include an order that you should complete these tasks in, other than raising your Magic Affinity first. Do you have an order you want to complete them in? Jeb considered the question for a moment. I absolutely want to raise my Magic Affinity first, he said. But thats what the Librarian said, so I suppose that isnt too surprising. After that, I think Ill try crafting a new Glyph, like the Librarian recommends. Ill have to run some numbers to figure out which Tier of Glyph would be the best for me to craft, though I suppose it will likely be a low Tier Glyph. Once Ive done that, Ill try to work on composing songs until I have my Intelligence and Charisma high enough. Though, Jeb paused, remembering what the Bard had said. I suppose that I should also work on learning the Ephemeral Song the Bard started to teach me. Oh? His grandfather asked. I dont see that in the book. I dont know if the Librarian knows about it, Jeb said. But the Bard seemed very confident that working on the Ephemeral Song would help me with composition, and I have no reason not to believe that. Also, I have the entire winter to start balancing my Statistics. If I do things in slightly less than the perfect order, it isnt like that is going to harm me too much. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! His grandfather nodded. Well, then, it seems like youd best be off. Jeb walked back to the house, looking at the clear winter sky. Someone had mentioned that there was going to be snow soon, but unless the system was moving quickly, Jeb wasnt sure he believed it. Inside his room, Jeb looked at his Glyphs. Its been a while since I modified my Glyphs, he thought, so Ill probably be able to Modify most of my Spell List, which should help. When he saw how few Spells had yet to be Modified, Jeb paused. Had he really learned that few Spells since his time working the Brewery? Scanning through the list of Spells, Jeb didnt see any missing, so he supposed that he really must have only learned a few new Spell Glyphs. Still, that would hopefully be enough. Jeb began at the top of the list and called Lesser Shape Earth to mind. With a brief moment of effort, he located the part of the Spell responsible for limiting Mana throughput. With an even briefer flex of Will, he deactivated it. The Quest Notification popped up immediately.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Modify a Spell Glyph. Keep changing the Spells you know to fit your needs, rather than the opposite. Rewards: 39 EXP, Magic Affinity +1, Mana Depth +1.
After going through all of his Glyphs, though, he realized that the Librarian must have miscounted. His Magic Affinity hadnt overtaken his Willpower. Just as he thought that, he saw another Notification that he had missed while Modifying all of his Glyphs.
Congratulations! You have Modified over twenty five Glyphs using the same Modifier. You have earned the Lesser Achievement: Glyph Specializer
Glyph Specializer. Not content to use Glyphs as they are taught to you, you have instead worked to make each Glyph work in your favor in the same way. +5 Magic Affinity.
Whoops, Jeb said, as the pain from raising his Statistics so suddenly hit. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8755/100
Total Statistic Load: 412 -433
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 273 -294
Intelligence: 52
Willpower: 67
Magic Affinity: 59 -72
Mana Depth: 47 -55
Charisma: 48
Mana: 1705
Glyph Attunement: 30
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 95: One Statistic In Line When Jeb woke up from his somewhat involuntary nap, he considered his Statistics. What will it take to raise my Willpower to equal my Magic Affinity? Unfortunately, he couldnt think of a way to raise his Willpower by the exactly five points his Magic Affinity outpaced it by just by creating Glyphs. The best that he could come up with was creating a Second Tier Spell and a First Tier Spell, which would raise his Willpower to one higher than his Magic Affinity. As soon as the thought struck him, he realized it was wrong. That would raise his Willpower by six, so it would be seventy three, one higher than his Magic Affinity was now. But, making two Glyphs would also raise his Magic Affinity by two, and it would be seventy four. If, instead, he just made a Third Tier Glyph, though, his Willpower and Mana Density would both raise by eight, and his Magic Affinity would raise by one. That would put his Willpower at seventy five, which would mean that he would have to raise his other Mental Statistics to just under sixty four. Since Jeb assumed that fractional points rounded up, that would mean that his Mana Depth would be one too low. But, if he then Modified that Glyph, it would raise his Magic Affinity and Mana Depth by one, which would put both within the acceptable limits. He grabbed a piece of paper to double check that he was right with all of his math. Once he was satisfied that he was, he thought about what Glyph he wanted to make. He could make any of his First Tier Glyphs Efficient or make Lesser Shape Air or Fire. As he thought that, though, he realized that he didnt know Least Shape Air or Least Shape Fire. He knew Least Move for both of them, which was similar, but somehow slightly different. Jeb pushed the question aside and thought about which Glyph he wanted to make Efficient. Ultimately, he decided to work with the first Glyph he had ever learned, Least Conjure Water. It was still his only Conjure Spell Glyph, which was a little strange, but Jeb pushed that question aside as well. When his Statistics were in balance, he could spend the rest of the winter figuring out exactly what the difference between Shaping and Moving was, or the difference between Creating and Conjuring. Until he balanced his Statistics, though, he would delay that question. Jeb laid back in his bed, absently noting how tired his body was. It wasnt just his body, he realized. His mind and soul were just as exhausted, and the connections between the three felt frayed as well. I wonder if the Librarian put anything about this in the book he gave me, Jeb thought to himself. It took him far more effort than it should have to get out of bed and pick up the book that the Librarian had given him to progress his Class. Inside, there was a section at the back titled Potential Pitfalls. The fraying between the different parts of himself was the first item on the list. Jeb knew that raising his Statistics as much as he had the past day couldnt have been easy on him, but apparently that coupled with the trauma of the Librarians search meant that he would need a break. Reading further, the Librarian recommended that he spend the rest of the day working on something that did not stress any of the three parts of him or their connection. Thankfully, the Librarian had given a list of recommended activities that Jeb could try. Near the top of the list was knitting, so Jeb made his way back down the stairs to see his family again. Back for more knitting? his aunt asked. Jeb nodded and was handed a pair of needles. Lets see you cast on again, she said. Jeb started moving the thread over the needles, focusing as much as he needed to. Within the first few stitches, though, he knew that he was holding too much tension in the yarn and pulled it off. After a few false starts, he was able to fill the first needle with evenly tensioned loops. His aunt nodded, and Jeb started knitting in earnest. He spent the rest of the day working on another scarf, this time taking extra care not to drop any stitches. After a dinner filled with conversations with his family (another item on the Librarians list), Jeb fell quickly asleep. In the morning, he woke up and stretched. To his surprise, his body and mind did feel significantly better. When he tried to pull Least Conjure Water to mind, though, his soul cried out in pain. Sighing, Jeb made his way back down to continue working on his scarf for another day. By the time the sun was starting to set, Jeb had finished the scarf. His aunt smiled when he showed it to her. Now what? Jeb asked. I suppose I never did show you how to cast off, did I? she mused aloud. Jeb watched his aunt quickly knit a square of fabric and then slow down. Watch carefully, she instructed, pulling the loops off of the needle. It was much simpler than Jeb had expected, and just like that, he had his very own scarf. Well, his very own scarf that he had made himself, at least. He started on another before dinner. The next day, Jeb once more called Least Conjure Water to mind. This time, there was no twinge in his soul, which was a nice change. Jeb was hopeful that the lack of pain would continue as he kept working, though he didnt count on it. He quickly dismissed the Spell Glyph before it could start to strain him at all. Since he knew that he would need to work quickly, Jeb started by sketching out what the Glyph should look like at the end, making notes of each of ways that the second and third level of connections moved between the points of the Glyph. When he had finished, he called Least Conjure Water to mind again. He quickly pieced together the second layer of connections, hardly needing to look at the page. The third level went even faster, though Jeb could feel the strain starting to build up. Thankfully, the light flowing through the Glyph seemed to be trying to push the straight lines into ideal curves before he even started working on it himself. With a bare flicker of his will, the lines shifted, and the flow of Magic through the Glyph grew smoother. When the flow passed through the final point in the Glyph, Jeb felt the searing that he had grown to associate with a new Spell engraving itself on his soul. Checking his Status, he nodded. Least Conjure Water -Efficient was right there. He accepted the Quest Notification that popped up.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Glyphmastery Fifth Tier Glyph Chain Create a Third Tier Glyph. Like a true Glyphmaster, you were not bound by others Glyphs. Rewards: 97 Experience, Mana Depth +8, Willpower +8, Mana +50
His soul was in a little pain, though not enough to stop him from what he needed to do next. He called his newest Glyph to mind and Modified it.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Modify a Spell Glyph. Keep changing the Spells you know to fit your needs, rather than the opposite. Rewards: 39 EXP, Magic Affinity +1, Mana Depth +1.
Just like that, his Mana Depth was within the acceptable range. Of course, that meant that he couldnt learn another Glyph or increase his Willpower before raising his Tier, though he didnt think that would be too difficult. After all, he would be focusing most of his energies on composing music. Based on what the Librarian had told him, Jeb would get a single point each in Intelligence and Charisma for each song he composed. He needed to raise his Intelligence to be at least equal to his Mana Depth, which meant he would need to compose a full dozen songs. Having never written a song before, Jeb wasnt sure how long it would take to compose one. As he flipped through the Librarians book, he noticed that there was no advice on how to actually compose a song. Maybe it would be in the Lute Method Book? Jeb thought optimistically. Unsurprisingly, there was no mention of writing his own music within the book. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Jeb debated between going to talk to the Bard and trying to figure it out on his own. When he remembered that the Bard had told him to work on the Ephemeral Song, he decided to start with that. If I dont figure out how to write a song within the next week, Ill go talk to the Bard, Jeb committed to himself. He picked up the lute and checked its tuning. When each of the notes were completely in tune, Jeb realized that it was a little foolish to check the intonation of the lute by strumming it when he was already bound to it. He would have known if it was out of tune, which it clearly wasnt. Jeb started up the strumming pattern for the Ephemeral Song and debated what he would work on today. His mind flashed through the potential options. None of the illusions he could make for a single sense were perfect, so that seemed like a strong start. On the other hand, maybe it would be better to keep working on multiple senses at once. As that thought came to mind, Jeb realized that he should work on visualizing his Magic as something other than a river or thread. Even if he couldnt make it a woven knot yet, the work was bound to be helpful. If I cant get the knot by the end of the day, Jeb made a deal with himself, Ill give up and just work on the actual Song itself. He poured a bit of Mana into his playing and watched the Song spin out. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8891/100
Total Statistic Load: 433 ->452
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 294 ->313
Intelligence: 52
Willpower: 67 ->75
Magic Affinity: 72 ->74
Mana Depth: 55 ->64
Charisma: 48
Mana: 1705 ->1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 96: Composing Part One As his Mana started to spin out, Jeb felt the pull to make it move like a river. He resisted as hard as he could, but it flowed just the same. Sighing, he cut off the flow of Mana. Jeb focused on the rhythm of the pattern. Now that the lute was a part of him, it almost felt like he was going through some sort of Meditative movement as he plucked out the notes on the lutes neck. When the motions became thoughtless, he slowly fed Mana in again. This time, rather than letting his Mana choose the way that it flowed into the Song, he pushed with all of his effort into slowly making a knot form. Try as he might, though, he could not visualize the entire knot at once. Before his third attempt, Jeb considered the fact that a Glyph somewhat resembled a knot, other than the fact that they didnt loop back on themselves. Jeb stopped playing for a moment and drew out a quick sketch of the knot. Nodding to himself, he started playing again and fed Mana into the Song. This time, rather than rejecting the part of him that subconsciously made his Mana move, he repurposed it. All his practice Attuning his Mana while playing Lute Enforcement paid off, and he was able to redirect the thread of his Mana with minimal effort. He quickly looped it around itself, building a knot of moving thread. When he had looped through, though, he came to another issue. Try as he might, he could not get the end of the thread to overlap with the beginning. Jeb spent the rest of the day trying to break through his mental wall. As hard as he worked, though, he could not make his Mana flow in a closed cycle. When he looked up and saw the sun setting, he sighed and set his lute down. Thankfully, dinner that night was a subdued affair, so his lowered mood wasnt notable. When he made his way back to his room, Jeb considered trying again. Instead, he crawled into bed and fell asleep. The next day, Jeb woke up and briefly stretched his fingers. When he had, he started playing the pattern for the Ephemeral Song again. This time, rather than forcing his Mana to flow through a path that was unnatural for him, he just let it move like a thread. He could feel the Song waiting for him to use the Mana he was flowing through it. A small part of him was curious what would happen if he didnt try to make any illusions and just let the Mana build in the Song. His mind conjured up memories of the too many times that hed given himself Mana Backlash, and he shuddered. Maybe after I learn this Song, he said to himself, conjuring the image of an apple. At first, it simply floated in the air, slowly spinning. It was clearly a fake apple, even ignoring the fact that it was floating. It was perfectly symmetrical, both in shape and color. As Jeb kept flowing more Mana through the Song, he slowly adjusted the vision of the apple. Slowly, he deformed the apple into something realistically shaped. Once he had, he focused on the color of the apple. First, he made it slightly reflective. That ended up being far harder than he expected. Without a Skill to guide him, he had to remember the way that an apple usually reflected light. By the time that he figured it out, his Mana was nearly drained. He carefully ended the Song and tried to figure out how working on it would help him to compose. When he came up short, he pulled out a piece of paper and tried to activate his Musician Skill. Since the Quest came from that Skill, Jeb hoped that it would be able to show him what to do. To his disappointment, he got no feedback from the Skill. With nothing else guiding him, Jeb reflected on the songs that he knew. The most memorable all had some short melodic phrase that they played with throughout the song. Shrugging, Jeb tried to write out a phrase of his own. Once he had, he considered what chords could go underneath it. Even if he wasnt totally satisfied with the music hed written, hed learned the value of a good enough job. Working for perfection, especially on the first song he composed, was a fools game, and he knew it. When he had figured out a loop of chords that fit underneath his melodic fragment, he returned to working on the melody. It was easier than he had expected, especially since the chords he was using constrained the notes that he could use throughout the song. He quickly wrote out around three minutes of music that he was happy with. Now comes the hard part, Jeb thought. He knew enough lute that coming up with chords was a fairly quick process. Writing a melody, likewise, was mostly just an exercise in playing with scales and arpeggiated chords. Writing lyrics, though, was not something that Jeb had any experience with. He jotted down a few notes beside the music he had written.
Song Priorities:
Figure out a topic
Write verses
Write chorus
That seemed to be most of what he needed to do, though Jeb was sure that none of the steps would be as easy as they seemed on the page. Sighing, he stopped to think about what he wanted the song to be about. As he played the meldoy on his lute, he felt like the overall feeling of the song was somewhat reflective, bordering on wistful. That made him think of the stargazing that he had done with his family a few nights before. As he thought about the star his sister pointed out, Jeb felt like a set of blinders had been taken off of him. The words flowed quickly out of him, and he looked up in a daze to realize that he had just written down an entire set of lyrics. When he tried to fit the lyrics to the melody he had written, though, Jeb realized that the lyrics didnt line up with the melody. Even outside of the fact that the number of syllables didnt line up with the number of notes he had written, the emphasis of the lines didnt align either. Sighing, Jeb debated which would be easier to change. As he read through the lyrics he had written, a part of him cringed. What had felt thoughtful and beautiful as he wrote it read as forced and trite on second reflection. Sighing, Jeb started rewriting the lyrics. When his second draft scanned just as badly as the first, he sighed, crumpled the piece of paper and tossed it aside. After a moment of reflection, he walked over and picked it back up, uncrumpling the sheet of paper. It doesnt have to be good, it just has to be finished, he repeated like a mantra as he rewrote the lyrics yet another time. His third draft of lyrics were still bad, he knew, but they werent painfully so. He played through the song, unsure what he would need to do to complete the Quest. To his surprise, as he plucked out a quick ending to the song on his lute, he saw a Quest Notification arise.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Musician Second Tier Compose a song. A Musician who only plays others music is no true Musician. Rewards: 39 Experience, Intelligence +1 Charisma +1.
Even though he was glad to have finished the song, a part of Jeb was disappointed. He had held the slight hope that composing a song would also count as learning a song. Still, two Statistics was nothing to be mad about. As he looked out the window to the darkness of a new moon, though, Jeb realized that hed spent the entire day working on the song. He quietly made his way down the stairs, hopeful that there might be something left from dinner. To his surprise, his mother was sitting by the stove, a large pot simmering beside her. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. What song were you working on? she asked. I dont think Ive ever heard it before. Jeb blushed. I was composing a new song, he said. Sorry, I didnt think about the fact that all of you would be able to hear it. His mother beamed. Dont apologize! That song was fantastic, Jeb. It was lovely to hear you sing. Jeb flushed a little redder. Thank you, he muttered. Try as he might, there was no way that he could think of to say that he was personally unhappy with the song without sounding needlessly dismissive of his efforts. Thankfully, his mother spared him from needing to come up with another response. A lot of people missed dinner tonight, she said, so theres plenty of stew left if youd like a bowl. Jebs stomach let out a dull roar, and his mother chuckled. Ill take that as a yes, she said, handing him a bowl filled with steaming stew. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 8930/100
Total Statistic Load: 452 -454
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 313 -315
Intelligence: 52 -53
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 48 -49
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 97: Time Skip The next few days passed by quickly. Each morning he woke and practiced the Ephemeral Song that the Bard had told him to learn. After a week of practice with no inspiration on how it intersected with composing, Jeb made a journey out to the Inn. Along the way, he stopped by the Library to see if there was a repository for songs like there was for Glyphs. Hmm, the Librarain replied, not in any real sense. I can archive your songs here if you would like, and they would be publically available, though the odds are low that anyone would ever request them. I trust your judgement! Jeb said, leaving the pages behind as he made his way towards the Inn. As he neared the door of the Inn, Jeb was surprised to hear music before hed even opened it. It sounded much more upbeat than the songs that the Bard had generally played. When he opened the door, Jeb understood why. Jeb! some townsperson called out, are you also here to celebrate? Jeb gave a sheepish smile, celebrate what? As soon as he said it, he knew that he should have just said no, but the man just laughed, the Innkeeper just broke through to the Seventh Tier! Congratulations! Jeb replied, but Im here to talk to the Bard. As though he had heard, the Bard artfully ended the song and made his way down to Jeb. Good morning, Jeb, he called out. Jeb heard the sound of far off music as the Bard clearly read part of his Status, and fantastic work learning to compose. Did you bring any of the songs with you? Id be happy to help you work to polish them up. Jebs smile fell. I didnt even think about that! I gave all a copy of every song that I wrote to the Librarian. I can run back to grab the originals, though, if you- The Bard cut him off with a wave of his hand, no, thats not necessary. The offer stands, though, if you should ever want a second pair of eyes on whatever youre working on. On that note, Jeb said, hoping the segue would go unremarked on, I have been having some difficulties with the Ephemeral Song, and I was hoping to get some advice. The Bard nodded. What is the issue? Primarily, I dont see how working on the Song is helping me to compose new songs, Jeb said. The Bard laughed. It really only helps in that it forces you to work with your Lute on something that doesnt take all of your focus. And, since you have to have some spark of creativity to run the Song, it helps to prime you to compose even further. Oh, that makes sense, Jeb said. He heard the faint sound of music again and saw the Bard nod. I see that you still havent mastered it. Have you been able to change the way that you visualize your Magic spinning out? Jeb shook his head. No. I havent spent as much effort on that, though. Do you think that working to change my visualization would be a better use of my time? The Bard paused, clearly considering the question. Show me what you can do right now, he hedged. Jeb opened his lute case, grateful that hed thought to bring it along. Inside were some notes for other songs he knew he would need to write, which the Bard commented on. Your lute case finally looks like a real Bards, he said, pointing to the scraps of paper. When Jeb picked up the lute, he noticed that it was a little out of tune from being in the cold. Thankfully, the Mana that hed poured into it meant that it was in no real risk of being harmed, but he would still need to retune it. As he did, Jeb realized that this was the first time he had retuned his lute since it was bound to him. Thankfully, he hadnt forgotten what he needed to do. A few seconds later, he fretted a chord and gave the lute a tentative strum. Nodding, Jeb moved into the pattern for the Ephemeral Song. As he flowed Mana into the music, Jeb watched a strand of Magic form. He ignored it and spun up the image of an apple. The Bard nodded as Jeb worked his Magic. When Jeb spun the Song back down, the Bard kept nodding. Yes, I would say that working to change your visualization is probably the best way for you to learn the Ephemeral Song. Jeb nodded and packed his lute case up. As he left, he heard the party pick back up in intensity. He hadnt considered the fact that his conversation with the Bard might have disrupted the Innkeepers celebrations. On the walk home, he felt the strings detuning again and picked up his pace. He didnt want the lute to take any damage, and the fact that it was getting cold through the case was absolutely a prelude to damage. Back inside the house, Jeb let the lute return to ambient temeprature before retuning it again. Once he had, he started playing the Ephemeral Song, this time paying the majority of his attention on the thread that spun out. Once more, he was unable to make the Mana he poured out move as anything but a flow. That set the scene for the rest of the winter. A few days into his new routine of waking up and practicing the Ephemeral Song immediately, his grandfather came up to his room. Jeb, would you mind practicing your Song in the forge or the Brewery? Jeb shook his head. Sorry, I didnt think about how much sound travels in this house. For the rest of the winter, Jeb woke up and moved into the Brewery. Once there, he spun up the Ephemeral Song and made the slightest progress on changing the way that his Mana worked in the Song. When he ran out of Mana, he worked on composing a song. As the Bard had said, practicing the Ephemeral Song did seem to get him ready to compose. Each song took Jeb longer to finish, though, even as he grew more experienced with it. As he thought about that fact, Jeb realized that composing was taking longer because he was more experienced, not in spite of it. He had been willing to accept lines that didnt scan while composing his first song, but had set higher and higher standards for himself as he kept writing new music. As the last night frost left its chill on the earth, Jeb finished his fifteenth song of the season. The advice the Bard had given him on earlier songs hed written was plain in the voice leading and harmonies, but Jeb had put his own spin on it. He accepted the Quest Notification and went in to join his family for dinner. The following day, everyone started working on their springtime tasks. Jeb went over to the hive, noticing that the entirety of the swarm was finally awake. Hed seen the occasional bee start flying out of the hive as the days had started warming up, but this was clearly the hive gearing up for spring. Without a Farming Class, Jeb realized that he didnt have any specific tasks he needed to do at the start of the season. He wouldnt be helpful in sowing seeds or pruning trees. And, unlike before he had a Class, there was no need for him to shadow someone, hoping to influence the System into giving him a related Class. So, Jeb went back to the forge, knowing that there would be a number of tools that needed to be sharpened. His grandfather would be able to do it far more quickly than him without a doubt, but his grandfather also needed to do a seemingly endless number of other tasks. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. As the next few days passed by, Jeb slowly found a routine for the spring. He would wake up, practice his Ephemeral Song with the bees, and then go to sharpen whatever instruments had gotten dull over the previous days work. It was while watching the bees one day that inspriation struck. Jeb was watching one of the Sand Attuned bees dancing around one of the Fire Attuned ones while trying to force his Mana into a knot. Watching the trails of Mana that they left in the air suddenly made something clear to Jeb, though he could not say exactly what it was. The Mana hed been forcing suddenly snapped into place. Now, instead of a thread spooling off into nowhere, his Mana was spent making the thread in the knot of the Song loop around itself. He spun up an apple, excited to see what his Song would be able to do now. When it appeared, he frowned. During the winter, he had improved his abilities to the point that he could make an apple that looked and felt almost indistinguishable from a real one. With the new Mana pattern, though, he was unable to even to make an apple that looked three dimensional. Furrowing his brows, Jeb kept working. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 9515/100
Total Statistic Load: 454 -484
Physical Load: 139
Strength: 33
Dexterity: 26
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 41
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 315 -345
Intelligence: 53 -68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 49 -64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 98: Farming Adjacent Projects As Jebs Mana ran out, he looked at his Status. His Mental Statistics were finally in line, but his Physical Statistics were lagging horribly behind. Since all of his Physical Statistics were more or less the same value, Jeb did the math and found that his limiting factor would be that his highest Physical Statistic had to be no higher than 53. He had more than a month with very few obligations, so Jeb had no concerns that he would be able to raise his Statistics to their proper levels. Falling back into the routine hed started to develop in the summer and fall, Jeb started to stretch his muscles. It was a little embarassing, to say the least. While he could still touch his toes, it took far more effort than he ever remembered it taking in the past. Note to self, Jeb thought, even if Im not going to complete a Quest for stretching, I need to make sure to do some stretching every day. Thankfully, the pain started to fade as he held the position longer. Jeb felt the tinglings of his Athletics Skill activating. Even though he knew it was a crutch to rely on the Skill, he let himself rely on it for the day.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 19 EXP
The same ended up being true as he went on his run. Jeb knew that he would be in worse condition than he remembered, so he intentionally took the run out slower than normal. Still, just a few minutes in, he realized how much his Endurance had suffered over the winter. He tried to remember what he had occupied himself with during other winters, and realized that he had played around in the snow far more than he did this year. Though he didnt regret the time that he spent working on songs, it was still a good reminder that he needed to listen to his entire body proactively.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics Second Tier Move You have increased your Vitality.
Rewards: 2 Vitality, 39 EXP
After the run, Jeb cast a quick blast of Least Conjure Water -Efficient, noting how much more easily he was able to do so. At first, he just chalked it up to the Spell Glyph being so much more efficient. As he moved into the barn to lift weights, he realized that his vastly higher Statistics probably had just as much to do with it, if not far more. Thankfully, his muscles had not atrophied anywhere nearly as much as the rest of his body. While it was still a struggle for Jeb to lift the weights, it was much less than he had been preparing himself for.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 19 EXP
As he finished putting the weights away, Jeb noticed that he was getting a pinging message from his Bound hive. Curious, he made his way back to the structure, curious what they could need. He watched the bees dance, slowly piecing together what they were trying to communicate. The hive is too full? he asked, seeking confirmation. The bees buzzed their agreement. Im not completely sure what that means Im supposed to do, Jeb admitted, but Ill go ask my aunt right away. The bees gave their assent, and he rushed off to the brewery, hopeful that his Aunt Esther would be inside. To his relief, she was. Happy Spring! she said, turning a barrel of malt. What can I help you with, Jeb? The bees told me that their hive was too full, he said. I have vague memories of you saying that meant I either need to harvest honey or add another frame, but I dont really know how to do either. His aunt laughed. Yes, either of those is an appropriate answer. I can come by after I finish toasting this malt if that works for you. Jeb nodded and sat down to wait for his aunt to finish what she was working on. Thankfully, it seemed as though she had been mostly done before he had come in, because a few minutes later, she dumped the barrel into an empty container and started walking towards Jebs hive. As they approached, Jeb noticed that she was putting on her protective gear. Seeing Jebs confusion, his aunt explained, Im not their Beekeeper, so it would be completely normal for your hive to be a little panicked if I start moving things around in their hive. Youre not just in charge of the hive, youre even Bound to it, so I dont expect that youll have the same issues. What are you planning to do? Jeb asked in response. His aunt nodded. Im going to open the structure to see whether taking honey out of the hive will be enough to get us through at least the spring, or if well also need to start building another frame. In either case, though, we should harvest some of the honey. That makes sense! Jeb said. Where do we put the honey that weve harvested. His aunt paused. Without another word, she turned around, went back to the brewery and picked up a few glass jars. At the hive, Jeb explained what they were going to do, and the bees accepted the proposal. They want us to take the Fire Honey, Jeb said to his aunt. Apparently that was the easiest to condense over the winter time. His aunt muttered something that sounded like Of course the hive is so alert this early in the season. They had a heater inside of their hive. The bees started buzzing their confusion, so Jeb reassured them that his Aunt Esther knew what she was doing. With the lid open, his aunt nodded and started explaining. If we take most of the Fire Honey, she said, I think that we can make it through at least the middle of summer before well need to expand the hive. Though, I am a little worried about how much Mana is in the honey. Youll need to find a use for it as soon as possible. What about making mead? Jeb suggested. Or is that a bad idea? His aunt thought about it. A low strength mead could be a good choice, she confirmed. Though that will mean that you need to make some fermenting vessel fireproof so the Mana doesnt do anything to it. Dont we have glass and metal fermenting vessels? Jeb asked, confused. It would be incredible if Fire Mana made sense like that, his aunt said. Unfortunately, unused Mana finds a way to be used. Since the Mana in that honey is so fully aspected to FIre, it will manifest in Fire. How can I fireproof a fermenter? Jeb asked. Historically, people would use wood that had been Elementally Attuned to whatever element they wanted to store, but for obvious reasons, thats no longer quite as doable. Jeb brightened at that. I can make a barrel that does that! he exclaimed. Do you think that you can make Fire Attuned Wood while theres mead fermenting in the container? Absolutely, Jeb replied. His aunt finished collecting the honey, and Jeb told the bees about his plan. They all seemed comfortable with the plan, so he followed his aunt back. Inside the brewery, Jebs aunt walked him through the process of making a weak mead. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Adding nutrients is still important, but obviously less so, she said. Jeb looked at the list of nutrient requirements that his aunt had pulled up in a book and felt Brewing activate. He mentally rejected the Skills assistance, remembering his conversation with his grandfather. Doing the small amount of calculations that it would take to figure out how much of what to add when was easier than he would need his Skill for. He poured the water and honey into a barrel his aunt had set aside for him, mixed it thouroughly, and measured its density. Jeb added the appropriate amount of nutrients and then turned to his aunt. Am I going to wild ferment this? he asked. His aunt shrugged. If you want. I would recommend using a known yeast, though, especially since its your first time brewing from scratch. She pointed to the yeast collection. I think item sixty seven E should have the best yeast for this situation. Jeb walked over and pulled out the appropriate drawer. He grabbed a scoop, and as he went to take up some of the dried yeast, his aunt stopped him. I can tell that you arent using your Brewing Skill right now. Thats fine for measuring ingredients, but not collecting yeast. I dont want to take the risk of infecting the master or not pitching an appropriate amount. Jeb nodded. Both of those sounded like tasks that he would need the Skill for, especially if he kept Brewing at higher Tiers. He felt the Skill start to guide his actions as he took a scoop of yeast and mixed it into the must. When he went to seal the container, he felt his Skill push back. His aunt agreed with his Skill, so Jeb started thinking about how to carve an intentionally inefficient Attune Fire Mana Glyph into the barrel. To his surprise, his mind supplied an answer immediately. Is there an extra barrel I can practice on to make sure I have the Glyph done correctly? he asked. His aunt tossed him a barrel and he quickly etched lines of Mana into it. When he flowed Mana through, the barrel glowed a dull red and emitted a smokey trail. Excited, he quickly carved the same path into the barrel he was fermenting. Once he had carved it, he started pouring Mana in. He stopped when his Mana was empty and started talking to his aunt about options for what to do with the Fire Mead he was about to have. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 9611/100
Total Statistic Load: 484 -489
Physical Load: 139 -144
Strength: 33 -34
Dexterity: 26 -27
Endurance: 35 -36
Vitality: 41 -43
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 99: Preparations for a Farming Project In the end, Jeb decided that he would make bottles of mead to give to the people who helped him the most during his first few seasons as a Classholder. As he started counting, he realized that the number could quickly grow to include almost the entire town. Talking through it with his Aunt Esther, they narrowed the list down to six people who had explicitly taught him a Skill: his grandfather, obviously, the Librarian, the Bard, his Aunt Esther (who promised to share with his Uncle Albert), his Aunt Sue, and his Uncle Frank. He made a mental note to make at least two or three bottles to share with the family if there was extra left in the barrel. By the time that they had finished planning, Jebs Mana had refilled, and he poured it into the Attune Fire Mana Glyph that he had etched into the fermenting barrel. This time, Jeb was able to sense a slight ringing in the Glyph when his Mana ran out. He took that to mean that it had enough Fire Mana to be considered Fire Attuned Wood, if only just. Oh, he said, following that train of thought, will I need to prepare whatever bottles I pour the mead into? he asked his aunt. She shook her head. For whatever reason, fermenting Elemental Honeys makes them stable. If you asked someone who works with Magical ingredients more, they might give you a different answer, but they would also be more focused on keeping the resulting product Magical than on keeping the consumer safe. Jeb nodded, but his aunt continued talking. I know that you had been thinking about ways that your Class could interact with Farming when I taught you to Brew, she said. Is that still true? Jeb considered the question. Over the winter in particular, his focus had been almost entirely on music. He still didnt want to become a Bard, he knew, but he did enjoy Bardic Magic, and he really wanted to balance his Statistics. Now that they were balanced, though, he could start working for his long term goals again. Was he still interested in becoming a Magical Farmer? I dont know, he finally said. Honestly there are so many potential futures that I can see right now, and I cant tell which of them is the best for me. His aunt nodded. Is Farming still one of those futures? Jeb nodded back. Especially given the Skills that I have, I dont see how something Farming adjacent couldnt be one of my plans. Well, if youre looking for a way to occupy yourself this Spring, his aunt said, taking that as confirmation, breeding some Fire Barley would be nice. Jeb cocked his head. His aunt continued, Youve made two barrels that can hold Fire Attuned ingredients. While Im happy to just keep them for the next time that you want to make Fire Mead, it would also be nice to not have them go unused. I know that, at least as far as Magical Ingredients go, Elemental Barley is among the cheapest, so I cant imagine that it would be too difficult to make. Seeing Jebs hesitance, his aunt clarified. In no way am I saying that you need to do this. A few of us have noticed that you seem a little listless right now, though, and I thought a project might help you to refocus. Jeb nodded. No, thats true. I was just thinking about how I would Aspect barley with Fire Mana. When I made Watergrass, I was able to put Water Mana into the water that I used on the crops. I wont be able to do that with Fire Mana. His aunt looked confused. Why not? Jeb frowned. Water Mana goes with Water, because Mana near Water will start Aspecting into Water. Fire Mana is completely different. Sure, his aunt said, but why does that make a difference? Youre forcing the Mana to Attune, so it shouldnt matter what you put it into, right? After all, youve made Fire Attuned Wood, she nodded at the two barrels hed carved, and I know that youve also made Water Attuned Wood. Why would a piece of wood be able to Aspect with something other than Wood Mana? Is Wood Mana a thing? Jeb asked, excited. Do you know what Tier of Element it is? His aunt smiled. I think youre missing the point. Why dont you try putting Fire Mana into a bucket of water and see what happens? Jeb shrugged. The only other use he had for his Mana right now was working on the Ephemeral Song. Given how much he had worked on it over the winter, though, he was ready for a break. One thing that the Song had taught him without a doubt was that believing that his Magic could not work a certain way would ensure that it didnt. So, as he filled up a bucket of water, Jeb repeated to himself Any Mana can go into any material. If I think otherwise, thats just because Im trying to limit myself. Bucket of water in hand, Jeb called to mind Attune Fire Mana. As he poured Mana into the Glyph, it slowly shifted to the color of flames. When he tried to push it into the bucket, he felt resistance from the Aspected Mana inherent to the water. Jeb stopped the flow of Mana. See- he began, but immediately stopped. Since when had a small obstacle been enough to discourage him from work? He called the Glyph to mind again and pushed against the Mana in the water. Slowly but surely, he overpowered the Mana in the bucket. When he had exhausted his Mana supply, he looked down again. It was a confusing sight. To any of Jebs physical senses, the water looked unchanged. It wasnt even warmer. However, when he looked at it with his Magical vision, it was as though he was staring into the center of his grandfathers forge. It screamed of fire. See what? his aunt asked, noticing Jeb stopped. Remember that I cant see Mana. As she drew near the bucket, though, she recoiled slightly. Though even I can feel the amount of Fire Mana coming off of that bucket. Jeb kept watching the bucket. Slowly, the fact that the liquid in the bucket was water, not fire, began to become obvious. The Fire Mana he poured in was being ejected into the air, and the Mana inside the bucket was slowly Reaspecting to Water. Hmm, I wonder, Jeb muttered half distractedly. He quickly carved the Enchantment he had learned to trap Mana around his lute into a lid for the bucket and placed it on top. Then, realizing that he would have no way of knowing how it would work without a control, he grabbed two more buckets and filled them each with water. His Mana had started to refill as he watched the bucket drain of Fire Mana, and he poured half of what he had into each of the two new buckets. Both immediately started giving off the Mana. He moved the lid onto one of them, and noticed that it suddenly gave off far less Fire Mana. When the uncovered bucket no longer had any Fire Mana in it, he took the lid off of the other bucket. It was also completely deaspected. That was when Jeb remembered that the Enchantment he had used on the lute was made to absorb the Mana that was emitted, not reflect it. I think that I can make this work, he said to his aunt, who had been watching the entire operation with a slight smile, but I need to talk to the Librarian first. Go right ahead, she said. Are all of these buckets back to being the normal water that they feel like to me? Jeb looked at each of them. It looks like they are to me! he said, already rushing for the door. As he neared the Library, Jeb finally slowed from his run. He needed to consider how he would frame the request. By the time that he opened the door, Jeb was certain that he could phrase it in a way that would not set off any alarms to the Librarian. Good- Jeb paused, remembering the position of the sun when he had opened the door, afternoon! Good afternoon, Jeb, the Librarian replied. What can I help you with today? I was hoping to find an Enchantment to reflect Mana, Jeb said. The Librarian raised an eyebrow. Oh? For what reason would you want an Enchantment which does that? Im hoping to make Fire Attuned Barley, Jeb replied, and when I made Watergrass, I poured Water Mana into a bucket of water to make sure that I had enough Mana to overwrite the Mana signature of the Managrass. When I put Fire Mana into a bucket of water, though, it dissipates out quickly. I was hoping that if I put an Enchantment to reflect the Fire Mana back into the container, it will keep the water Fire Aspected. Pages quickly flipped through the Librarians eyes, and he handed Jeb a small booklet. This Enchantment should be appropriate for that task. It keeps ambient Mana out and internal Mana in. I would draw your attention to the third Subenchantment, though, he said, flipping through the book. There is a safety release valve in case Mana levels build too high within the Enchantment. Please do not modify this piece of the Enchantment. Jeb nodded. His Uncle Albert had explained why safety valves were important when he taught Jeb to Distill. He hadnt considered that Mana would also be something that could build pressure, but he supposed it made sense. Thank you! Jeb said, rushing back out of the Library. If he hurried, he might be able to finish the Enchantment before dinner. Back home, Jeb searched for a bucket that no one had a use for. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, he considered the fact that Enchanting metals was also far easier than Enchanting wood, since it took to etching far more readily. He knocked on the furnace door, and his grandfather answered. What can I help you with, Jeb? he asked. I was hoping that I would be able to make a few metal buckets, Jeb said. Is the forge available? Why do you want a metal bucket? his grandfather asked, gesturing for Jeb to enter. As Jeb went through what had happened in his day, his grandfather nodded. All that seems reasonable, he said. Have at it. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Jeb stoked the flames and formed a sheet of metal into a smooth cylinder. As he worked, he felt his Blacksmithing Skill guide his strokes, helping to smooth out the deformations that his hammer caused on the metal surface. The bucket came together quickly, and, after a quick glance at the Enchantment, Jeb also made a lid. Thankfully, it was already written to exist in two connected parts. When the bucket was done, Jeb took a break for dinner. His family had all heard about his plans to make Fire Barley, and they each had their own opinions on the best way to make it happen. Thankfully, every suggestion that they made was prefaced with the disclaimer that they had never bred a Magical plant before, though some had grown them. Jeb listened to the advice, though he wasnt sure if much of it would be helpful. He did make a few notes about potential avenues to try, since they could be done in parallel with each other. After dinner, he went back to the forge and found that the bucket was cool enough to handle and Enchant. The Enchantment had three portions: keeping internal Mana in, rejecting external Mana, and the safety valve that the Librarian told him not to modify. Jeb started adding each in order. Buckets are meant to hold things, he said after carving the lines of the Enchantment. And metal in particular can trap almost anything, including gas. Trapping Mana is basically the same thing. The increases to his Statistics shone here. Unlike when he had made his mothers gift, Jeb found that impressing his will onto the bucket came almost easily. Of course, it helped that he believed what he was saying. The second piece had a similar argument. Metal is solid, and doesnt let things through, was the essence of what Jeb said as he forced the Mana through. The third Subenchantment was where Jeb ran into trouble. Lids make things safer, and a safety release makes this Enchantment safer, was the best argument Jeb could come up with. He felt the bucket reject that argument, but Jeb was more forceful than a bucket. He pushed the Mana in, and the Enchantment finished. With the bucket finished, Jeb filled it with water and poured Fire Mana in. After arguing with reality so much that day, Jeb was beginning to feel like he had expended too much of his will. That had never happened before, and he was curious if it would remain true the following day. Shaking his head to clear the thought, he forced the Mana in the water to become Fire. When he had finished, he closed the lid of the bucket and felt the outflow of Mana cease. Leaving the bucket in the forge with a note that said not to touch it, Jeb made his way to bed. In the morning, he eagerly rushed to check in on the bucket. When he opened the lid, there was no rush of Fire Mana, which he worried about. Looking into the bucket with his Magical sight, though, Jeb breathed a sigh of relief. The water inside the bucket was still Aspected Fire. It had just stabilized, apparently. The bucket was still as full of Fire as the forge in the back of the room, if not a little more. Jeb was curious if there was a name for the liquid in front of him. Even without touching it, he knew that it would react to non-Magical objects like normal water. To anything Magical, though, it would behave like fire. Well, Jeb said to himself, that worked far better than I had expected. When he poured some more Fire Mana into the substance he decided to call Firewater, it accepted it as readily as the plain water had accepted his Water Mana. Excited, Jeb quickly Enchanted a sheet of metal and rushed over to the small plots that he had staked for making Fire Barley. There were four, one for each strategy that he was going to try. In the first, he carefully seeded the ground and watered the soil with his Firewater. Next to the the second, he took a sprouting container and filled it with seeds and Firewater. At the third, he set up the seeds to sprout in normal water. In the fourth field, he poured Fire Mana into the soil until it was aspected with Fire instead of the multitude of Aspects it had before. He then covered the top with the sheet of metal he had Enchanted to trap Mana. It was only the first of the three Subenchantments, which made it far easier to carve in. Jeb had the highest hopes for the fourth quadrant. The first he did because it was how he had crafted Watergrass. No one sprouted Managrass before planting, though, so he was curious if sprouting the plant in Firewater would make any difference. He hoped that it would, but wanted to control for whether that made a difference compared to overwhelming it as it grew. Finally, he hoped that he would be able to Aspect the soil, which would hopefully make Aspecting the plants go faster. Satisfied, Jeb made his way to the brewery to see how his mead was progressing. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 9611/100
Total Statistic Load: 489
Physical Load: 144
Strength: 34
Dexterity: 27
Endurance: 36
Vitality: 43
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 100: Endings Part One When Jeb entered the brewery, he was unsurprised to see his aunt working inside. What are you doing here? she asked. I was going to check on my mead? Jeb said, confused. His aunt looked at him for a moment. Did your Brewing Skill tell you to come here? Jeb shook his head. No, but I finished setting up the first pieces of making Fire Barley, and the next item on my to do list was checking in on the mead. Fair enough, she said, gesturing for Jeb to enter. Jeb ran through the standard checks to make sure nothing was going wrong with his mead. As he had expected, everything was proceeding more or less how it should. The drop in density was slightly higher than he had expected, but he supposed that the warmth from the Fire Mana might be helping the yeast to work more quickly. After confirming that the mead didnt need any interventions, Jeb took a moment to pause and reflect. He realized that he still had some of his Firewater left. Out of curiosity, he mixed it with some water that he quickly Conjured. To his surprise, the two liquids mixed without any issue. When he looked at the liquid, it had both Manas within it, neither seeming to upset the other. Since Jeb knew that he would need more Firewater, though, he called Attune Fire Mana to mind. He forced it into the mixture, ready to fight to overwrite the Mana signature of the Conjured water. Again, he was surprised. The Mana was overwritten without any effort. As he watched, it seemed like the extra Fire Mana he poured in just slowly tipped the balance in the mixture. Water Mana was expelled and replaced with Fire Mana. Jeb began to wonder how little Firewater he could use to replace the Mana signature in a container. But, he knew that he had bigger priorities. He started stretching, focusing as much on his fingers and hands as on the larger muscles in his body. Even after a single day, there was a notable difference in how much more flexible he felt.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics First Tier Stretch You have improved your Dexterity.
Rewards: 1 Dexterity, 19 EXP
Once he finished stretching, he went off for a run. As with the stretching, it was as though his body had found its equilibrium with no delay. He was pleasantly winded when he finished the run and accepted his two Quest Rewards.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Running First Tier Run You have outlasted your Endurance.
Rewards: 1 Endurance, 19 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Athletics Second Tier Move You have increased your Vitality.
Rewards: 2 Vitality, 39 EXP
Inside the barn, he hefted the increased weight as he considered what else he needed to do with the day.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Lifting First Tier Lift You have grown your Strength.
Rewards: 1 Strength, 19 EXP
Without anything else in mind, he stopped by the brewery. While he was there, he picked up the barrel he had inscribe Attune Fire Mana onto and the bucket of Firewater he had made. Bucket and barrel in hand, he made his way to the Fire Barley fields. He dumped a majority of the Firewater into the barrel, trusting that the slight Fire Attunement that it had would keep it from reacting. If he was being honest with himself, Jeb had no idea whether or not the Firewater would cause fires, but he had no desire to find out at this time. With a majority of his remaining Mana, he filled the barrel higher with Conjured water and overwrote its Mana signature with Fire. Some bees flew over, curious about the fields he had prepared. As Jeb explained his goal, he felt the Fire Attuned Bees grow happier. The rest of the hive seemed somewhat sullen that he was working to make only Fire Barley, and not the other Mana types that he knew. Reminding them that he had also made Watergrass had mixed results. The Water Attuned Bees settled down, but the other three Elements all seemed even angrier that they were being completely neglected. Jeb apologized to them and promised to work on making some sort of Earth, Air, and Sand plant when he had finished with the Barley. For the rest of the day, he sat and increased the Mana levels in the large barrel of Firewater he had made. As he did, he considered the fact that ambient Mana could probably still seep through the wood. To make sure that it didnt, Jeb carved the outside of the container. For the rest of the spring, Jeb kept an eye on the different barley plants as they grew, kept topping off the Firewater as he needed to use it, and tried to grow his Physical Statistics to be balanced with each other. Jeb realized that he had to choose one Statistic which would be highest, unless he wanted to keep each of them at their minimum values. After finishing five more of the Exercise Quests, he made an effort to not complete any more. The same was true for Running and Lifting another ten days later. When he looked at his Dexterity, Jeb was shocked that he needed to keep doing another eight just to catch up with his Strength and Endurance. Throughout the spring, Jeb waited anxiously for Census Day. When his Fire Mead finished brewing, his aunt helped him design a label for the bottles, which he delivered to the various people he had earmarked. At dinner that night, he brought out one of the extra bottles, curious what it would taste like but wanting to share the experience with his family. It was strange, to say the least. Drinking the Fire Mead felt like drinking a fire, but only in the most positive ways. Like a strong spirit, it warmed Jeb up as the liquid coursed down his throat. Unlike a strong spirit, though, it did not burn. It felt like there was a flame without any of the destruction that went along with it. The subtle hints of flavors that the yeast imparted only added to the experience. As the first sprouts of barley began to show, Jeb started getting hopeful. While none looked totally Fire Attuned to his sight, they all seemed at least somewhat. The two that were furthest along were absolutely the field that he had sprouted in Firewater and the field that he had tried to Fire Attune at the beginning. Jeb slapped his head when he realized he should have made a field that was Firewater sprouted and Fire Attuned. If this generation doesnt work, he told himself, next generation Ill do that. The plants grew as his family prepared for the Census. To Jebs surprise, the family seemed to grow less and less cheerful as the Census Day approached. He wasnt sure whether he had missed the change in the atmosphere when he was younger, or if something was different this year, but no one except him seemed to be happy about it. Jeb, can you lend me a hand today? his grandfather asked. Sure! Jeb replied, What do you need? We need to make sure that everything is in order for when the Censusmaster arrives. Jeb followed his grandfather to the barn they stored all their taxed goods in. It was full of dried crops from the past years harvest, all in neat 50 pound bags. There were at least 100, and that was just from a quick glance around the barn. How much was their tax? Lets see, we should need another fifty of those, his grandfather said, pointing to the bags of wheat, and ten of those, pointing to the barley bags. Then go ask your Aunt Esther what she and Albert will be sending. Do we really owe so much for taxes? Jeb asked, a little horrified. Still, he hurried off to get the barrels from his aunt and uncle. They sighed and each pointed to a number of barrels of their brews. Jeb took them carefully into the barn and stacked them, making sure that the labels were visible. The next morning, Jeb woke up. It was finally Census Day. After the Censusmaster came and left, Jeb knew that he would be able to start growing his Class. Excited, he made his way down the stairs. Jeb, would you mind staying in today? his grandfather asked him. Jeb looked at him pleadingly. But its Census Day! he said. It was the one day a year when a lot of the merchants came to town. I know, his grandfather said, but Im worried that- he cut himself off. I would just feel more comfortable knowing that you were here for the day. Why? Jeb asked. Ill tell you tomorrow, his grandfather said, and Jeb shrugged. He trusted his grandfather, and if he didnt think it was a good idea to go to town, then Jeb would stay in. He went over to the fields of barley he was growing and cast Fire Mana over each of the plots as he watered them. Before long, he heard the sound of horse hooves beating. Jeb made his way to the tax barn, listening to the conversation between the Censusmaster and his grandfather. Ah, the Humdrum Farm, the Censusmaster said, You can start loading the goods onto my wagon whenever you are ready. There was something about the way the Censusmaster was looking down on his grandfather that really annoyed Jeb. He knew that the Censusmaster couldnt be higher than Seventh Tier if he were in charge of this region, so his grandfather was at least four times his level. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. I dont believe that my duties extend to loading your cart, his grandfather said. What happened to your Packer? The Censusmaster looked at his grandfather dismissively. I decided not to take him this year. After all, your duties do extend to any reasonable request from the President. And, since I lack anyone in my entourage capable of loading the goods, Im afraid that I will have to impose on you. Jeb saw his grandfathers grip tighten for a moment, before he forced it loose again. He slowly started moving the bags of grain into the back of the Censusmasters cart. Pick up your pace, the Censusmaster said. I dont have all day. Even as Jeb grew angry on his grandfathers behalf, he also became curious. His grandfather kept loading bag after bag of grain, but the cart didnt appear to grow any fuller. Once the Censusmaster left, Jeb was going to ask why that was. When his grandfather had finished loading, the Censusmaster ticked off an item from his list. Now then, he said, tone smug, I see that youve withheld a Mage. Thats a capital offense, as I know that youre well aware. His grandfather stood taller. Jeb hadnt noticed how much he had been slouching in front of the Censusmaster. As he stood up, Jeb felt the anger radiating off of his grandfather. He had never seen the man so angry. First, his grandfather said, tone solid as stone and cold as winter, no Mage is required to report before they are reported in the Census. Even if that were not true, though, he is only First Tier. The Draft doesnt apply to anyone below Fourth Tier. Maybe it didnt when you, the Censusmaster looked his grandfather up and down with a sneer, were of age, but this past year an edict came down saying that all Mages were to be drafted. Where are you hiding the boy? Jeb held his breath. Even if he knew that he was going to have to go to the Capital at some point, he had no intention of being forced to go somewhere. Why hadnt anyone in his life said anything about a Mage Draft? After a long pause, his grandfather finally spoke. Ill go get him. Dont take too long, I might be worried about sedition. His grandfather turned away from the Censusmaster and immediately spotted Jeb. His grandfather kept walking towards the main house, and Jeb understood the unspoken message. He made his own way back to their home. When they were both inside, his grandfather sighed. Im sorry, Jeb, he said. I was hoping I would have more time to explain this to you. Whats the Mage Draft? Explain what? Jebs questions all overlapped as he tried to understand what was happening. Even though I know that waste of any air he breaths is lying about the Mage Draft, refusal to comply with orders is an offense. Youll have to go to the Capital. Make sure to pack everything you need with you, and hurry. I doubt hell be too patient. Jeb took a moment to process the words his grandfather said. When he tried to ask a question, his grandfather just gestured towards his room. He took the hint and rushed over. Inside his room, Jeb looked around at all of the small pieces of his life hed have to leave behind. Before he could get too drawn into it, though, he took the items he knew that he would need. He packed his lute, the Primers, Method Books, and Enchantment Schematics he owned, his leftover pieces of Waterweave and Manaweave, and the packet of White Watergrass seeds that his grandfather had given him. Looking around again, Jeb packed a few sets of clothes. His travel sack was nearly full, but there were still so many things that he didnt want to leave behind. There was the small carved horse that his Aunt Sue had given him when he was younger. There was the flute that the Bard had given him. When he heard a knock at the door, Jeb knew he was out of time. He picked up his staff and walked down the stairs. At least you had the sense to make sure he was ready to go, the Censusmaster said to his grandfather. Tell the boy to wait inside the cart. Jeb bristled at being so utterly ignored. Seeing his grandfathers expression, though, he walked into the cart. As the Censusmaster drove out of town, Jeb realized that he hadnt had time to say goodbye to anyone. He hoped his grandfather would for him. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 489 ->563
Physical Load: 144 ->218
Strength: 34 ->52
Dexterity: 27 ->53
Endurance: 36 ->54
Vitality: 43 ->55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 101: Traveling As the cart made its way out of the town, Jeb felt his connection to the hive diminish. With every passing minute, the bond between the bees, their home, and him seemed to fade a little more. Just as it was about to break completely, though, the bond stabilized. It was weak, but Jeb knew that it was still there. Still, the feeling of being so far away made him understand why his Aunt Sue had been so against Binding anything. He felt disoriented and almost a little ill. Jeb hadnt realized how much he relied on the connection to the hive to keep himself grounded, but every time he reached out now, it felt like he was pushing through a thick film. As the day faded to evening, Jeb slowly grew used to the feeling of being separated. He knew that it would feel wrong every time that he pushed on the Binding, but he was already leaning on it less than he had been. At nightfall, the cart finally stopped, and the Censusmaster called out to him. Dirt Mage, come out for dinner. Confused, Jeb left the cart and went to where he heard the call. They were stopped in front of an inn, and the Censusmaster was holding the door open for him. Warily, Jeb walked inside. The interior of the inn was a lot louder than Jeb had expected. Unlike when the inn in his hometown had been crowded, though, there did not seem to be any sort of cohesion to the noise. There was just a large crowd of people all sitting at their own tables and having their own conversations. The Censusmaster made eye contact with the Bartender, and he and Jeb were quickly shown to a table. I dont have any money on me, Jeb said, and the Censusmaster rolled his eyes. Of course you dont, he said. I expect that you have never handled money in your life, especially given that no one in your town pays their taxes with coin. Something about the Censusmasters tone rubbed Jeb the wrong way, for all that he was completely right. The town did operate almost exclusively on barter and mutual agreements. Ill pay for your meals as we travel, the Censusmaster continued without a delay. Since Im taking you to the Mage Draft, it is my responsibility. It was clear from his tone of voice that he did not want any further questions from Jeb, so he took the hint and looked around the room. There were clearly a number of Adventurers inside of the tavern. One in particular drew his attention, though. The man was some sort of Fighter, at least if the well worn steel armor and sword across his back were any indication. He wore a helm even while eating, which was what had initially caught Jebs interest. As Jeb watched, he slowly mopped up the last bits of stew with a small loaf of bread. While staring, Jeb saw a spark of Magic pop off of the Fighters sword. Jeb carefully activated his Magical vision, curious if he could see what had caused the effect. The second that he started to see the Magic around him, he was blinded. It was not just the sword the Fighter carried that was Enchanted. No, every piece of armor he wore was also layered in lines of tracing Magic. The Fighter was not unique in that regard, Jeb realized when his vision came back. It seemed like every single person in the room was absolutely covered in blazing Enchantments and Infused Magical Items. Jeb wondered why that was until the food came. Since most of the room had been eating stew with bread, Jeb had assumed that he would have the same. Another voice in his head assured him that the Censusmaster would not be willing to spend so much, and he privately resigned himself to just a loaf of bread, if even that. When a platter of well cooked meat and vegetables came out, though, Jeb was shocked. What? Have you never seen food before? the Censusmaster asked. Please at least try to eat with a semblance of table manners. I am unsure if my stomach can handle you eating such a fine cut like a savage. Jeb wasnt sure how to react. He had never heard comments about the way he ate before, so he waited to see what the Censusmaster did with his silverware. When he picked up his knife and fork and started eating the roast, Jeb felt comfortable eating the way that he normally did. Thankfully, the Censusmaster didnt comment on any of it. When the two had finished their meal, Jeb started to move towards the cart, expecting that they would either travel through the night, or that they would be sleeping in the cart, at the very least. As Jeb opened the door, though, the Censusmaster called out, where are you going? To the cart? Jeb asked. Why? No one will take anything from the cart, and I got you a room in here. Jeb didnt know how to respond to that. Despite all of the terrible things that the Censusmaster had said to his grandfather, and to some extent him, it seemed as though he was treating Jeb well. Jeb followed the Censusmaster and took the key to his room. The bed he slept in was far less comfortable than he was used to. He could hear the sound of the crowded inn from underneath him, and that only added to the discomfort. Jeb slept fitfully through the night. When dawn rose, the inn finally gew quiet. By that point, though, Jeb knew he would need to wake up. He cleaned himself in the provided wash basin and made his way back to the common room. The Censusmaster had not come down yet, but the Innkeeper poured Jeb a mug of something warm and gave him a bowl of gruel. How did you sleep? he asked Jeb. Um, Jeb replied, trying to think of a polite way to respond that he was unable to sleep. The Innkeeper chuckled. First time away from home? he guessed. Jeb shrugged. Its certainly the furthest Ive ever been from home, he admitted. Where are we? The Innkeeper gave him the name of some small town that Jeb vaguely remembered from his geography lessons. They were rapidly approaching the main road to the Capital, which he supposed made sense. He was more than a little surprised that the Censusmaster had not stopped at any of the other towns on the route. Maybe were the last stop before he heads back to the Capital? Jeb considered. That didnt make too much sense, but he supposed that it was possible. He was broken from his musings by the Censusmaster coughing behind him. If it would not be too much of an inconvenience, would you be willing to leave now? Jeb flushed and followed the Censusmaster to the cart. As they took off, he saw his lute case. It seemed to call to him. Jeb considered how nice the Censusmaster had been the night before. He took his lute out to check its tuning and try to work on the Ephemeral Song. As soon as he started plucking the notes, though, the Censusmaster called back. Stop making such a hideous racket, he yelled. Jeb had just started putting Mana into the Song, but complied. On some half remembered memory, he tried to keep the Song running without playing the specific notes. The Song lasted longer than it ever had without music playing, though it was just a heartbeat longer. As Jeb watched the morning turn to day, he realized that he didnt have anything to occupy himself. Unlike when he was at the farm, though, he couldnt think of any activities that he could work on. He couldnt learn or create any new Glyphs, because his Wisdom and Magic Affinity couldnt rise at all. He had no access to a forge, brewery, or field, so he couldnt work on any of the Skills that he had earned over the previous year. Looking at the lute that seemed like his only real option, Jeb remembered one of the first conversations that he had with the Bard. The Bard had told him that one skill he would have learned in the Academy, if hed been a Bard, was how to use Songs without his instrument. It felt a little wrong to not use his Bound Lute, especially since he had Bound it for the explicit purpose of learning Songs, but Jeb didnt want to antagonize the Censusmaster any more than he needed to. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. And so, Jeb started working on performing the Ephemeral Song without any sound. It felt like a completely intractable problem, and after a week of effort, Jeb switched to trying to play Lute Enforcement without his lute. That went far better, likely because Jeb knew the Song, at least according to the System. When he could reliably Enforce his lute, he resumed working on the Ephemeral Song. While Jeb was initially working on the Ephemeral Song, he learned that the Censusmaster had not saved Humdrumville for last. They stopped at no fewer than a town a day after that, often reaching multiple between sleeping. Jeb was told to stay in the cart, out of sight and sound for all of the towns, and he complied. At night, the Censusmaster continued to feed and room him well, which continued to puzzle Jeb. After what Jeb knew was at least two months, the Censusmaster breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he said, back to civilization. Jeb looked out the cart. It was the Capital, he knew without having to be told. There was no farm land anywhere nearby. There was a stench that Jeb knew instantly was from having so many bodies packed into such a small area. Well, then, the Censusmaster said after a moment, my obligations to you are done. With that, he drove the cart off, leaving Jeb holding his pack, lute case, and staff. What do I do now? Jeb asked himself. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 17
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 102: Understanding Jeb looked around the Capital. A voice in his head suggested that he could just walk back to Humdrumville. After all, the Censusmaster clearly didnt care about where he ended up, and he had no real desire to be a part of the Mage Draft. Two things stopped him from taking the first step. First, the distance. It had been a two month journey on horseback. Even if Jeb knew the route back, it would still be months of travel on foot. Adding to that, he didnt have any food or money to feed himself during that time. The second reason was a little simpler. The Censusmaster had threatened his grandfather already for hiding a Mage. If he went back to his family, he would absolutely be avoiding the Mage Draft. Jeb hoped on some level that they would send someone else to check on him, but knew that it would be the Censusmaster, and that he would not be gentle or kind in his treatment. As Jeb stood lost in thought, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. Hello, he said, My name is David. I am a Peacekeeper for the Capital. Can I help you with something? You seem a little lost. Hi, Jeb replied hesitantly. Im Jeb, and the Censusmaster brought me here for something he called a Mage Draft. I dont really know what that means, though, or where Im supposed to go for that. Hmm, the Peacekeeper said, frowning, did the Censusmaster tell you where he was going? Jeb shook his head. No, but I got a strong indication that he wasnt coming back for me. The Peacekeeper pulled out a pad of paper and began writing. And where did you say you were from? Jeb felt some alarms going off in his mind. Though the Peacekeeper had been nothing but kind to him so far, his family had never raised him to be particularly trusting of the Republic or its employees. His time with the Censusmaster had only solidified that belief, for all that he had been oddly kind in feeding and housing Jeb during their travels. The Peacekeeper clearly saw Jebs apprehension, because he put the pad away. You dont have to tell me anything if you dont want to, he said in a gentle tone, but knowing where you come from can help me to find out which Censusmaster abandoned you here. Do I need to know who abandoned me to report for the Mage Draft? The Peacekeepers frown returned. I suppose not, but- Can you show me where I need to go to report for the Mage Draft, then? Jeb interrupted, hoping to shut down the conversation. The Peacekeeper paused, clearly considering. Jeb watched as he looked him up and down, plainly trying to decide if Jeb needed help and was just being too proud to accept it. After a few moments, he nodded. Follow me, the Peacekeeper said, taking off at a gentle pace. Jeb followed him through a few large streets. They stopped beside a long line that led into some official looking building. This is the line to enroll in the Mage Draft, the Peacekeeper said. I know that it looks long, but it moves fairly quickly. As though to illustrate his point, the entire crowd shifted forward a few feet. Jeb took his place at the end of the line and waved goodbye to the Peacekeeper. Thank you for your help! Jeb said, mostly meaning it. The Peacekeeper paused before waving back, but then turned and walked away. While waiting in line, Jeb stared at the buildings around him. They were made of stone, like the important buildings in his hometown. That was about where the similarities stopped, though. Each of the stone buildings in his home were covered in art and bright decorations from the local children and a few retired Artisans. These buildings, on the other hand, were grim and imposing sights. They were decorated, sure, but in ornate and dark carved stone. It gave Jeb the impression of being loomed over by the Capital itself. After a few minutes of consideration, he realized that was likely the purpose of them. Sighing, he looked into the line. To his slight surprise, most everyone in the line seemed to be about his age. It seemed as though they were all still in the process of growing and developing, like Jeb knew that he was. Even with as sedentary as hed been on the ride to the Capital, he had still needed to loosen the shoulders in his shirt and lengthen his pants a little. When he did, he was grateful to his family for making them with so much extra material. Refocusing on the crowd, a thought passed through Jebs mind. Maybe the Censusmaster wasnt lying about the Mage Draft now applying to all Mages, he thought. Given how confused his grandfather had seemed and how unwilling the Censusmaster was to let Jeb talk to anyone else in the town, that still didnt seem likely. Though, it would do a lot to explain why he seemed to be surrounded by other seventeen year olds in the line. Immediate surroundings noted, Jeb returned to the practice that had kept him occupied during his long weeks in the back of the Censusmasters cart. He called the Ephemeral Song to mind without pulling the lute out of its case. Even if he wasnt in the cart anymore, Jeb couldnt imagine that a city the size of the Capital would let just anyone play music in public. If they could, there would be music playing all around him. The streets were filled with the sounds of talking people, sure, but there was no lilt of melody or instrumental backing to any of it, as far as he could tell. That was telling. Jeb shook himself out of the thought. Regardless of where he was, there was no reason not to use available time to practice. He slowly began spinning the knot of Mana he knew needed in his mind. As he fed more and more Mana into the Song, a slight shimmer appeared over his hand. At least its in the vague shape of an apple now, Jeb thought, looking at the circular shape hovering in his hand. Even just a few days before, it had been a completely amorphous cloud. As he tried to focus harder on solidifying the shape, the only change he noticed was his Mana emptying faster. Sighing, he released the Song and let the knot spin down and fade away. Refocusing on his surroundings, he saw that he was nearly to the front of the line. When he got to the front of the line, Jeb saw that there were a number of booths set up, each manned by a different person. Another person stood facing the line, directing everyone to the next available stand. Almost as soon as Jeb reached the front of the line, he pointed for Jeb to go to the stand furthest left. Thank you! Jeb said. He smiled at that, as though it was an unexpected comment. Just doing my job, he said. Jeb walked over to the furthest left stand and approached the woman sitting behind the booth. Im here to register for the Mage Draft, Jeb said. The woman nodded. What is your name? Jeb. The woman waited, as though Jeb should continue speaking. After staring at each other for a few long moments, she spoke again. Jeb what? Just Jeb? he replied. Where are you from? Unlike when the Peacekeeper had asked, Jeb understood that this was not an optional question. Humdrumville, he replied. Hmm, the woman flipped through a booklet on her desk. Ah, there you are. Jeb Humdrum. I have your Class listed as Least Mud Initiate, as of almost a year ago. Is that still accurate? Jeb checked his Status, even though he knew it hadnt changed. Yes, he said, nodding. Well, thank you for registering for the Mage Draft, though you did not need to do so until Third Tier. If I may ask, why did you register so early? Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb frowned. The Censusmaster told me that I was required to register immediately, and then threatened my family if they did not turn me over. The woman paled, before growing angry herself. What! That is a complete abuse of power. If you would like, I can file an official complaint. Jeb bobbed his head, considering. What would that do? The woman flipped a few more pages. Well, she said, paging through the book, before stopping. All the energy seemed to fade out of her when she reached the page she was searching for. In your case, nothing. Your Censusmaster is apparently the Presidents cousin. I see that there have been a number of complaints filed against him that were immediately dismissed, including three that have already been filed for your treatment. Im so sorry. Jeb shrugged it off. At the end of the day, I would have had to come here eventually, he said. The months of travel had given him time to come to terms with his situation, even if he wasnt happy with it. That is true, I suppose, she replied. Now then, would you like to join the Adventuring Corps or- She cut off, once more frowning at the page. Or what? Jeb asked. I was going to ask if you would want to join the Academy, but apparently you have too much debt that needs to be paid off first.Jeb frowned. Where would I have gotten debt from? She ran her finger down the page. Apparently you requested fine meals and boarding at every stop along the way here. The Censusmaster had to pay for you, as you refused to give any currency, and so he is demanding his money back, with the appropriate interest for an unsecured loan. Thats not true! Jeb exclaimed. The teller nodded sadly. Im sure its not. But, he has submitted a formal claim against you, and it was approved. Unless there are significant mitigating circumstances- Once more she froze. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 103: Enrolling Jeb waited, curious what had frozen her this time. Well, I suppose that there is a mitigating circumstance, she said hesitantly. Do you know why you would have two letters of recommendation for your entrance into the Academy? Jeb thought about who might have written them. The only people hed known that were even slightly connected to the Academy were the Librarian and the Bard, but neither had seemed particularly fond of it. I might have an idea? he hazarded. Let me see if thats mitigating enough, she said, pulling out a table. Humming to herself, she went through the different modifiers that his Class, Tier, Level, Debt, and recommendations all added. At the end of her calculations, she sighed. I dont suppose theres anything else you could add in favor of your admittance? Two letters from Tenth Tier Graduates is worth a lot, but you allegedly incurred a lot of debt. Jeb considered what hed done over the last year. Does adding Spell Glyphs to the Public Repository count for anything? She brightened. It does! She pulled out another book, flipped, and frowned. The Glyphs youve given dont count for enough, though. She looked back at the table. So far as I can see, the only other ways to counteract the debt are to pay it off? she asked hopefully. Jeb shook his head, and she nodded. I didnt expect that you had any money on you. If you have any Achievements, that could also help. It was clear that she did not expect Jeb to have any, but that she was going through absolutely every option. Jeb brightened. I do! he said, pulling up his Status. The teller brightened, and he listed them off. I have Focused Meditator, Student of Magic, and Glyph Specializer. Does that tip me over the balance? The teller paused with her pen over the table. Jeb waited for her to tally the numbers. When she didnt move, he tried again. Sorry, was I speaking too quickly? No, not at all, she said, frantically shaking her head, I just dont know of many First Tier Mages who bother with Student of Magic, and I dont know if Ive heard of anyone with Glyph Specializer before Fourth Tier. Is that a good thing? Jeb asked, hopeful. She nodded. The lower your Tier, the more that any Achievement is worth. Since youre First Tier, you get the best multiplier, which sets you well over the threshold for admittance. She flushed, pausing in her speech for a second. Sorry, Ive gone through all of this without asking. Do you even want to attend the Academy? Truthfully, Jeb replied, if going back to Humdrumville is an option, I would like to do that. She shook her head. Regardless of the fact that you were led here under false pretenses, you have still registered for the Mage Draft. You need to either join the Adventuring Corps or register at the Academy. What does each entail? She grimaced. A part of me was hoping that you wouldnt ask that. Since youre in debt, I assume that you dont have tuition money either? Seeing Jeb shake his head, she continued, Ill start with the Adventuring Corps then. You would be given some starting equipment and a list of tasks that the Republic needs accomplished, based on your Tier, Level, and Class. The pay you receive for completing these tasks is also based on Tier, and so you would likely get an oversized payment for most of what youd do, since almost no tasks are designed with a First Tier Mage in mind. Also, while enrolled in the Adventuring Corps, any debt you have does not accrue interest. That does sound nice, Jeb said. There is a reason most first generation Mages choose to join the Adventuring Corps, she agreed. And the Academy? The grimace returned. The Academy is meant primarily for those who seek Academic Classes, or at least academic applications. Debt continues to accrue interest while you attend, and there is a tuition, in addition to other costs of living. So theres no way I can go, then, Jeb said, heart sinking. She brightened at that. That isnt true! For those unable to pay tuition who come with a letter of recommendation, work study programs are available. Youll work for the professors or staff, depending on who is in need of help in a given term. That doesnt count as wages, and so would not be garnished for your debt to the Censusmaster. Of course, that debt will grow larger as you study, but he cannot come after you for it while you are still enrolled. What would cause me to become unenrolled? Jeb asked, sensing a trap. She looked at him in confusion. If you are unable to maintain passing grades in your classes, if you refuse to do assigned work study, or if you have severe conduct issues, you could be expelled, she said, though none of those are particularly common. Otherwise, the most common way that people leave the Academy is by graduating. By the time that you graduate from the Academy, you should have no issue paying off your debt, even as it grows, because Academy trained Mages command a high salary. Im a little concerned, Jeb said, trying to think of a diplomatic way to say that he was worried that the Censusmaster would intentionally sabotage him in the Academy somehow. She picked up on what he was alluding to without him needing to spell it out. The Academy is famously opposed to almost every action that the President takes, and it reacts very badly to any hint of external political influence trying to manipulate what happens within its walls. Truthfully, the fact that youve had such a negative experience with the Censusmaster will likely be seen as a positive to most of the faculty there. Jeb stared at her in confusion. If the Academy is in a fight with the President, why is it still allowed to recruit students from the Mage Draft? She shrugged. Thats well above my pay grade. Leaning in closer, she continued, but If I had to guess, it would be in large part because of the fact that all of the richest families in the Republic send their children there, because its far safer. After all, an Academy graduate is guaranteed an officers rank in the military if they should choose to join after graduating. The fact that a number of the faculty are themselves High Tier Classholders also helps it maintain its independence. When someone capable of tearing down the entire Capital if they should desire asks for something, a smart Politician thinks twice before saying no. Jeb nodded. In your opinion, what should I do? She shook her head. I am explicitly forbidden from recommending a course of action. However, I can say that I dont know if Ive heard of anyone with two letters of recommendation not joining the Academy. Jeb nodded. I think that I would like to join the Academy, then, he said. Fantastic! If youll go down the left path, she gestured to the two paths that Jeb had noticed people streaming through after talking to their own booth teller, youll find yourself in the intake room for the Academy. Theyll walk you through everything else that you should need. Jeb nodded and began to walk away. She held out a hand to stop him. And, I do want to tell you that I do really feel bad about what happened to you. I wish I could tell you that there was a good way to resolve the situation, but I cannot think of one. Jeb nodded. Thank you, he said, voice catching slightly. Being truthful with himself, he had resigned himself to the fact that life in the Capital was just like this. The fact that a stranger would give him her unasked for apology made him feel so much better. Even though the situation with the Censusmaster was still horrible, Jeb was glad that others also saw the injustice in the situation. Ill find a way to make this right, he said to himself, unsure if he really believed it. After all, even his grandfather couldnt protect him from the Censusmaster. If the strongest man that he knew was unable to protect his family, what could Jeb possibly do? He shook his head, trying to get rid of the angry thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he stepped down the path that led to the Academy. As he walked it, he noticed that almost everyone else in the lines was going on the right path. Jeb wondered about that, but continued until he came to a door. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The door opened, and a woman greeted him. Good evening, she said, and Jeb quickly glanced at the sky. He hadnt noticed the day slowly passing by as he waited in line. Good evening, he replied. Is this where I enroll in the Academy? The woman smiled. It is. My name is Petra, and I am the Headmistress of the Academy. She looked more closely at Jeb, and his mind forcibly called to mind the fact that he was surrounded by stone. Hmm, she said. What is a First Tier Mud Mage doing enrolling in the Mage Draft? Your family name is somewhat familiar, but- she trailed off, clearly thinking about something. Jeb waited for Petra to finish her thought before he spoke. Sorry, she said after a moment, its the end of the day and my mind is wandering. I will focus on the relevant question. Why did you enroll in the Mage Draft? Jeb considered whether he should tell the truth or not. The teller had told him that he could trust the Academy, but he wasnt sure if he believed her. The Headmistress clearly saw the indecision on his face, because she reached into the wall behind him and pulled out a book. Ah, I see, she said, flipping through the book. Should I assume that the Censusmaster that you owe your debt to told you that you were required to enroll in the Mage Draft? Jeb nodded, shocked that she immediately came to the correct conclusion. She gave him a small smile. I wish that it did not happen, but government officials are known to abuse their powers. You wont be the only one here with a similar story, even in your cohort. Now then, what mitigating factors still let you enroll? She flipped through the book, tilting it so Jeb could read as well. Ah, letters of recommendation, she said, nodding. Though not from a Mage, I notice? Jeb shrugged. Truthfully, I dont know who wrote me letters of recommendation. You have one letter from a Librarian, and one from a Bard. It appears as though the Bard is a Postdoctoral Scholar here, and he recommends you specifically for entry into the College of Music. I see that youre carrying a lute- the reminder that he was surrounded by stone came to the forefront of Jebs mind again. A Bound and Mana Infused lute no less. Tell me, are you planning to become a Bard? As she asked the question, the Headmistress began walking towards the back of the room, gesturing for Jeb to follow. He answered as he walked, I dont think so. I really enjoy Glyph Magic and Enchanting as well, and I was hoping that there was a Class that would allow me to do all three. Petra turned around smiling. Im very excited to see what you do at the Academy, she said, walking towards the bare stone wall. Just as Jeb was worried that she was going to run into it, she waved her hand and a doorway appeared, leading into a well lit hallway. She walked through and Jeb followed. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 104: Admissions As the two walked, Petra continued talking. Now, do you know which part of the Academy you plan to enroll in? The Bard recommended you for entry to the College of Music, and the Librarian says that you are qualified for entrance into either the College of Letters or the College of Enchantments. I dont think I understand, Jeb said. The Headmistress turned her head, confusion plain on her face. What did you think would happen when you enrolled in the Academy? Jeb gave a sheepish grin. Truthfully, I had no idea what would happen. I just knew that I didnt want to go to the Adventuring Corps. The Headmistress nodded. That is fair. However, it is important for you to act, not just reactively, but proactively. What do you want your future to look like? Jeb thought about it as they continued walking. To answer your first question, he finally spoke, I thought that I would come to the Academy and there would be classes based on learning different Skills that might be relevant to my future Class. Seeing the expression that Petra was beginning to make, he continued on, I also expected other things! I know that Im having a lot of trouble learning a Song right now, so I suppose that I expected some classes to focus on learning Songs. She shook her head. I always forget how different the emphasis is in Theorycrafting in rural parts of the Republic. What do you mean? Jeb asked. In most of the rural parts of this Republic, there are fewer Classholders than jobs. As a result, people need to be able to occupy multiple roles, and so the emphasis is placed on flexibility, rather than expertise. Im not sure I understand, Jeb admitted. You are a fantastic example. Jeb, how many Skills do you have? Jeb pulled up his Status. Twenty six, he said. By the time most of our students enroll, they are in their Third Tier. At that point, the average student has just over four Skills. Jeb nodded. He remembered his grandfather saying something about how Skills could combine when your Class grew in Tier. She frowned. I dont know why, but I feel like you have gotten the wrong message from what I just told you. What do you think you were supposed to take from that? As I grow in Tier, my Skills have the option to combine into new Skills. People within the Capital are much more likely to accept that than people in rural parts of the Republic. No. She paused. Well, that is also likely true, but that is not what I was getting at. When most of our students raised their Class to Second Tier, they only had the Skill or Skills that their Class explicitly granted them. The few exceptions almost all were learning a Skill to change what Class they were offered, such as a Mud Mage who wanted to be a Bard learning Bardic Magic. Seeing Jebs confusion, she continued. Do you know why people raise the Tier of their Class? Jeb shook his head. It just always seemed like something to do. I know that it can make Skills more powerful, but I dont know if thats also just because people with Higher Tier Classes are also usually older, so theyve had more time to work on their Skills. That is one reason, yes, Petra agreed. That is not the primary reason, though. Even outside of the benefits you gain in Skills, there is a far more practical benefit to being of a Higher Tier. Now, she said, waggling her hand, what I am about to say is only approximately true, so take it with a grain of sand. To a first order approximation, though, every point of Vitality that you have gives you one extra year before the effects of aging begin negatively affecting you. However, that is only true at First Tier. At every Higher Tier, you have approximately as many years as the product of your Tier and Vitality. There are similar truths for each of the other Statistics, but they are harder to explain. Jeb nodded. So having a Higher Tier is itself beneficial, even outside of the benefits that Higher Tier Classes tend to have. Exactly. That is one reason that people nearer to the Capital tend to have fewer Skills. As you know, each Skill that you have takes a small amount of your Experience- Seeing Jebs look of shock, she amended that statement. You do know that, right? Jeb shook his head. The Headmistress pursed her lips but continued, Well, then, every Skill and Spell that you have takes a small amount of Experience from what you should earn from a Quest. Each Skill takes one one thousandth of your Experience per Tier that you have, so if you are Tenth Tier, each Skill takes as much Experience from you as ten Skills would at First Tier. Each Spell takes one tenth of that, so one ten thousandth of your Experience. With more than twenty Skills, Im sure that youve noticed that. Jeb looked through his Quest Log. To his surprise, he did. When he had first completed his Running, Stretching, and Lifting Quests, he had received twenty experience for each. When he last completed them, though, he only received nineteen. Im still not sure I understand, Jeb said. Sure I lost a little bit of Experience, but I have much more than enough to raise my Level, and I dont see that really ceasing to be the case any time soon. The Headmistress nodded. We can continue this conversation another time, she said, gesturing to the door in front of them, but Im afraid our time is up for now. Jeb nodded. As she started to walk away, though, Jeb called out. Wait! She turned around. I never said which College I wanted to join. She smiled. You will declare your College in the next rooms. I just wanted you to start thinking about what you wanted to do with your life. WIth that, she turned and walked directly into the stone to her left. Jeb didnt see any stone displace, but she stepped through it as easily as he might step through air. I wonder what Skill she has to be able to do that, he thought to himself, opening the door. Take a seat. A voice called out from inside of the dimly lit room. Jeb saw a chair in the front of the room so nodded and sat down. When he did, the room darkened even further. Are you a Druidic plant? the voice demanded. As Jeb opened his mouth to speak, the voice continued, and dont think about lying, we have ways of knowing. Im almost positive that Im a human, Jeb replied, checking his Status. Do you think that this is a joke? No? I think that I might not understand the question, though. Where did you get a staff of Water Infused Wood? Oh! Jeb brightened, I made it! Carving the staff is how I unlocked Woodworking. Where did you get Water Infused Wood to carve into a staff? While Jeb may have brightened, the voice certainly had not. I carved the Attune Water Mana Glyph into the staff, but the Glyph wasnt totally efficient, and I think that some of the excess Water Mana leaked into the wood. It wasnt Water Attuned when I carved it, thats for sure. The room suddenly lit up. Sorry about that, the same voice spoke again, sounding somewhat contrite. Jeb saw that the speaker was a small man. Your letter of recommendation mentioned that you had made the staff, but we needed to make sure that you hadnt deceived the Librarian. That makes sense! Jeb agreed. Does it? the man seemed genuinely curious. Not in the slightest. But, given everything else thats happened to me today, this isnt even in my list of questions. The man gave a sheepish grin. I heard a bit of what you went through, and, for what its worth, Im sorry that youve been put in this position. The Academy would always prefer that its students come willingly. Im Jeb, by the way, Jeb said. My name is Flos, the man replied. I am the Dean of the College of Letters. I understand that youve made the Glyph as you carved it into your staff publicly available. Why? This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Because I didnt see any reason that it would need to be private? he replied, unsure how else to answer. It didnt take me very long to design in the grand scheme of things, and I heard someone mention how much harder it was to get Elementally Attuned Wood these days. This seemed like a good way to make it. The man nodded. I understand that you have also been recommended for entry into the College of Enchantments. Why are you interested in Enchantments? Jeb tried to remember why he had unlocked the Enchanting Skill. At first, I wanted something to help my mother, since she cant use Spell Glyphs. After unlocking the Skill, though, I do really love the fact that Enchantments have such a consistent response. One project that I meant to do before leaving home was Enchanting something to Attune Mana for my bees. Flos looked at him strangely. Why do your bees- he cut himself off. Never mind, that is not relevant for your entrance interview. My what? With the letter of recommendation you have, its merely a formality, but everyone needs to interview for their spot in a College. If you joined the College of Letters, what would you choose to focus in? Truthfully, I am not certain, Jeb replied. I dont know if I know enough of the options to make an informed choice. Based on what I know, though, something in the realm Glyph Design seems the most interesting to me. The man nodded. Well, I see that you have at least one more interview scheduled, so I wont hold you any longer. A door at the back of the room opened, and the Dean gestured for him to go through it. I hope to see you at orientation, he said as Jeb walked out. The door led to a hallway. Thankfully, there were no branches before the next door appeared. Jeb opened the door to see a well lit room. Come in! a voice called out. When Jeb did, he saw a woman sitting in front of a desk. My name is Fax, and I am the Dean of the College of Enchantments. I will keep this meeting brief. If you would like a space in the College of Enchantments, there is a space for you. I saw your revisions to the Wand of Fireballs, and would be interested in discussing them with you regardless of your choice of enrollment. As she spoke, a door opened to Jebs right. Um, thank you? Jeb replied questioningly. She gestured for him to go through the door, and so he did. After another hallway, Jeb came to a room that resembled nothing so much as a music hall. Come in, a melodious voice poured out. As Jeb walked through, he heard the voice mutter. Why is a Least Mud Initiate being interviewed for admission into the College of Music? Jeb heard another voice mention a letter of recommendation, and he saw a piece of paper being passed as he took a seat. Now Jeb, the first voice said, what can I do to convince you not to enroll in the College of Music? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 105: Interviews What did you say? Jeb asked, confused. I asked how I could motivate you not to join the College of Music. Why dont you want me? Jeb asked. And if you dont want me, couldnt you just reject me from joining? Before this conversation continues to degrade, the second voice interjected, Jeb, do you know why the Bard who taught you Bardic Magic was in your hometown? Jeb shook his head. The Bard in your hometown is currently a Postdoctoral Scholar in the College of Music. The only reason he is not a Professor is that his pedagogy was so removed from the standard practice that the Academy did not feel comfortable recommending his advancement. Why would me joining the College of Music be a problem, though? Jeb asked again. The first voice spoke again. There are very few non-Bards who learn a Song at First Tier. Those that do, almost without exception still have the Bardic Magic Skill. The fact that you were able to not only learn Lute Enforcement, but Bind a lute to yourself means that your success in our School is all but guaranteed. Why is that a problem? The second voice spoke again. Dean Sylva is trying to convey a desire not to have you join the College at this time, not a desire for you to abandon Bardic Studies altogether. If you joined right now, the curriculum would not be well suited to the Skills and talents that you have cultivated in your time as a Classholder. Thank you Gary, the Dean replied. Sorry, I have been told that I sometimes have trouble conveying meaning in speech. The Academy gave me an assistant to help mitigate those issues, he finished, nodding to the second voice. What are you offering to have me not join the College of Music? Jeb asked. Maybe he would be able to have his debts paid off. Gary rolled his eyes. The Dean was speaking metaphorically. He cannot legally offer you any incentives to join or refuse an acceptance to any of the Colleges within the Academy. Oh. Jebs heart sank a little. Even though he knew it was a ridiculous hope, a part of him had still been optimistic that he wouldnt have the specter of debt hanging over him throughout his entire time in the Academy. Well, I think that covers most all of what we needed to discuss, Sylva said. I hope that I will see you in the future, though not immediately. A door opened to Jebs right, and he took the hint. As he walked through it, he heard the Dean say something about how hes going to be completely insufferable now, isnt he? I hope that he isnt talking about me, Jeb thought, following the hallway down. When it came to another door, he had a feeling that he should knock before opening it. Come in, Petra called. When he came in, she continued. Have you decided which College you plan to join? Are those three the only Colleges in the Academy? Jeb asked. Petra raised an eyebrow. Oh? Do you feel as though you should have qualified for admittance to another? I wouldnt assume so, Jeb replied, but I was wondering, especially since the College of Musics Dean said something about taking classes in the College later, even if I joined a different College to begin with. As Petra looked at Jeb more intently, he was made aware of the fact that this room was entirely stone. The weight of that feeling continued to grow as she continued assessing him. When the feeling finally relented, she frowned. I suppose that we could schedule an entrance interview for you with the College of Ritual, if you truly wish to pursue that Magic further? What Magic? Jeb asked. Ritual Magic. Her tone was oddly flat. What is Ritual Magic? Jeb asked. Ritual Magic is a branch of Magic that relies on a number of people working in unison through rote patterns. The College of Ritual is currently our smallest College, due in large part to its close connections to the former College of Nature. What happened to the College of Nature? I have a report from Flos that you already know that Druid is a forbidden Class in the Republic now. Oh, understanding dawned on Jeb. What happened to the Professors in the College of Nature. Petra gave him a flat look. Why does it matter to you? Jeb took the hint. I dont think that Ritual Magic is a primary interest of mine right now, he said. Of the options, I think that the College of Letters speaks to me the most, but I dont know if that is just because I have the most experience with that discipline. I also worry about specializing too much, even though I know that is standard here in the Capitol. Why are you opposed to specialization? The Headmistress seemed genuinely curious, so Jeb took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering. I think that my lute is a good example, he finally said. Because I know Lute Enforcement, a Bardic Song, I was able to put Mana into it. And, because I know Glyph Magic, I was able to Attune the Mana I put into the lute, which gives me more options when playing. Jeb demonstrated, slowly emphasizing each of the Elemental Manas that he had bound to his lute. Petra watched, tapping her finger in time to the rhythm of the piece he played. When he had finished, she posed a question. What will you do if your next Class does not allow you to practice all the kinds of Magic youve learned? The odds that you will find a Class that gives you the ability to use Glyph Magic, Bardic Magic, Enchanting, and Ritual Magics only decreases the Higher in Tier you go. I dont know, Jeb replied honestly. But I do know that I would rather face that issue when it arises, rather than assuming it will happen and giving up proactively. When do you plan to Level Up, on that note? Once more, Jeb considered the question. Whenever I have somewhere to sleep, unless theres a reason that I should delay more than that. Petra shrugged. No, that does seem reasonable. Though, I would make a request. Would you be willing to have a scan made of your current Status? What do you mean? Jeb asked. Because almost everyone who enters the Academy is in their Third Tier, we have a well defined set of progressions for most Third Tier and higher Classes. For Second Tier, we can make some assumptions, based on what Classes our Third Tier students have, as well as their memories of what Classes they were offered. Of course, that comes with a number of issues. For one, students tend not to remember every Class that they were offered. Equally at issue is the fact that anyone who does not enter the Academy does not contribute to that data. All this to say, being able to trace you from First Tier would be a great boon to the Theorycrafting department. Wait, what College is Theorycrafting in? Theorycrafting is a shared department between all of the Colleges. A number of departments are cross listed between Colleges, since the research and pedagogy is shared between different Schools of Magic. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. What does it mean to share my Status, though? Jeb asked. I would have a complete list of your Skills, Achievements, and Quest Log. I think that my local Librarian already has that, Jeb replied. It wasnt very comfortable when he collected it. One moment, Petra said. The room shook for a moment, and a tablet of stone rose from the table in front of the Headmistress. Ah, I see that he did. However, this record is out of date. What do you mean? Jeb asked. How many Quests have you completed since this was collected in the winter? Jeb started to tally the Quests before she interrupted. That was a rhetorical question. Just from a quick glimpse at your Statistics, I know that youve completed a large number of Quests since then. How would you collect the scan? Is that you consenting to the process? the Headmistress confirmed. No, Jeb replied. Last time, I was knocked out. I would rather that not happen again. Jeb heard the Headmistress mutter something about, that boy never could moderate his strength as well as he thought he could, before clearing her throat and speaking to Jeb again. That would not happen. It would likely be slightly uncomfortable for a few moments, but nothing more. Ok, then, Jeb said. Immediately, he felt as though the room was about to collapse on top of him. He could not move, even to take a breath. As his vision started to fade, the pressure eased suddenly. Gasping, Jeb crumpled in his seat. Interesting, the Headmistress said, you seem far more susceptible to Pressure than I would expect. Oh, she said, eyes tracking another tablet of stone, that would explain it. Why is your Presence only one point higher than it was before you were a Classholder? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 106: Preparing to Tier Up Im not sure I understand, Jeb replied. All of the adults in my life assured me that Presence wasnt something that would impact the Classes I was offered. I will defer to their judgement, but Presence is a Statistic, like the others. There are a number of Classes that require it to be at least above a certain threshold. That being said, Jeb watched as the walls of the room shook for a moment. The tablets the Headmistress had been looking at disappeared, and another rose in their place. Hmm, I suppose that there are no recorded Classes within the Standard Progression for Least Mud Initiate that require a Presence above any threshold before the Fifth Tier. That is interesting, and I wonder if the same is true for other Classes. She shook her head. Sorry, Im getting distracted. Now, would you like to see your room first, or would you rather Level Up first? I think Id like to see my room, Jeb replied. Also, I never decided which College I would join. The Headmistress shrugged. I assume that youll choose the College which best fits whatever Class you end up choosing. Am I correct in that assumption? Jeb thought about that. That seems reasonable, especially if I can still take classes in other Colleges. You will be able to, though I would caution against spreading yourself too thin. Even if you value being able to accomplish a number of tasks, it is better to be competent at what you choose to do. After all, you didnt switch between tasks before learning the Skills for them. Instead, you focused on a task until you had unlocked the relevant Skill. Other than knitting, Jeb agreed. The two sat in silence as the Headmistress clearly pushed down an urge to respond to that comment. Finally, she spoke. Follow me, Petra said, walking into a doorway that absolutely had not been there a few moments before. As the two walked, Jeb noticed that this hallway was far less plain than the ones he had been in before. The walls were carved with intricate artwork. As Jeb ran his fingers along the carvings, he realized that his hand was not casting a shadow. As he kept looking, he realized that there was no obvious source of light in the room. Where is the light coming from? Jeb asked. The stone of the walls is luminescent, Petra replied. It saves on lighting costs. Before he could comment his surprise that the Academy would consider intricately carved glowing stone cheaper than candles, they were in what was clearly a dormitory. Here is your key, she said, pulling a key off the wall. You will be on the third floor. Oh, she called as Jeb began to walk away, please see me or one of the Deans before you begin your Level Up. If you are willing, we can connect you to an instrument so that we can record all of the Classes that you are offered, rather than just the ones you remember. I will, Jeb said, debating whether or not he wanted to do so. His indecision was plain on his face, and the Headmistress continued. Doing so would fulfill your work study requirement for the term. Why? Jeb asked. As I said, we have very little data on First Tier Classes. It is worth a lot to the Academy to have more information available, especially so that future Least Mud Initiates like you are given a fuller picture of their options. Ill be back down as soon as I put my things away, Jeb said. Bring your lute. It is best to Tier Up next to anything that youre Bound to. Oh, Jeb said. I dont think that I can Tier Up, then. The Headmistress frowned. Is there a reason that you cannot bring your lute with you? No, Jeb shook his head. But Im also bound to a swarm of bees and their hive, and they are still in my hometown. Or, at least, I assume that they are still in my hometown. Why did you leave without them? I cannot imagine that it was pleasant to have your Bond stretched like that. The Censusmaster threatened to have my grandfather charged with sedition if I didnt leave immediately. Jeb replied in a flat tone. Though he had come to terms with the fact that he would be in the Academy, he realized that he was still beyond furious at the treatment his family suffered. What gave the Censusmaster the right to do what he wanted without any sort of check. Before you get too angry, the Headmistress said, that threat was meaningless. Though Censusmasters are given a number of privileges due to the rural nature of where they travel, the fact that there was a Tenth Tier Librarian in the town would have meant that no one in your family would have been found guilty of the crime. Then why did my grandfather go along with what he said? Jeb demanded. I was hoping you would not ask that, she replied with a sigh. Because Humdrumville is so rural, a judge would have needed to be transported from the Capital. Given that your Censusmaster clearly is well entrenched in the political system, it might have taken a while for one to be sent. During that time, he would have been within his rights to have your grandfather imprisoned. Even though it wasnt a crime at all? Unfortunately, yes. And theres nothing that I can do to fix that situation? You can graduate from the Academy and seek damages against the specific Censusmaster who caused you harm. In terms of reforming the System in general, though, there is no immediate solution. Though, while our Republic has a number of issues, I have traveled around the world and have not found a nation where the same is not true. Returning to the specific question of why it is best to have Bound items beside you when you Tier Up, though, the Headmistress forced the segue, it is more about preventing others from being concerned or learning things you may not want them to learn When you Tier Up, Bound items tend to express some sort of resonance with you during the process. Depending on what Class you are entering, that resonance can alarm people watching. So it isnt an issue that my hive isnt here? Not in the slightest. Look at the bright side, Petra forced a grin, if there is a resonance, it will be a good way for your family to know that you are safe. I suppose so, Jeb said. Will I see you down here in a few minutes to Tier Up? Yes, Jeb said, shrugging. The reminder of his powerlessness did encourage him to Tier Up. He wanted to be the author of his own destiny, not the Censusmaster or the Paragons or even the System. His living space was a simple room with a sink and tub in one corner and a bed and dresser in the opposite corner. Jeb set his bag and staff down beside the bed. He quickly unpacked his clothes into the dresser, laid on the bed, and stared at the ceiling. After a few minutes, he sighed, stood, and took his lute out of its case. Strapping it on, he walked down the stairs to the Headmistress. Are you ready? she asked. I hope so! Jeb said, trying to inject some amount of the enthusiasm that he used to feel into the sentence. He hoped that it would become natural again. Follow me, then. The two walked out what were clearly the front doors of the dormitory. For the first time since he had entered the Academy, Jeb saw the sky. There were no clouds blocking his view, and he quickly spotted the star that he shared with his sister. I am doing well, he thought towards the star, hoping that she might be able to hear it back in Humdrumville. The Headmistress led Jeb for a few minutes until they came to a grove of trees. Despite the fact that we no longer have a College of Nature, she explained, the Class recorder is woven into the trees around it, and so this copse was allowed to remain. If youll step into the center, Jeb followed the instructions that followed. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. How do I Tier Up? Jeb asked after he had been painted with a few lines of ink. During the set up time, the three Deans that he had met arrived, along with a few others who Jeb assumed were the Deans of other Colleges. You simply will yourself to, Dean Sylva called out. Jeb reached out to his System and willed himself to no longer be First Tier. The feeling of stone that had surrounded him on some level since meeting the Headmistress was the first to fade. When it did, the faint sense of melody that he had hardly noticed grew louder before fading. Jeb wasnt sure if that had been from the Dean or the Bard. It sounded slightly different than the Bards Identify Skill had. Before Jeb could probe that question too deeply, he felt all of the other Magics affecting him slowly fall off of him. The Bind between his lute and him activated briefly, and Jeb heard all of the songs that he had written play at once. Somehow, despite the fact that they were in a number of keys and tempos, it sounded nothing like the cacophony that he knew it should. The resonance stretched further and further, until he felt the bees again. The swarm felt incredibly distributed, which he supposed made sense. It was well into the summer now, so they were probably harvesting the last pieces of pollen that they could for the season. The swarm perked up as it felt the touch of his identity, and Jeb briefly basked in the feeling. Once he had connected to the hive, though, the connections cut off. He felt the lute on his back only because of its weight. Soon, that feeling faded as well, along with the rest of his sense of touch. When Jeb lost his sense of sight, he felt the process of Tiering Up begin. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Least Mud Initiate
Level: 1
Experience: 11023/100
Total Statistic Load: 563
Physical Load: 218
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4
Mental Load: 345
Intelligence: 68
Willpower: 75
Magic Affinity: 74
Mana Depth: 64
Charisma: 64
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Least Mud Magic
Meditation
Mana Manipulation
Spell Glyphing
Improved Glyph Groking
Gift of Gab
Running
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lifting
Athletics
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Bardic Magic
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Enchanting
Glassblowing
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 107: Level Up! Jebs vision slowly returned. Or at least, the sensation of being blinded slowly faded. Even when he felt like he should be able to see again, all he could see was a dark void. As he stared, the void slowly became filled with stars. As he focused on one, he understood that it represented a potential Second Tier Class he had access to. Given everything that he had been told, Jeb had expected no more than five or ten options. He found that he was surrounded by potential Classes, though. As he kept focusing on the first star he saw, explicit information began to become visible.
Lesser Mud Initiate
It made sense to Jeb that he would be offered that Class. He had completed the Class Quest for Least Mud Initiate, and that was generally seen as a good way to guarantee the next Class in a series. Continuing to look at the Class, he saw even more.
Lesser Mud Initiate
Second Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Rare
Congratulations young Mage. You have demonstrated your claim to knowledge over Earth, Water, and Mud. Continue learning more Glyphs to solidify this foundation.
Level Bonus:
+6 to Willpower
+4 to Mana Depth
+2 to Intelligence
+1 to Magic Affinity
It came with more than double the Statistic Gain that he had gotten for his first Class, which made it tempting. That being said, it was an explicitly Glyph based Class. He saw his own Status begin to glow beside it, and knew that he would still be unable to use his Bardic Magic or Enchanting Skills. Focusing longer, Jeb saw the constellation of potential Classes he could Tier into from it spin out into infinity, forming a multidimensional grid of connected points of bright light. As he let his focus drift, Jeb saw that the different stars around him were not all identical. The more of them he looked at, the more he was able to parse out the meaning in the offerings. The brighter a Classs star was, the more it overlapped with his existing Skills and Spells. The color seemed reflective of temperature, with hotter seeming stars being more powerful. Jeb wasnt entirely sure how he knew, but Lesser Mud Initiate seemed like a stronger Class somehow than Least Water Initiate (Second Tier). The same was reflected across all of his offerings. As Jeb carefully considered every Class he was offered, he realized that there was even another level of order to the way the Classes were presented. The more similar that two Classes were, the closer they appeared to each other. Lesser Mud Initiate and Least Mud Student almost seemed like a double star with how close they were to each other. Jeb kept searching. He had mostly given up his dreams of becoming a Farmer, but he still did not want the System to take the choice away from him. When he became a Mage, it would be because he chose it, not because he was forced to become one. During his search of every Class he was offered, Jeb realized that there was a fourth metric. The further away a star was, for all that distance seemed like is should be meaningless in the void he was occupying, the less he wanted the Class. Whether that was the System responding to his desires, or the System warping them, he could not decide. The fact that he saw a Spellsword Class before anything Farming related made Jeb think that it was the latter. After completely rejecting all of the war based Classes, Jeb finally found a Farming Class. Even as he focused on it, though, he felt a deep part of himself reject the notion. When the information started to appear, he understood why. The constellations that he saw floating behind each Second Tier Class connected more or less to each other, if only dimly. Beyond this Farming Class, though, there was not a single connection to a Magical Third Tier or higher Class. Jeb understood what the System was telling him. He could have a Farming Class if he still wanted, but at the expense of ever being able to do explicit Magic again. Sighing, he turned back away from the Classes that his family had all gone through. Can I filter these somehow? he asked the void. When Jeb heard his own voice, it was a little surprising. He had seen stars in all directions, including up and down, so he knew that his body, at least, had not come with him to this space. Still, the void seemed amenable to his request. I know that I wont take any Class thats in the bottom twenty percent of power, he said, remembering some vague snippets of Theorycrafting. A Classs power was determined both by how much strength it explicitly granted as well as what Classes it could grow into. If there was a Second Tier Class that gave power equivalent to a Fifth Tier Class, but had no progression at all, that would be nearly worthless. On the other hand, power later was only useful if you ever managed to achieve it. Jeb saw the coldest stars begin to fade into nothingness. The hottest stars seemed to cool off as well, so that he was able to see the differences between them better. Though it pained him to explicitly eliminate the Farming Classes he was offered, Jeb made his next filter. I know that I wont take any Class that doesnt match me well, he said, and my Skills, while not a perfect reflection of who I am, are still important to me. Can I have the bottom fifth of Classes in Skill match removed? The distance and brightness of stars were fairly well correlated. Since he still didnt entirely trust the System to know what he wanted, it seemed like the wiser choice to eliminate Classes that did not allow him to use the Skills he had earned. As he watched, every star faded, with the dimmest disappearing entirely. There were still too many Classes for Jeb to decide between. He repeated his culling, this time switching to the bottom half. As each Class was removed, he noticed which of the hottest and brightest stars seemed to change the least. One of them remained a bright beacon. Jeb had been initially hesitant to look at it, since he could tell that the System was pushing him to look at it. When he was down to only Magical Classes, though, he grit his metaphorical teeth and focused on it.
Wizard
Second Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Novel
You have not been content to rest within a single School of Magic. Nor have you kept the Schools you have learned separated, as individual wells of power for you to draw from. Instead, you have sought to understand the very underpinnings of Magic, finding even the font of Magic.
Level Bonus:
+5 to Willpower
+5 to Mana Depth
+5 to Intelligence
+5 to Magic Affinity
+5 to Charisma
+5 to Presence
The Class offered frankly ridiculous Statistic gains. Compared to Lesser Mud Initiate, he would only gain less in Willpower, which was easily made up for in every other Statistic. Jeb watched his Status carefully as he continued to focus on the Class. To his surprise, he would not keep Bardic Magic, Enchanting, or Least Mud Magic. When he focused on that, he understood why. The three Skills would combine, along with Mana Manipulation, Spell Glyphing, and Improved Glyph Groking. He was unsure exactly what they would become, but he knew that whatever they made would absolutely be stronger than any of the Skills individually. To his surprise, the majority of his other Skills remained unchanged. He wasnt sure why a Wizard, whatever that was, would need Fertilizing or Glassblowing, but he supposed that he had used nearly all of his Skills to do something Magical. He saw that he would lose Running, Lifting, and Athletics, though. When he focused on them, hoping that they would also combine, he saw a new message appear.
You have no wish to be a Warmage. Your body exists to you as a vessel for you to work your Magic, rather than a focus of cultivation itself.
Jeb couldnt explicitly argue with that. Even though the Class seemed powerful and like a fantastic fit for him, he was hesitant to accept it. He looked for any other star that he hadnt inspected, hoping to find something else that would speak to him. If one did, he would be more comfortable accepting this Class, knowing that it was not a trap. As though his wish had created a new star, he saw one that had been hidden before.
Lesser Druid-Mage Initiate
Second Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Suppressed
Warning: This Class and its progressions are forbidden in your nation of residence. Claiming it will result in you gaining the Achievement: Outlaw, which will change to Achievement: Exile if you leave your nation.
Jeb sighed, releasing that Class option. It seemed to resonate with a deep part of him, but he had no doubt that becoming a Druid was a choice that he would immediately regret. He refocused on the Wizard Class, noticing only then that it was the only Class without a modifier. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He would not be a Least or Lesser Wizard, or some sort of Wizards Apprentice. Instead, he would have the apparently brand new Class of Wizard. Out of curiosity, he looked at what Classes it could develop into. Thankfully, he would apparently be able to leave the Class if he hated it, since it overlapped with every other Magical Classs constellation. Is there a reason not to take this Class? he asked the System, not expecting a reply. None came. Imagining himself nodding, Jeb accepted the Class.
Congratulations! You have Tiered Up!
-100 Experience, New Class: Wizard.
Excess Experience detected. Multipliers applied:
Level up: 0.5
Tier Up (1-2): 0.25
Total Multiplier: 0.125
Remaining Experience: 1365
Congratulations! Your Skills have Combined!
Least Mud Magic (Class Reward, Magical)
Mana Manipulation (Magical)
Spell Glyphing (Magical)
Improved Glyph Groking (Magical)
Bardic Magic (Magical)
Enchanting (Magical)
Have combined into the Skill Magic (Class Reward, Magical)
Some Skills have faded from you.
Running
Lifting
Athletics
Are no longer yours to command.
As the starscape faded, Jeb felt the new power enter him. His soul was rewritten as the Skills he knew were changed and deleted. The searing pain distracted him long enough that he did not notice how he reentered his body. So, Jeb, what Class did you choose? he head Petra ask. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 2
Experience: 1365/202
Total Statistic Load: 563 ->593
Physical Load: 218 ->223
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4 ->9
Mental Load: 345 ->370
Intelligence: 68 ->73
Willpower: 75 ->80
Magic Affinity: 74 ->79
Mana Depth: 64 ->69
Charisma: 64 ->69
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 108: Choosing a College Jeb took a moment to respond to the question. Before I answer that, how many Classes was I supposed to have as options? Hmm? Oh, there is no set number. Given your Quest Log and the fact that you stayed at First Tier for more than a year, I would guess well above three dozen. Jeb nodded, digesting the information. Again, what Class did you choose? the Dean of the College of Songs spoke, clearly anxious. Jeb tried to figure out why, before he remembered that the Dean had asked him not to join the College. I was offered the Wizard Class, Jeb said, pulling his Status up. All at once, Jeb felt like the stone beneath his feet was going to rise up and swallow him while a song started playing and all of the trees around him loomed a little closer. Just as the pressure started to grow uncomfortable, all three sensations cut off. Interesting, the Headmistress said. What Class Skills did it give you? Jeb checked his Status. It only gave me a single Skill, he said, checking his Status, Magic. Magic what? the Headmistress prompted. Just Magic, Jeb replied. Does the Skill Description tell you anything? Jeb checked. It was very similar to the Class Description he had been offered, which made some amount of sense.
Magic: Class Granted Skill (Magical)
You have not been content to rest within a single School of Magic. Nor have you kept the Schools you have learned separated, as individual wells of power for you to draw from. Instead, you have sought to understand the very underpinnings of Magic, finding even the font of Magic.
Quest: Continue Your Magical Studies (Progressive)
Without being prompted, Jeb pulled up the Questline for the Class.
Continue Your Magical Studies
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Learn another School of Magic Magic is no more bound to the Schools of Magic you have learned than to any individual School of Magic.
Minor Quest Second Tier Modify a Spell To learn how to control your Mana, you must move it outside of the paths that others have set for it. Break free from the bonds of the past.
Minor Questline Learn Glyphs
Minor Questline Learn to Sing
Minor Questline Learn to Enchant
Minor Questline Glyph Creation
Minor Questline Songsmithing
Minor Questline Enchantment Creation
Minor Questline Peer Review
Jeb was a little surprised that the Questline was itself was primarily made up of a number of Questlines, but he quickly paged through the different sub-Quest lines.
Learn Glyphs
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Learn the six secondary Spells from each First Tier Element Glyphs are not bound to a single effect. Learn the double-effect Spells from each of the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to take the next step in Groking Glyphs. (First Tier Elemental Chain Third Quest)
Minor Quest Third Tier Learn a Second Tier Spell from all six Second Tier Elements Just as Glyphs are not limited to a single First Tier Element, or First Tier Elements in general, neither are they limited to a single Secondary Element. Demonstrate your Mastery over the Elements. (Upper Tier Elemental Chain First Quest)
Learn to Sing
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a New Single Line Song Even without the explicit help of the System, you learned Bardic Magic. Now with the Systems aid, work your music into new Magics. (Learn to Sing First Quest)
Learn to Enchant
Minor Quest Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment Even without the explicit help of the System, you learned to Enchant. Now with the Systems aid, continue to work with Enchantments. (Learn to Enchant First Quest)
Glyph Creation
Minor Quest Second Tier Create a New Zeroth Tier Spell Glyph As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known.
Minor Quest Third Tier Create a New First Tier Spell Glyph As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known.
Minor Quest Fourth Tier Create a New Second Tier Spell Glyph As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known.
Minor Quest Fifth Tier Create a New Third Tier Spell Glyph As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known.
Minor Quest Sixth Tier Create a New Fourth Tier Spell Glyph As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known. (Glyph Creation Fifth Quest)
Songsmithing
Minor Quest Third Tier Create a New Single Line Bardic Song As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known. (Songsmithing First Quest)
Enchantment Creation
Minor Quest Second Tier Create a New Single Piece Enchantment As a Wizard, you push the edges of what is known. (Enchantment Creation First Quest)
Peer Review
Minor Quest Second Tier Share Your Work Using what you have learned from the Creation Quests, share one of your Magical Creations with another. (Repeatable)
Minor Quest Third Tier Revise Your Work Though you strive to exceed what has been done, progress is not made in isolation. Revise your work with the aid of a trusted advisor. (Repeatable)
It seemed like the Skill Quests he had earlier had been more or less retained, though the descriptions had changed somewhat. It was nice that he now had Quests to learn and create Songs and Enchantments. As he read through all of the Class Quests hed been given, Jeb was surprised to see that the Deans did not seem as happy as he felt. Is something wrong? he asked. The Deans all turned to the Headmistress, who waggled her hand. Not as such, no. She bobbed her head from side to side, as though trying to find a way to phrase her next sentence in the best possible way. I, like the Deans, I am sure, had assumed and planned for you to choose a Class that focused on a specific School of Magic, even if you retained access to other Schools. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Oh, Jeb said. I can see why my Skill just being named Magic would make that an issue. Why does it matter, though? The College structure of the Academy is meant, in large part, to help students be surrounded by others studying similar Magics. By grouping like students together, they can iterate through research ideas more quickly. However, due in large part to historical trends, the Headmistress rolled her eyes, the nature of the Skill which gives you access to Magic is a requirement for entry into each College. Since your Skill does not explicitly mention any School of Magic, you can not be admitted into any of the Schools you interviewed for. That is not entirely correct, Fax chimed in. Due to similar historical events, anyone who has contributed to the Public Enchanting Repository is allowed entrance to the College of Enchanting. Jeb brightened at that, before his hopes were quickly crushed. That being said, the Dean of the College of Enchanting continued, without a Skill for other types of Magic, they are still forbidden from enrolling in any courses within other disciplines. One of the people that Jeb hadnt met raised his hand. Yes, Dean Aquam? the Headmistress said without turning to acknowledge the man. Though it has not been used for this purpose in a number of centuries, while we are on the topic of historical precedence, the Remedial College is always an option. The other Deans all looked thoughtful as he finished the suggestion. Jeb waited for a moment to see if anyone would explain what that meant. When they did not, he prompted, What is the Remedial College? Oh, my apologies, Dean Aquam continued. Also, I realize that we have not been officialy introduced. My name is Dean Aquam. I am the Dean for the College of Ritual, and Intereim Dean of the Remedial College. Remedial College currently serves the role of making sure that each student is equipped with the skills that they need in order to succeed in the College of their Class. Primarily, we offer coursework in literacy and basic arithmetic, though there are a few courses in politics that students from rural parts of the Republic tend to find useful. Since you were- The Headmistress coughed. Sorry, Dean Aquam gave a sheepish smile. All this to say, the only entrance requirement to the Remedial College is entrance into the Academy. Since a number of historic members of the Remedial College had Classes which belonged in one of the other Colleges, any student in Remedial College may take coursework in other Colleges as approved by the Dean of the College in question and the Dean of the Remedial College. I can search for the exact phrasing in the bylaws, if you need, he offered, turning to the Headmistress. No, that will not be necessary at this moment, she replied. Are all in agreement that this is a workable course of action? Jeb raised his hand. Yes, Jeb? the Headmistress called out. If anyone can join the Remedial College and still take classes in any of the other Colleges, then why does anyone join a different College? Dean Flos was the first to respond. Most students do not care to learn from more than a single School of Magic. Truth be told, the far more common issue is getting students to take a wider breadth of courses than they want. I cannot count the number of Fire Mages who have been unwilling to even look at a Smoke Glyph, let alone a pure Air Glyph. Dean Aquam continued where the Dean of the College of Letters left off. There is also the matter of prestige. Though I doubt that you are so proud, many of the students who enroll come from families who have sent generations of students to the same College. To be enrolled in Remedial College implies that their education was lacking before they enrolled. The Headmistress nodded. Of course, if your Class ends up developing into something which focuses in a particular School of Magic, your enrollment is easily changed to the relevant College. Now, then, are there any objections to Jeb Humdrums admittance into the Academy through the Remedial College? Jeb shook his head. Seeing that no one else raised any issues, the Headmistress nodded and walked away. The other Deans followed, save for Dean Aquam, who came towards Jeb. Welcome to the Academy! Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 2
Experience: 1365/202
Total Statistic Load: 563 ->593
Physical Load: 218 ->223
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 4 ->9
Mental Load: 345 ->370
Intelligence: 68 ->73
Willpower: 75 ->80
Magic Affinity: 74 ->79
Mana Depth: 64 ->69
Charisma: 64 ->69
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 109: Dreams What do I do now? Jeb asked. The Dean gestured for Jeb to follow him out of the clearing. At this exact moment? I would recommend returning to your room and getting some rest. Gaining a new Class puts a lot of stress on the soul and body. In the morning, however, I would recommend that we meet to discuss your schedule for the term. How can I find your office? The Dean chuckled. I wish I had an easy answer to that question. For better and worse, the Academy has very little in the way of fixed geography. Seeing Jebs confusion, Dean Aquam moved his hands as though consdering how far back he needed to go to explain. Do you know why we have an Academy? To teach Mages how to do Magic? Jeb responded. The Republic also has the military and the Adventuring Corps. Both of them are places that Mages can learn Magic. Jeb thought about the question as they kept walking. Both of those have other purposes, though, he said. The Deans nodding made Jeb think that he was on the right track with his guess. But the Academys only role is teaching Mages how to do Magic, so- That is not true, the Dean interjected, and I can tell where that thought line was leading. Try again. Jeb considered what else the Academy could be for. The Academy does research? he hazarded. That is true, though not what I was trying to convey. The role of education in the military is producing Mages who can work in units to turn the tides of battles and wars. The Adventuring Corps work to make Mages that can survive alone and enter into unknown situations. How does the Academy seek to shape its Mages? I dont know, Jeb replied honestly. Ive only been here for a few hours. The Dean nodded. I had forgotten that you were unprepared for entering the Academy. Consider the question in the coming weeks, though. At the end of the term, I would like to discuss this again with you. The pair had just reached the Dormitory, and Dean Aquam turned to leave. Wait, Jeb said, trying to stop him, why does the Academy have minimal fixed geography? More to the point, how will I find your office tomorrow morning? The Dean gave a sheepish grin. I apologize, it has been a while since my last advisee. I will explain my comment about geography during our advising session tomorrow. To get to the session, go to breakfast, and I will find you there. How do I get to breakfast? The doorways from the Dormitory should lead there in the morning! the Dean said, walking away. Jeb shrugged. If he couldnt find his way to breakfast on his own, he was sure that there would be someone he could ask for help. Back in his room, he carefully put his lute away in its case before crawling into bed. He fell asleep almost as soon as he did. While Jeb slept, he dreamed. He felt as though he were back in the void of his Class selection, though this time his body had come with him. He felt as though the star for Wizard had caught him. Without being able to resist, Jeb was dragged towards it until he saw planets orbiting around the star. For whatever reason, the pull shifted, and Jeb found himself being taken towards the planet second from the star. He had a brief glimpse of the first planet as he descended. It seemed somehow unfulfilled, though he could not articulate to himself what that meant or what was wrong with it. Somehow, he took control of his descent and stopped, giving himself more time to look at the first planet. At a first glance, the planet had somehow been formed entirely out of Mud. With the extra time that Jeb had to study, though, he saw that his initial glimpse was partially wrong. The planet was not made of Mud. Instead, it was made of words which were Mud. How Jeb could tell that, he was not entirely sure. Even as Jeb saw that the planet had been initially made of those words, he could see the ways that was no longer true. The first difference he saw was that not every word was Mud. There were words of Earth and Water that were somewhat difficult to see, simply because of how interwoven they were with the Mud. Words of Fire, Air, and Sand, though were far easier to spot, as they clearly were grafted on after the planet had been formed. Jeb willed himself to move towards the first planet. To his surprise, the pull that had dragged him towards the second planet shifted, now pulling him towards the first planet orbiting the star. As he drew nearer to the planet, he saw pillars jutting up from the surface. Some seemed to rise without damaging the foundation, while others sent deep fissures through the ground. As he looked more deeply, Jeb was able to name some of the pillars that rose without damaging the ground. Great towers of Metal, Glass, and Wood rose, at times almost seeming to reinforce the ground beneath. A spire that seemed made of Music was strange. Looking, Jeb saw cracks in the planet originating from the same space as the spire. He had the feeling that the cracks were not from the spire itself, though. As he kept staring at it, Jeb saw another spire phase in and out, as though it were only partially bound to reality. If the solid spire had been Music, the hazy one was Music made manifest. The pull which kept him to the planet started fading, and he was again pulled to the second planet. Jeb focused as hard as he could on remaining, but could not keep himself bound. As he neared the second planet, Jeb had the feeling that it was somehow fundamentally different than the first. Where the first planet had seemed normal, if somewhat broken, this planet seemed as though it were still deciding whether it wanted to exist. The pull towards the surface got weaker as he neared it. When Jeb was just a few inches above the ground, it gave out entirely. Hanging in the air above the planet, Jeb wondered if he was supposed to be taking a lesson from the dream. Just as he had decided that it was just exhaustion speaking, he heard a voice. I see that you remain interesting. Jeb looked around, trying to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. Each sound seemed to come from a different direction, though, making his search feel impossible. Still, as Jeb spun around, he slowly realized that there was a breeze gently blowing something together. He stopped spinning, focusing on the spot that the wind seemed to be condensing around. Normally it takes someone decades to find me again, the voice said. I do like what youve created here, though. Jeb suddenly remembered one of his previous dreams. Are you Magic? The wind condensed into a tree. The bark of the tree smiled at Jeb. So you sought me out on purpose this time. No? I dont think, at least? The cat in front of Jebs smile fell. Do you know where you are? Jeb took a moment before responding. It seems like Im on something representing my Class? he guessed. Hmm, the wind called around him, that is not entirely correct. On the other hand, the earth called, it is not entirely wrong either. Is it correct enough? Jeb asked. Magic seemed to settle into a single shape when he asked the question. A kindly bear stared at Jeb, face deadly serious. That question means far more than you realize. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The two stared at each other for a moment, before the bear broke into a laugh. I cannot tell you, it said, it is up to you to figure out the answer to that question yourself. Its voice slowly faded as it spoke. As its voice faded, so did the presence of Magic around Jeb. When he felt the presence leave entirely, Jeb looked around the planet that he was beginning to decide reflected his current Class. Before he could explore, though, he felt the same unstoppable pull that had dragged him onto the planet start to drag him away. Unlike when he wanted to see the first planet, though, there was no resisting this pull. He lifted higher and higher, moving faster and faster, until the planets faded into specks around a large star. Drawing further out, he saw the star fade into a single twinkling light in an endless ocean of lights. Jeb was pulled even further back, until all of the lights seemed to form into a single shape themselves. The individual stars formed into a band of light that stretched across the sky. What am I seeing? Jeb wondered, even as the force continued to pull him back. The band of light slowly faded until it looked like a single star. Then, that too faded out of sight. As Jeb floated in the void, he realized that he could no longer tell if he was being pulled or sitting completely motionless. With no light, he could hardly tell if he was moving his body at all. Jeb tried to pull a Glyph to mind, but nothing came. He reached for his lute, but it ignored his grasp. Jeb stretched for the bees and their buzzing sounds. The void remained silence. Jeb struggled to find a way to effect change in the space for what felt like years. Only when he finally gave up did he feel the void loosen its grip on him. Jeb sat up in his bed, looking out the window to see the first early rays of dawn shining through the window. Well, he said, addressing his lute, I suppose the first question I need to answer is whether or not I tell the Dean about my dream. He had the feeling that talking to Magic was not a commonplace occurence. Whether it would be in his best interest to let the Academy know that he had seen Magic was something Jeb considered. Not now, he eventually decided, getting out of bed. I can always tell them later, but I can never untell them. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 2
Experience: 1365/202
Total Statistic Load: 593
Physical Load: 223
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 9
Mental Load: 370
Intelligence: 73
Willpower: 80
Magic Affinity: 79
Mana Depth: 69
Charisma: 69
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 110: Orientation Part One Jeb picked up his lute case, debating whether or not to bring it with him. On the one hand, he mused aloud, I doubt that I will need it for a meeting with Dean Aquam. On the other hand, it doesnt weigh that much. After a moment of deliberation, he nodded and slung the case over his shoulder. He looked at the rest of his possessions considered how secure he really thought his rooms were. Though he doubted that anything in his books were particularly novel to the Professors here, is still seemed better not to risk it. He buried all of his Primers beneath his clothes. I guess I should stop putting off leaving my room, Jeb chided himself. He opened the door and stepped out into the dormitory. He was a little surprised to see that, despite the fact that there were at least a few dozen doors on the floor, no one else was exiting their room. I hope Im not late already, Jeb thought, walking a little more quickly. When he reached the dormitorys reception, he looked for a sign that would lead him to the cafeteria. Not seeing one, Jeb took a breath and hoped that the Dean hadnt lied to him when he said that the doors out would lead to the cafeteria. I would like to go to the cafeteria, he said, letting the air out as he pushed open the door. In front of him was a long stone hallway that did not seem particularly familiar. Hoping that was a good sign, Jeb started walking down it. A few minutes of walking later, Jeb began to hear muffled sounds of conversation. As he kept walking, the noise grew until it sounded like his hometown had during the harvest dinners. The smell of freshly baked bread began to fill his nose, and he smiled. Thank you! he said under his breath, hoping the Academy could hear him. Jeb was hopeful that Dean Aquam would explain what he had meant by the Academy having minimal fixed geography. Even if he did not, though, it cost Jeb nothing to be polite to the potentially sapient building. When Jeb entered the cafeteria, he looked around. There were a number of stations that each had a different dish or food. He paused, unsure what he was supposed to do. As he looked around, he saw Dean Aquam sitting and eating what looked like a bowl of broth. The Dean smiled and stood, making his way over to Jeb. Good morning, Jeb! the Dean said. I had not pegged you as this much of an early riser. Before Jeb had the chance to respond, the Dean continued, you seem a little lost. Access to the cafeteria is included with your tuition each term. There are trays and plates there, he nodded towards a cabinet, and you can take those to as many stations as you want. Any questions? I dont think so? Jeb replied. Great! Please sit by me once youve gotten your food. The sooner we can get through the Regulations I need to cover, the sooner you can start learning the important content. Whats the important content? Jeb asked. The Deans eyes glittered. Magic, he said, fading away like mist in the sun. Jeb blinked, confused. He saw the Dean sitting where he had been before standing up. The Dean waved, and Jeb waved back. After standing around, trying to decide how to respond, Jeb shrugged. He was at the Academy. It made sense that the Professors would enjoy using their Magic. Jeb walked over to the tray cupboard and picked up a plate. Before deciding what he wanted to eat, Jeb though it could be useful to see what all the options were. He made a quick loop around the room, looking at all of the different choices that the Academy offered its students. He saw plenty of familiar options, as well as a number of foods that he only recognized vaguely, if at all. After finishing his lap, Jeb decided to have a small breakfast, just in case this was also something that he would end up going into debt over. He walked to the stand that had freshly baked bread and asked for a small loaf. Walking over to sit by the Dean, he gave into the impulse to grab an apple. That couldnt cost too much, right? Dean Aquam raised an eye at the small plate that Jeb brought back. Now, I know that you have had a bad experience with your Censusmaster. That will not happen to you here. There is no one keeping track of how much you eat. Jeb flushed a little. Oh, he said. The Dean cocked his head and stared at Jeb for a moment. Are you going to get more food? Can I? Jeb asked. Seeing the Dean nod, Jeb jumped out of his seat and grabbed another plate. This time around, he filled his plate with a few eggs, some sausages and fruits, and a few of the dishes that he did not recognize. When he saw a tub of broth that looked like what Dean Aquam had been drinking, he grabbed a small bowl of it as well. Sitting back down in front of the Dean, Jeb saw him smile. I am glad you have an appetite. Too many young Mages think that they need to starve themselves in order to get the Class of their dreams. Jeb paused with a sausage halfway to his mouth. Do I? Hmm? the Dean asked, pulling a spoon of broth to his mouth. Oh, you almost certainly do not. There are very few Classes that require such sacrifices, especially at the lower Tiers. They are mostly for students who come in knowing the exact path they want their life to take for the next century. Ah, Jeb responded as he resumed eating the sausage. Do you mind if we begin the advising session now, or would you rather finish breakfast first? Im happy to start now! Jeb replied. What did you mean about the Academy having minimal fixed geography? Dean Aquam chuckled. I am sure that you have already noticed. The building a door leads to is not constant. Right, Jeb nodded, why? What a fantastic question! Ultimately, the Academy has such dynamic geography because the Founders and first generations of Professors and Deans expended a lot of effort to make it so. And, he held up a finger, before you ask why they did, there is no answer. The Dean frowned. Sorry, that came out wrong. There is no single answer. While it is inaccurate to say that every Professor had their own reason for geography to behave the way it does in the Academy, it is mostly true. Are there trends to their reasons? Jeb asked. The Dean nodded. I would generally group the reasons into a few categories. First, there are the people who believed that a School of Magic should be a place of whimsy. Having doorways open to unexpected locations makes it harder to consider anything done here mundane. Another camp generally believed that being a Mage was fundamentally about control and rewriting reality. For them, the fact that you can and must choose where your doorway opens reminds you that Magic is about enforcing your own will against the world. The other largest camp generally thought of it as a safety precaution. After all, if the location of the dorms is constantly changing, it becomes far harder to kidnap young Mages as they sleep. Im not sure that I entirely follow all of those, Jeb said. Does it answer your initial question, at least? Jeb shrugged. I suppose that the Academy having non-fixed geography because it was created not to does answer the question, for all that it isnt particularly satisfying. The Dean chuckled. That is the nature of far too many answers to questions. Of course, if you want a better answer, you can always ask for more information at the Library. Jebs eyes lit up at the mention of a Library, and the Dean seemed to sense that. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Ah, before you can go to the Library, we need to discuss your schedule. Do you have your letters and numbers? I think so, Jeb replied. Though obviously I do not know everything there is to know about mathematics or language. There is an intake exam. When we return to my office, you can take it, and we can determine where you should go from there. How is your knowledge of the noble houses? Jeb gave a sheepish grin. I thought we lived in a Republic, he replied. I really thought that we didnt have any nobility. The Deans expression darkened. Nominally, there are none. However, it is hard to find a better term to describe families who perpetually occupy the positions of power in the Republic, have more wealth, and almost exclusively marry within themselves to keep the power separate from the masses. Doesnt nobility usually imply some sort of legal benefit, though? Jeb asked. The Dean rolled his eyes. That is true. Within the Republics laws, all are treated equally. However, a law which punishes sleeping on the streets affects the homeless far more than those with homes, does it not? Jeb nodded, beginning to understand. Also, I suppose that the laws are only as fair as the people responsible for enforcing them. The Dean brightened at that statement, and Jeb frowned. Before he could say anything, though, the Dean spoke, on that note, I do have some good news for you. I spent most of last night combing through old Academy bylaws and treaties between the Academy and the government. Two of them are particularly important for you right now. Oh? Jeb asked. The Dean nodded and spoke a little more quickly. First, as long as the Dean of your College is willing to certify that you are making a good faith effort, he mimed the quotes with his fingers, on repaying the debt, all interest is suspended while you are enrolled in the Academy. Thats really nice! Jeb said. He had quickly worked out that the compounding interest would bury him in debt, so the fact that it wouldnt was nice. What defines a good faith effort, though? The Dean waved him off, there are a variety of legal standards depending on which opinion you read. Thats not the exciting piece, though, the Dean said, eyes glittering. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 2
Experience: 1365/202
Total Statistic Load: 593
Physical Load: 223
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 9
Mental Load: 370
Intelligence: 73
Willpower: 80
Magic Affinity: 79
Mana Depth: 69
Charisma: 69
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 111: Orientation Part Two Jeb waited for the Dean to tell him what the exciting part was. The Dean stared at Jeb, as though waiting for him to ask. Jeb made the choice not to rise to the bait. Seeing that the Dean was staying quiet, he tried to eat through the breakfast he had taken. He had been surprised at how hungry he felt. When he considered the fact that he had missed most of his meals the day before, to say nothing of increasing his Tier, though, it made some amount of sense. Jeb was not certain that rising in Tier made people hungrier, but it would make some amount of sense. Dean Aquam clearly got the message that Jeb was not in the mood for games when it came to his debt to the Censusmaster, because he sighed and began to speak. "Due to the circumstances of your Class, you have been placed in Remedial College," he said. "Now, there are very few provisions in the Academy Charter and treaties with the Republic that deal with the Remedial College. As I searched last night, that made some amount of sense. After all, the Remedial College is less than a thousand years old." Jeb couldn''t resist rising to that question. "How old is the rest of the Academy then?" "Hmm?" Dean Aquam seemed confused by the question. "Oh, to the best of my knowledge, the Academy dates to approximately the same time as the founding of the Republic." Seeing Jeb''s blank expression, he continued, "Which was at least two calendar shifts ago. I do not know the exact conversion off the top of my head, but I can show you where to find that answer if you are truly interested." "Thank you," Jeb replied. "How does the Remedial College being young help me, though?" While he didn''t think that the Dean was going to go off track, Jeb wanted to find out what the exciting news. He didn''t think that all of the background information about founding the Remedial College would be needed. "Well, that is the interesting part. I know that there are a number of the bylaws that are unique to my role as Dean of the Remedial College. In new editions of the Academy bylaws, they are explicit in referencing the Remedial College for these regulations. However, any addition to the bylaws needs to be ratified by a vote of the Faculty Senate. The votes in question almost all happened more than a thousand years ago." "Wait, if the Remedial College is only a thousand years old, how were there votes on how it would be run before it was founded?" Jeb asked. Immediately, an answer came to him. "Oh, were they voting preemptively in case a Remedial College was ever formed?" The Dean chuckled. "No, though that has happened in the past. When I went through the minutes at the Faculty Senate meetings in question, I found that what we refer to now as the Remedial College once went by a different name. Prior to the renaming, it was known as the Preparatory School." "Ok," Jeb said, hoping to move the conversation along. The Dean must have picked up on Jeb''s desire to learn how all of this affected him, because he spun his finger a few times. "Now, while all that is interesting, and the renaming in particular is a fantastic example of the ways that political maneuvering in the Academy can span generations and centuries, that is less than relevant to the situation at hand. Nearly all of the relevant case law pertaining to the Academy and its relationship with the Republic comes from more than two millennia ago, for a variety of reasons. The Preparatory School, unlike the Remedial College, has a number of such treaties." Jeb stopped eating, now drawn into the story. "So," the Dean continued, "I began to dig into the reason for the Preparatory School''s founding. In the early days of the Academy, the faculty noticed a trend. With each passing generation, the diversity of the student body was decreasing. More and more of the incoming students came from the same families, and the number of people with no connection to the Academy before enrolling were dwindling." "Is that where the nobility formed?" Jeb asked. The Dean nodded. "In part, yes. Now, the prevailing feelings about this burgeoning elitism are hardly relevant, though they make for an interesting diversion. What is important is that some portion of the faculty thought that this creation of a stratified culture around Magic was a problem. They looked at the reasons that potential students chose to enroll in the Adventuring Corps or military instead of the Academy. When pressed to answer, a majority of people answered that they had not been accepted into the Academy due to a lack of academic preparations." The Dean looked at Jeb as though he wanted him to continue. "And so they created the Preparatory School to make sure that students would be academically ready for admission into one of the other Colleges, which would hopefully make the system fairer?" Jeb guessed. The Dean shrugged, waggling his hand. "Partially. That is close enough for this explanation, at least. So, we have a Preparatory School, whose purpose is ensuring that students who would otherwise be unable to enroll in the Academy are now able to. A few generations later, University bylaws suddenly become filled with regulations pertaining to debt. The reasons for these bylaws are themselves interesting, though ultimately unimportant at this moment. What is important is that, once more, students not from historically Magical families are not enrolling. As this new generation of faculty searched for a reason, the debt bylaws appear in the reasons for non-enrollment." Jeb leaned in, excited. This sounded like exactly the sort of thing that be relevant to him. "Now, for reasons which are also hardly relevant, the Academy wielded significant political power during this time period. As a result, the Preparatory School was able to secure an interesting way of restructuring debt for any of its students. In addition to the interest being frozen, as was true for every student, students enrolled in the Preparatory School were allowed to pay down the principal of their debts first, rather than beginning with the interest." "Why does that matter?" Jeb asked, "I still have to pay interest on the interest. It shouldn''t matter whether I''m paying interest or principal." "That is because all debt these days is structured to pay off interest first. Well, that and another old quirk of law." The Dean sighed, "without getting too far into the woods, there is an old and rarely referenced provision in debt law that any debt without principal behind it is null. With this law in mind, however, students in the Preparatory School were able to pay off their debts far more quickly." "How do I restructure my debt?" Jeb hoped the process would not be too difficult, though he mentally prepared himself to find out that it would be a years long ordeal. "I must ask your forgiveness," Dean Aquam replied, "I presumed that you would want your debt restructured under this plan and so took care of it last night. Due to a number of interpretations and legal decisions over the years, the Censusmaster was required to list a full, itemized, and verified list of sources of principal debt. Apparently," the Dean rolled his eyes, expressing his disbelief, "he lost a number of the receipts, and so your principal is much smaller than it was before entering this restructuring, to say nothing of the lack of interest on it." "Thank you so much!" Jeb replied. "What is my debt balance now?" The Dean shrugged, "I do not have the numbers off the top of my head, though it will appear on your tuition lines until you have either left Remedial College or paid it off." This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Jeb paused at that. "Do the same rules which affected the Preparatory School still affect the Remedial College?" The Dean nodded. "There is a treaty and a bylaw explicitly about this name change, and far too much case law about renaming organizations generally. In short, yes. Unless explicitly demarcated, anything which was true for the Preparatory School is true now about the Remedial College." By the time their conversation had reached the conclusion, the dining hall had begun to fill. The Dean gestured to the gathering crowd as he spoke again, "now then, would you like to finish your meal? Once you have, we can continue the conversation in my office. We still need to plan out your schedule for the term and plot out your plan for your experience in the Academy." The Dean began slowly eating his broth, and Jeb hurried to finish his plate. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 2
Experience: 1365/202
Total Statistic Load: 593
Physical Load: 223
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 9
Mental Load: 370
Intelligence: 73
Willpower: 80
Magic Affinity: 79
Mana Depth: 69
Charisma: 69
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 112: Entrance Examinations When the two had finished their meals, the Dean stood up and began walking out of the cafeteria. Jeb hesitated. Do we need to do something with our plates? he asked. The Dean shook his head and kept walking. No, the cleaning staff will handle it. Jeb frowned at the change in tone. He couldnt put his finger on what felt off about the change between how he talked about students from non Magical backgrounds enrolling in the Academy and how he talked about the presumably non Magical staff. Something felt strange about it, though. As Jeb tried to consider what the difference was, the Dean opened the doors out of the cafeteria. Rather than leading to the stone hallway that Jeb had entered from, it opened into a grove of trees. Even though Jeb knew intellectually that the Academys doors would open to different places at different times, he had not internalized that yet. He looked around, curious about how the trees could be moved so easily without being damaged. As he looked around, Jeb noticed that nothing was in bloom in the copse of trees. He frowned, trying to find something that had fruited recently, if nothing else. Even as he craned his head in every direction, he could not find anything but trees with deep green leaves. What are you looking for? Dean Aquam asked, looking back at Jeb. Nothing is blooming, Jeb said. The Dean hummed. I hadnt noticed that myself. Then again, I am not entirely certain that these trees are entirely real. Jeb perked up, curious what that could mean. And here we are, the Dean said, coming to a stop. As Jeb caught up, he saw a bright door frame standing unattached to anything else. Compared to the seemingly untamed forest around him, it was strikingly out of place. Jeb glanced behind the door frame, making sure that there was nothing strange behind it. When the Dean opened the door, though, the door opened to a warmly lit office. As Jeb drew nearer to the door, he heard a fire crackling in the room somewhere. I understand that doorways can lead to a variety of places, Jeb said slowly, but why is there a door attached to nothing in the middle of a forest? The Dean chuckled. This was a bit of a joke from the former Druids, he said. His smile grew slightly sadder at the recollection, so Jeb decided not to pry. After a moment, the Dean shook his head, as though trying to get rid of a memory. To answer your question, though, the entrance to every Deans office is anchored to a single location. That is to say, in order to enter my office, you will always need to find yourself here. Where are we? Jeb asked the immediate follow up. The Dean shrugged. Since this area was not burnt down when we lost our Druidic College, I have to assume that it is not a Druidic Grove. Other than that, though, I could not say for certain exactly what these trees are. Jeb waited for the Dean to continue, but he just walked into the doorway and moved behind his desk. Come in, he said, noticing that Jeb had not moved. Jeb hurried in and closed the door behind him. When the door closed, Jeb realized another thing that had been bothering him about the forest. Just as there were no flowers blooming or any signs of change, there had been no sounds from the forest. There had been no wind rustling leaves, birds singing, or other animals chittering in the background. Jeb shook his head, trying to focus on the situation in front of him. Now, before we begin your placement examinations, I do have one question. Why are you still Second Level? Jeb cocked his head. I was taught that I was supposed to hold off on increasing my Level until Ive completed my Class Quests, he said. The Dean cocked his head. That advice is normally reserved for the final Level in a Class. I suppose that there is often merit to waiting to add a level if you are trying to gain new Skills. Are you trying to learn any new Skills? Jeb looked through his list again. I dont think so? he replied. Unless there are Skills you think I would need. The Dean shook his head. Not at this moment, at least. We may want to search for what your Class considers a School of Magic as compared to an application of a School of Magic, but that is exploration best served for one of your classes. Why dont you Level Up now? Jeb opened his Status and saw that he still had plenty of Experience to increase his Level. With an brief flicker of intention, he willed himself to raise a level.
Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!
Level Bonus:
+5 to Willpower
+5 to Mana Depth
+5 to Intelligence
+5 to Magic Affinity
+5 to Charisma
+5 to Presence
Excess Experience detected. Multipliers applied:
Level Up: 2/3
Remaining Experience: 775
Jeb felt the new Statistics settle into his soul with a bit of a jolt. Now, then, the Dean said, Do you have a preference for which examination I begin with for testing? Jeb shook his head. Then here is the Mathematics examination, he said, handing a packet of paper and a pen to Jeb. Jeb took the pen, noting that it seemed to hold ink differently than the pens he was used to. A few cautious scribbles showed him that they wrote similarly enough, and he began to read the question. The first was easiest enough, What is the sum of three and three? The entire page was all simple addition and subtraction. Jeb rushed through the page, hoping that the content would become more difficult. On the back of the page, there were word problems which did not demand more mathematical skill, once he reduced all the questions to their parts. The next page had simple multiplication and division, with the back side once more covered in word problems. When Jeb got to the third page, he saw references to angles and shapes. It took him longer, but he was able to finish it. Thankfully, the back of the page did not follow the trend of being word problems. Instead, it just had more angles and shapes for him to work through. The next page asked him about sums and products, and that was the last page Jeb could handle before he became lost. Im not sure that I understand this question, he said when he read the first question on the back side. That is entirely fine, the Dean said, taking the packet from him. He started skimming through the packet as he handed Jeb another. The next examination is on reading comprehension. Unlike the mathematics examination, the reading test was not filled with questions. The first page was a short story which Jeb quickly read through. On the back, it asked a few questions about the text he had just read. The examination proceeded in the same fashion through all of the pages, though Jeb did notice that the text became denser and harder to understand as he kept reading. The questions also became far more open ended as he kept reading through the packet. On the first page, for instance, Jeb was asked to answer what color the characters pants were. By the last page, he was expected to explain the themes reflected in the passage. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jeb shrugged as he read the last question, not sure in the slightest what the politics of the region had to do with the ennui that a flower was feeling. The Dean had finished grading his first examination when Jeb passed the second over. You have an acceptable level of background in your mathematics education. We will not need to start you in anything remedial, which will open your schedule up. Jeb continued finishing more examinations, getting his results back as he turned in the next one. After he had finished a music theory examination, the Dean did not hand him another. Would you like to take a break to go eat lunch? he asked. You have been working for a fairly long time. At the question, Jeb noticed that his stomach was growling. That would be nice, he said. The Dean nodded, and Jeb watched him open the door out of his office. Instead of leading to the forest, like he had expected, it opened directly to the cafeteria. Seeing Jebs confusion, the Dean explained. The opening to my office is bound. The exit is just as free as most of the Academy, he said. Jeb noticed that a number of the food choices had changed during the time they had been away. A number of the options were the same, though, including the broth that Dean Aquam took another bowl of. After a quick lunch, the Dean took him back through the forest and into his office for more examinations. When he had finished the last one, the Dean quickly graded it. I am glad that I saved civics for last, he said, noticing that Jeb was unable to answer almost all of the questions. As expected, you will be placed in individual remediation for this subject. Now, is there anything in particular that you would like to emphasize or neglect for this term? Jeb shrugged, thinking about the examinations he had taken. Are the examinations that Ive taken the course options that I have? More or less, yes. The two discussed the different courses that Jeb could take, especially given the scheduling conflicts that could arise. One in particular was almost intractable. Hmm, the Dean said, I had not considered how much the Bardic and Enchanting Schedules are nearly impossible to do together. After looking through the entire catalog of course offerings, they eventually found a course in each College that did not conflict. Once they had, the rest of the course selection process went by much more quickly. Well, the Dean said when they had finished, expect your schedule to be delivered to you the day before courses begin. In the next few days, feel free to explore the Academy more. I will send you a list of Professors that you may wish to speak to before the term begins. Professor Fredrick, in particular, is someone you should meet. He will be tutoring you in Civics. Jeb followed the Dean back out of his office and into the cafeteria. After they had eaten their fill, Jeb left the cafeteria and found himself in the dormitory after a walk down a hallway. He went to his room and collapsed in his bed. Before his head hit the pillow, Jeb was asleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 593 ->623
Physical Load: 223 ->228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 9 ->14
Mental Load: 370 ->395
Intelligence: 73 ->78
Willpower: 80 ->85
Magic Affinity: 79 ->84
Mana Depth: 69 ->74
Charisma: 69 ->74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 113: Backstories In the morning, Jeb woke up and checked his Status. It was still strange to him that he had spent so little time at Second Level, especially given how long he had stayed at First Level. Then again, he supposed that he was likely going to be spending a while at his current Level before Tiering up. As he looked at his Status more, he was a little confused. Why did he have so little Experience? A quick glance at his Status Log showed him that, for whatever reason, Leveling Up took some of the excess Experience. With increasing Tiers, it at least explained what was going to happen to his Experience. From First to Second Tier, Jeb had lost half of his Experience. If that trend continued, he would lose a Third of his Experience the next time he Leveled Up. Though, he had lost more than just half of his experience at the last Level Up. Apparently the Level he was also had something to do with the Experience loss. With only two Levels to compare, it seemed as though the same was true. Jeb lost a percentage of his Experience based on the difference between the Levels. From Level Two to Level Three, he had lost a third of his Experience. If that remained true, then he would lose a quarter of his Experience at the next Level Up. Though he had an explanation for what was happening to his Experience, he still did not know why it was happening to him. Maybe the Library will have some answers, Jeb mused aloud, moving to get out of his bed. He paused as he passed by his lute, debating whether or not to take it. Im sure that finding the answer wont take all day, Jeb reasoned, so I should take the lute so I can practice after I find out why I keep losing Experience. Jeb slung his lute over his shoulder and opened the door to his room. To his surprise, there was a piece of paper hanging at his eye level when he opened his door. Try as he might, he could not find anything that the paper was hanging by or too. As far as he could tell, it was simply hanging in midair. Frowning, Jeb grabbed the piece of paper. As soon as his fingers closed around it, he noticed gravity reassert itself on the object. It was still only a piece of paper, so it did not weigh much, but it now at least weighed something. Jeb opened the paper, remembering the Deans comment that there were Professors that Jeb should meet. Hopefully one of them would be the Librarian. To Jebs surprise, the first name on the list was the Academy Librarian. Jeb rushed down the steps of the dormitory, heading directly to the door. When he got to the exit, he stopped. If possible, could this open to the Library, or at least a path to it? he asked the door. The door, unsurprisingly, did not respond. Still, Jeb had the feeling that it understood him as he opened the door. As it had when he had gone to the cafeteria, the doorway opened into a hallway of stone. There were different carvings on the wall this time, sure, but Jeb was unsure whether that was because he was going somewhere different, or if the decorations themselves were also not constant. Following the hallway, Jeb paid attention to the walls. These were carved in intricate knotted structures that reminded him a fair amount of the Bards Magic. Hmm, Jeb thought, now that I am about to be interacting with a number of Bards, I suppose that I should start thinking of him by his name, instead of just the Bard. As he tried to remember the Bards name, though, Jeb realized that he had never learned it. Playing through all of their conversations in his mind, Jeb was a little surprised that it had never come up in any of them. Shrugging, he kept walking. As long as he only thought of one person simply as The Bard, it would work well enough for identification purposes. When Jeb made it to the end of the hallway, he opened the door. Instead of a room filled with dishes and food, though, he saw an entryway very similar to the Library in his hometown. With a start, Jeb realized that he also did not know his hometown Librarians name. He moved towards the desk, hoping to see the Academys Librarian. The paper the Dean had sent him told him that this Librarians name was Kaitlyn. Jeb saw someone working in the stacks behind the desk as he approached. Hello, he called out, my name is Jeb. Im a new student here. Dean Aquam recommended that I meet the Librarian. The person working in the stacks poked a head out. Which Librarian did he recommend? they asked. Jeb consulted the sheet of paper again, making sure that he said the correct name, Kaitlyn? he said. Kaitlyn, you have a new student, the person called back into the stacks. Turning back to Jeb, she continued, welcome to the Academy Library. Do you already have an account with the Library System? I think so, Jeb replied, but Im not entirely sure how to check. What is your name? she asked. Jeb, Jeb replied. The Librarian waited, clearly expecting him to continue. When he didnt, she sighed. I take it that you are from a rural part of the Republic? Jeb nodded. Im from Humdrumville, he said. Lines of text flashed across her eyes, somewhat like the pages that flashed by the Librarians eyes sometimes. As they kept scrolling, Jeb wasnt sure if he was supposed to say something. Just as he was about to interject, she spoke. Just to confirm, have you entered new Glyphs into the Public Glyph Repository? she asked. The lines of text had stopped scrolling across her eyes, but there was still faint text written across them. Jeb felt like he could read it if he leaned in closer. Instead, he answered the question. Yes. I see here that you have a few items checked out, she read through the list of Primers that Jeb had in his room, though I do not see any due date on them, strangely. The Librarian in my hometown never set due dates, Jeb replied. Is that not common? Not in the slightest, she replied, though I suppose that will be Kaitlyns problem to deal with. Here is a new Library Card, she said, holding out a small piece of thick paper. Thank you, Jeb said, taking the card. After a moment, he spoke again, what is a Library Card? She looked at him in shock. How did you check out books in your hometown? We went up to the Librarian and asked for a book. If you knew the title, he would hand it to you. Otherwise, if you only knew what you were looking for generally, the Librarian would give recommendations for books. Once you picked the book, he would give it to you. And how did he handle returns? she asked, clearly confused by the process. You handed him back the book? Jeb replied, confused. How do I return a book here? You can return a book in more or less the same way, though there are a few after hours book drops. After hours? Jeb asked. Though the Library is open to students around the clock, the circulation desk is not always staffed. When it is not, you can use these drops, she gestured to the front of the desk, where Jeb saw a few holes that looked large enough to put a book in and send the books back. They will be checked in the following morning. Jeb had more questions, but someone new had come to the desk. Kaitlyn, this is your new student, the Librarian who had been helping him said. Thank you, Margaret, Kaitlyn said. Jeb made a mental note that Margaret was the person who had helped him. Now that he had met three Librarians, names were going to become important. May I see your Library Card? Kaitlyn asked, turning towards Jeb. Here, Jeb said, holding out the card he had just been given. Interesting, Kaitlyn said. Jeb had a feeling that she was somehow reading his Library history, though she did not have the same obvious tell of pages or text flashing across her eyes. Then again, she was wearing darkly shaded glasses. It was possible that it was, and he just could not see them. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. When she didnt elaborate, Jeb prompted her, whats interesting? The books you have checked out. Unlike most Libraries in the Library System, your branch does not seem to have a circulation record. Seeing Jebs confusion, she continued, in most branches, there is a list of what books the Library keeps, along with quantities. In some smaller Libraries, especially the rural ones, there are not books kept onsite. At those, patrons need to request books, which are then sent from a larger branch. I do not see any branches associated with the Humdrumville Library, though. We never had to wait for books, Jeb replied, if that helps at all. Kaitlyn chuckled. Never mind. I found the issue. She turned back to the Librarian who had helped Jeb initially. Margaret, she asked in a too friendly tone, do you know who the Librarian for the Humdrumville branch of the Library is? Margaret grimaced. Please do not tell me that its- Kaitlyn interrupted her. It is. Well, I suppose that we know where he is now, at least. Im sorry, Jeb replied, and the two turned to him, what is the issue? What do you know about your Librarian? Jeb went through the facts in his head, hes Tenth Tier. When he Identifies something, pages of text flash by his eyes. He teaches the children in Humdrumville before they get their Classes. Jeb thought harder. Surely he had to know more than that. Um, he continued, his favorite flavor of jam is blackberry. Kaitlyn held up a hand before he continued. While all of that is interesting, only the first fact was relevant here. Your Librarian was in line to become the next head of the Library System for a number of years. Though nothing has been confirmed, rumors say that he grew tired of the politicking required for the position and retired somewhere far away from the Capital. Truthfully, many of us assumed that he had been killed and quietly disposed of. Jeb looked at her in horror. How could she be so casual about someone being assassinated? Though, that does explain the lack of circulation. How? Jeb asked. Your Librarian is able to copy books at will, Kaitlyn replied. It is one reason many of us assumed that he had been disposed of. Having someone who can make any private document public is dangerous, especially when they operate outside of the hierarchy. She shook her head. That is not relevant to the conversation at hand, though. Let me walk you through the procedures for using the Academy Library. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 114: Welcome to the Library Now, the first thing you will need to know about the Academy Library is that books will actually need to be returned here. Kaitlyn began. How long can I keep a book out for? Jeb asked. Kaitlyn let out a breath of air. When you check a book out, you can keep it through the term. If no one else requests the copy of the book that you have during the term, you can continue to extend your hold more or less indefinitely. Is there a limit to the number of books I can have checked out? She shrugged. Not really. In theory, yes, you are only allowed a small number of loans for personal usage. However, given your situation, she looked at him over her shaded lenses, I cannot imagine that you will have difficulty claiming almost any item as relevant to your studies. What do you mean? Jeb asked. Given that you are enrolled in the Remedial College with a note that says your current path is Undecided, you have access to materials for any Magical Field, assuming that they are not otherwise restricted. Also, you have been given a special notice, she took off her glasses and rolled her eyes, from your former Librarian saying that topics relating to any Crafting Skill are a requisite part of your studies. What does that mean? Jeb asked, feeling like he was caught in a loop. It is not uncommon, especially for students who come from more rural areas, to have plans to go into a Magical Crafting Class. Many Alchemists, for instance, straddle the line between Crafter and Mage. Though, notes about Skills are generally saved until students are in at least the Fifth Tier. On the topic of Levels, Jeb said, hoping to get an answer, why did I lose so much of my excess Experience when I increased my Level? The Librarian reached behind her and a small booklet came flying out of the shelves. Read this. she said. Jeb quickly skimmed through the small booklet. Apparently each Experience point he earned was worth more at higher Tiers. Because the System made him stronger, it also meant that it took more to change him. As a result, Experience earned at lower Levels and Tiers needed to be condensed to be useful at higher Tiers. Jeb was glad to see that had been correct in his assumption about how much he would lose, at least. Thank you, he said, handing the booklet back to Kaitlyn. She tossed it behind her back, and Jeb watched as it flew back towards the shelves. Now, do you have your course schedule yet? she asked. Jeb shook his head. Dean Aquam did give me a list of Professors that I should try to schedule meetings with, though, he said, handing the list to the Librarian. She took the list and nodded. Ill start pulling some reference materials that you will need. What do you mean? Jeb asked. Kaitlyn began running her finger down the list. Professor Fredrick only teaches remedial Civics. Professor Lawrence requires that all of their students work through the same Method Book. Your circulation records are, of course, locked, but I see a lute on your shoulder. Should I take that to mean that you have been trained in playing the lute? Jeb nodded. Is my Status not tied to my Library Card? She frowned. Have you had your Status logged? The nearest pages to them started rustling, as though the nearby books wanted to open. Interesting, she said after a moment. Well, you will almost certainly need to learn at least two other instruments by the end of the term, if this list is anything to go by. When you get your course list, please come back to the Library, she said, standing as though to leave. Is there anything else that you need? Jeb shook his head. Other than directions to these Professors, he said, I think that Im good for now. If you ask the Academy to take you to them, I am sure that you will not need to search for too long. She returned to the stacks, and Jeb debated where to go next. The two best options seemed to be either practicing lute or meeting with the next person on the list. After a moment of consideration, he decided to leave it up to the Academy. As he left the Library, he spoke to the Academy again. I dont know whether it would be better for me to go practice my lute or meet with, he checked the note, Professor Fredrick. Whichever is better for me, please lead me in that direction. Hoping that the Academy would be able to choose for him, Jeb opened the door to a hallway filled with doors. Each door was labeled with Empty and Occupied, though only one word was lit on each door. Jeb stopped outside of one of the doors with Empty on it and tried the handle. When it turned, he stepped inside. Looking around, Jeb saw a stand that looked designed to hold sheet music and what he assumed was a piano. It at least matched the descriptions of one that he had read about in the Lute Primer he had read. It seems like I should practice. Jeb pulled out his lute and made sure that it was still in tune. After quickly warming up with a few scales, he began playing the notes for Lute Enforcement and sent a small stream of Mana into the instrument. It was interesting how much better the Song seemed to flow after getting his new Class. He hadnt thought that it was difficult in the least before, but it was almost effortless now. His Mana just flowed into the Song almost without interference. After observing the flow for a few moments, Jeb wound the Song down. Now that he had a baseline for how much easier a Song was with his Wizard Class, he was curious if he would finally be able to play the Ephemeral Song that the Bard had taught him. Carefully, Jeb began to pluck the notes of the Song out on his lute. The practice he had in trying to perform the Song without his instrument gave him a baseline for how much he should be able to do. Without playing or his new Class, he could make a misshapen orb that vaguely resembled an apple. With both his Class and lute, he was able to effortlessly shape an apple. Time to try harder, Jeb thought to himself. He carefully added the feeling of weight to the apple. As it rested on his thigh, he began to feel it push down. Watching the flow of Mana in the Song, Jeb was shocked. It still did not flow like a knot, which was a bit of a disappointment. But, it had begun to flow back into itself, almost like the higher Tier Glyphs that Jeb had learned in the past. As he kept playing the Song, Jeb tried working on the flow of Mana, rather than focusing on any particular effect. With an effort of will, he forced it to start looping like the Bards Magic had. Unlike before, his Mana started to move as he wanted it to, and he made a small knot. As soon as the knot had formed, he found that the effort of holding two effects diminished significantly. I wonder if I can add a third effect, Jeb muttered, focusing now on the taste of a fresh summers apple. As he tried to add the third effect to the Song, though, it slipped out of his grasp. The Mana stopped flowing out of him, and he felt the Mana Backlash flow back into the lute. With his new Class, he felt the Mana Backlash at what felt like an intellectual level, though it still did not hurt like it had before he had bound his lute. It was now like he was aware of how it wanted to harm the lute, for all that he could tell the lute was not damaged in the slightest. When his second, third, and fourth attempts all ended in the same failure, Jeb sighed and closed his case. He felt like he was making progress, but it seemed like the sort of problem that he was not going to solve today. Leaving the practice room, he once more called out to the Academy. This time, the doors led him to a labeled office. Jeb knocked on the door. Come in, a voice called. Jeb walked in. And who would you be? My name is Jeb, Jeb replied. I think that Dean Aquam said that I would be doing an independent study with you. Oh good, I was worried that I had forgotten a student. Its nice to meet you, Jeb. My name is Professor Fredrick. I used to be a Lecturer in Finance and Economics. These days, however, I primarily teach independent studies on Civics. I understand that your own Civics education has been somewhat lacking to date? Though he framed it as a question, it was clear to both of them that it was anything but. Jeb nodded. I know a little bit of the tax code from back home, but as far as I can tell, the way that Farmers and adjacent Classes are taxed is nothing like the way that Mages are taxed. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The Professor waggled his hand in partial agreement. Depending on what kind of Class a Magical Crafter has, they would be described as either a Mage or a Crafter. In either case, though, they will be taxed the same way. In general, though, you are correct. Of course, edge cases are where a majority of the laws and regulations of our Republic are focused. Why? Jeb asked. Hmm? the Professor stroked his mustache. Say that you have one hundred Eighth Tier Farmers. He paused as though waiting for Jeb to speak. I have one hundred Eighth Tier Farmers, Jeb parroted back. The Professor beamed. Now, imagine that each of them has a slightly different Class, as you would expect. Jeb decided not to ask why he would expect each of them to have a slightly different Class, and simply nodded. Most likely, all of the Farmers will then end up with almost everything about them belonging to the majority. But, say that there is a single Farmer whose emphasis is on growing sugarcane. It would be unfair to tax him as though his emphasis was producing wheat, would it not? Jeb nodded in understanding. Since each of the Farmers would have slightly different circumstances, each of them would need to be treated differently under the law. The Professors smile grew even brighter. Im glad you see! Now, of course, the goal for the Republics laws are to be constructed in a way that applies fairly to all people while not being crafted to target any individual person. Of course, Classholders like you tend to make that problematic. Jeb frowned. Like me? he asked, hoping for confirmation. Professor Fredrick nodded. Assuming that you keep your Class into Higher Tiers, you will have what appears to be unfettered access to Magic. Every tax law pertaining to Mages presumes that they will specialize into a certain form of Magic. Some would argue that tax law actively pushes Mages to specialize, but that conversation is better saved for after you have left individual remediation. Jeb nodded in understanding. Which means that they will either have to fit me into an existing box or make a new set of tax rules around me. The Professor shrugged. Or, most likely, before you leave the Academy, someone will find an ancient Classholder with a similar enough Class to you and point to how they were taxed. Now, what did you actually come to my office for today? Dean Aquam gave me a list of Professors he thought that I should meet before classes began, Jeb said. Ah. Which Librarian did he assign you to? Professor Fredrick took the list of paper from Jebs hand and nodded. Ill send Librarian Kaitlyn the list of materials Id like you to work through now. If thats all, I will see you at our first meeting. With that, he stood up, turned around, and walked through the wall at the back of his office. Jeb wasnt quite sure what to make of the Professor, but he shrugged and moved to the next person on his list. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 115: Searching the Stacks By the time that Jeb had gone through the list of Professors that Dean Aquam had suggested he meet, his stomach was growling. He took the hint and the Academy led him to the cafeteria. Jeb noted that it was still far less crowded than he would have expected. Even though the room was more filled than he had seen at any point during his day with the Dean, there were still more empty tables than tables with someone at them. He considered the fact that the term had yet to start. Maybe a number of students only come in once classes start? Jeb thought. It seemed plausible, so he shrugged and went to get a plate of food. After dinner, he went back to practice the Ephemeral Song and went to sleep. The next day, Jeb ate a quick breakfast and returned to practicing his Song. By the end of the day, he was able to make it smell of an apple while it looked and felt like one, but only for a brief moment. The morning after, he woke to another note hanging in his door frame. Unsurprisingly, it was a list of courses. Jeb took the list, and after a short stop in the cafeteria, brought it to the Library. Kaitlyn was waiting for him when he arrived. She took his course schedule and let out a small noise of confusion. Is something wrong? Jeb asked. She shrugged. Im just a little surprised that you were enrolled in so many classes. I have never known Dean Aquam to encourage over-enrollment, especially given all of his complaints about students doing so. What do you mean by over-enrollment? It is the practice of signing up for more courses than you actually plan to take. Students will often attend the first day or days of each, then drop the ones they enjoy the least. While I dont think thats what Dean Aquam intended, whats wrong with it? She shrugged. It makes planning harder for Professors. If there are twenty students enrolled in a course, the sorts of activities a Professor will plan are different than if there are three. According to him, at least, it also makes it harder to know when there are Professors who need to be trained or reprimanded. Seeing Jebs look of confusion, she continued, one metric that the Academy uses to gauge Professors teaching ability is in the percent of students enrolled in a course at the start of the term who end up completing the course. Students dropping the course because they intentionally over-enrolled themselves then penalizes Professors who did nothing wrong, all while making it easier for the Professors who are actually a problem to hide. After giving the answer, the Librarian seemed to realize that Jeb had said he had not been over-enrolled. Frowning, she continued again, if you are not over-enrolled, why are you signed up for so many courses? Dean Aquam and I thought this was a reasonable schedule? Jeb replied. Is there something in it that doesnt make sense? You have at least two courses scheduled for every single day of the week, she replied. Most students take at least a day off every week. You are also enrolled in four full courses and five half courses. The Academy generally recommends no more than four total courses, and fewer your first few terms. Why? Jeb asked. It isnt like I have anything else to work on. Kaitlyn shrugged and ran a hand through her lavendar hair, quickly tying it above her head. If Dean Aquam approved the schedule, I suppose there is nothing wrong with it. I will start gathering the books you will need. It looks like you have at least an hour of free time scheduled after every course, at least in the first week. Please come by after the first session of each course to make sure that the reading lists are the same between what I have been told and what you are told. Will do! Jeb said. As he turned to leave, he ran into Margaret as she walked by with a stack of books. Sorry! Jeb said, bending over to help her pick them up. Thank you, she said when they had gathered the tablet. As both stood up, Jeb realized just how short the Librarian was. The realization shocked him, and he stared at her. She met his gaze for a few moments then shook her head, pushing her curly brown hair off of her eyes. Well, I should probably shelve these, she said, stuttering a little. Sorry again, Jeb said, moving towards the exit. Margaret gave a small wave from behind the stack of books and Jeb returned it. Just as he reached the door, Kaitlyn called out to him. Jeb, can you come back here for a moment? Jeb turned around. Your Enchanting Professor would like students to have read the first chapter of this book by the first day of classes, she explained, handing Jeb a thick book. Thank you! Jeb said, moving again to the exit. Even though no one stopped him the second time around, he paused before opening the door. I havent seen anyone else speaking where they want to go, he thought. Directing his thoughts outward, he focused on telling the Academy that he would like to go somewhere to read. When he opened the door, Jeb was hit with a wave of vertigo. He knew even without stepping through that the door out of the Library was opening to somewhere else within the Academy Library. Shrugging, Jeb stepped through. As the door closed behind him, the sense of vertigo faded. Note to self, Jeb thought, using a door to lead you somewhere else in the same room is disorienting. He knew that he would need to explore the limits of that sooner or later, but he had other priorities. Jeb picked up the book and began to read. By the time he had finished the first paragraph, he was already lost. Unlike the Enchanting books the Librarian had given him, this book was focused not at all on how to actually draw and power an Enchantment. This book was allegedly a theoretical introduction to Enchanting, though it presupposed a lot of background information that Jeb did not have. Jeb shook his head and tried to focus on the next paragraph. By the end of the page, Jeb was nodding. Ok, he said, hardly noticing that he was speaking out loud, that settles it. I have no idea what is happening in this book. Maybe the Librarian will have a book I can read? Lacking any better options, Jeb looked around for an exit. When he didnt see one where he entered, he frowned. Well, he thought, I guess theres nothing else to do but wander. Jeb picked a direction at random and started walking. If you can hear me, Academy, I would like to go back to the reception part of the Library to ask the Librarian a question. In the dimly lit hallway covered in books, Jeb wasnt sure if the Academy had heard him or if it responded. Still, when the hallway came to an end after a few minutes of walking, Jeb took the only path available, turning left. As he kept walking, the hallway steadily began to brighten. Jeb kept time by the steady beating of his heart. Even without his Athletics Skill, he was still in good enough shape that a casual walk like this did nothing to raise his heart rate. After the countless hours hed spent working on music, he had come to an innate sense of how long each heart beat lasted, at least while he was paying attention. Ten minutes into the walk, he saw another person. Margaret? Jeb asked, mostly noticing the cloud of curly brown hair at his chest height. Jeb, what are you doing in the Stacks? though she asked her question calmly, Jeb had the distinct impression that there was a wrong answer to it. Im not entirely sure, he responded honestly. I asked the Academy to take me somewhere where I could study this, he raised the book, and I think it took me somewhere else in the Library. I cant make sense of anything in this book, though, so I was hoping to get some book thats even more remedial than this one. There wasnt an exit near me, so I started walking and trusted that the Academy wouldnt let me get too lost. Margaret had been nodding along with Jebs story until the last sentence. When he finished, he realized that she was staring at him in horror. Did I do something wrong? Jeb asked, feeling his heart rate rise. She waved her ink stained hands in front of her, clearly trying to calm him down. No, not at all. It has just been a while since I met a new student so willing to immediately believe that the Academy was sentient and benevolent. If you would come with me, I can take you to Librarian Kaitlyn. I am sure that she can help you find whatever book you would be looking for. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The two walked in amiable silence. Something about the space felt opposed to mindless chatter, so Jeb let his thoughts wander instead. The first page of the Enchanting textbook had talked about how energy was fundamentally discrete, despite how it might seem in common usage. Or, at least, it assumed that the reader was already familiar with what it called a thaum, which Jeb was fairly certain had some connection to a Spell. When they got back to the Lobby, Kaitlyn came rushing over. I understand now why your Librarian liked you so much, she said. Something about her tone made it incredibly clear to Jeb that the comment was not a compliment. Im a little confused by the book, Jeb admitted. It seems to assume that I would know that energy comes in discrete packets. I have always thought of energy as being not that. Kaitlyn stared at him from behind her dark lenses. Jeb looked back, unsure if hed done something wrong. After a few moments, she shook her head. Are you not planning to tell me why you were in the stacks? Oh! Jeb replied, I hadnt been, but theres no reason that I couldnt. He repeated the story that he had told Margaret, and Kaitlyn nodded along. I will admit to being a touch surprised that you ended up in the Stacks, she said, though from what Ive gathered about your history, I suppose it should not be too surprising. This book should serve as a good primer for what the textbook is speaking about in terms of energy. Im also confused about- Kaitlyn raised a hand to stop him. Let me guess, you want to know how the author came to the equations that she presented, right? Jeb nodded. Truthfully, those derivations are all a few hundred years old at the youngest. If you are really interested in the fundamental math to derive them yourself, I think that there is a course which covers it. It is generally reserved for doctoral work, though I will admit to being unsure if that is due to content or the nature of what students are interested in. For the purposes of the course you are enrolled in, learning how the equations work is even more than is expected. If you read a little further in the book, you will see that it calls most of the first chapter a pleasant diversion, rather than the explicit focus of the text. Jeb took the book on energy and thanked the Librarian. As he opened the door, he realized that he did have one more request. Do you know where I can find paper for notes? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 116: First Day of Classes The Librarians silently pointed to a pile of loose paper that was labeled for student use. Beside it sat a cup full of similarly labeled pens. Ah, Jeb said, grabbing a small packet, thank you. The Academy took him to what seemed like the same space in the Library, though Jeb could not say for certain. The second time around, Jeb took a little more time to look and notice a few details that he hadnt during his first time in the space. Even though the hallway hed walked down had been completely dark, the desk was bright. Looking around for a source for the light, though, Jeb ran into another thing hed missed the first time through. The stacks of books appeared to go on to infinity. There was a ladder next to the desk that appeared to go as high as the books did. Jeb debated the wisdom of climbing up an unknown ladder in a space that apparently knew where he was. Of course, he did not start the debate until the desk was nothing but a spot in his vision. Huh, Jeb said. Whatever he was going to say next was stopped by the strange way that his voice echoed in the space. It did not die out immediately like it had while he was standing at the desk. Instead, it bounced around, changing tone with each bounce. As it kept bouncing, Jeb became more and more sure that it was changing tone to the voice of whichever author had written the books. As he came to that realization, Jeb started looking more closely at the books around him. Unlike the books on the first level, which had all been neatly bound in red leather with a number indicating where they should be shelved, the books this high up almost all seemed at best hand bound by an amateur. Half seemed to be nothing more than sheets of paper that had been stuffed into a folder. As the echoed huh, kept moving and changing, Jeb began climbing back down the ladder. This seems like the sort of thing that I should come back to later, he said, making a note to explore the ladder again when he had more time. Back at the desk, Jeb guiltily looked at the book that Kaitlyn had given him. It was not covered in red leather, but was still clearly mass produced. Shrugging, Jeb opened it and began reading about how energy was discrete, rather than continuous. By the time that Jebs stomach was growling loudly enough that he couldnt ignore it any longer, he had filled five sheets of paper with notes and derivations. The idea of energy as individual packets with some size apparently came from a few Theoretical Enchanters. Jeb was tempted to find out what Theoretical Enchanting was, but he forced himself to focus. Unlike when he was at home, he knew that he could not stop traveling each intellectual path when a more exciting side trail opened up. He proudly ignored the sheet of paper that he had labeled areas of study to spend my free time on. Early Theoretical Enchanters had found, obviously, that making an Enchantment smaller meant that it used less Mana. Of course, that was only true given a number of constraints, which the book clearly spelled out. To the Enchanters surprise, there was a limit to how small any given Enchantment could become. It was different depending on what character or string of characters was used, which led the next generation of researchers to discover that each of these smallest possible Enchantments used the same amount of Mana. Since then, no one had been able to find a way to use a smaller amount of Mana. For whatever reason, it took people another few centuries to find that there was no Enchantment that used more than one thaum and less than two. The lack of anything between two and three thaums came quickly after that, and so on until it stopped being practical to measure them. At that point in the book, Jeb learned that a single point of his Mana, after following all of the charts for Tier, his Statistics, and his Mana pool size, was somewhere between ten to the fiftieth and ten to the sixtieth thaums, depending on where he ranked Wizard on the Class scaling. Suddenly the fact that he had never noticed Magic being at all quantized made sense. Gathering his notes and the paper, Jeb called out to the Academy, I would like to go to the cafeteria, if it is still open. If not, I suppose that I would like to go to my room? Down on the ground, he could hear only the faintest echoes from his voice. Even they quickly faded. Jeb quickly walked into the darkness of the stacks, trusting once more that they would lead him where he wanted to go. Since he had not planned on spending his entire day studying, there as a part of him that wanted to leave the books and his notes at the desk. From what the Librarians had said, Jeb was fairly certain that no one else would be going into the space. He just wasnt entirely sure that he would be taken back to that desk again, if it even was the same as the first time hed been in the stacks. Jeb had written down the numbers on the books so that he could compare the numbers the next time he went in. When he saw that the books changed numbers every time that he looked down and back up, though, he gave up on that idea as being helpful. After a few minutes of walking in darkness, the smells of the cafeteria started drifting towards him, even as the room grew lighter. Jeb picked up his pace, nearly jogging by the time he could see the food. He hadnt realized how hungry he was until he grabbed a plate. After eating half a dozen plates filled with food, he started slowing down. As the food settled into his stomach, Jeb suddenly became incredibly tired. Sorry, he said to his lute, I dont think that Ill be playing you today. Leaving the cafeteria, he sent his will to the Academy, asking it to take him back to his room. Inside, Jeb took one last glance at his notes and went to sleep. Tomorrow was the first day of the term, and he did not want to miss a single moment of it. The next morning, Jeb woke up and searched his room for a clock. He hadnt considered the fact that everything happening on a schedule here meant that he would need to know what time it was at all times. Without the aid of the sun slowly moving across the sky, Jeb realized he had no idea how many days he had actually been in the Academy. He knew that he had studied for multiple nights and days before without noticing, and that was when he was somewhere that even had a window. Despite all his searching, though, he could not find anything to tell him the time. Rushing out of his room, he hoped that he had time for breakfast. When the Academy doors opened to the smell of frying eggs, Jeb breathed a small sigh of relief. The clock on the wall told him that it was a little before five in the morning. Checking his schedule, Jeb saw that his first class was at nine in the morning. I guess I didnt need to panic, he said to himself a little sheepishly. Jeb took his time and walked around the room, considering all of the options before him. The novelty of having so many choices for breakfast food still hadnt worn off for him, and he wanted to make the most of the day. Eventually, he settled on a small loaf of bread that smelled incredible, a small jar of some sort of red berry preserve, and a boiled egg. Fortified for his first day of classes, Jeb asked the Academy to take him to the Enchanting class he was in. When Jeb opened the door, he was a little surprised to see no one else in the room. Seeing that the clock on the wall said that it was just a little past six, though, he shrugged. Even taking his time, he knew that breakfast was not going to be a four hour ordeal. With nothing else to occupy him, Jeb realized that he had not finished the first chapter of the Enchanting textbook yet. He quickly flipped it open and began to read from the beginning again. Now that he knew about the thaum and the experiments that had proved its existence, the opening paragraphs made significantly more sense. He was unsurprised to see that Kaitlyn had been correct, and the book very quickly moved past all of the hard theoretical mathematics to instead speak about what it claimed were the five fundamental runes in Enchanting. Of course, it was quick to note that they were not a unique set. There were, according to the book, at least, an almost infinite number of base runes that one could use to construct a coherent system for Enchanting. The five that the author had chosen was apparently a less common set. It had the benefit of only requiring five base runes, as opposed to the seven in a standard fundamental set. Exactly what the benefit of a smaller set of fundamental runes was, Jeb was not entirely sure. The end of the chapter contained a number of small test questions to check understanding of the material in the chapter. Without an answer key in front of him, Jeb could not be certain how well he had done, but none of the questions felt particularly difficult. Almost as he put down his pen from the final question, a loud bell tone rang throughout the room. Looking up, Jeb saw that the room had steadily filled with people. Well, then, the man at the front of the room began speaking. Or, at least Jeb assumed that the being in the front of the classroom was a man. Between the bushy white hair that covered the entirety of their face and the brightly embroidered fabrics that were layered and constantly shifting over the Professors entire body, Jeb was only partially confident in his guess. My name is Professor Bearson, and I will be teaching this semesters Intermediate Enchanting Theory. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Jeb had the sudden feeling that the Professor was staring at him. You in the back, Jeb looked behind him, already knowing that there was nobody sitting behind him, what is your name? My name is Jeb, he replied hesitantly. I did not see you in Introductory Enchanting Theory. There was an unasked question in that statement, but Jeb couldnt guess what it was. After waiting a few moments, Jeb responded, you did not. The silence reigned for a few more moments, until Jeb had the distinct impression of a smile coming from the head shaped ball of hair. Well, welcome to the Academy! Tell me, what did you make of the authors choice of fundamental runes? It seemed reasonable. I dont have any experience with other sets of fundamental runes, though, so I couldnt say whether it is a better choice than anything else. The Professor cocked his head. Or, at least, the almost-spherical puff of hair appeared to tilt to the left. What is your background in Enchanting? Jeb shrugged. I learned a few Enchantments and made a few modifications to some of them. This time, he had understood the unasked question, I think that my experience in studying Glyphs might have carried over to the part of the entrance examination on Theoretical Enchanting. The Professor nodded, head still cocked. Right, I remember now. With that, the lecture began in earnest. The Professor had clearly expected everyone to have read the first chapter of the book, and went deeper into most of the concepts than the author had. Even so, there was no discussion of the mathematics that the first few paragraphs had gotten into. At the end of the class, a student raised their hand. Professor, will there be a syllabus for the class? The robes stopped shifting for a moment. I knew that I forgot something. A hand came out of the Professors voluminous robes, though Jeb could not grasp exactly what the hand looked like. It began quickly etching lines of glowing runes on the air. When it had finished, the lines flashed and disappeared, and each student suddenly had a packet of papers in front of them. If there are no other questions? the room was silent after that display of Magic, then I will see you next class. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 117: First Day of Classes Part Two After class, Jeb debated staying inside the classroom to start reading the next chapter. He quickly glanced through the syllabus and saw that he needed to read the next chapter by the next class period. But, he also saw that he was supposed to have read another chapter from a different book, which Jeb did not yet have. That fact reminded Jeb that the Librarian had told him to come to the Library after the first class session of all of the courses he was enrolled in. Looking around, he saw that the classroom had already emptied out, and so he hurried back out the door he had come through. When he made it to the entrance of the Library, Kaitlyn was standing there, clearly waiting for him. Do you have your syllabus? she asked. Jeb handed it over without saying anything. She read through it, her long hair staying tightly bound into the intricate knot she had tied it in as she nodded. I am grateful that Professor Bearson always teaches this course the same way, she finally said, handing Jeb what he assumed was the second book he needed for the course. As he turned to go, she held up a hand to stop him. Now, while I cannot tell you not to study in the Stacks, especially if the Academy is letting you into them, I would ask you not to climb the ladders. Before Jeb could ask why, she continued, and if you do feel a need to climb the ladders, please refrain from speaking. Your utterance is still echoing up there, and it is likely to continue for a number of years more. Seeing Jebs eyes light up with a question, she sighed. Before you ask, no, I cannot tell you why your voice is still echoing. Cannot, may not, or will not? Jeb asked, sensing that there was something strange about her refusal. She brightened at that. Oh good, he did teach you precision. Will not for certain. I also may not. The question of can is an interesting one when we fall into the realm of Oaths and Class Abilities. If an Oath ties your Class to not saying something, even if your vocal chords are capable of producing each sound in turn, if you lose your Class, are you still the same person that you were a few moments before speaking? As Jeb considered the question, the Librarian flowed back into the stacks. He didnt notice until a few minutes later when he finally came up with an answer. I dont think- he trailed off when he saw there was no one there. Shrugging, Jeb looked at his schedule. Next up was Music Theory with Professor Lawrence. Academy, I would appreciate it if you could lead me to my Theory classroom, Jeb said, opening the doors out of the Library. It took him to what was clearly a classroom, though not like one he had ever seen before. The front of the room seemed relatively bare. There was what Jeb assumed was a piano, strings open, which he assumed would just make it louder. Behind the piano were a number of boards, like what he had seen Professor Bearson draw on during the previous class. Unlike those boards, these all came premarked with staff lines, which made sense to him after a moment of thought. If this class is going to focus on small musical examples, he reasoned, it would save a lot of time to not need to rewrite the staff lines for each example. Since Librarian Kaitlyn had not given him any books for the class yet, he settled in to start working on the Enchanting homework. The second chapter was even denser than the first had been, though Professor Bearsons lecture had done a lot to make it so Jeb could follow what the chapter was trying to explain. He had a bad feeling about the laboratory component of the course, though, since every problem in both chapters was focused on problems of less than a hundred thaum. Jeb had no idea how he could control his own Magic that well, using fractions of a fraction of a point of Mana. Distracted from his schoolwork, he watched the other members of this class start to trickle in. Most of them were carrying instruments of some sort, which made Jeb start to feel self conscious. Was there some direction he had missed? The questioning glances that the other students sent his way did nothing to alleviate those concerns. Just as he was about to ask one of them, though, a door he hadnt noticed next to the boards opened, and Jeb saw Professor Lawrence for the first time. The tallest person Jeb had ever known was his Uncle Albert. Even the top of his grandfathers head only came to the chin of his uncle. Jeb could tell from a single glance that this Professor was even taller than him. Unlike his uncle, though, the Professors proportions seemed slightly off. When Professor Lawrence moved his hand across the board, scrawling his name, Jeb was reminded of nothing so much as a spiders grasping legs. He couldnt point to anything in particular that gave him the impression, though. After all, Jeb had known thinner people than the Professor. Trying to focus, he looked at what the Professor had written on the board. As Jeb finished reading Introductory Music Theory, Professor Lawrence, the Professor began to speak. If any of you did not mean to enroll in this course, you have until I finish this announcement to leave. My course roster for the semester will be comprised of the students in the room at that time. Jeb watched some of the older looking students in the bottom tiers of the classroom start packing up and hurrying up and out as the Professor spoke. The Professor ignored them, continuing to speak in a dry and bored tone, all students enrolled in Introductory Music Theory are required to co-enroll in Introductory Ear Training. All students in my, Jeb heard the first piece of emotion in the Professors voice. Somehow, there was a feeling of ownership that passed over the entire room. course are also required to be co-enrolled in Introductory Piano. A student in the front tier of seats raised her hand. The Professor stared at her, as though he expected her to put her hand down before being acknowledged. After a few moments of her staring directly back at him, Professor Lawrence gave a nod of what seemed like approval. Taking that as an introduction, she spoke, what if we already have the Piano Skill? He rolled his eyes. All three of these courses, as you would know if you waited to ask your question until the syllabus had been handed out, the approval faded into a glare, are courses which require performance without the aid of Skills. But if I have the Piano Skill, clearly I have already demonstrated my ability to play piano, the student protested. Then I expect that the Introductory Piano Course will not be a struggle for you. The Professors tone of voice left no room for debate, and the student lowered her hand, stood up, and left the classroom. Jeb watched the exchange, mostly wondering how the Professor would prevent students from using their Skills. Now, if there are no further interruptions? No one raised their hand. After looking around the room, Professor Lawrence continued, turning back to the board and writing as he spoke. Well, then, here is the syllabus for this course. As you can see, there are assignments due every session of this class. These are due as you enter the room. He paused writing, erasing the last sentence. I suppose that is not entirely true. Assignments are due when class begins. If you wish to hurry through the last portions of an assignment in the moments before the bell rings, then that is your right. The Professor continued to go through the entirety of the thick syllabus in front of each student. Jeb had a moment of confusion when he suddenly saw the syllabus in front of him but shrugged it off. It wasnt that much stranger than what Professor Bearson had done, even if it was subtler. After going through the entire syllabus, making every part of it absolutely explicit, Professor Lawrence seemed to lose a heavy load. He stood up straighter, and Jeb realized that he was even taller than he had first imagined. The tone of his voice lightened slightly as he began his lecture. Now, this course covers basic harmony and counterpoint in music. This begs the question: what is music? The Professor turned and scrawled in large letters on the board Music? Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Given how severe he had been during the syllabus portion of the class, Jeb found himself surprised at how animated of a lecturer Professor Lawrence ended up being. When the bell rang, Jeb was disappointed that he would need to leave the class. He looked at the syllabus, curious what the assignment would be for the next day. It was almost painfully simple. Jeb needed to write the scale independent names for each note in a scale for each of the twelve scales. He quickly drew down a staff on one of his rapidly dwindling pieces of paper and started writing the scales as he walked back to the Library. He almost ran into Kaitlyn when the doors opened. She took the syllabus from his hands, flipped through it while nodding, and handed it back to him. You should not need the textbook for this course for at least another week or so, but if you would like it sooner, I can have it ready for you after lunch. If it isnt too much of a burden, I would appreciate it, Jeb said. She nodded and walked back to the stacks. As Jeb ate a quick lunch, he realized that he was done with his coursework for the day. What should I do now? he wondered aloud. Seeing a few heads turning to look at him, he flushed. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 118: Studying in the Stacks After shaking off his lingering embarrassment, Jeb silently finished his lunch and moved back to his room to pick up his lute. Even if Im not going to be using this for any of my courses, he thought to himself, it was uncomfortable to be separated from it for so long. Jeb quickly slung his lute onto his shoulder, grabbed his travel sack so that he would not have to awkwardly carry all of the books and papers he was beginning to accumulate, and gripped the well oiled wooden handle of his door. Before opening it, Jeb realized that he had never tried to exit directly from his room in the dormitory to somewhere else in the Academy. But, as far as he could remember, exits had never been fixed for any other doorway. There were fixed entries, if he believed Dean Aqam, but that explicitly did not require a fixed exit. I would like to go back to my study space in the Stacks, Jeb said. He didnt hear any changes, but that didnt really mean anything. Shrugging, Jeb opened the door. To his slight surprise, the door actually did open to what he was privately beginning to think of as his desk. Jeb looked around, hoping for some way to keep track of the passage of time. He knew without a doubt that he had just gotten lucky with not missing the first day of courses. There was no clock, which made him concerned. After deciding that he would look for an exit after doing all of the readings for his next Theoretical Enchanting class, Jeb began reading and taking notes on the second chapter. A few pages in, he realized that he did not need to worry. The pages around him started rustling as he heard a bell toll out the hour. Listening and watching carefully, Jeb observed the pages on higher and higher books start rustling as the tone traveled. Just as the rustling faded past the edge of inaudible, the second tone started to ring. On the bright side, Jeb thought when the ringing stopped, I wont lose track of time. He shoved down the voice in his head that told him the bell might only toll while classes were meeting. After finishing all of his Theoretical Enchanting homework, Jeb looked at the Syllabus for Introductory Music Theory. While he was not required to have read the first chapter until after the second week of classes, the Professor advised students to stay ahead of readings. As he rifled through his papers and books, Jeb realized that he had forgotten to go pick up the Music Theory textbook from the Library. It would be really convenient if I could leave notes here, he said aloud, looking at the desk filled with all the papers he had been referencing while doing his Theoretical Enchanting homework. Since he still wasnt sure if he kept coming to the same desk or not, Jeb debated how he could test. Ultimately, he decided to leave a page of notes on the table. It wouldnt be the end of the world if I lost these, Jeb thought to himself as he began walking down the dark corridor that led to the front of the Academy Library, especially since it was a derivation that wasnt asked for in any of the questions. It would be nice to be able to refer to it again, though, since Im sure that the content in chapter two will continue to be relevant afterwards. Nodding to himself, he started paying more attention to his walk to the front of the Library. It was not, as he had thought the first time through, completely dark. There was just barely enough light for him to see the faintest outlines of the shelves and books within them. Even though the cases looked physically the same distance apart, Jeb could not help the feeling that they were slowly closing in on and around him. Some voice deep in his head told him not to turn around, and he quickened his pace. Quickly, the path became brighter. This time he saw Margaret before he ran into her, and so Jeb stopped and waved. She didnt see him, eyes focused high up on the shelves, but Jeb didnt realize that until the moment she collided with him. Sorry! she cried out as they disentangled themselves from the floor. Jeb? she asked as she put her glasses back on. What are you doing back in the Stacks? I have a desk there that Ive been studying at! Jeb replied. And it seems like the best way to the front of the Library from there is through whatever path were both in. Sorry that I keep running into you, though. Its no problem at all, Margaret replied, tying her hair back up behind her head, though I would rather not make it a habit. Now that they both knew the other was there, the hallway was more than large enough for them to pass side by side. Jeb frowned as they did. It hadnt felt like there was space to either side for him to avoid running into her just before they had. That frown stayed on his face as he walked into the light of the Library entrance. I assume that you are here for your Music Theory textbook? Kaitlyn said from behind her desk. Jeb didnt respond, still thinking about what caused the hallway to suddenly widen. She looked up and coughed. Jeb jumped, startled out of his ruminations. Sorry, what did you ask? Are you here for your Music Theory textbook? she asked again, holding out a brightly embellished book. Oh, yes, thank you. Jeb stammered out, taking the book. What were you thinking about? Kaitlyn asked as he turned to leave. I ran into Margaret again, Jeb replied, and it was strange, but I feel like the hallway got suddenly wider when we stood up. Jeb watched Kaitlyn tense up at that. It was clear that he had gotten close to some sort of dangerous truth. After a few moments, she relaxed. As a Librarian, Margaret has some control over the exact spacing of the shelves as she walks through them. Jeb nodded. That made a fair amount of sense, given that not every Librarian would be the same size. So when she noticed that we were both there, she was able to make the shelves far enough apart that we could walk through them? Does that seem reasonable to you? Jeb nodded and walked back to his desk in the Stacks. Only when he got there did it sink in that Kaitlyn had not explicitly confirmed his idea. He stood at his desk for a long moment, debating whether or not it was worth going back to get a better answer. When he remembered their conversation about the fact that his voice was still echoing in the Stacks, he shrugged and sat down. If she could not give him an answer then, it stood to reason that she was not withholding information out of some sense of petty malice. Music Theory, unfortunately, did not take very long at all. The introductory chapters were focused almost entirely on how to read the staff. Jeb was sure that it would have been useful information to him before he had gotten his Musician Skill. With it, though, the reading was painfully easy, and the homework was even easier. Even after he rewrote his Music Theory homework, carefully drawing each staff line and marking each note absolutely perfectly, he still finished the entire assignment and reading before the next bell. Jeb considered the ways that he used to fill his time on the farm. After quickly checking that the derivation he had left on the desk the previous time was still there, Jeb bolted to the front of the Library again. You mentioned that I could check out books related to Skills I might be working towards? he said, hoping that it sounded more like a question than a demand. Kaitlyn nodded. Is there somewhere in the Academy that I can practice my Skills? Jeb had the feeling that there were pages rustling somewhere in the distance. He quickly realized that it was Kaitlyn Identifying him, which made him realize that there were no books in her office. For a Librarian, that seemed strange. So, he said, voice intentionally casual, do you not keep any books in your office out of hopes that it will make your Identify Skill less obvious? She blushed a little before frowning. How many people have you dealt with that can Identify Classes for you to have already picked up on cues like that? she demanded, voice stern. Jeb shrugged. Let me see, he said, going through his memories, in retrospect, Dean Aquam and Headmistress Petra were certainly doing so. Other than that, though, the Librarian and the Bard in my hometown are the only two that I can think of. The Bard taught me to recognize it, though. What was the Bards name? Jeb gave a sheepish grin. Im not entirely sure. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for entrance to the Academy, though, if that helps. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. It does. Jeb heard the papers outside the office rustle again and watched as Kaitlyn picked up a piece of paper. He was certain that the page hadnt been there a moment ago. She muttered something like why would he go there? Oh, of course he would know that- she glanced up and Jeb and seemed to think twice about saying anything more. To return to your initial question, she said, breezing past her muttering, there are spaces where you can work on a number of Skills. I do notice that you have an unclaimed Quest. Is there a reason for that? Jeb frowned. There shouldnt be. I havent done anything recently. Nonetheless, he checked through his Activity Log. When he saw that he had completed part of his Major Quest, he remembered the day that he had last updated it. Thinking about the day with his grandfather brought a smile to his face, tempered as it was by the realization that he would not talk to his grandfather again, likely for years. Even though hed come to terms with the fact, the memory still made his chest ache slightly. Shaking away the memories, Jeb accepted the Quest Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed the Major Quest Slay the Dragon of the West Second Tier Enroll in the Academy. You have taken the second step on your journey to bring glory to the Republic. Recruit others to your cause and learn what you need to defeat the Dragon.
Rewards: 478 Experience, 5 Strength, 5 Dexterity, 5 Endurance, 5 Vitality, 5 Presence, 5 Intelligence, 5 Willpower, 5 Magic Affinity, 5 Mana Depth, 5 Charisma, Slay the Dragon of the West Third Tier Quest Graduate the Academy.
Even though Jeb still didnt want the Major Quest, he could not deny the benefits. Completing the second Quest in the series had given him five points in every Statistic. How do I get to wherever I can work on the Skills? he asked as the pain of new Statistics set in. Even through her darkly shaded glasses, Jeb could tell that Kaitlyn was staring at him unamusedly. Right, he said, I ask the Academy to take me there. Can I leave my schoolwork in the Stacks, or is that only okay while I stay within the Library walls? You should not leave anything in the Stacks that you wish to keep, the Librarian replied. Only while I stay within the walls, Jeb nodded in understanding as he left. Thats not what I- she shook her head, never mind. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 17
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1253/204
Total Statistic Load: 623 ->673
Physical Load: 228 ->253
Strength: 52 ->57
Dexterity: 53 ->58
Endurance: 54 ->59
Vitality: 55 ->60
Presence: 14 ->19
Mental Load: 395 ->420
Intelligence: 78 ->83
Willpower: 85 ->90
Magic Affinity: 84 ->89
Mana Depth: 74 ->79
Charisma: 74 ->79
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 119: Making a Friend Jeb made his way back to the desk that more and more felt like his. Once there, he picked up his school supplies and took a moment to think about which Skill he wanted to work with. As he glanced through his now emptier Status, one Skill stood out to him in particular. Walking out of the Stacks, Jeb was only slightly surprised not to end up in the front of the Library again. Instead, he found himself in the Glass Shop. Or, at least, the furnaces and glass on the walls implied that. The fact that he saw at least a dozen other students and a few Professors blowing glass only fortified that view. Reveling in the dry heat of the shop, Jeb took a punti and picked up a small piece of glass. Remembering that some of his courses were going to require that he not use his Skills, Jeb focused on not working with Glassblowing, instead just working with the skill he had developed while working to earn the Skill. Working mostly on autopilot, Jeb blew and spun a quick window. After trimming it to size, he considered what to make next. The lute on his back gave him an idea that he knew would likely fail. Carefully reheating the pane of glass he had made, Jeb slowly shaped it into the bowl of a lute. Another piece of glass served as the soundboard, though he did not have anywhere near the dexterity that he would need to carve out the sound hole on it. Shrugging, Jeb moved to add a piece of glass to represent the neck of the instrument. Unsurprisingly, he failed to join the neck to the body and ended up shattering the entire project. Shrugging, he swept up the broken pieces of glass and looked for a disposal. When he found it, he dumped the shards of glass into what was clearly a large furnace for recycling plain glass. As he went to leave, someone tapped him on the shoulder. What were you working on? the young man asked. Something about him seemed familiar, though Jeb couldnt quite place him. I was mostly just playing, Jeb admitted, but if it hadnt broken, the goal was to make something that looked like my lute but in glass. The boys dark blue eyes widened. What were you going to do with that? Jeb shrugged. Probably the same thing that I ended up doing with it after it broke: recycling it for parts. Remembering that he needed to start learning names, Jeb spoke again. Im Jeb, by the way. Whats your name? Oh, I know, the boy responded, then blushed. Sorry, I didnt mean it like that. Were in the same Theoretical Enchanting course, and so I heard Professor Bearson ask who you were. Im Declan. Nice to meet you, Declan, Jeb said, holding out a hand. Declans smile returned and he grasped Jebs hand, shaking it vigorously. So if you werent planning to Enchant your glass lute, why were you making it? Like I said, Jeb replied, frowning slightly, I didnt have anything else to do today and its been a while since Ive done any glassblowing. I mostly was just looking for something to occupy my day and practice my skills a little bit. Declan nodded hesitantly. So are you not in the College of Enchanting? I havent seen you in the dormitory or any of the other seminars. Oh, no, Im in the Remedial College, Jeb replied. Seeing Declans shock, he continued, what? Its just, um, you dont seem- Declan paused, clearly trying to consider how to respond, well it didnt seem like you were lost during class, and you certainly know how to blow glass well. I guess Im just wondering why youre in the Remedial College. I dont have the Enchanting Skill, Jeb said, and understanding dawned in Declans eyes. Before Jeb could continue, Declan jumped in, and so you have to be in Remedial College until you Tier Up. That makes sense, I suppose. Well, I need to get back to work, he said, gesturing to the orbs that he was clearly blowing. After taking a few steps away, he turned and called back, I dont know if you already have one, but would you want to be lab partners tomorrow? Sure! Jeb replied happily. Declans smile broadened as he turned back to his furnace. Jebs smile took him to the cafeteria, where he ate a quick meal and went to sleep. In the morning, Jeb once more woke up before the fifth bell. When he got to the cafeteria, he saw Dean Aquam finishing his meal. Dean Aquam, Jeb called as the Dean stood to leave. Jeb, the Dean replied, nodding, how was your first day of classes in the Academy? It was fun, Jeb said, Im excited for Theoretical Enchanting, even if it does seem a little arcane right now. I had a question, though. I assumed as much when you stopped me, the Dean replied happily. How can I help you? Is there anyone else enrolled in the Remedial College right now? The Dean looked up as though thinking. Jeb absently noticed that his glass of juice had started shaking. No, he said after a long moment. Why do you ask? One of my classmates in Theoretical Enchanting mentioned that he hadnt seen me in the dormitory, which made me realize that I hadnt seen anyone in my dormitory. Well, the Dean said, stretching the word out, on the bright side, you should not have seen anyone, so the fact that you did not is a good sign. Before Jeb could question why he would be seeing someone if no one else was in the dormitory, the Dean continued, but if you would rather room with one of the Colleges, I could look into transferring your room. It would not happen before the end of the term, unfortunately. Jeb shook his head. Truthfully, its kind of nice to have space completely to myself. He thought about how well sound had carried in his home and then imagined a hundred of him all practicing their own, loud, activities at all hours of the day. Jeb grimaced when he thought about how much of a nuisance he must have been to his family. The thought of his family made him realize how long it had been since he had talked to any of them. Also, while Im here, he said, shaking his head clear of the thought, is there a way that I can send mail back to my family? Dean Aquam shrugged. Given how far away your family lives, the most reliable route would typically be sending a letter with the Censusmaster to deliver at the next Census. For obvious reasons, I will not suggest that. With that in mind, he paused speaking, flicking his fingers around. Jeb noticed small lights popping off, as though the Dean used casting Spells with his hands as a way to think. Finally, the light show ended as the Dean started nodding. Right! You should be able to send letters through your local Librarian. Why wouldnt you suggest that right away? Jeb asked. The Librarian always seemed like he had an up to date record of everything. Your Librarian does, the Dean agreed, but he is fairly unique in that regard. Have you already eaten? Jeb looked down at his plate of food meaningfully. It will be there when we get back, the Dean said. Come on, we are going to pay a visit to the Library. Dean Aquam strode confidently through the doors, and Jeb hurried to follow. Good- Kaitlyn checked the clock, morning, Dean Aquam, Jeb. How can I help you today? Can you send a message to the Humdrumville Librarian? She took her glasses off and let her hair down. She began rubbing her eyes, clearly trying to find the correct way to phrase whatever she wanted to say. Technically. I would really rather not, however. Why? Jeb asked. I do not dream of spending the rest of my life in the Stacks of the Academy Library, even though I do enjoy this job. Communicating with him, she glared meaningfully at the Dean, will do nothing but hinder my future chances of advancement. That being said, I have no grounds to object to doing so. Hmm, the Dean said, stroking his thin beard, are there any Librarians who have no desire to leave the Stacks? Kaitlyn responded as she tied her hair back. Margaret seems to enjoy her work, but I would ask her before volunteering her to do anything. Of course, of course, the Dean said mollifyingly. He turned and left Kaitlyns office. Jeb looked between them, unsure if he should stay or follow. Go with him, she said, flicking a hand. For what its worth, though, she said as he started to go, if Margaret is unwilling to, I will help you stay in touch with your family. What happened to you is unconscionable. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Um, Jeb replied, lost for words. Thank you. He quickly followed the Dean into the Stacks, where he started calling out for Margaret. Jeb didnt hear any echoes, which made him wonder if the bindings on the books did something to prevent resonance. After a few minutes of calling, Jeb heard footsteps rapidly approaching from behind them and turned. Jeb, what are you doing delving the Stacks? Margaret asked, voice raising in panic. Dont you know that- her voice froze as she saw the Dean standing behind him. Ah, Dean Aquam. Welcome back to the Stacks. Is there something that I can help you with? I heard that you are happy to remain in the Stacks, Dean Aquam replied. Margarets concern shifted immediately to anger. Her hair started lifting as she spoke, Dean, if you are threatening my position- He held up his hands. No, not at all. Jeb here, he nodded towards Jeb, who gave a little wave, was hoping to stay in touch with his family. He was wondering if you might be willing to send messages to the Humdrumville Librarian. Why would you ask me and not Kaitlyn? She is the Librarian assigned to Jeb and the Remedial College. The Dean opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand to stop him, right, the political optics of talking to him. If you can guarantee that my position in the Stacks will not be risked for talking to him, I would be more than happy to pass along any messages for Jeb. You know that I cannot promise that, the Dean replied. First, the Library only takes recommendations from the Academy Deans. Even on top of that, I am only a single vote in the Faculty Senate. A book dropped in front of them. Actually, Margaret said, picking up the book. It opened as she lifted it and she started reading, by the mutual agreement of the Deans of two Colleges of the Academy, a Stacks Librarian may be kept, even at the expressed displeasure of the Library, assuming consent from the Librarian in question. The Library will not penalize, and so on. The book slammed shut and she tossed it absently into the shelves. And you, Aquam, are Dean of two Colleges. According to the founding documents of the Academy Library, you have complete ability to keep me in the Stacks. Have you been reading up on Academy by laws? Dean Aquam asked, seeming impressed. Her hair suddenly fell as confusion took over her face. Huh? No. I am a Stacks Librarian. One of my Class Quests at some point was learning any potentially relevant laws and exceptions to my position. And you just happened to remember that? She cocked her head. No, thats why the book dropped. I could never hope to remember precise wording for documents. Jeb cut in, seeing the miscommunication. I think that Dean Aquam is mostly confused that you remembered that there was a provision which would allow you to remain in the Stacks if he wanted you to. Oh! Do you not remember things? she asked. I think that this is a conversation best saved for another occasion, the Dean cut back in. Jeb, I will leave you to write a letter to your family. He took a left into a hole in the book cases that absolutely had not been there a moment before. Thank you! both Margaret and Jeb called to him. When his footsteps had faded from their ears, she turned back to him. So, what do you want to say to your family? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 120: Laboratory Jeb started to think about all of the things that he wanted to tell his family. As he opened his mouth to speak, though, he felt a flicker of embarrassment. Hed just met Margaret a few days ago, and now he was about to bare his heart out to her. She clearly noticed what was going on in his mind, because another book fell, nearly clipping him on the shoulder as it did. Librarians cannot, under any circumstances, be compelled to reveal any requests made by a patron. Closing the book, Margaret added, theres a number of other cases that add up to the fact that this will count for that confidentiality. I guess that Im also concerned that other people will be able to read what I send through the system, Jeb said. She shrugged. Your hometown Librarian will be able to, but that is because he needs to read anything before he is able to transcribe it. That being said, I can guarantee that he has seen far more incriminating stories than anything you would put in a letter to your family. What about you? She grimaced slightly. Would it help if I told you that I would forget anything you told me? Jeb brightened. It would! He caught the nuance in her words almost instantly. Will you forget anything I tell you? No. Jeb sighed. Ok, should I give you a letter or just tell you what I want the letter to say? Whatever is easier for you! Jeb nodded. Ill figure out what I want to say after class today. Now that he knew that he could talk to his family, at least in one direction, he found that he suddenly had nothing to say. Returning to the cafeteria, he was more than a little surprised to see that his plate was still there. As he started eating, Jeb watched the students slowly trickle into the cafeteria. Most of them seemed less than half awake, groggily walking over to the urns of tea and coffee. He watched a few of the older students mutter something and watched as sparks flew into their mugs. Those students seemed to perk up far more quickly, and Jeb jotted down a quick note to look for Magics to make more effective stimulants at some point in the future. As Jeb finished up his meal, he saw Declan enter the cafeteria and waved him over. Good morning Jeb, Declan said over a large mug of coffee. He eyed the empty plates in front of Jeb. How early did you get here? A few hours ago, Jeb replied, glancing at the clock on the wall. What were you doing up so early? Thats just when I woke up, Jeb said, taking a sip of his juice. Declan shook his head. Im not awake enough for this. Are you ready for our laboratory section today? Jeb brightened. Yeah! I have no clue what to expect, but Im pretty sure that its going to be a good time. Declan frowned. Have you done the pre-lab work yet? No, where did you see that there was one? It was in the syllabus. Jeb pulled the syllabus out of his bag. Paging through, he saw that there was an entirely different set of assignments and due dates for the laboratory portion of the class. Well, Jeb said, standing up, I need to go work on this. Ill see you in the laboratory in, he glanced at the clock again, two hours. I hope thats enough time to do the first laboratory assignment. You have plenty of time, Declan replied. It only took me about twenty minutes. Plus, it isnt like theres anything in this assignment that wasnt in any other Enchanting Classs first pre lab worksheet. How long did it take you to do your first one of those? An hour or so, why? Its my first ever pre lab. This is my first term in a formal classroom. I have many questions. Declan took a long draw from his mug. Or, at least, Im sure that I will have many questions when I finish waking up. Good luck working on the pre lab. If you wanted to work on it here, I could also help answer any questions you might have about it. Jeb shook his head. I appreciate the offer, but I think that this is something I want to try to do alone. Thank you, though! If I struggle too much, I will absolutely come back here. The two chatted for another couple of minutes until Jeb finally left to go back to the Stacks. Once there, he started writing out the pre laboratory assignment. It was much more straightforward than he had expected. It had him read the expectations for the laboratory component of the course, sign off that he had read and understood them. The expectations were more or less what he expected, in that he was not supposed to intentionally injure anyone or be reckless with the materials or reagents. After that, he just needed to go through the relevant safety information for each reagent he was going to use for the period. According to the manual, they were not using anything except for gold leaf that day. The book listed no hazards associated with gold leaf, and so that was what Jeb put on the piece of scrap paper he was using for his lab notebook. When he finished, he looked around, hoping that the unstable geography of the Academy might have somehow also included a clock showing up. He still couldnt find one, though he did hear the bell toll out the time as he started weaving through the Stacks once again. Jeb still had an hour before the laboratory section was going to begin. Maybe Declan will want to compare answers with me, Jeb thought, willing the Academy to take him back to the cafeteria. He saw Declan sitting where the two had parted and walked over. The two had similar, though not identical, answers to the few questions that were not rote repetition from the guide. So, Jeb said after they had compared their answers and were sitting in silence, where are you from? Declan looked at him with confusion and doubt clear in his eyes. Im from the Seventh District. Before you say anything, yes, I am the first in my family to attend the Academy, at least within memory. Whats the Seventh District? Hold on. Declan held out his hands. Where are you from? Im from Humdrumville, Jeb replied. After a moment, he followed that with its somewhere in the middle of the Republic. Is your family somehow out of favor with the President or something? Jeb shook his head. Not that Im aware of, at least. The rest of my family are all Farmers, though, so it was a bit of a surprise to everyone when I got a Magical Class. What was your First Tier Class, if you dont mind my asking? I know that is terribly improper of me to ask, but I must admit to being curious. Declans expression seemed somehow far more wooden than it had. I was a Least Mud Initiate. What about you? I was a First Tier Enchanter, Declan replied. How did your family manage to push you into Mud Magic so far from the Capital? I dont think that they did. Everyone seemed surprised when I came home with a Magical Class. The two both looked at each other, confused at the others experience with getting a Class. The eye contact grew a little too intense for Jeb, and so he glanced at the clock. Oh, its almost time for our laboratory section! Jeb exclaimed, leaping up out of his seat. Declan looked at the clock and quickly hurried after him. Exiting the cafeteria, the two found themselves in a room filled with standing desks. Each desk was absolutely covered in Enchantments and Glyphs. Even with just a single glance, Jeb could tell that they were all active, despite the lack of glowing or humming. How he knew that, he was not entirely sure. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. The two found an empty desk and Jeb followed Declans lead in setting the homework assignment in the front of the desk. Jeb wanted to ask what Declan meant about his family choosing his Class, but the laboratory handbook had said that idle conversation was not permitted in the laboratory. Declan clearly felt the same way, because they stood in relatively comfortable silence as they waited for the bell to ring. Just as the bell rang, a woman in deep emerald robes came rushing in. Good morning everyone, she said, my name is Candidate Therese. I will be managing you all during the laboratory portion of this course. Jeb looked around, shocked that he would not be seeing Professor Bearson in the laboratory. No one else seemed surprised, though, so he mentally shrugged it off. Apparently that was just how they did things in the Academy. He did wonder what Candidate Therese was a Candidate for, though. Oh no, Declan muttered to Jeb. If shes only a Candidate then were going to have to deal with something experimental in her teaching style, I can already feel it. Jeb wanted to reply, but Therese arrived at their desk just then. Jeb, is it? she asked as she took his homework. Jeb nodded. Yes, Candidate Therese. Just call me Therese for this course. Where is your laboratory notebook? Jeb quickly glanced around and noticed that the rest of the class all had a bound book in front of them. I do not have one, he replied. I did not see it on the requirements for the course. She rolled her eyes. I just want to clarify this now. Are you planning to be a pain on purpose, or is this a legitimate miscommunication? A miscommunication! Jeb hurried to say. Wait, would anyone actually admit to intentionally trying to be a pain? Youd be surprised, Therese muttered. In a louder voice, she continued, a laboratory manual is required. I think that there was something in my notes about what to do if someone came without one. Wait here. Jeb hadnt noticed anyone else moving after shed come to their desk, but didnt say so. A comment like that clearly fell more into the pain on purpose camp than a legitimate miscommunication. Therese went to the rest of the tables as she referenced the block of notes in her hand. Jeb was surprised that no one else had needed to be told that they needed a laboratory notebook. Then again, he thought, Professor Bearson did imply that I was the only new student in the course. Here is a notebook, Therese said, handing Jeb a weathered looking notebook. I would ask you to talk with your laboratory partner about the standard practice for writing a laboratory notebook, though I cannot require it. It is very easy to miss a piece of crucial information if you do not follow standard practice, however. Jeb nodded and she moved back to the front of the classroom. Now, then, she said, drawing on the whiteboard behind her. Todays goal is reproducing the experiment that proved the existence of a thaum. Are there any initial questions about how to prepare your reagents? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 121: Laboratory Part Two No one raised their hand at the lecturers question. Jeb wasnt sure whether that was because nobody had a question, or if they were all just too afraid to ask it. Candidate Therese clearly felt the same way, because she shrugged and sat down in front of the board. Well then, I suppose that I can expect each of you to finish this laboratory early. Work with whoever is at your table. If you dont want to work with them, find another student to work with next time. Declan turned to Jeb. What do you think we should start with? Jeb looked at the notes he had taken from the laboratory manual. It seems like most of this project can be done in parallel. Im happy to either enchant the detector or the source. Do you have a preference? Declan didnt respond at first, stopping to stare at his own notebook. I didnt notice that. Id rather make the source, if thats alright with you. Jeb nodded. Truthfully, he had been more excited to make the detector, so that worked out fine for him. Both of them grabbed a sheet of the thin metal and began working. The source design, Jeb knew, was simple enough. The first part was nothing more than a small Enchantment which wasted nine tenths of the Mana poured into it and sent the final tenth forward in a directed beam. Declan presumably knew how many thaums were in a point of his Mana, so he would know how many passes through that Enchantment he would need. As soon as Jeb had that thought, he stopped working on the detector for a moment, checking the Schematic he had been given. Truthfully, Schematic was a generous term for what the Academy had supplied him with. The manual contained twenty or so Sub Enchantments, all of which seemed design to fit together almost, but not quite, perfectly. Jeb decided that he really only needed two of them. At the core of the experiment, he had an Enchantment that would light up when it was exposed to any amount of Magic. The size of the Enchantment and the amount of Magic exposed to it determined both the color and the intensity of the glow. The lab manual was not explicit about what color he was supposed to detect, but the background reading that the Librarian had given him said that the early experiments all shone out green light. With no other reason to pick what he was doing, Jeb had copied down the equations for how the Enchantment would light up given a certain amount of Magic, then solved for what size he would need to make the Enchantment for a single thaum to cause it to glow green. From there, he needed a secondary Enchantment to multiply that light signal. Those could be fed either by him, or by the ambient Mana through a much more complex Enchantment. Jeb had eagerly noted down the Enchantment to draw in ambient Mana, still hopeful that he would someday be able to make something to automatically Attune Elemental Mana for his bees. Since there was a limited time in the laboratory period, though, Jeb did not think that he would have the time to make that Enchantment on top of everything else that he would need. With that in mind, he quickly sketched out the Enchantment he would be using to multiply the light on a sheet of the gold leaf, idly noticing that no one else seemed to be scribing anything yet. He finished the light multiplier quickly. Gold was reflective enough that it took hardly any effort at all to convince it that it actually shone light back brighter. After he had forced the runes onto the sheet of foil came the far harder part of the Enchantment: physically manipulating the leaf into the shape he wanted without deforming any of the runes on the Enchantment. Jeb idly wished that he had learned Least Shape Gold, knowing that would have made it far easier. To his relief, the folds he needed to make on the sheet were far away from any of the runes. Jeb knew that had to have been an intentional choice on the part of the Schematics designer, and made a note to do something similar in the future. After finishing the light multiplier, he decided to test it. Tearing off a small section of paper, Jeb used a quick flash of Least Create Fire and Least Move Fire to etch the light Enchantment onto a sheet of paper. Only after he finished did he consider how difficult that should have been for him. He had needed to move the fire at the perfect speed and into a perfect shape. Its nice that all the work I was doing on my Ephemeral Song translated so well into my control over Glyphs. The fact that his Magic Affinity had gone up so much since he had last worked with Least Move Fire had to have helped as well. Just before he fed a small amount of Mana into the Enchantment, Jeb paused. He had the uncomfortable feeling that there were members of his class staring at him. Setting the no longer smoking scrap of paper down, he looked up and around at his classmates. Declan was pointedly not looking at Jeb as he shaped his Enchantment. Jeb frowned when he saw that Declan had been making a number of the reducing Enchantments, rather than using one of the mirror Enchantments they had been given to reflect the light. He shrugged, assuming that Declan had decided that calibrating the mirrors to pass light just right was more finicky than he wanted on the first day of the laboratory. Shaking himself out of distraction, he looked out further into the classroom. At least half of the class was staring at him, with more than a few of the ones who werent intentionally looking away. Even the Candidate was looking at him with some amount of confusion. She walked over towards him as they made eye contact. Did I do something wrong? Jeb asked when Therese drew near. She didnt respond at first, looking over the shape that Jeb had made. As she did, Jeb noticed that none of the other tables had a finished detector Enchantment yet. They all seemed to be working on making a number of the reducing Enchantments instead. Not with this detector, she said after a long moment, though I would ask you why you started with the detector. The laboratory assignment for the day is making two distinct Enchantments, Jeb replied. Since there are two of us, he nodded to Declan, it made sense to me that we would both work on one of the Enchantments. She nodded. If you are asking why everyone is paying more attention to you than their own projects, she rolled her eyes, and Jeb noticed a few heads ducking back down to their stations, I assume that has something to do with you using two Glyphs just now. Oh, Jeb replied. Why did you char an Enchantment into a piece of paper? she continued, pushing the conversation forward. I wanted to test to see whether my multiplier worked, Jeb explained. She gestured for him to continue, so he thought for a moment. I didnt want to waste any of the laboratory materials, and the light Enchantment shouldnt be too dependent on material. Even if it is, Ill be feeding in far more Magic than its calibrated for, so it should still glow. Understood. Please wait one moment before activating your Enchantment. Therese reached into the table and pulled out a spectral pane of glass around the Enchanted foil and Jeb. Go ahead. Jeb frowned. What is the glass for? Youll see in a moment. Jeb carefully oriented the output of the box away from him. One of the very few dangers listed in the manual was accidentally staring into the beam of outputted light, especially if everything was not calibrated perfectly. He tried to feed Mana into the light Enchantment, before realizing he had only scribed it. I formed you out of fire, which is bright. His will bore on the paper, which acquiesced, accepting the Enchantment. Pouring the smallest amount of Mana he could in, Jeb made it glow. In retrospect, Jeb said as the ghostly glass slid back down the table, a multiplier designed to take a single thaum of light and make it bright enough for us to see- Therese cut him off, would be far too bright to look at when fed with far more light than that. Truthfully, Im just impressed that your Enchantment is still active. Normally people who test their Enchantments like that burn them out from the overload. What did the glass do, though? Jeb asked. With the intensity of light that you had coming out of the Enchantment, it could very easily light something on fire or blind one of your classmates if it reflected off of anything. Given that there are hundreds of sheets of gold foil throughout the room, it was not worth the risk, especially since the light would have dispersed if the Enchantment had failed. With that, she walked away. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Jeb opened the laboratory handbook again, finding the Enchantment which limited the output brightness of the multiplier. Ah, he said, and Declan turned. Sorry, Jeb said, I just realized what the point of this Sub Enchantment was. How is making the source going for you? Declan shrugged. Its going, I suppose. Its nice that I get to repeat the same Enchantment over and over, especially since Im going to end up at one of the industrial Enchanting firms after the Academy. Jeb nodded, hiding his confusion. As the two kept staring into each others eyes, Jebs mind started thinking about whether he could fit the limiter onto his existing multiplier, or if he would need to remake it. Declan suddenly blurted out, well, Ill get back to making these, and broke the eye contact. Jeb kept nodding, deciding that the new Enchantment could just fit over the output. He had noticed that none of the other students seemed to be etching their Enchantments into the gold foil before forming them. Shrugging, he tried to do the same to the piece of gold foil in front of him. You are a limiter. He carefully considered the exact shape of the Enchantment and each of the runes within it, impressing his will onto them. It failed, and Jeb was left with a slight headache. He quickly jotted down a note to ask someone how they Enchanted without etching into their materials after the laboratory session. After inscribing the runes onto the sheet of gold foil, the Enchantment took much more easily. From there, all that was left was making the actual detector. Jeb looked back at the calculations for how large of an Enchantment he would need to make. It was far smaller than he felt comfortable etching. Even with as stable as his hands were, moving the fractions of a hairs width that he would need to was beyond the level of control he had. Sighing, Jeb picked up the manual again, flipping to the Enchantment which would mirror his movements at a tenth the size. He quickly made and coupled three of them together, so that he could draw the light producing Enchantment a thousand times larger. Running through the calculations, at the new scale, he would still be drawing a fairly small Enchantment. Thankfully, it was a simple one, comprising just a few runes. He drew it and looked at the four Enchantments hed made. Each of the smaller ones was glowing slightly, which made sense once hed noticed it. There was a fair amount of ambient Mana in the air. Jeb sighed and started working on the Enchantment for blocking out ambient Mana. It was vaguely similar to the one he had made to hide how much Mana his lute emitted, which brought back the memories of learning Enchanting so that he could make his mother a birthday gift. Jebs eyes misted up slightly, and he closed them. He could do all the Enchanting he needed with his eyes closed, at least for a few minutes. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 775/204
Total Statistic Load: 623
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395
Intelligence: 78
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 122: Laboratory Part Three When Jebs eyes cleared, he looked at the Enchantments he had made. The entire detector seemed ready, and they were no longer glowing from ambient Magic in the air. Looking over at Declan, he saw that his lab partner had not finished making Mana reducers yet. Do you need a hand? Jeb asked. Declan nodded, clearly focused on making his latest Enchantment. Jeb picked up a piece of gold foil and began etching the reducing Enchantment. In the time it took him to form a single set of runes, Declan had gone through three. It made Jeb wonder how he had finished his portion of the laboratory work before Declan had. After crafting a few more, Declan nodded. That should be the right number, he said. The two carefully aligned the output of each sheet of gold foil into the input of the remaining ones. Thankfully, they would not need to power the reducing Enchantments, because their function was siphoning off Magic. Jeb started feeding Mana into the multiplying Enchantment again and nodded to Declan. Whenever youre ready. Declan nodded back and obviously started pushing his own Mana into the first Enchantment. As his Magic traveled down the Enchantments, each one lit up in turn, glowing less and less bright as they went further down. When it reached the final reducing Enchantment, both of them immediately turned to watch the output of the multiplying Enchantment. It spat out a bright green beam of light. Congratulations, Candidate Therese said as she walked over. The two of you are the first to finish today. You are welcome to try to modify any parts of your setup. If you would rather, you can also just clean up and leave. Declan looked at Jeb. Is there anything you would add to the system? Jeb shrugged. I dont quite understand why you used a series of reducers instead of a single reducer with mirror Enchantments, and it could be nice to connect the Magic blocker to the input of the multiplier so I wouldnt have to power it myself. Neither of those is incredibly important though. We are graded entirely on whether or not we managed to isolate a single thaum, which my calculations say that we did. Declans brow furrowed. Would you mind if I took a look at them? Its not that I dont trust you, Im just a little curious how you know that we isolated a single thaum without more measurements. Jeb handed over his laboratory notebook. He had transferred all the calculations hed needed over, since a part of their grade was based on explaining how they were able to determine that the system ran with a single thaum. Declan worked through the same calculations in his own notebook, making a note that he had taken them from Jebs. After rederiving the same answer, he nodded. Since thaums are discrete, there wouldnt really be a way to see anything more than one thaum and less than two, which would glow blue in this setup. Of course, that does presume that you managed to make the detector to this exact size. As the words came out of Declans mouth, he realized what he said and waved his arms as he quickly continued, I didnt mean it like that! I fully believe that you made it correctly, its just- Jeb nodded. No, thats a great point. We need to be able to record how we know that we made it correctly. I made three size reducers, he gestured to the used Enchantments, and drew the starting Enchantment at scale. Declan looked at the three versions of the Enchantment that werent in the detector and nodded. I didnt see that in your laboratory notebook. Jeb grimaced. I forgot to keep a running log while I worked. Candidate Therese still hadnt walked away, and she shrugged. As long as you accurately report what went into the final system, at the very least, there will not be a penalty in this course. Keeping track of your attempts is valuable, of course, but it also makes my life grading you harder. When you embark on independent research, it is important to start by writing what you plan to happen and how you plan to make it occur, if only so your memory is not tainted by the reality of what you saw. Jeb nodded and wrote down what he had built into the system, making a note of why he had added each new piece. He spoke as he did, and Declan copied it over. Sorry, Declan said when Jeb had finished, what were you saying about how you would have used mirrors instead for the single thaum isolation? Candidate Therese leaned in closer as well. Jeb cocked his head, confused by the question. On the third page of potential Enchanting Schematics, there was a mirror Enchantment, which just sends Magic back at allegedly perfect efficiency. There was also a second reducing Enchantment which took in a wider set of inputs. If you had set the system up like this, he flipped to the page in his notebook where hed sketched his plan for the design, then we only would have needed three Enchantments, rather than, Jeb quickly counted the reducers, fifty three. Declan looked through Jebs notes. But then we would have needed to align the mirrors perfectly. How would you trace the invisible beam of Magic? Jeb shrugged. The angles arent that hard to work out, and there are a few options for verification. Theres this Enchantment, he flipped open the handbook, which makes trails of directional Magic glow. Or this one, which is just a beam of light that we could have tracked with the Magic. Of course, that would mean that we would have to align the two together, which could have been a little difficult, but- Jeb cut off when he saw the expressions on Declan and Thereses faces. Did I say something wrong? No! Therese practically shouted, before taking a deep breath and continuing. I am just a little surprised that you thought about the laboratory session this much. Most students are happiest to just take the simplest route. Jeb frowned. So am I? Its much simpler to only have to deal with three or four Enchantments than to deal with more than fifty. I think you and I define simple differently, Declan said, pointing to the difference in the source schematics the two had made. Jebs was covered in calculations, while Declans just had a single piece of annotation do this fifty three times. Well, Jeb said in the silence, do you want to try making the mirror version? Declan shrugged. I dont see why not. Candidate Thereses eyes lit up. Let me know if it ends up working. The two lab partners nodded and began working on the new version of the Enchantment. When the bell tolled, both shot up, startled by the sudden sound. So, Candidate Therese said, walking over to them. Jeb looked around, realizing that they were the last ones in the room. What did you learn? she prompted them. Jeb shrugged, aligning with the mirror Enchantments was a little more difficult than I had expected. Is there a reason that you didnt use this Enchantment? she asked, pointing to a focusing Enchantment that would have let them set the initial angle Magic went through. I didnt think we would need it, Jeb replied honestly. How much time do you think using it would have saved you? Declan chimed in. Given that weve spent the last hours completely unable to fix the angle and location the first beam of Magic hits our reducer? A lot. Sorry, Jeb said, I forgot that it was in there. Its no problem! Declan replied, this was really good for practicing my Magical dexterity. I hadnt considered how hard it was to keep my Mana flowing out in a perfectly continuous beam. Candidate Therese nodded. Do you two believe that the mirrors are aligned properly right now? They both nodded, and she flicked her fingers. A mote of Magic shot through their system, leaving an afterglow on the tracing Enchantment. When it lit the detector, it glowed a bright green for a moment. While Jeb and Declan gaped at how easily she had just solved their issues, she smiled. Well, congratulations. Jeb stopped her as she started to walk away. Wait, how did you modulate how many thaums of Magic you put out? She shrugged. Its one of the skills you will need to learn for a lot of higher order Enchanting. Now, I need to go to my own research, and I am sure that the two of you need to eat. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. She ran her hand down the air in front of her and stepped through the doorway that appeared. Declan didnt seem to see anything strange in that, so Jeb refrained from commenting. So, Jeb said, do you want to go get dinner? Declan nodded, and the two made their way to the cafeteria. After dinner, Jeb opened the door, hoping to work on another of his Skills again. It took him to a smithing foundry, where he spent a few hours collecting his thoughts as he worked on a piece of iron. When he had finished reshaping the piece back into an ingot, Jeb realized that he had a Quest Notification he had ignored while working in the laboratory. Opening his Status, Jeb saw that he actually had five.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn to Enchant Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment You have learned a reducing Enchantment.
Rewards: 1 Magic Affinity, 1 Intelligence, 48 EXP, Learn to Enchant Third Tier Quest Learn a New Double Enchantment
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn to Enchant Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment You have learned a multiplying Enchantment.
Rewards: 1 Magic Affinity, 1 Intelligence, 48 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn to Enchant Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment You have learned a mirror Enchantment.
Rewards: 1 Magic Affinity, 1 Intelligence, 48 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn to Enchant Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment You have learned a Magic detecting Enchantment.
Rewards: 1 Magic Affinity, 1 Intelligence, 48 EXP
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn to Enchant Second Tier Learn a New Single Piece Enchantment You have learned a blocking Enchantment.
Rewards: 1 Magic Affinity, 1 Intelligence, 48 EXP
The sudden rush of new Statistics hit Jeb, and he blinked slightly. After working off his nervous energy in the forge, his mental exhaustion was enough to make him ready for sleep. As he made his way back to his room, Jeb looked at his schedule. He had Introductory Piano for the entire day. I wonder how theyre going to block my Skills, Jeb said to himself as he drifted off to sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 623 ->633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 395 ->405
Intelligence: 78 ->83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 84 ->89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 123: Severing Skills Jeb woke up the next morning to the tolling of the bells. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, he listened to them. His confusion took him all the way to the cafeteria, where a look at the clock confirmed what he had thought: it was only now third bell. Looking around the rest of the cafeteria, he did not see anyone else, which only added to his confusion. Still, there was hot food and he wasnt tired enough to go back to sleep. He shrugged and picked up a small loaf of bread and some preserved fruit. When he walked by the urns of hot drinks, he poured himself a mug of some strongly spiced tea. With nothing and no one to occupy his mind while he ate, Jeb let his thoughts wander. When someone loudly set a tray down across from him, he jolted. Good morning, Jeb, Dean Aquam said, nodding. Good morning, Dean Aquam. Do you know why there were bells tolling today at third bell? The bells toll every hour of every day. The Dean replied, taking a drink of his broth. Do you know why I heard the bells in my room? Jeb tried again. Oh! Sorry, my mind has not fully awoken this morning. Yes, the the third bell tolled in your room this morning because today is the first day of the Academy qualifying tournament. Seeing Jebs confusion, he nodded and continued, every year the Academy, Adventurers Guild, and Military compete in a tournament. Today is the first day of qualifying rounds for everyone. As the only member of the Remedial College, I suppose you do technically qualify for the all Academy part of the tournament, though I would advise you not to compete, at least this year. Jeb nodded. So if everyone was woken at third bell today, where is everyone? The Dean shrugged, anxiously awaiting their match, I assume. Despite how important the tournament is to many of our students and alumni, we are primarily an institution of higher learning. Tournament matches are only scheduled during periods when no courses run. People should begin trickling back in at sixth bell. Jeb nodded and returned to his meal. The Dean seemed content to eat in silence, and Jeb had no issues with it either. As the bells finished tolling out the sixth hour, he saw that the Dean had been correct. Students started filing in and filling their plates with food. The overall energy level in the room grew quickly. Dean Aquam sighed and stood. I assume from the noise that there was a particularly exciting upset in the bracket. All the same, I think that I will return to my office, where the ambient sounds are far quieter. Have a nice day, Jeb. Same to you! Jeb called. As the Dean walked away, Jeb realized that he had no real reason to stay in the raucous cafeteria either. Putting his plate on the cleaning line, he left the room and went to his desk in the Stacks. Jeb started writing a letter to his family. Briefly summarizing his travels with the Censusmaster, he made sure to let them know that the debt situation was apparently well in hand. After going through all of the negative to neutral aspects of his time away from home, he transitioned into the brighter portions. He wrote about his new Class and the fact that he had just made a friend. After writing it, he grimaced while rereading it. None of the content was untrue, or even something that he did not want to tell his family. He was fine with his hometown Librarian seeing all of the text, since he had known Jeb for years. Jeb was just a little worried about having Margaret read the letter. Sighing, he brought it to her. Regardless of how she would take it, talking to his family honestly was much more important to Jeb than looking cool in front of others. He started walking through the Stacks, hoping that he would find Margaret somewhere within them. After a few minutes of wandering, he saw her. Trying to avoid their usual meeting of a collision, he called out when she drew near. Oh! she said, pulling up just short of running into him again. Good morning, Jeb. Is that the letter for your family? He nodded. The letter left his hand and flew into Margarets. Ill let you know when your hometown Librarian sends a response, she said, turning deeper into the Stacks. Thank you! Jeb called after her. He hadnt heard the bells toll while working on the letter. Hoping that meant that he was early, rather than just completely engrossed in his writing, Jeb asked the Stacks to take him to his Introductory Piano course. Looking around the empty room, Jeb breathed a sigh of relief. He was early. Since no one else was there, Jeb decided to spend a little bit of time working on his Ephemeral Song. He couldnt think of a single reason that he would need his Mana for the class, especially since nothing in the Introductory Music Theory course had discussed Magic at all. His lute had stayed in tune, and Jeb focused on warming his fingers up. Even though he had the Lute Playing Skill, playing with cold fingers was not a habit that he wanted to get into. When his warmup shifted into noodling around the instrument, though, he started paying attention to his playing again. Jeb carefully started playing out the notes of the Ephemeral Song, letting it spin into the air around him. As he slowly fed his Mana into the Song, he felt it catch and watched the apple he kept working on form. It fell onto the papers he had piled onto desk in front of him, and Jeb saw the way that it depressed the stack ever so slightly. As the scent of a fresh spring apple started to fill his nose, the door behind him opened and Jeb jolted, losing the Song. I apologize, the voice said. I did not expect anyone else to be in the classroom this early, let alone anyone working on a Song. Its no problem, Jeb replied, turning to the speaker. Who are you? the speaker asked, moving towards the front of the classroom. Jeb couldnt get a good idea of whether the speaker was a man or woman from their voice. The figure they cut in their robe didnt help either. It was dark as a night with no moon, which called attention to how pale their skin was. Realizing that he had been too focused on how the stranger looked to answer, Jeb replied hurriedly, my name is Jeb. Im a student here at the Academy. Good morning Jeb, the speaker replied. I am Lecturer Thistle. I will be teaching this section of Introductory Piano. Tell me, do you have any experience with the piano? Jeb shook his head. I assume that the keyboards throughout the room are pianos, but thats about as much as I could tell you. The two continued staring at each other, for what Jeb had to assume was different reasons. Jeb was continuing to notice new features in the Lecturer, such as their blood red eyes and subtly traced scars across the entirety of their face. If not for the fact that they were his instructor, Jeb would have felt nervous being in the same room as them. The silence grew deeper, until Jeb felt like the sounds of his own hearts beating were beginning to fade. Interesting, they finally said, breaking the silence. Whats interesting? Jeb asked, grateful that the room had returned to its normal level of quiet. The Lecturer opened their mouth as though to answer, and Jeb saw glints of metal where their teeth should have been. Before they could, though, the door flew open as a number of students poured through. Sorry were late! the frontmost student called. College of Music trials took longer than they were supposed to. I have a note from the Dean if- her voice cut off as she saw the Lecturer. If? Lecturer Thistle asked, voice carrying deeply, silencing the crowd. If you need it, Lecturer Thistle, the young woman said, dropping into an impromptu curtsy. That will not be necessary, they replied. If you all take a seat, we will begin. Each of the students rushed to sit behind one of the keyboards. Jeb, taking the hint, moved behind a keyboard himself. When everyone was settled behind a piano, Instructor Thistle spoke. I am obligated to ask this question due to University policy, for all that I assume we all know the answer already. With a show of hands, who is Bound to an instrument? Jeb raised his hand, confused by the preface. As he looked around, though, he understood. His was the only hand raised in the room. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The Instructor nodded. I assume it is the lute you were playing when I came in? Jeb nodded. Put it in that locker, they gestured to a row of storage lockers that Jeb knew without a doubt had not been there a moment before. As he closed the door to the locker, Jeb suddenly lost the feeling of his lute. Like his aunt had warned him, it felt like he was suddenly missing a limb. Carefully making his way back to his seat, Jeb almost missed the Instructors next question. Is anyone here bound to something other than an instrument, which is in the room? No one raised their hand. Instructor Thistle nodded, as though they had expected that answer. And finally, they rolled their eyes, is there anyone here bound to something that is not within the room? Jeb once more raised his hand. The Instructors eyes locked on the hand, and Jeb blushed as every other eye in the classroom seemed equally drawn to him. That makes this slightly more complicated, the Instructor sighed. Does anyone have a course immediately following this one? Seeing no response, they nodded. That, at least, makes this easier. We will be cut off from standard reality for the duration of our class periods. At the end of the session, I will return us to the Academy. That may take a few minutes, especially during the first sessions of the term. I apologize in advance for any discomfort, they said, nodding at Jeb. Before Jeb could ask what they meant, the room shifted slightly. Jeb couldnt quite describe what felt different, but it felt as thought the entire room had somehow rotated five degrees without disturbing anything within it. The slight tilt was far less notable to Jeb than the sudden loss of the Hive and Swarm. Jeb fell off of his bench gasping for air. It felt like no matter how much he took in, his body could not do anything with it. I had worried this might happen, Thistle said, unconcerned. They rapped the desk in front of them, and the tone seemed to resonate throughout the entire room. As the sound kept bouncing into Jeb, it slowly worked against the pain in his soul. By the time that the thud had stopped echoing, he felt like he could breath and move again, despite how wrong everything felt. He sat back up at the bench, choosing to ignore the open stares of his classmates. Now, then, the Instructor said. Could I see with a show of hands who already has the Musician or Pianist Skill? Jeb raised his hand, already bracing for the increased pain. Thankfully, he was not the only one to raise his hand this time. Good to know, the Instructor said, and they put their hands down. Thankfully for all of you, shifting out of our reality to prevent Bound interactions also removes access to Skills, so there will be no added discomfort. Jeb breathed a sigh of relief. The rest of the lesson proceeded fairly easily. Despite the fact that he did not have access to his Musician Skill, Jeb found playing the scales and rhythmic passages the Instructor set out for them relatively easy. When the period ended and reality returned, Jeb felt his connection to the bees return. For whatever reason, they seemed somehow slightly closer than they had before their connection was temporarily severed. It wasnt until he pulled his lute from its case, though, that Jeb felt complete again. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405
Intelligence: 83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 124: First Term When class ended, Jeb went back to his room in a daze. After an hour or so of lying and staring at the ceiling, he finally felt whole enough to go to dinner. At dinner, he looked for Declan, but he wasnt there, as far as Jeb could tell. The next week passed in a blur. Jeb woke up at third bell to the feeling of his room shaking. After the third day in a row of being the first to the cafeteria by at least an hour, he took to doing his homework and studying in the morning, rather than the night before. A week after Jeb gave Margaret the first letter to his family, he was studying in the Stacks. A page landed next to him, and he jumped slightly. When he saw Margaret standing over him, eyes blazing a pale blue, he jumped even more. I had been wondering where you were studying in here, she commented, eyes roaming over his desk and the surrounding shelves. Hi Margaret, what did you set on my desk? Her eyes focused on him again. Your desk? The two words bore into him as her icy eyes forced him to sit back down. Yes? Jeb asked hesitantly. In what way have you claimed ownership over this desk? Jeb cocked his head in confusion. What do you mean? This desk, like every other desk in the Stacks, belongs to the Stacks. Margaret replied, tone still cold. Right? So why did you say it was yours? Because to the best of my knowledge, its the same desk that Ive worked at all term? I was calling it mine in the sense of the desk that I use, not in the sense of a desk which I own. Oh! Margaret said, voice and eyes defrosting. You should have just said that. Your family wrote you a reply. She paused, considering for a moment, or, at least, your hometown Librarian said that your family wrote you a reply. I suppose that this entire system does rely a fair amount on you trusting both he and I to accurately convey messages, does it not? Without waiting for a reply, she walked back into the Stacks, leaving Jeb to replay their conversation in his mind. Quickly shaking himself out of it, he read the letter that she had delivered.
Jeb,
We hope this letter finds you well. The Librarian assures us that you are in no immediate danger, despite what your letter implied.
Jeb set the letter down for a moment, trying to think of what he could have said that would have made his family worry. Maybe they think that Im not being safe enough in the laboratory courses? he thought. I guess that it could be related to when the Censusmaster kidnapped me, but I already told them that the situation had been resolved. Shrugging, he kept reading through the letter. As he had expected, not much had changed on the farm or in the town. The Bard had apparently left towards the Capital, which was interesting. Other than that, though, the only notable news was that his bees had apparently split into multiple hives. His aunt claimed that they still all seemed to report to the same queen, for all that she wasnt sure quite how that worked. Still, the fields were all growing well, and his family attributed at least part of that to the bees. Jebs sister asked if he looked at their stars still, or if that was just her. As he read the letter, Jeb felt his heart grow warm and his vision start to blur. He hadnt realized how worried he had been that his family would just ignore his letter, or that they would somehow blame him for having been taken away. When his tears dried, he penned a letter back to his family. Since nothing had really changed in the past week, he just wrote about a day in his life. His sisters comment about the stars made Jeb realize that he hadnt been outdoors even once since the start of the term. For the rest of the afternoon, evening, and night, he tried his hardest to make it outdoors. Try as he might though, Jeb could not find the sky that he belonged under. There were countless skyscapes, clearly crafted by deft and fantastic hands. There were starry skies that told a story of what the sky could have looked like if the past had played out differently. None of them had his star. That set the tone for the rest of the term. Jeb woke early, tried to find his way to nature in his free time, and studied whenever he gave up. Each of the classes was fascinating for their own reasons, though they all presupposed a lot of knowledge that Jeb had never been exposed to. His independent study was incredibly helpful for that, both because Professor Fredrick exposed Jeb to a lot of the content before it became relevant, and also because he would point Jeb in the right direction when something cultural came up that he hadnt ever heard of. Even after the tournament ended, Jeb''s sleep schedule had shifted enough that he was still able to make it into the cafeteria well before the fourth bell. Dean Aquam was frequently there, and he always made a point of asking Jeb how his courses were going. After the fourth week in a row that he felt like the bees were closer after returning from his Introductory Piano course, Jeb finally told the Dean about it. Before I answer, do you mind if I ask a few clarifying questions? Dean Aquam asked. Jeb shook his head, and the Dean continued, how did Lecturer Thistle say that they were blocking you from your Bound objects and Skills? Jeb shrugged. He said something about leaving our own reality for a moment. The bowl of broth in front of the Dean began to tremble. After a few moments, the Dean began to nod. Ah, I understand. Jeb waited for the Dean to continue. After the two stared at each other for a long minute, the Dean coughed. Sorry, I had expected you to ask what I understand. What do you understand? Jeb obliged. The Dean rolled his eyes and chuckled. I suppose I deserve that. Do you find that you are less disoriented each time that you are blocked from your lute and taken to where the course takes place? Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, then the most likely situation is just that you are growing steadily closer with everything that you are Bound to. The constant disconnections makes your bond stronger when it is reformed. Jeb frowned. Wouldnt that make it harder when we are separated? The Dean shook his head. I can see where you might think that, but Magical effects do not always operate the way that we would expect or like them to. No, it is a well documented fact that having a Bond temporarily sundered renders it stronger when reformed. I suppose Ill take your word for it, Jeb replied. Privately, he was still unsure if he believed that explanation. The bees becoming closer felt different than the change to how his lute felt. Both bonds felt stronger, sure, but the bees also felt physically closer. Then again, Jeb thought, my family hasnt said anything about the bees leaving the farm or establishing more hives off property. The feeling continued to puzzle him throughout the term. Despite how isolating sleeping alone in the Remedial College dormitory made Jeb feel, he slowly gathered a group of friends. He most often sat and studied with Declan, and the two remained laboratory partners each week. As the term progressed, other members of their Theoretical Enchanting course started studying with them as well. Between the five of them that regularly studied, at least one person had an intuition on how to solve every problem that Professor Bearson assigned them. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. After the third week of Introductory Piano, one of Jebs classmates came up to him and introduced herself. Hi, Jeb, right? Jeb nodded. My name is Catherine. It seems like youve been doing really well at this course. Do you already have the Piano Skill? Jeb shook his head. No, but the directions are pretty straightforward. Realizing that she might take his comment as an insult, he quickly followed it up, I mean, I was mostly self taught in the lute, so having someone to offer corrections is already more than Im used to. She nodded. That makes sense. I was wondering if you might want to practice together sometime. I feel like I keep making mistakes when I practice alone, and I wasnt sure if the same might be true for you. Jeb beamed. I would love to! Are you doing anything right now? Were you thinking now? Why not? She considered the question for a moment and then nodded. Alright. Do you have a preferred practice room? Jeb shook his head and followed Catherine to a practice room she apparently used often. After that, Jeb and she practiced together most days, if only for a few minutes. As the term grew to an end, Jeb felt the anxiety in the Academy begin to build. When he asked the Dean about it, Aquam nodded. Final exams are stressful for almost everyone. Students who do poorly often have to repeat their courses, if not worse. Oh. Jeb said. Should I be worried? If youre doing well in your courses and keeping up on the readings and homework, I do not believe that you should. Thank you! Jeb replied, getting up to go study a little more. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405
Intelligence: 83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 125: End of Term Party The frantic energy in the Academy continued to grow as the end of the term approached. Jeb was not immune to it any more than the rest of his classmates. Even though he felt like he knew the material well, he was worried about the upcoming exams. What if it turned out that he had been skating by the entire semester with some fundamental misunderstandings about the material for each course he was in? Thankfully, not every course he was taking had a final during Finals Week. On the last scheduled day for his Independent Study, Jeb walked in to see a small cake and a few balloons around Professor Fredrick. Congratulations! he said, ignoring Jebs confusion, you will absolutely pass this independent study. While I do not quite think that you are equipped for the standard curriculum, you are significantly closer than I would have guessed you would be at the start of the term. To Jebs relief, that set the tone for the rest of his courses. Theoretical Enchanting did not have a final examination in the laboratory section, which he was grateful for. Even though Jeb had really enjoyed the entire course, he had no idea how all of the very different laboratories that they had done could tie together into a cohesive final. In the classroom, Professor Bearson distributed a final examination to each of them on the final day. Seeing the students start to mutter, he growled out good naturedly, if you all want me to give a lecture from Advanced Theoretical Enchanting, I will. That material will absolutely make it onto the final examination, though. Instead, you can take your examination now, and then I do not have to do anything during Finals Week. The Professors comments shut down the complaining, though it did make Jeb want to complain a little. The course had been incredibly fascinating, and he was curious what would be covered in Advanced Theoretical Enchanting. Still, he had enough of a sense of self preservation that he was unwilling to draw the ire of the entire course by suggesting that might be a good idea. The rest of his courses, however, stuck to the more traditional finals format that the Academy seemed to encourage. The final for Introductory Piano was almost exactly what Jeb would have predicted. He and the rest of the class were each called into the room one at a time to play a short piece that they had been instructed to learn. Once they played that, they were given a piece of music to play on sight, and then the examination finished with a few scales. When Jeb had finished with all of his Finals, he took a moment to breathe for the first time in a long while. As he did, he finally realized that he had not gotten any Quest Notifications since his first day of Theoretical Enchanting laboratory. No one nearby seemed like they would be able to tell him why, so Jeb decided that he would ask the Dean the next morning. With nothing else to occupy his time, Jeb debated what to do. Both Declan and Catherine had suggested that he should go to the end of term party that was being held at the College of Music. The fact that Declan was invited made Jeb fairly confident that it was not a College of Music exclusive party. Jeb searched his mind for any excuse. Coming up empty, he sighed and started trusting the halls of the Academy to take him to where the rest of the students were. The party was exactly what Jeb had worried it would be. Bright, strobing lights filled the room while music louder than could ever be comfortable blasted from all directions. Though the music was too loud, Jeb did concede that it was still beautiful, even if it would have been much better at a lower volume. He scanned the room, searching for Declan or Catherine. When he couldnt find either of them, Jeb sighed and started wading through the crowd of students. After searching for a few minutes, he found a quieter section of the party. The music from the rest of the party still filtered in, but much more softly. There were no strobing lights here, even if it was still dimmer than Jeb would have liked. He saw row of tables filled with food in the back that a number of students were passing by, picking up small plates as they did. Next to the food, Jeb saw a similar setup for drinks. Given how uncoordinated a number of the students were, Jeb knew instantly that a number of the drinks had alcohol. If he had been able to find Declan or Catherine, he might even have partaken. Alone and in an unfamiliar environment, though, he wasnt willing to take the risk. Eating something will give me an excuse not to go back out to the party, Jeb thought, moving to fill a plate. As he did, he nearly ran into Catherine. Her deep blue hair seemed brighter in the dim light, and her eyes practically shone. You made it! she exclaimed, looping an arm around his. Do you want to dance, or would you rather look for Declan first? Jeb tried to remember if he had ever introduced the two of them to each other. Seeing Jeb thinking, she laughed. Are you wondering how Declan and I know each other? Jeb nodded. Youre a fairly visible person on campus, she said, making Jeb quickly look at himself. Even after an inspection, he wasnt entirely sure what was notable about him. He wasnt much taller than normal, and he didnt have any hair color that was unique to him. Catherine rolled her eyes at the display. Ill explain later. For now, just trust that Declan and I met because of you. I think he said he was over by the games. Without waiting for confirmation that Jeb wanted to talk to Declan, she began walking, dragging Jeb along. They passed back through the crowd of dancing students, and Jeb closed his eyes, trying to ignore the sounds and lights. In a few moments, the sounds were once more muffled. Unlike the refreshment room, however, this room was not quiet from the lack of music. Excited cheering broke out every few moments as something happened at one of the tables. Jeb looked around, completely lost, as Catherine continued moving directly to her destination. They found Declan sitting beside a table, joking with some of the other students from Theoretical Enchanting. The group waved when they saw Jeb, and Declan stood up to greet him. Do you know what youre doing with your term break? Declan asked the two of them as they relaxed by one of the calmer tables in the game room. Catherine smiled. My family and I are traveling to our estate. It will be nice to get out of the Capital, if only for a little while. Jeb wanted to ask a follow up question, but he noticed that Declans smile ha faded slightly at Catherines comment. What about you, Declan? she quickly followed up. He put on a smile. Ill probably just tinker in my familys workshop for most of the break. I have a few ideas from this past semester, and it will be nice to have the time to work on them. They both turned to Jeb expectantly. Jeb shrugged. Ive tried to work on most of my Skills during the term, but I havent really had a chance to explore some ideas Ive had with my Farming Skills. If Dean Aquam doesnt have anything else for me to do, I suppose that Ill probably just work on one of them. The two nodded, and Jeb let out a silent sigh of relief. He had hoped that staying in the Academy over the break wouldnt be too strange, and it seemed like he wasnt wrong. The three chatted for the rest of the night before breaking apart, each going to their own dormitory. In the morning, Jeb found Dean Aquam in the cafeteria. Why havent I gotten any new Skills or notifications that Ive finished any Quests this term? he asked without preamble, setting his try down across from the Dean. The Dean looked at him in confusion. How do you normally get those notifications? Jeb mirrored his confusion. It didnt sound like one of the Deans probing questions, which were designed to make Jeb think about what hed always trusted implicitly. It sounded like the Dean legitimately did not have any idea how Jeb was used to finishing Quests. For Quests, when I do what the Quest is for, such as- he looked through his Quest Log, learning a new single piece Enchantment, I get a Notification and then the rewards for the Quest. Im less sure how I unlock Skills, but Ive been told its something similar. Interesting, the Dean said. Everything in the Academy happens along term lines. You should be getting all of your Quest Notifications and new Skills whenever grades are officially posted. I havent left the Academy in too many years, I suppose, since I forgot that not everywhere follows the Academys timeline. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Jeb nodded in understanding. The idea that the Academy would have used some great working of Magic to delay any new Skills or abilities to make everything neatly align with terms was completely in line with what he was learning about it. After a second, though, he realized an issue. Wait, he shouted, startling the Dean, I got Notifications that I had finished a Quest five times at the start of the term. Which Quests? the Dean asked. They were all learning a new Enchantment, Jeb said. I learned them during the first Theoretical Enchanting laboratory. Interesting, the Dean replied. The liquids around them started vibrating, and Jeb sat in polite silence while the Dean searched for an answer. Jeb had nearly finished his breakfast by the time that the Dean stopped making the room shake. It appears as though the room you were working in was not, strictly speaking, part of the Academy during the first session, the Dean spoke. It was close enough that all of the students who had been enrolled for more than a term were still bound by the Academys restrictions, but I suppose that you were not. That is certainly an interesting piece of information, one that I highly doubt Professor Bearson would have been able to gather. I will forward him a report of the incident, assuming you do not have an issue with that. Jeb shook his head. As long as I wont be in trouble, it doesnt really matter to me, he said plainly. The Dean nodded, and a ripple passed through all of the liquids in the room. Now, then, he said, let us discuss your courses for the next term. I absolutely want to take a course focusing on Glyphs, Jeb said. Its been weird not focusing on it at all. The Dean nodded, and they began sketching out the rest of Jebs next term. Jeb spent the rest of the day saying his goodbyes to his coursemates and friends. When he ran out of people to say goodbye to, he moved to the Library to start researching for his new project. While he wandered the Stacks, he considered how he would frame the question. Jeb was distracted enough that he ran into Margaret, and blurted out the question without thinking. How can I more effectively Aspect water? Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405
Intelligence: 83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 126: Plotting Margaret picked up the pile of books that she had just dropped and flipped her dark brown hair back. Define more efficiently. The Librarian in my hometown gave me an Enchantment which kept ambient Mana out and internal Mana within. I Enchanted a bucket with that, and then poured enough Fire Mana into the bucket that the waters own internal Mana signature was overwritten. Margarets eyes glittered like new snow. Just to clarify, she asked, you want to know whether I, a Stacks Librarian in the midst of my domain, can find a more efficient method to Aspect water than you were able to come up with as a First Tier child on your first attempt? Jeb flushed slightly and frowned. It was at least my second or third attempt, but yes, I guess thats a fair assessment. Margaret began walking, hair slowly raising around her as though she was in the calm before a storm. With each step she took, a book fell from somewhere outside of Jebs vision, landing on her hand opened to whatever page she was searching for. She quickly glanced at each page before shrugging and tossing them back to the Stacks. The overall effect was stunning, for all that Jeb felt like he needed to keep ducking to avoid being hit on the head by the different flying books. He noticed that not all of the books seemed to disappear back into the shelves. Some of them began floating behind the Librarian as she wandered seemingly aimlessly through the endless halls of the Stacks. Despite the fact that Jeb knew they had not looped in a circle, they ended up back at his desk a few minutes later. The large pile of books that had begun following Margaret set themselves down on an empty corner of Jebs desk with a loud thump. Now that I have gathered you a few options, she nodded towards the stack of books as tall as her, I will admit to being curious as to why you are interested in changing the Mana composition of water. Im not entirely sure where to begin the story, Jeb admitted. Her eyes glinted like forged steel, and Jeb quickly continued, so feel free to stop me or have me start from somewhere else. I found that if you replace the Mana composition of Managrass with an Elemental Mana, you end up creating a new species of Magical Plant. Before I left home, I made Watergrass, he pulled out a sheet of Waterweave and passed it to Margaret. She took it and stared, seeming slightly puzzled. Jeb continued, and I made that by imbuing water with as much Water Mana as I could. I thought that the same might work for making Firegrass or other Elemental Grasses. She nodded and seemed ready to leave. Remembering the other reason he had worked so hard, Jeb stopped her. Also, I Bound myself to a hive of bees. Some of them have been Aspected to different Elements, and they seemed hurt that I only made Waterweave. The Fire Bees in particular seemed to really need a way to gather their Aspected Mana. I could not find an Enchantment that would Aspect Mana, and so Firegrass seemed like the next best option. Margaret paused for a moment, hair weaving itself into a complex knot on her head as it settled back down. Jeb looked at her, waiting for her to respond. I would guess that this Enchantment will be most helpful for you, she said, grabbing one of the books from half way down the stack. The stack of books above it seemed confused for a moment until Margaret glared at them. They slowly settled down on top of the other books, though Jeb noticed that they moved differently than gravity would have pulled them. He couldnt tell exactly how theyd moved differently, given that they only fell a few inches, but it was clear that they hadnt moved correctly. Holding the book in front of her, Margaret spoke. As you can guess from the fact that this is a modular Enchantment, she showed Jeb the Schematic, Professor Bearson crafted it. This module will pull the Mana out of any liquid placed within it, and this one, she gestured to a section that was blank in the Schematic, Attunes it to whichever Element you choose. Does that seem sufficient for your needs? Jeb nodded. Thank you! he said. I am just doing my job, she replied. Do let me know how your research goes, though. Jeb flipped through the book until he found the section which Attuned Elemental Mana. To his surprise, it did not seem as though it would just output Elementally Attuned Mana. Instead, it worked with the part of the Enchantment that pulled Mana out of the liquid, somehow using that Mana to power itself, if only slightly. Even if he could not understand exactly how the Enchantment worked yet, Jeb was still confident that it would work for him. He picked up the book and debated his next steps. Jeb could either make a the Enchantment and start working on making Firewater, or he could find a space to grow the Managrass seeds he had packed with him. Well, Jeb said to himself as he began walking, I suppose that theres no point in making a pail of Firewater if theres nowhere for me to grow crops. Academy, if there are any spaces I could use for an experiment, I would be very grateful. During the semester, Jeb had asked his family if anything had come of his one off attempt to make Firegrass. They said that it hadnt come up as anything but normal Managrass, at least as far as they could tell. Jeb remained optimistic about the experiment in general, though, if only because he had been able to make Watergrass with such little effort. As he wandered through the Stacks, the scent of knowledge and ages long past steadily receded. It was replaced by the growing smell of nature, something that Jeb realized he hadnt really smelled since coming to the Capital. Even when he had visited Dean Aquam in his office, the trees there smelled somehow sterile. When one step brought him out of the dimly lit Library and into a worn down field, Jeb was hardly surprised. The land had clearly fallen fallow many years ago, and he could barely see the edges of what were clearly once marked fields. It was a shockingly large space, which made Jeb quirk an eyebrow. During his time in the Academy, he had noticed that, though it gave the illusion of being impenetrably large, most of the size was an illusion. When he had tried to wander in the eerily static forest after a meeting with the Dean, for instance, Jeb kept ending up back on the trail he had taken any time that he went more than a dozen or so paces off of it. For all he knew, the same could have been true of the Stacks. Sure, it seemed like he wandered for ages, but all of the shelves of books looked more or less identical to him. They could all have been the same shelf repeated over and over, for all he knew. Testing his suspicions, Jeb paced around the entirety of the field. Somehow, the large area was exactly as large as it had seemed. Reaching down, he picked up a handful of soil, letting Soil Savvy help him to figure out what its condition was. To his mild surprise, the soil was rich and healthy, perfect for growing Managrass, or anything really. Lets see how long that lasts, Jeb thought, thinking about how quickly the Managrass had drained the soil back at his home. Out loud, he spoke to the Academy, I dont suppose that youd be willing to give me the tools Ill need to prepare this land for planting? He looked around, hoping to see a shed. When none appeared, Jeb sighed and walked to the forge, where he quickly shaped the farming implements he knew he would need. While he was in the shop, he quickly made a bucket and etched the Enchantments he would need for Aspecting the water into Firewater on it. As he worked the Enchantment, Jeb was struck by how much smoother the whole process felt compared to the last time he had scrawled an Enchantment into a bucket of water, or even from his work at the start of the term. Even without gaining new Statistics or Skills, the hours he had spent carefully aligning his cuts and enforcing his will on reality had made the skills required for Enchanting almost second nature to him. He considered that fact as he set the farming supplies back down beside the field he planned to work. Maybe there is a benefit to restricting gains the System would give, Jeb mused aloud. Without anything explicitly improving his ability to perform any task, he had been forced to actually develop his Skills, like his grandfather had recommended. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Possibly because he had been thinking about his conversation with the Dean, Jeb found that his wandering had taken him by the Deans office. Come in! the Dean called, seeing Jeb walk by. I have been thinking about the conversation we had this morning, and I have a few questions and answers for you. Jeb hurried inside and closed the door behind him. First, a question, the Dean said. On the farm where you grew up, how do you ensure that you end up gaining the Skill you hope for? Jeb cocked his head in confusion. For instance, the Dean clarified, say that you were trying to gain Fire Magic. How would you ensure that you gained that, instead of Flame Magic, or something broader? Oh! Jeb replied, while you work on the Skill you want to earn, you focus on that particular Skill, rather than any of the other, related Skills. In general, my family also tried to tailor what I was doing to avoid my work resulting in one of the other possible Skills. The Dean nodded. That is one clear benefit of the Academy system for gaining Skills, as I am sure you can see. Other than that, the primary benefits are reducing the Experience penalty for those who choose to advance their Classes mid term, and the fact that lessening or removing System influence has been shown to result in stronger Skills when the System is allowed to influence them again. The historical notes also claim that the lack of System influence can make earning certain Skills much easier, though that does not seem to be attested recently. The two chatted about the pros and cons of the two systems for a while longer before Jeb made motions to leave. Before you go, the Dean said, do you know what you are planning to spend your term break doing? Jeb nodded. Ive just started a project. I look forward to hearing about how it goes. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405
Intelligence: 83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 127: Firegrass With everything gathered, Jeb made his way back to the plot of land he had planned to work. Tearing up the cover plants was much easier than he had expected, which made him pause for a moment. When he realized that the last time he had taken a field back from fallow he was still Classless, Jeb went back to work with a renewed vigor. As the day turned to dusk, Jeb took a break from his plowing to look at the sky. A few stars had begun to shine out, and all of them looked familiar. Jeb set his tools down and stared at the steadily darkening sky, searching for his sisters star. To his shock, as the sky continued growing darker, the star appeared. Smiling, Jeb picked up the rest of his tools and went back to his room to sleep. As dawn broke the next day, he returned to the field and finished clearing it. Jeb had the seeds of White Managrass in his hand, ready to cast, when he realized that he hadnt made any Firewater yet. Is there any chance I could get a well or some sort of non-Magical water? he asked the Academy. Some instinct of his told him that using Conjured Water alone would not be the healthiest for his crops. He was saved from introspecting on why he believed that by a well appearing beside the field. Jeb carefully lowered the bucket of water into the well, filling it with water and pulling it up. Soil Savvy and Soil Improvement seemed to be telling him that the water had some nutrients in it, and he just hoped that they were what the fields needed. Once he sealed the lid onto the pail, he felt the Enchantment start to activate. Jeb sent a small trickle of Mana into the Enchantment, trying to speed the process of Attuning the water to Fire Mana. It seemed like it was helping, and more, it seemed like the Enchantment was designed to have significantly higher flow rates of Mana, so Jeb increased the flow rate. Unlike when he had made Firewater before, this process took less than a hundred Mana. When the water had been filled with Fire Mana, Jeb found that he was unable to push any more Mana into the Enchantment. He took a moment to look through the Schematic to figure out where the stop came from. It was clear that there was nothing explicitly in the Schematic that would cause it, for all that Jeb knew it was a real effect. I suppose that Professor Bearson did mention that a well crafted Enchantment causes downstream effects, Jeb thought, putting the Schematic back in his pack. If he really needed to learn, he could probably ask Professor Bearson at some point. Jeb opened the pail and was suddenly in the midst of an inferno. The air itself seemed to become Fire, if only for a second. Thankfully, the feeling quickly faded, and he took a moment to look at the liquid inside the pail. It still resembled water to his sight, and it felt slightly cool to the touch. When he looked at it with his Magical vision, though, Jeb saw a roaring inferno. It felt much more concentrated than the Firewater he had made before, which he supposed made some amount of sense. He nodded to himself, picked up the packet of seeds, and carefully planted them in the soil. As soon as they were in the field, he carefully watered them with the Firewater. By the time that he had made it to the end of the row, the first plants were already flowering. Jeb watched the plants quickly finish their growth. The soil seemed somehow diminished, though Jebs Skills werent able to tell him exactly how. He interrogated the feeling as he harvested the Managrass, trying to place the familiar feeling. It took until he had finished separating the seeds from their fibers for Jeb to realize what he was feeling. The soil felt the same way that some of the treated materials he had used in Enchanting laboratory did. The Magic in the soil was reduced somehow, and Jeb was not entirely sure how to fix it. The seeds all had a vague hint of Fire about them, though not all were equally condensed. It felt like there were two axes of the Fire feeling, where some emitted more Fire and others felt more strongly of Fire. Jeb wasnt sure which of those axes was more important for his project. He debated between doing an actual controlled test to figure out the answer and just going based off of his gut feelings. Ultimately, since he was planning to make as many forms of Elemental Managrass as he could, Jeb decided to go with the more controlled version. The size of field that he had plowed seemed just about the right size for the amount of water that the pail held. Jeb mentally divided the field into thirds. After a moments consideration, he put the field in fourths and marked it slightly. With his plan in mind, Jeb went through the seeds and placed them into five piles. The seeds that most strongly felt of Fire went into one pile. The seeds giving off the most Fire went into another. The seeds that seemed balanced between feeling and emitting Fire went into a third. The seeds that felt the least different from their parents went into a fourth pile as a control, and the rest of the seeds went into a bag to be tossed away. I should plan a little more, Jeb thought to himself. He was in no real rush, and there had to be some way for him to keep the soil from getting dangerously depleted. Ideally, Jeb would be able to find a Magic fixing plant that he could use between crops of Managrass. Even more ideally, he would be able to find something that he could just sow into the field with his next set of seeds. Jeb carefully packaged and labeled each of the five sets of seeds, picked up his tools, and began to walk. As he did, he wished for a place where he could store the different supplies he was beginning to amass. Carrying everything back and forth to his room was getting tedious already, and it was only his second day at work. He nearly ran into the shed that suddenly appeared beside the field. It felt somehow brand new and unspeakably old, in a way that Jeb could not place. The smooth wooden door opened without any resistance or sound, and Jeb placed objects in the room, seeing through the sunlight that diffused through the loosely woven ceiling. With a nod, he closed the door and moved towards the cafeteria. Doing all of the work of growing and harvesting Managrass alone was more tiring than Jeb remembered. He needed to refuel himself. The cafeteria was, unsurprisingly, nearly empty when he arrived. With a glance at the clock on the wall, Jeb saw that it was almost eighth bell. If it had been the middle of the term, there would have been a number of students in the space, eating and chatting as they all prepared for their morning classes. As it was, Jeb was left with nothing but the gentle bubble of a few boiling containers of food and the small rush of air that accompanied doors moving far away. He ate a quick breakfast and moved into the Library. Good morning, Kaitlyn, Jeb said, poking his head into her office. Good morning to you as well, Jeb. How can I help you? I was looking for Margaret, he said, then paused. Though I suppose that I have another question as well. Am I supposed to come to you or Margaret with the research questions I have now? She shrugged, then spoke in a rapid clip. In general, I would say that questions directly pertaining to course materials are best directed towards me, and questions directly pertaining to communicating with your former Librarian are best left to Librarian Margaret. Since I presume a majority of your questions are neither, you can use your best judgement for each. I am happy to direct you to her if I believe that she is better equipped to answer your questions, and I presume she feels the same way. What was your research question this morning? Jeb reeled from the quick reply. Oh, um. He paused, collecting his thoughts, then spoke again. Im not sure how much background you want, but Im trying to find a way to keep the Magic in soil from being depleted as I grow Managrass. Given what is in your public record, I can guess at the rest of the background, Kaitlyn replied dryly. She swiped a lock of hair out of her eyes and held out a hand. A book came rushing out of the Stacks and landed, opening to a page that she immediately began reading. As with any other problem, there are as many solutions as there are people interested in solving it. Given your courses last term, I presume that this solution will be among the most useful for you. She handed the book over to Jeb as she continued giving background. A few years before the Druidic College was, she rolled her eyes, disbanded, there was a collaboration between a Professor in that department and a Professor of Enchanting. The goal was producing a simple Enchantment that could be mass produced to help new Groves be established. That goal, of course, was never realized. Still it is a simple enough Schematic. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Jeb quickly skimmed through the Schematic. It was made of a number of physically unconnected pieces which set a perimeter around wherever needed to have increased soil Magic concentration. Through a mechanism that Jeb could not even slightly parse, the Enchantment both drew in ambient Mana and reflected internal Mana to somehow increase the Magic within the soil. This looks great! Jeb replied. I am glad I could help, she replied. While you are here, though, do you still need the textbooks for your last terms courses? Jeb thought about the question for a moment. She coughed meaningfully. If you will need them in the future but do not need them now, please return them. Oh! Jeb replied, right, I forgot about that. I presumed as much, she replied calmly. Jeb ran to the Stacks, picked up the books from the term, and returned them to Kaitlyn. Once he had, he moved towards the wood shop to start crafting the Enchantment to keep the soil refreshed. It was one of the few Enchantments that Jeb had seen which actually specified a material to be inscribed upon. Thankfully, it was no more specific than simply wood, which was in plentiful supply in the Academy. Given that he was marking out a rectangular field, Jeb was relieved to find out that he only had to make four of the small posts. By the time that he had finished Enchanting and placing the stakes, the sky was growing dark. Jeb took the cue from the setting sun and, after a quick stop for dinner, went to sleep himself. The next morning, the soil was clearly more Magically dense than it had been even before he had planted the first batch of Managrass. Jeb nodded and planted the four sets of seeds after pulling another pail of water. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1015/204
Total Statistic Load: 633
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405
Intelligence: 83
Willpower: 85
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 128: Firegrass Part Two As it turned out, the Enchantment Jeb had placed around the field worked almost too well. Even before he poured the Firewater onto the growing Managrass, small buds were already shooting up out of the loamy soil. The addition of Mana-filled liquid accelerated that growth even further, to the point that Jeb grew legitimately concerned. After harvesting this set of Managrass, he thought to himself, I need to make sure that I made the Enchantment correctly. As Jeb harvested the plants, he realized one issue with his plans to make Firegrass. When he created Watergrass, he had been able to rely on the System telling him that he had completed a Quest to produce a new Magical Plant. He still hadnt gotten the grades back from his courses, though. He couldnt rely on that method to decide which approach worked best. After harvesting the Mangrass and separating the seeds from the fibers, Jeb wiped a brow. As he had somewhat expected, each of the four plots produced a more extreme version of what had been planted. There was slightly less variance in each of the non control plots, which confused Jeb a little. Shrugging, he took a moment to decide whether he wanted to subdivide the plot again into sixteen portions, or whether he should just commit to the initial plan. Jeb thought about the issue for a few minutes, aware that he was delaying the other tasks he needed to go through. Eventually, he nodded. While subdividing the field into fourths again might result in technically better data, he did not think that it was particularly essential. What mattered most was that he kept track of whether intensity of Fire or Fire output was a more important indicator of the plants mutation. Once he had plowed everything but the fibers and seeds back into the soil, Jeb took a long drink from the well and set off to find Dean Aquam. As he had expected, Dean Aquam was just finishing his breakfast when Jeb found him in the cafeteria. Good morning, Jeb, Dean Aquam said, raising a mug in greeting. Good morning, Dean, Jeb replied, taking a seat. I had a question for you. I assumed as much when you sat down without getting food first. How can I help you? Do you know when I will get my grades back? The Dean frowned. Not exactly, no. I had not expected you to be so anxious about them, however. Is something the matter? In the past, Jeb replied, I was able to know when I had successfully overwritten the Mana signature in a plant because the System told me I had. Without the System or Quests, I dont have a good way to know. The Deans eyes glowed with understanding. I think I see the issue. To clarify, you need temporary access to the System, rather than your grades, correct? Jeb nodded. That is a far easier request for me to grant. Nothing trembled, though Jeb supposed that there was no liquid nearby, and then the Dean nodded. You should be able to access any Quests not related to a course you took last term. That was more than Jeb had been expecting, and he smiled. Thank you Dean Aquam! he replied, standing in a rush to go get food. Do let me know how your project turns out, he replied sedately, and I will send a message when the terms grades are in. We can go over them together to make sure that nothing changes your plans for the coming term. Sounds good, Jeb replied over his shoulder as he piled his plate full of food. Something about having partial access to the System again had made him realize how hungry he was. The mornings efforts probably didnt do anything to diminish the feeling either. After eating a large breakfast, Jeb made his way back to the field. At the field, the Magic density in the ground seemed, if not higher, than much more intense than it had before. I definitely need to make sure I didnt make a mistake, Jeb said aloud, pulling out the book that the Librarian had given him. Pulling up one of the posts that hed driven into the ground, he compared it to the Enchantment he had tried to copy. It was, as near as he could tell, a perfect match. Strange, Jeb murmured to himself, driving the stake back down into the loose soil. He flipped to a few pages earlier in the book to make sure that he understood the purpose of the Enchantment.
Most readers will, of course, be familiar with the fact that the Magic Density in a region is nearly impossible to change, at least in an appreciable and sustainable way. What is far easier, by contrast, is aligning the Magic within the region. Taking the example of the first Enchantment in this book-
Jeb flipped through, confirming that the Enchantment hed wrought was the first Enchantment in the book. Seeing that it was, he continued reading.
soil is comprised of a number of elements, many of which are aligned in different and even competing ways. Think of how much the small pockets of trapped air will seek to move, while the earth surrounding it wishes to be staid. The water which nourishes the plant and the decaying matter which yearns to burn fight against themselves. When aligned more properly, the pockets of trapped gas will be aligned to soil, which needs air to give roots space to grow. The earth will accept the changes necessary to support life, and these two Magics, which once fought each other, now work in tandem.
The book waxed more and more poetically about the nature of Magic the longer that Jeb kept reading, and it was only thanks to his Theoretical Enchanting course that he was able to follow it at all. I guess Professor Bearsons insistence on reading primary texts did have a purpose, Jeb thought. He had wondered what the purpose was of reading pages after pages of florid language that boiled down into a few sentences. Knowing now that at least some of the materials he would want to consult in his life were the same made the exercises less painful, if only in retrospect. Jeb stood back up and began wandering in the direction of the Stacks. If he was going to try to piece together something coherent in why the Enchantment was causing his plants to grow in moments, he would need some scratch paper and his desk. At his desk, Jeb was only slightly surprised to see Margaret waiting for him. I was just looking for you, she said. How is your project going? Im not totally sure, Jeb replied honestly. My system was locked until just before I ate breakfast, and thats the only way I know to tell if Ive made Firegrass. Something about constantly repeating the same explanation was starting to feel redundant to Jeb. Maybe if I just kept a record of what I do in a day, I could just hand them to people when they ask, he thought idly as Margaret processed his response. Why are you in the Stacks if you have not succeeded? she asked. Jeb frowned. Why did you ask me how my project was going if you thought I was already done with it? A book titled Ms. Manners Guide to Polite Conversation, dropped onto Jebs head. When he picked it up, he read the page it had landed on.
A lady does not presume that anyone is competent at their tasks. As a result, one must always ask how an activity that should be completed is progressing. This remains true until confirmation that it has been satisfactorily completed.
Um, Jeb replied, lost for words. After playing through a few potential responses in his mind, he settled for simply answering her question. Librarian Kaitlyn gave me a book which I thought was supposed to increase the Magic Density in the soil I was working. It was much more effective than I thought it would be, and I wanted to make sure that I havent done anything wrong. She nodded. A responsible approach. I will leave you to your studies. Margaret walked into the Stacks, seeming to move more than her legs suggested that she should with each step. Jeb watched her leave, eyes trying to make sense of what he was seeing. When she had completely left his vision, he shook himself out of the thoughts and began piecing meaning out of the text. A few hours later, his head was throbbing from the effort, but he had an answer. The Enchantment had been designed to create Druidic Groves, which he knew. What Kaitlyn had neglected to mention, however, was that the goal was to establish Groves in places that had been permanently scarred by Magic. There was even an aside mentioning that placing the Enchantment in a standard field would likely result in the Magic almost resonating with itself. Jeb didnt see anything which suggested that this resonance would be dangerous. Shrugging, he set the book down and moved back to the field. If the Enchantment made his Managrass grow more quickly, who was he to complain? Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Before planting the third generation of seeds, Jeb tested the soil quality, confirming what he had expected: the soil was starting to grow depleted. The Magic, of course, was not, thanks to the Enchantment he had placed in it. Some of the nutrients, however, were starting to grow lacking. A quick request to the Academy later, Jeb found fertilizers lining the walls of the small building it had given him beside the field. Unlike on his farm, these fertilizers were not clearly recognizable as coming from something living. Instead, Jeb saw the purified forms of nearly every nutrient that he could name, and plenty more that he could not. He carefully worked a small amount of the depleted nutrients into the field, being overly careful not to overdo it. The only thing worse than nutrient deprivation, after all, was nutrient overload. When the field felt replenished and he had another pail of Firewater, Jeb planted the next generation of seeds. They grew even faster than the last set had, and Jeb had the momentary question of whether he was also breeding faster growing into the plants, or if the soils Magic was just still becoming that much more aligned. In either case, when Jeb harvested this crop of Managrass, he did not need the System to tell him that all three of the non-control fields had become Firegrass. The air around the field seemed to shimmer with heat, for all that he could hold his hand there without feeling anything warm. Each fiber seemed less like a tuft of something cottony and more like a small tongue of flame that had somehow found itself bound to physical form. Jeb still checked his Status to be certain and was rewarded with a few Quest Notifications.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Soil Identification First Tier Fix the Plant You have identified what is wrong with the growing conditions for a plant.
Rewards: 1 Intelligence
Jeb was a little unsure why he was not receiving any Experience for completing that Quest, but set the question aside as he opened the next Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinate Fourth Tier Create a New Magical Plant A Wizard is not bound by the tools they are given. Instead, they create the tools they need. You have created the Magical Plant White Firegrass Rewards: 77 EXP, 4 Intelligence, 4 Willpower, 20 Mana
Jeb noticed that the field itself seemed somewhat Attuned to Fire after growing all the Firegrass. As he separated the fibers from the seeds, he packaged up the Firegrass seeds that felt strongest, setting the rest aside to be disposed of later. While he worked, he noticed the fields Attunement slowly but surely fading. By the time that he had finished, the field was back to seeming like a field that would be great for growing anything Magical. Well, Jeb mused aloud, I suppose that I might as well get started on making Airgrass. When he went to plant seeds of Managrass, though, he stopped. He had only brought enough to plant two fields. Ok, he amended. First, I grow a plot of Managrass to replenish my seed stock. Then I work on making Airgrass. When he was not trying to Aspect it, Jeb found that White Managrass grew without depleting the soil at all. He made a note of which nutrients the Firegrass had sapped from the soil, vague hypotheses forming in his mind as he finished plowing the field under the rising moon. After it was ready to grow his first attempt at Airgrass, he nodded and went back to his dormitory to sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1092/204
Total Statistic Load: 633 -642
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 405 -414
Intelligence: 83 -88
Willpower: 85 -89
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1755 -1775
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 129: Weaving The next morning, Jeb looked at the piles of Managrass that had begun collecting in his room. Now that it had been a few days, the excess Fire Mana had bled out of the pieces that were not Firegrass, and they just felt like his memories of what the fibers should be. On instinct more than anything else, Jeb went to write a note for his uncle. Only after he found a piece of paper did he remember that his uncle was far away. Well darn, he said to himself, how am I going to get Manaweave now? Jeb paced around the room as he considered his different options. The most obvious answer was that he could just learn how to weave himself. He thought back to his grandfathers statement about how a benefit of living in the Capital was that he could rely on others to have the Skills he could need. Jeb wasnt sure where he could find someone for that, but Dean Aquam might know. He kept walking as he considered other options. After three laps of his room with no new ideas better than looking for an Enchantment that would weave the Managrass for him, Jeb sighed and went to the cafeteria. To his relief, Dean Aquam was just sitting down to his breakfast when Jeb came in. Good morning Jeb! he called, seeming excited. Good morning, Jeb said hesitantly. I take it by your presence here at breakfast that you heard the news? Dean Aquam said as Jeb approached him. What news? Jeb asked. Dean Aquam frowned at him. If you are not here to receive your grades for this past term, which I would like to note is best done in my office, what are you doing here? Oh! Did I pass? Jeb asked. That isnt what I came to ask, though, he quickly followed. The Dean rolled his eyes good naturedly. I can tell you that you passed all of your courses, correct. What did you want to ask me, though? Jeb paused, considering how to frame the situation. If I had some Managrass that I needed to turn into Manaweave, how would you suggest that I do that? Dean Aquam hummed. Jeb noticed that the liquid in his bowl stayed completely still as the Dean considered his question. Clearly whatever Dean Aquam was thinking about, he was not relying on any Skills to do so. After a few moments of off tune humming, the Dean nodded. Is there a reason that you do not wish to weave it yourself? Jeb shrugged. I dont know how. The Dean stared at him. As he did, Jeb noticed that the liquid in the Deans bowl had begun rippling. Just as Jeb grew uncomfortable enough that he was going to ask what the Dean was looking up, the Dean nodded again. Interesting. Is there a reason that you did not develop that Skill before you came to the Academy? I would like to be clear in saying that this question is meant in earnest. Jeb thought back to his time on the farm. I guess that the primary answer is just that I didnt. As you might have already guessed, my education before coming to the Academy was far less structured than it has been here. My family tended to support whatever plans I had. I had presumed as much, yes, the Dean agreed. Why did that preclude weaving? It didnt? Jeb said questioningly. Or, at least, it didnt any more than it precluded any of the other Skills that I did not learn. I dont have the Cooking Skill or anything similar either. Were you not interested in learning how to weave? I dont think that I was explicitly disinterested, no. Jeb thought about why he hadnt learned to weave. My uncle did a majority of the weaving for the family and town at large. He didnt, Jeb paused, doesnt really enjoy talking to people. I suppose that did deter me from learning the Skill, at least a little. To clarify, though, you are not opposed to learning the Skill? Jeb shook his head. Ive gotten the impression from my time here that most people tend to limit the number of Skills that they have. The Dean nodded. You already have far more Skills than the average student graduates the Academy with. One more will not make a significant difference, and it seems as though it would be beneficial to your future plans. I would advise you to learn the Skill, unless you can think of a pressing reason not to. Where would I learn how to weave? Jeb asked. The Dean shrugged. That lies outside of my expertise. Luckily for you, however, the Library is accessible. Conversation finished, the Dean quickly drank his soup and stood to leave. Before he did, Aquam addressed Jeb once more, when you would like to receive your term grades, please find me in my office. Please do so before the start of the next term. With that, he left. Jeb considered the Deans words as he ate a slow breakfast. By the time his plate was empty, he found himself agreeing with the Deans opinion. He planned to keep working with Managrass for a long time, so learning how to work it into Manaweave was almost certainly worth it. I suppose I should also make sure that the Firegrass I grow has enough Mana to hold multiple Glyphs, he thought to himself as he moved to the Library. Kaitlyn and Margaret were discussing something in hushed tones as Jeb entered the Academy Library. As the door closed behind him, the two cut off and turned to see who had entered. How can the Library help you today? Kaitlyn asked, tone oddly formal. I was advised to learn the Weaving Skill, Jeb replied, trying to match her tone. Do you know where I could find resources to do so? I would advise going to the Workshop for that request, Kaitlyn replied even more stiffly, unless there is a pressing reason you would request Library materials. Margaret was frowning, but she didnt say anything to contradict the older Librarian. Thank you for answering my question, she said to Kaitlyn, I will return to the Stacks now. Both of them made subtle gestures implying that Jeb should follow her into the Stacks. Oh, um, Jeb stammered, thank you. I will go to the Workshop. He turned as though to exit the Library, thinking as hard as he could that he wanted to end up in the Stacks. As he walked through the hallways of indeterminate space that had made up a steadily increasing part of his daily commutes, Jeb focused all the harder on seeing his usual desk. As he took a turn on impulse, he found himself walking to his desk. The transition from vague unreality to the incredibly concrete nature of the Stacks grew, if anything, more disorienting each time that he traveled it. Jeb stood beside his desk for a few moments, debating between moving to look for Margaret or staying where he was so she would know where to find him. As he deliberated, she came up to his desk, blue eyes radiating cold anger. I apologize for the oddity of Kaitlyns response to you earlier, she said, voice seething, we are currently undergoing an inspection from the Republic Auditors over our communications with your hometowns Librarian. It is nothing that you need to worry about, though it may impact the level of service we are able to provide in the coming weeks. Im sorry if I caused any problems, Jeb replied. Margaret shook her head emphatically. This issue would have come up eventually, especially given that he is apparently still active. Your presence did nothing except give us the opportunity to prepare for this inspection. If youre sure, Jeb replied hesitantly. I am. Margaret said, before gliding back into the Stacks. Jeb watched her leave. When she had faded from view, he left the desk himself and began asking the Academy to lead him to the Workshop. The transition was far smoother, and the bookshelves steadily faded into the sounds of a number of people working on different crafts. When the bookshelves were completely gone, Jeb saw the Workshop in its entirety. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. The room was little more than an oversized hallway, with doors leading to a number of directions. Each doorway had a label indicating what kind of Skill was worked on behind the door. Jeb spun in a circle, noticing that the labels on each door changed each time that he looked away. As he kept spinning, Jeb looked for a sign labeled weaving. Just as he was starting to grow dizzy, the sign appeared. He stopped, hoping that the doorway would remain in the same place. To his relief, it was still there when the world stopped spinning. Jeb walked through the doorway and felt the momentary vertigo that accompanied transitions. He looked around the new room, noting the woven artwork covering each wall. They ranged from intricate designs and fabrics woven so tightly that they seemed solid to fabric so thin that it seemed like a stray breath would blow it away. The room seemed designed to have a number of students working at once. That was a little strange to Jeb, especially given that he had never heard of another student weaving. Then again, Jeb thought to himself, It isnt as though I know that many students. There didnt seem to be anyone in the room, so Jeb took his time walking around and looking at the pieces in more detail. One in particular caught his eye. It was, at first glance, nothing but a simple color gradient. In the top left corner, it was white, growing more and more colorful and saturated until the bottom right corner, where it was pitch black. The longer that he looked at it, though, the more detail he noticed. Jeb was so engrossed in the tapestry that he missed a coughing sound behind him. When he felt a hand on his shoulder, Jeb spun around quickly. Welcome to the Weaving Workshop, a mass of fabric said to him. Looking more closely, Jeb saw that it was just a small man holding a large pile of fabric. How can I help you? he asked, setting the pile down beside him. I was hoping to learn how to make Manaweave, Jeb replied. The man sighed sadly. I would love to teach you that. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to get Managrass anymore. Jeb cocked his head. I have Managrass, he replied. Oh! the man brightened. Are you a student of the Academy? Yes? Jeb had assumed that only Academy members were allowed in the Workshop. If others were as well, it would do a lot to explain why there were so many spots in the room. I suppose that means that I cannot ask for Managrass as payment for teaching you. Understanding dawned on Jeb. I would be happy to share, he said, it isnt like I need that much. Well then, what are we waiting for? the man asked. Go get your Managrass, and Ill teach you how to Weave! He shooed Jeb out of the room, and Jeb left, smiling. It was nice that there was someone here excited to share a Skill with him. As he tried to make his way back to his room, though, the Academy seemed to block his way. Jeb frowned but went where it wanted him to go. When he found himself in the static forest outside of Dean Aquams office, he nodded. I suppose its time for me to get my term grades. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1092/204
Total Statistic Load: 642
Physical Load: 228
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14
Mental Load: 414
Intelligence: 88
Willpower: 89
Magic Affinity: 89
Mana Depth: 74
Charisma: 74
Mana: 1775
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Spell Glyphing
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Lute Playing
Singing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 130: End of Term Grades Jeb knocked on the door to Dean Aquams office nervously. He knew that the Dean had said he was welcome to stop by at any point, but Jeb was still worried that the Dean would think badly of him for coming so soon. It hadnt even been two hours since the two had left from their impromptu breakfast meeting. Still, if the Academy told him that it was time for him to meet with the Dean, Jeb was not in a place to question it. Just as Jeb was beginning to consider turning around, the Dean opened the door. Jeb? he asked, seeming a little confused. Yes sir, Jeb replied, stepping into his office. When the Dean was seated back behind his desk, he coughed and paused. As the silence stretched between the two, Jeb found his gaze wandering all around the Deans office. He had never noticed quite how much decoration Dean Aquam kept on every wall. Even though Jeb couldnt name every material that was used, everything was in cool tones that seemed to scream water. Looking with his Magical sight, Jeb saw that more than a few of the wall hangings actively gave off the Magical impression of Water. Before he could look harder, the Dean spoke. I presume that you are here to receive your grades for this past term? When Jeb nodded, the Dean reached down and pulled out a folder. I am completely unsurprised, though still proud, to tell you that you have passed all of your courses with flying colors. Instructor Thistle, in particular, has requested that you join the College of Music full time. Oh, Jeb replied, I um- The Dean cut him off. I have already sent a missive explaining the reason for your continued enrollment in the Remedial College. That being said, if you would like to continue in your piano coursework, they would certainly not mind. I didnt think that piano fit into my course schedule for next term? Jeb replied. The Dean shrugged. It does not. If you would like it to, though, we can make it fit. None of the courses that you are enrolled in need to be taken next term. Jeb shook his head. I did enjoy my Introductory Piano course, he admitted, but I dont think that I enjoyed it enough to replace any of the other courses Im taking next term with it. He paused, thinking for a moment. Well, that isnt entirely true. Is there any chance that- The Dean cut him off again, smiling this time. You can not take Intermediate Piano instead of Remedial Civics. He handed Jeb the folder he had been reading from, and Jeb quickly paged through his final examinations and other end of term feedback. As the Dean had said, every one of Jebs grades was at least sufficient. Thank you! Jeb said, handing the folder back. How do I claim the changes to my Status from the term? The Dean hummed. You should be able to claim it now. Jeb looked at his Quest Log and found a new Notification.
Congratulations! You have completed your First Term at the Academy.
New Skills Gained:
Piano
Skills Lost:
Piano, Singing, and Lute Playing have been consumed by Musician.
Spell Glyphing has been consumed by Magic
Rewards for Suppressed Quests and Term Performance:
30 Intelligence, 30 Willpower, 30 Magic Affinity, 30 Mana Depth, 30 Charisma, 50 Presence, 200 Mana.
As the wave of Statistics hit Jeb like a wall, he passed out. When he woke, he saw that he was still in the Deans office. How long have I been unconscious? Jeb asked. The Dean shrugged. A few minutes at most. I am a little surprised that you were unconscious that long. What did you get for your end of term rewards? Jeb read out the changes to his Status, and the Deans eyes widened. How many Quests did you complete? he demanded. Jeb shrugged. In the one day that I had my Status active during Theoretical Enchanting laboratory, I completed five. Extrapolating... Jeb tried to go through the list of Skills and Quests he had, thinking about how often he could have finished a Quest. Im not entirely sure. Its a little annoying that the end of term Quest Notification doesnt have any details. The Dean nodded. I suppose that your Tier also likely has something to do with that. As a Second Tier student taking primarily Fourth Tier courses, I suppose that the rewards are bound to be comparatively greater. Jeb nodded, still struck by the changes to his Status. With his Mental Statistics staying constant through the entire term, he had grown very used to the feeling of his Magic. Now that all of his Statistics had skyrocketed, it felt like his Magic was almost bursting out of him. Even more than that, though, his Presence had gone from his lowest Statistic by far to his highest Physical Statistic. He assumed that the way he saw the world was a consequence of that more than anything else. Jeb felt as though the world was suddenly far less solid. As he looked around, the walls around him seemed almost transparent, as though he could see through them if he just focused. The Dean seemed to notice and coughed. Jeb missed what he said, too distracted by the changes to how the Dean appeared. Dean Aquam had always seemed somewhat cheerful, if generally a little aimless. Now, though, it seemed as though he was the only real thing in a world of make believe. Jeb felt the same way that he had when he first had met the Headmistress. Where she had made him feel as though he was suffocating under the weight of the world, though, the Dean made Jeb feel as though he was drowning. The parts of him that still remembered being a Mud Mage almost reveled in the feeling, as though it was trying to ingratiate him with whatever monster was made so purely of water. As Jeb gasped from a lack of air, the feeling quickly faded. Sorry, what did you say? Jeb asked. I asked how the change in Presence was affecting you. The way that you were looking around the room seemed to explain most of it, though. I do apologize for failing to mask my own Class. Im not sure I understand, Jeb replied honestly. His mind still hadnt recovered from staring at a vast and untamed ocean. The Dean nodded and began explaining. Before you came to the Academy, your Presence was, for all intents and purposes, nonexistent. If I recall correctly, Jeb felt the water in his body vibrate for just a moment, the only time that this came up was when the Librarian used a Class Skill on you. As your Presence increased with your new Class, I am sure that you noticed the external manifestations of Class Skills more easily. With as high as your Presence is now, it appears that you are now able to read Classes, if only slightly. Im not sure if I understand, Jeb replied honestly. Your mind and soul are still recovering from the changes you have undergone. I can explain this again another day. For now, go and get some rest. Jeb took the dismissal and left the office. As he opened the door, Jeb felt as though he could see the Academy rewriting its own structure to change where the door came out. It led to the Remedial Dormitory, as he had expected it would. For whatever reason, the walls in this building felt no less solid now than they had this morning. Jeb made it to his room on instinct more than anything else before collapsing in bed. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. He slept dreamlessly, as though he had simply blinked and woken up hours later. As the bells tolled out the hour, Jeb realized that he had slept nearly a full day. He did feel much better for having rested, though. His Magic had settled down, and he no longer cringed when thinking about the Dean. Oh no, a thought came to Jebs mind, I forgot about the Weaving Workshop. Jeb quickly gathered all of the Managrass he had harvested, debating whether or not to grab the Firegrass as well. After a moments consideration, he left it behind. The door to his room led out into the blank expanse that made up the Academy hallways. As Jeb walked through the half formed walkway, he noticed just how insubstantial they really were. He was certain that he could break through them if he tried. A voice in his head urged him to try, but he silenced it. Regardless of what happened, he was certain that it would not lead him to the Workshop any faster. When he made it back to the Workshop, the door to the Weaving room was directly in front of him. Relieved, Jeb opened the door. The room screamed of reality in a way that even Dean Aquam hadnt. Unlike the overwhelming pressure that the Dean put out, though, this room just felt completely solid. As he looked more closely, Jeb felt like strands of reality itself might have been woven into some of the tapestries on the wall. He was broken from his musing when the Weaver came out of some side door. Ah, I see that my newest student has returned, he said, gesturing for Jeb to take a seat. I would normally say that we should begin by bleaching the Managrass, but it looks as though you have already taken care of that. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1092/204
Total Statistic Load: 642 -842
Physical Load: 228 -278
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14 -64
Mental Load: 414 -564
Intelligence: 88 -118
Willpower: 89 -119
Magic Affinity: 89 -119
Mana Depth: 74 -104
Charisma: 74 -104
Mana: 1775 -1975
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 131: Weaving Part Two Im not sure what you mean by that, Jeb replied honestly. Ive harvested the Managrass, but thats all the treatment Ive done. The Weaver looked at him, large eyebrows furrowing. You grew this yourself? he asked, tone somewhat disbelieving. Jeb nodded. I had an idea for a project to keep me occupied during the term break. Where did you get the Managrass seeds? My grandfather gave them to me before I came to the Academy. The conversation stalled out as Jeb tried to piece together what the man was asking. He was clearly trying to get some piece of information out of Jeb, but it was unclear what that information was. After a few minutes of awkward silence, the man suddenly shook his head. Right, well, the provenance of your Managrass is hardly any of my concern. As I said, the first step in making Manaweave is normally bleaching, because Mages love their paper to be as white as fresh fallen snow. Since yours already is, I suppose we can skip that step. Now, though Managrass is often used in similar contexts as normal paper, it is prepared very differently. As you might expect from the fact that it is made by Weavers, it is a woven fabric, rather than pressed fibers. Jeb nodded, even though he wasnt entirely sure how normal paper was made. The Weaver continued, now, as you probably know, fabrics are woven out of thread. So, first we will need to spin thread out of this Managrass fiber. He rushed over to a side room, calling behind him as he went, there are a number of ways to spin thread out of fiber, depending on your exact goals. Are you looking to develop the Weaving Skill, something related, or just have Manaweave at the end of the process? The question came rapidly, and Jeb had to pause and replay the question in his head before he was able to answer. I think that learning the Weaving Skill seems useful, unless you can think of a reason that I should aim for a different Skill instead. The Weaver shrugged. Without knowing exactly what your goals in life are, I cannot say for certain whether you would be better served with another Skill. Even with that in mind, though, I will say that Weaving is a fairly senior Skill and- he cut off, seeing Jebs confusion. What? he asked. What is a senior Skill? Jeb asked. The Weavers brows drew together again. Are you familiar with the concept of parent and child Skills? Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, take Weaving, for instance. Weaving is a parent Skill, in that it has every materials Weaving Skill within it. However, there are some incredibly broad Skills, such as Crafting, that it falls within. Of course, there are also Skills it overlaps with, such as Tailoring. Skills are considered senior based on how easily they can act as parent Skills and how hard it is to find parent Skills to them. He ran a hand through his shaggy black hair, Im no Theorycrafter, though, so I have no idea if my explanation even made a lick of sense. His entire monologue had continued to go at a pace just on the edge of what Jeb could keep up with. I think it makes sense, Jeb replied. So to answer your earlier question, I would like to develop the Weaving Skill. The Weaver nodded. We dont need to use the hardest version of this, then, he said, tossing the object he was holding deeper into the room before picking up a box and turning around. He started walking and nearly ran into Jeb before he got out of his way. Jeb jumped to the side, watching the Weaver deconstruct the box and build a complicated looking apparatus on one of the benches. Ill start processing the first bit, he said. The process is fairly simple, and Im sure youll pick it up quickly. With no more exposition, he began feeding fiber into the machine. There were teeth and gears that did something, though Jeb wasnt entirely sure. As the fibers passed through, they were spun and wrapped around a small rod that Jeb recognized from the sewing he used to do as a child. He began nodding. It made sense that Managrass could be turned into thread, since the same was true of cotton or flax. Jeb had always wondered on some level how the thread was made, and now he knew. After a minute or so of working the machine, the Weaver stood up. It would be hard for you to do anything too damaging to this equipment, he said, gesturing for Jeb to sit down, but please do not take that as a challenge. Jeb nodded and tried to mimic what he had seen the Weaver do. It was shockingly easy to turn the Managrass fibers into thread. It was also shockingly slow. Even after spending a full bell working to make thread, he hadnt even gone through half of the Managrass. Not that I mind this taking a while, Jeb said, but this seems really slow. The Weaver nodded. There are much faster machines for spinning thread, but they tend to need far more Managrass than you brought. This machine can also run far faster, but then you run a much greater risk of injury, given how green you are. Jeb looked down, not seeing anything green on him. Oh, he thought to himself, that was a euphemism for something. Jeb kept working on spinning thread from fiber. As he fed the last tuft in, the bell tolled again. The Weaver had wandered off as Jeb had worked on spooling the thread, though Jeb couldnt spare the concentration he needed to see what he had gone off to do. Just as he was about to ask what to do, the Weaver reappeared, taking the spools of thread off of the machine before somehow folding it back into its box. He tossed the box casually back into the room he had taken it from and turned to Jeb, holding out the thread he had spun. Jeb idly noticed that, even though there had been four spools of thread on the machine when the Weaver had taken them off, there were only three in his hand. What happened to the fourth spool? he asked. The Weaver froze, suddenly growing larger. After a tense moment, he asked what do you mean? Understanding dawned in Jebs mind. Oh right! I forgot that I had said I didnt need all of the Managrass. I assume the fourth spool is the extra that I wont need for making some Manaweave. The Weaver seemed to deflate slightly and began chucking nervously. Yes, that is what we agreed upon, is it not? he asked. Something about his tone made the question seem less rhetorical than it should have been, and Jeb wasnt sure how to respond. As though sensing Jebs hesitance, the Weaver clapped his hands, once more moving just at the edge of Jebs ability to follow. So then, you now have Manathread. Although I am certain that there are uses for it outside of creating Manaweave, none have ever concerned me, and none concern us now. There are, as I am sure you are aware, at least as many ways of making Manaweave as there are people who make it. Despite that, most fall into one of two main philosophies. The first says that Manaweave is a luxury product made from luxury product and only in small quantity. As such, it should be woven in the most intricate and elaborate way possible, so that the customer feels that they have not been cheated. The other says that Manaweave functions the same regardless of how it is woven, within certain tolerances, and so the fastest working pattern should be used, so that the Weaver can get back to crafts where skill actually matters. Which philosophy do you take? Jeb asked. The Weavers eyes danced mischievously, prior nervousness already forgotten. That would be telling, wouldnt it? Which philosophy speaks more to you? Jeb considered the question. I obviously see the merits in either method, he said, thinking aloud. I assume that if I asked to be taught in the first philosophy that I would need to learn far more about Weaving before I was able to produce Manaweave? The Weaver shrugged. I would not have you waste Manathread, that is correct. Jeb nodded. Then I think that, for now, at least, I would like to learn whatever way you can teach me that would result in Manaweave fastest. The Weavers eyes brightened further, as though Jeb had said something secretly correct. Then come with me young Wizard, he said, and Jeb had a moment to question how the Weaver had known his Class. That thought was quickly wiped away as he watched the Weaver set up the loom before tearing it apart again. And now you try, he said, handing Jeb some simple thread that smelled vaguely of roses. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Jeb set the loom up and got an approving nod from the Weaver. What now? Jeb asked. Now you weave, the Weaver said, gently moving Jeb aside to begin working on the loom. At first, everything moved far faster than Jeb could follow, threads moving in a blur. Then, the Weaver muttered something under his breath and started slowing down. When he started moving slowly enough that Jeb was able to follow what was happening, if only just, the Weaver once more began speeding up. Jeb was only able to keep up by the smallest of margins, and that remained true until there was a long bolt of fabric at the output of the loom. Understand? the Weaver asked, stopping his work. Jeb nodded hesitantly. Now you try, he said, once more dismantling the loom. Jeb threaded it with the strange rose scented thread again and began to work. Unlike the Weaver, his movements did not feel as though they were part of a dance. Each line of weaving took conscious effort on Jebs behalf, and the fabric came out almost painfully slowly. Still, as each line passed, Jeb grew more and more confident in his actions. The tolling of the bells passed by him as though they were muffled. When he ran out of thread on one of the spools, he turned, expecting a direction from the Weaver. As he looked around, though, Jeb could not see or hear any trace of the Weaver. Strange, Jeb thought, I wonder what I should do now? With nothing better to occupy himself, Jeb ran his hand down the fabric he had made. It was a dense weave, almost resembling Manaweave. The scent of roses had shifted as he worked, slowly going from the smell of a fresh bouquet to the scent of dried rose, something almost medicinal. Just as Jeb was starting to question what the fabric was, the Weaver came bouncing back into the room. A satisfactory job, he said, tone bright enough that Jeb took it as a compliment. Now, then, why dont you try to make a piece of Manaweave? Jeb excitedly unthreaded and rethreaded the loom, the Manathread he had made and getting ready. As he finished preparing the loom, he heard the bells toll out the hour. Thats strange, Jeb thought as the tolling stopped at three, has it really been nearly a full day of work? He thought about the number of bells he had heard and shrugged. Maybe it had been. Regardless, he was finally ready to do what he had come here for. He was going to Weave Manaweave. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1092/204
Total Statistic Load: 642 ->842
Physical Load: 228 ->278
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14 ->64
Mental Load: 414 ->564
Intelligence: 88 ->118
Willpower: 89 ->119
Magic Affinity: 89 ->119
Mana Depth: 74 ->104
Charisma: 74 ->104
Mana: 1775 ->1975
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 132: Manaweave When Jeb started working the Manathread into Manaweave, he was unsure what to expect. He knew that there had to be a reason that the Weaver had taught him to weave using the strange flower scented thread, but he still had no idea what it was. Maybe it feels similar when worked? Jeb thought to himself. It certainly felt similar to make Manaweave. Whether that was simply because Weaving always felt the same, he could not say for certain. In just a few short hours, Jeb had turned all of his Manathread into Manaweave. The Weaver helped him cut the long sheet of fabric into the individual sheets of Manaweave that he recognized. Even given that he had lost a quarter of his Manathread to the Weaver, Jeb felt like he should have ended up with more Manaweave. The Weaver must have seen that something was bothering Jeb, because he came over Is something wrong? he asked. Jeb debated how to answer. After playing a few responses through his head, he settled on, I was just surprised at how little Manaweave I ended up making. The Weaver stared at him as though waiting for Jeb to continue. Jeb realized that he hadnt given the Weaver any reason for his belief. I grew some Managrass before I came to the Academy, Jeb explained. When my uncle wove it into Manaweave, he made ten sheets per plot of Managrass that I grew. Even with more than two plots of growth, though, I only made ten sheets. The Weaver nodded, understanding clear in his eyes. Your uncle, do you know what his Class was? he asked. Jeb shrugged. I know that it was something related to Weaving, but Im not sure exactly what. Are you truly surprised that a Weaver would be able to Weave more effectively than someone without the Skill, let alone the Class? Jeb frowned. I guess a little? Where would you be able to make extra Manaweave? It isnt like any of my thread disappeared. Why would anyone take a Class if there were not benefits? the Weaver turned the question on Jeb. Im sure that someone had to tell you about the benefits of Classes at some point. Jeb nodded. I realize I just never asked what, specifically, the benefits were to most Classes. I understand, at least a little, how Farming Classes can make the fields grow more, but how does that work with Weaving? Why would Farming Classes be able to produce more? Jeb opened his mouth to respond before realizing that he did not have a good answer to the question. He closed his mouth, considering. The Weaver nodded his head. Dont ask me how, because I dont know, but the System increases the amount of fabric that I can produce from a given amount of thread. Assuming that you are estimating how much Managrass you brought to your uncle correctly, I must admit that Im impressed. He must have an incredibly specialized set of Skills around maximizing the fabric he can produce. I would struggle to make five sheets of Manaweave with the amount of thread you provided, let alone ten. What are you planning to do with the Manathread I gave you? Jeb asked. The Weaver shrugged. Manathread, as you might expect, is excellent at conducting Mana. A number of Enchanters prize it for that reason, especially those who work in cloth. I tend to use it for effects such as this, though, he gestured to one of the hanging pieces of fabric. Jeb noticed the way that it seemed to alternating glow and cloak itself in shadows. What is that? he asked, entranced by the way that it seemed to respond to changes in the light in the room on a delay. The Weaver smiled. That fabric is one of my specialties. It requires a small amount of Manathread, which has made it difficult to produce of late. On that note, if you ever come into more Managrass, I would be happy to exchange it for more lessons or something else you desire. Um, Jeb replied, searching for an exit, thank you. I will keep that in mind. Something in the Weavers expression had changed, and Jeb suddenly felt an urge to get as far away as he could. The door to the Workshop appeared as he had the thought, and Jeb quickly went to it, calling behind him, thank you for the lesson! Even though he hadnt gotten a Skill out of it, he had made Manaweave, which was his real goal. As soon as the door to the Weaving Workshop closed behind him, the feeling that he needed to hurry away vanished. Thats strange, Jeb thought to himself. I hope that the Weaver doesnt think Im rude. Now that he had the space to think about it, he couldnt point to anything that the Weaver had done that made him uncomfortable. The space just suddenly felt less like a Workshop covered in fabric and more like a spiders web that had nearly trapped him. As that thought went through his head, Jeb chuckled at himself. Just because hes a Weaver doesnt mean hes a spider. Exactly why he had felt like the Weaver had been a spider, Jeb didnt investigate. He was too focused on showing his new Manaweave to his friends. As he rushed to the cafeteria, though, Jeb remembered that Declan and Catherine would not be back until the start of the term, whenever that was. The half real halls of the Academy suddenly felt much colder, and Jeb changed courses. After walking for what felt like far longer than normal, Jeb once more found himself outside of Dean Aquams office. Come in! he called as Jeb knocked on the door. Jeb entered, feeling once more disoriented. Jeb, are you alright? the Dean asked, seeming concerned. Im not sure, Jeb replied honestly. I feel kind of out of place, if that makes sense. The Dean nodded in understanding. Well, what have you done since the last time that you left my office? Jeb responded quickly. I went to sleep, then I went to the Weaver and made Manaweave. He held up the sheets, and the Dean nodded. Good job, he said. Have you taken any time to process the large changes to your Statistics? Jeb shook his head. Why would I do that? he asked in genuine confusion. The Dean put his head in his hands. Jeb heard him mutter something before preserve me from the young. Lifting his head again, Dean Aquam took a deep breath, let it out, and then spoke. It is customary to take at least twelve hours to sit and focus on the changes to your body, mind, and soul at the end of the term. Has no one told you this? Jeb shook his head again. I would advise you to go try that now. If you still feel out of place tomorrow, we can discuss other reasons. Thank you, Jeb said hesitantly. He left the Deans office, only slightly surprised to feel the walls pressing in on him as he walked back to the Dormitory. Once there, he quickly hurried to his room and sat on the floor. Taking a deep breath, Jeb focused on himself. Thankfully, some of his Statistics remained unchanged. The way that most of his Physical Statistics connected his soul and body had not changed from before the term ended. That was the tether Jeb used, diving into the changes. The change to his Presence felt like a deep ache as soon as he looked at it. Jeb had tried to ignore the difference in how the world felt to him since it had grown so much. As he took the time to focus on how he was feeling, though, that coping method showed itself ineffective. He slowly came to terms with the new balance between spirit and body, idly noting the hours passing by. By the time that sixth bell tolled again, Jeb almost felt back to normal. Or, rather, Jeb almost felt back to his new normal. The intense change in his Statistics was something that he knew he would need to spend more time getting used to, for all that he was more comfortable with it. Now that he was able to look at the way his emotions had caused him to react the day before with a more objective gaze, Jeb was even more confused. He still missed his friends, for all that it was no longer a heavy weight on his spirit. The walls of the Academy, even though they were still strange to him, no longer felt like they were actively hostile. His interaction with the Weaver, though, still felt strange. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Jeb still felt uncomfortable when he focused too hard on the last moments of his encounter with the Weaver, but he could not point to anything in particular. Shrugging it off, he went to the cafeteria, waving at the Dean as he grabbed a tray. Are you feeling better? the Dean asked. I am, thank you, Jeb said. The two ate their breakfast in contented silence. When the Dean left, Jeb considered how he wanted to spend his day. Weaving Firegrass or working to make Airgrass seemed like reasonable options. Growing some Managrass to trade to the Weaver also seemed like a plausible choice, for all that Jeb was not sure what he could need from the Weaver. None of those sounded appealing, though, so Jeb went to the Library, hoping that he might find inspiration there. The auditors were clearly gone, because Kaitlyn waved before turning into the Stacks. Jeb assumed she was busy and so did not follow her. Instead, he began walking into the Stacks, trusting them to lead him to his desk. When he had made it to his desk, he saw Margaret sitting there with someone Jeb had never met before. Good morning, Jeb, Margaret said, standing to greet him. Good morning, Margaret, Jeb replied. He waited, hoping that Margaret would explain who the stranger was and what the two of them were doing at his desk. As the seconds stretched on, a small voice in his head began reminding him that Margaret could very well believe that she had no obligation to explain either of their presences. After all, they were in the Stacks, which was explicitly her domain. The two continued to stare at each other. I dont know if weve met, Jeb finally said, addressing the stranger. Margaret beamed. You have not! she exclaimed. This is Philp. He is studying to be a Librarian, and I have been assigned as his mentor. Nice to meet you, Philp, Jeb said, waving to the young man. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Philp said stiffly. I hope to be able to assist Stacks Librarian Margaret in her duties, which I have come to understand often interface with you. How did learning to weave go? Margaret asked, seeming to ignore Philp. Jeb wagged his hands. I made Manaweave, but not as much as I had expected to. I also felt weirdly uncomfortable just before leaving, and Im not sure why. Margaret cocked her head, and Philp leaned in, ducking. Jeb understood why when a book came flying where his head had been, landing in her outstretched hand. Ah. She closed the book. That is an understandable reaction. I can guarantee that the Weaver will not harm you, though that is as much as I can tell you. For a second, Jeb hoped that was a hint that she would leave the book for him to read. Instead, she tossed the book behind her, where it faded into the Stacks. How can we help you today? she asked. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1092/204
Total Statistic Load: 642 ->842
Physical Load: 228 ->278
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 14 ->64
Mental Load: 414 ->564
Intelligence: 88 ->118
Willpower: 89 ->119
Magic Affinity: 89 ->119
Mana Depth: 74 ->104
Charisma: 74 ->104
Mana: 1775 ->1975
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 133: Earthgrass, Airgrass Jeb thought about the question. Honestly, Im not sure, he finally responded. I didnt know what else to do today, and I hoped you might have an idea. Margarets expression did not change, remaining bright and cheery. Is there a reason that you do not wish to continue your work with Managrass? she asked, tone calm. Jeb shrugged. Not in particular, no. Then, if you would take the suggestion, I would recommend that you continue to grow Managrass. I am certain that you will find a supply of Manaweave useful in your upcoming term, if nothing else. Jeb nodded and made his way back out of the Stacks. As he made his way to the plot of land he had been working, he was hit with a wave of Magic. Jeb took a half step back, ready to run from whatever was giving off so much energy. When he saw that it was the field, he remembered that he had left the stakes with their Magic aligning Enchantment in the ground without coming to visit over the past few days. I dont think that theres any chance I have time to water the Managrass before it grows up, Jeb thought to himself. His mind quickly raced as he tried to think of solutions. When he thought about trying to infuse the Managrass seeds themselves with Magic, he initially dismissed the idea, walking over to the shed with the seeds. As he grasped the door handle, though, he paused. Why couldnt he try that? Hopefully Margaret doesnt mind me stopping by again, Jeb thought, willing himself back into the Stacks. The Academy dropped him somewhere he had never been in the Stacks. Jeb looked around without concern. Margaret was walking away from him, Philip following close behind. Jeb had learned better than speaking loudly in the Stacks, so he hurried after the two. Without masking his footfalls, they were the loudest sound in the silent hall. Margaret turned before he drew too near. Philip turned just after her, seeming confused. Welcome back, Jeb, she said. What can the Library help you with now? Is there a reason that I should Attune the water Im using while growing the Managrass instead of just Attuning the seeds themselves? he asked. That question feels rhetorical, Margaret replied. Should I assume that you are asking whether it would be possible to forcibly Attune the Managrass seeds? Jeb nodded. Hold your hands out, Margaret said, turning to leave. Jeb did, and a book fell into them. It was open to a page describing how to modify the Enchantment he had already made to work with solids. It seemed like an easy enough change, so Jeb brought the book to the forge and quickly made the new piece of the Enchantment. As the Enchantment cooled, Jeb realized that he also needed to make the new Enchantment for Attuning the inside of the chamber to Air. While Im here, he thought, I might as well also make the Enchantment for Earth. Regardless of when it happened, Jeb had no doubts in his mind that he was going to end up making Earthweave as well. The Enchantments all ended up being ready to take at the same time. Even though he had started the Elemental Attuning portions while the solid phase was cooling, they were so much smaller that they came to equilibrium by the time Jeb had attached the solid phase Enchantment to the pail. Back at his farm, Jeb grimaced and tossed a handful of Managrass seed into the bucket. A small voice in his head yelled that he was wasting them and that whatever happened inside of the bucket would be nothing but harmful. Jeb ignored it. At worst, he had wasted a few of the functionally infinite seeds that he owned. At best, he had figured out a much more efficient way to Attune plants. When the Enchantment had finished working, Jeb opened the bucket. For just a moment, he was shocked that the seeds had not sublimated away. They screamed to him of Air, wild and uncontrolled. The feeling faded slightly as ambient air replaced the fully Attuned Air in the container. That just gave Jeb the chance to notice that the Managrass had started to sprout. That does make some amount of sense, Jeb said to himself, If I know that Managrass grows faster when exposed to Mana, I suppose it should not be a surprise that it will sprout when suffused with Mana. The fact that they had sprouted did add a certain flair of urgency to his work, though. Jeb quickly ran down the plot, tossing the small Managrass sprouts near where he hoped they would grow. They seemed to send out roots almost as they fell, growing in the soil as though they had been planted there from the beginning. Jeb breathed a sigh of relief as the plants grew without any obvious issues. After taking a moment to clean out the bucket and fill it with water, he walked back to the field. It was, unsurprisingly, filled with the sight of fully grown Managrass. What was slightly surprising to Jeb was just how Air Attuned they clearly were. Each stalk blew back and forth as though caught in a gentle wind. Only the fact that no two stalks moved identically made him realize that it was not a function of some small breeze that he could not feel. As Jeb got closer, he amended that thought. There was a small breeze in the field. Each stalk was giving off wind as it moved. Jeb checked his Quest Log, completely unsurprised to see that he had completed a Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinate Fourth Tier Create a New Magical PlantA Wizard is not bound by the tools they are given. Instead, they create the tools they need. You have created the Magical Plant White Airgrass Rewards: 77 EXP, 4 Intelligence, 4 Willpower, 20 Mana
Only as he received the Reward did Jeb think about the fact that he had not gotten any reward for learning the new Enchantments. Then again, Jeb thought to himself, its possible that they all count as a single Enchantment, especially since its all modular. It wasnt as though he was hurting for any Statistics after receiving his end of term rewards. Jeb harvested the Airgrass, carefully separating the seeds from the fibers and the fibers from the rest of the plant. He plowed the rest of the plant back into the field, only realizing the issue with that when he had finished. Even though there was an Enchantment to make everything Magically Attuned to the soil as a whole, it took time. The plant material was more heavily Attuned to Air than the Watergrass or Firegrass had been when he first made it. On impulse, he tried growing a plot of plain Managrass. It came out as Airgrass. This is good to learn, Jeb thought to himself. It was also incredibly frustrating. Jeb took the Managrass fibers home and waited for the next day to begin making Earthgrass. He briefly debated trying to Attune the seeds before he left so that he would have one fewer tasks to do the next day. The fact that the Managrass was sprouting in the bucket kept him from following through. The next day, Jeb ate a relaxed breakfast, idly noting that the Dean never came in. After a leisurely walk, he found himself in front of the field. It still screamed of Air Mana, and Jeb sighed. It ended up taking four days for the Mana signature of the soil to return to what it was supposed to be. When it did, Jeb jumped with joy, swapped out the Elemental Attuner and began to work on growing Earthgrass. The bucket of Managrass seeds Attuned to Earth was somehow the strangest of the four Elements hed worked with. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. It took Jeb a moment to figure out why. After all, the feeling of Earth was not that different from the signature that the Managrass had before he Attuned it. As he followed that thought, Jeb realized that was the issue. The Managrass just felt ever so slightly wrong, as though the world was marginally askew. The other Elements had been such a drastic change to the feeling that it was clear there was a Magical Effect. Relieved that he now understood what was wrong, he tossed the sprouted seeds into the field. They quickly grew, and Jeb once more accepted the rewards for the Quest.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Pollinate Fourth Tier Create a New Magical PlantA Wizard is not bound by the tools they are given. Instead, they create the tools they need. You have created the Magical Plant White Earthgrass Rewards: 77 EXP, 4 Intelligence, 4 Willpower, 20 Mana
Jeb gathered up all of the fibers once again. This time, he debated whether it was worth it to plow the rest of the plant back into the soil. They were rich in Mana and nutrients that the Managrass would need to grow, but it would also mean that he could not use the field before the term began again. Then again, another voice in Jebs head chimed in, there is always the chance that Earth Mana will Attune away faster. After all, it is already close to the feeling of Soil. Jeb shrugged and listened to the small voice. It wasnt as though he really had a pressing need for Managrass. To his relief, the field did not end up needing the same four days to Attune back to normal. Jeb was able to grow another few batches of Managrass before the term began. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1246/204
Total Statistic Load: 842 ->858
Physical Load: 278
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 64
Mental Load: 564 ->580
Intelligence: 118 ->126
Willpower: 119 ->127
Magic Affinity: 119
Mana Depth: 104
Charisma: 104
Mana: 1975 ->2015
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 134: Second Term Jeb woke the next day to the sound of tolling bells. His sleep schedule had shifted over the term break, and he was surprised to hear six bells ring out. He leapt out of his bed, hurrying to get ready for the morning before going to breakfast. Crud, Jeb thought to himself, I had promised Declan that I would meet him for breakfast at sixth bell. Sixth bell had been the earliest that Declan was willing to meet, and Jeb had never thought for even a moment that he would be the one running late. As he rushed into the cafeteria, half formed thoughts of hallways fading back into nonexistence, though, he breathed a sigh of relief. Even as he looked around the large room, he could not find Declan anywhere inside of it. Looking for someone? Jeb turned to the familiar voice behind him. Declan rushed forward, and the two exchanged a brief hug. How was your term break? he asked as the two broke apart. Jeb shrugged. I got through most of the projects I had been meaning to do, but thats about it. What about you? Declan beamed. I hadnt realized how much Theoretical Enchanting would help me in my familys workshop! he said in a rush, words coming in a rapid clip. I was more productive during this last term break than I had been in the last half dozen combined. His exuberance died down a little as the two picked up their breakfasts, and he grilled Jeb a little harder. Come on, he prodded Jeb as they sat down, what secret projects did you get up to over the break? So you know that I come from a Farming family, Jeb began. Declan nodded. One project that theyd given me before I left was breeding a new plant. Jeb paused, thinking about why they had assigned him that. Realizing that it boiled down to Jeb needed more Intelligence and Willpower and that was a Quest which raised both Statistics, he tried again. Sorry, that was a bad place to begin. Youre familiar with Manaweave, right? Declan nodded again, a smirk coming across his face. So Manaweave, fittingly enough, is woven from Managrass fibers. Well, it turns out that Managrass fibers are first spun into Manathread, which is then woven into Manaweave, but thats beside the point. Jeb realized he was rambling, took a deep breath, and continued, back home, I was able to breed Managrass into White Managrass, which mostly just saves bleaching time. Congratulations? Declan said hesitantly. It was clear that he had no frame of reference for how much labor that would save. As a result, he had no idea how useful that mutation was, if at all. Thats beside the point, though, Jeb continued, blissfully unaware. After I made that, I was curious if I could Elementally Attune the Managrass. As it turns out, I can! Declans eyes widened. Jeb continued, before I came to the Academy, I made Watergrass. Over the break, I managed to make Firegrass, Airgrass, and Earthgrass. I havent made any of the latest ones into their own versions of Manaweave yet, but Waterweave, at least, is somewhat reusable. And thats important? Declan guessed. Jeb shrugged. Its nice to not have to constantly prepare a huge supply just to inscribe a few Glyphs. I also found that Waterweave lets others cast a prepared Glyph, even if they dont have any Glyph Magic of their own. Declans eyebrows, which had been slowly shifting back down, suddenly shot back up. Do you know what- he was interrupted by the sound of tolling bells. Shoot! he said, rising quickly. Im going to be late for Practical Enchanting. Dont think that Im going to forget this, though. Well talk about it soon. He hurried off and Jeb waved as he left. After casually finishing the rest of his meal, Jeb stood and started walking towards his first class of the day. Welcome to Theoretical Glyph Magic, the Professor called out, writing something on the board. At first glimpse, it even resembled a Glyph, at least until it started to warp. Slowly, the form solidified until it simply glowed Theoretical Glyph Magic. The Professor continued lecturing as though nothing had happened. Now, I am obligated to inform all of you that your Skills will be restricted even further than is standard for a term while you are enrolled in this course. Much of the homework becomes trivial if you have unrestricted access to a Glyph Magic Skill. And, since not everyone in this course has access to Glyph Magic through the same Skills, he peered over his glasses at Jeb. Jeb shrunk back, hoping that the rest of the class wouldnt notice the Professors attention on him. Thankfully, the pause in the Professors speech did not last very long. everyone will have their entire Status sealed to prevent any Skill related benefits. Unfortunately, this may make other coursework significantly more difficult. A list of courses within this College likely to be affected is in front of each of you. Jeb looked down and noticed a packet of small tight writing. As far as he could tell, nearly every other course in the College of Letters that he had been considering was listed there. For those of you considering dropping this course for the term to take another time, I will point out that, though the restrictions are tighter this term than is standard, they are not significantly so. Additionally, the Faculty are in discussion about the benefits of keeping these restrictions indefinitely. In short, it is not unlikely that you will be faced with a similar dilemma in future terms. Jeb quickly checked his own course schedule. None of the other courses he was in, save maybe Advanced Theoretical Enchanting, sounded like they would conflict with his restricted Status. He noticed that a few of the other students in the course stood to leave after the Professors warning. One called out, I must have gotten the wrong room. I was searching for Practical Glyph Magic. Sorry for the disturbance. The rest just ducked their heads and left the room. This is your final chance to withdraw from the course, the Professor said, voice tenser now. Seeing that no one else stood, he nodded and started waving his hands through the air. As he did, a number of small Glyphs started appearing as though they were trailing his motion. Jeb watched as they started to combine with each other, slowly shaping into a larger and larger single Glyph. It was far more complex than any Glyph he had ever seen. The Professor stopped waving his hands. The Glyph pulsed once and then seemed to fragment into fifteen identical versions of itself. Each fragment flew through the air towards one of the students in the course. Jeb watched as the Glyph approached him, tensing slightly. It flew directly into him, feeling as substantial as a beam of soft sunshine. Once it hit him, though, the pain started. Jeb hadnt noticed how sore his muscles had gotten from his long days of working the Academy fields. I suppose it makes sense that the System gives me some benefits to prevent pain, he thought as his arms, legs, and back all screamed. He forced the pain down, trying to listen to what the Professor was saying. Now that all of the preparations for this course are finished, please pull out a sheet of Manaweave. Your first assignment is to Inscribe a Spell Glyph onto that sheet. If you know any Zeroth Tier Spells, now would be a fantastic time to consider using it. Jeb tried to pull up his Status. He had never bothered to memorize all the Glyphs he knew, since they were never more than a moments thought away. Now that his Status was sealed, however, his Status did not respond to his calls. Jeb frowned. Apparently he was not the only one, because the Professor called out in a bright tone, if you do not remember which Glyphs you have learned, this is the general form of the Attune Mana Glyph. He sketched the Glyph on the air in front of himself and glowing light traced it. Seeing the beginnings of the Glyph were enough to remind Jeb of his efforts learning Attune Water Mana months ago. He formed the Glyph again in his mind and willed it onto the page. The sheet of Manaweave he had made remained bare. Jeb had a moment to consider what might be wrong with his Manaweave before the Professor was beside him. What are you focusing so intently on? he asked. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I was trying to push Attune Water Mana onto this piece of Manaweave, Jeb said, but it isnt seeming to catch. The Professor nodded. Given that I have sealed your ability to cast Glyph based Magic, that is unsurprising. Did you bring a pen? Jeb nodded in understanding and pulled out the pen. Without the System prompting him on exactly the way that the Glyph looped and connected, Jeb knew that whatever he drew was going to be less than perfect. Still, he tried his hardest, even going so far as to imply depth the way that he remembered previous pieces of Manaweave showing them. By the time that he had finished, the bells were tolling the end of the period. Jeb jolted in his seat. He hadnt realized that it had taken that long for him to craft the Glyph in front of him. The Professor walked around and picked up all of the sheets of Manaweave that students had written on. When he got to Jeb, he started to slide the sheet of Manaweave between his fingers while frowning slightly. Is something wrong? Jeb asked. The Professor shook his head. No, I am just a little unsure why you are using such high quality Manaweave as scratch paper. Where did you purchase this? I didnt, Jeb replied. Seeing that the Professor was about to say something, he quickly continued, I made that over the term break. Truthfully, Jeb had felt like the Manaweave he made was of much lower quality than the sheets his uncle had given him. Hmm, the Professor said, clearly thinking. Are you the student in the Remedial College? He had asked the question quietly, but was clearly not making an effort to prevent other students from hearing. A few did and turned towards Jeb, eyes full of questions. Yes, Jeb replied. Understanding suddenly flashed in the Professors eyes. Ah, right, he said, moving away from Jeb, I remember what Aquam said. Jeb wanted to ask what Dean Aquam had said, but the Professor was already multiple students away. The desire not to draw attention to himself was stronger than his need to know. After all, Jeb reasoned with himself, I can figure out what that was about next time I talk to Dean Aquam. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 16
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1246/204
Total Statistic Load: 858
Physical Load: 278
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 64
Mental Load: 580
Intelligence: 126
Willpower: 127
Magic Affinity: 119
Mana Depth: 104
Charisma: 104
Mana: 2015
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 135: Business Jeb packed up his supplies and left the classroom. Walking aimlessly, he decided to trust the Academy to lead him wherever was best for him to go. As the smell of books started to grow, Jeb nodded to himself. Now was as good of a time as any to check out the textbooks he would need for the term. Librarian Kaitlyn was talking to Margaret when Jeb fully entered the Library. They turned, and both waved, Peeking behind Margaret, Jeb saw that Philip was standing there as well. For whatever reason, he had blended into the background until Jeb focused on him. Good morning, Jeb, the two Librarians called out. How can the Library help you today? Kaitlyn continued. I was hoping to check out the materials I will need for my courses this term, Jeb replied. Kaitlyn handed him a stack of books. I was wondering when you would come in. Jeb took a quick glance at the different titles on the covers. It seemed like he only needed a single textbook for each of his courses this term, which was a bit of a relief. Without the System supporting him as much, he was very aware of the fact that a stack of books was not weightless. Thank you! he said. Kaitlyn and Margaret nodded. As Jeb walked into the Stacks, he heard them murmur something to each other. When Jeb made it to his desk, he was unsurprised to see that it was empty. The only people he had ever seen in the Stacks were clearly still in the front of the Library. He quickly glanced at the syllabus for Theoretical Glyph Magic. It did not have any assigned readings for the next class period, so he set it down with the tome labeled Theoretical Glyphs. Jeb picked up the textbooks he had been given the previous term for Remedial Civics and made his way to his independent study. Professor Fredrick waved as Jeb entered the room before quickly suppressing a look of worry. After a quick glance at the clock on the wall, he frowned slightly. It is good to see you Jeb, he said, but I believe that you are early for our independent study. Jeb shrugged. I had an awkward amount of time after picking up my textbooks for the term and wasnt sure how else to spend it. I can leave and come back in, he glanced at the clock on the wall, half an hour if youd rather. The Professor shook his head vehemently. There is no need for that, he said firmly. If you would like, we can move our meeting time up by half an hour for the term. Jeb looked at his schedule again. I dont see any problems with that, he said hesitantly, but I dont want to be a burden. Professor Fredrick waved his objections away. It is no problem for me. Truthfully, it will be nice to be able to leave the Academy slightly earlier. Jeb cocked his head in confusion. Professor Fredrick clearly played through the conversation they had just had. Jeb, has no one told you that Professors are not also required to sleep at the Academy? Jeb shook his head. No, I had just assumed that everyone at the Academy stays at the Academy through the entire term. That is generally true for students and Deans. If I had to estimate what Professors do, on the other hand, I would guess that no more than half of us spend our nights behind Academy walls. Why not? Fredrick shook his head. That is beyond the scope of this study. I am sure that you can think of a number of reasons on your own time if you care to, though. Jeb nodded, and the two resumed their journey through the Civics material that the Academy felt he was lacking. Jeb noticed a clear difference from the previous term. At the beginning of his first term in the Academy, every rule and regulation that he learned seemed arbitrary, as though they were made on the whims of someone powerful. Now that he had read through a number of them and learned about the structure of the government, a number of the seemingly arbitrary decisions seemed, if not reasonable, then at least understandable. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Jeb left the independent study and went to the cafeteria. After a quick meal, he returned to the Stacks to study for the remainder of the day. The next morning, he opened the door leading out of his room and stopped. There were two sheets of paper hanging in the air at his eye level. Frowning slightly, Jeb picked them up. He nodded as he read through the first page. It was an updated schedule which reflected the change in his independent study meeting time. I wonder what the other page could be, Jeb thought absently. The page was blank save for four words.
See me.
Dean Aquam
Strange, Jeb thought. I wonder what that could be about. The lack of any time for meeting was a little confusing, and Jeb debated whether he should go to breakfast first, or whether it would be best for him to just go straight to the Deans office. Since hed woken up between bells, Jeb had no clear idea what time it was. The steady glow of light in his room did nothing to tell him the time, and so he decided to go to breakfast. Maybe Dean Aquam will be there, Jeb justified the decision. Inside the cafeteria, Jeb saw Dean Aquam sitting with his customary bowl of broth. The Dean waved as he entered but didnt make any gestures implying that he wanted Jeb to sit right away. With nothing else distracting him, Jeb went and filled a plate with breakfast food. As he walked towards the tables, Dean Aquam waved him over. Good morning! Jeb called out cheerily as he neared the table. Good morning, Jeb, the Dean replied in a more sedate tone. Did you receive my letter? Jeb nodded. What did you want to meet with me about? The Dean shook his head. Not here. Is my memory correct? Before Jeb could ask on what topic, he continued, you do not have a course scheduled for a number of hours yet? Jeb took a quick glance at his schedule to make sure that nothing else had changed with the shifting of his independent study. It doesnt look like I do! he replied. Then, assuming you have no objections, I would like to have you come to my office for this conversation. Jeb looked at his food, worried that he would have to waste it. A smile finally broke out on the Deans face. It is nothing so urgent that you cannot finish your breakfast first. How was your first day of the new term? The two chatted amiably until Jeb had finished his meal. A slow trickle of students had begun to filter into the room as the two left. Dean Aquam remained quiet during their walk to his office, and Jeb walked behind him in mirrored silence. When they made it inside the office, the Dean closed the door behind Jeb and took a seat behind his desk. He gestured for Jeb to sit, and he did. Do you know why I have called you into my office today? the Dean asked. I have no idea, Jeb replied honestly. The Dean did not respond immediately, so Jeb took a moment to stop and think. Since he had seen the Dean the day before the term began, it had to be something from yesterday. Jeb thought through all of his interactions, trying to find anything that might be relevant to the Dean. Understanding dawned as he thought about his Theoretical Glyph Magic course. Oh! he said, my Theoretical Glyph Professor said that he would talk to you. It sounded like he wanted to talk about the Manaweave I made? he proposed hesitantly. The Dean nodded. Do you know why your Professor would like to purchase your Manaweave? Jeb shook his head, and the Dean began nodding again. If I remember correctly, you said in the past that the only Manaweave you used prior to your entry into the Academy was made by your uncle? Jeb began nodding. Take this, the Dean said, holding out a sheet of what Jeb assumed was Manaweave. He nearly dropped it as soon as his fingers closed around it. It felt rough, almost like sandpaper. I wonder if Sandweave will feel like this, Jeb thought idly as he resisted the urge to toss the sheet of Manaweave back at his advisor. The Dean seemed to notice Jebs discomfort and reached to take the page back. Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Jeb handed it over. Do I need to elaborate on why your Manaweave might be seen as preferable to this? The Dean asked, tone light. No. Jeb replied flatly. Would you be interested in selling some of your Manaweave to your Professor or other interested parties? Is there any reason that I shouldnt? Jeb asked. The Dean shrugged. I know a number of people who found that projects they enjoyed working on became much less pleasurable once they were paid to continue them. Other than that, though, the only reason that comes immediately to mind is if you do not want to produce more than the amount of Manaweave that you plan to use. Another thought popped into Jebs head. Oh! he exclaimed, this would be a good way for me to pay off my debt to the Censusmaster, wouldnt it? The Dean looked towards the ceiling, clearly considering his answer. That is potentially true, yes, he finally answered. We can discuss exactly what you plan to do with your earnings later. How many sheets of Manaweave would you be able to produce? Jeb cocked his head. In what timeframe? The Dean sighed. That is a reasonable answer, I suppose. Would making fifty sheets by the end of the term be outside of the question? I dont think so, Jeb replied, before remembering the Weavers offer. Do I need to weave the Manaweave myself? The Deans brows furrowed. No, I suppose that it does not matter where you get the Manaweave from, so long as it is high enough quality. Thank you! Jeb said, standing. Then fifty sheets will be no issue at all. Jeb left the room and began walking towards the Workshop. Chapter 136: Negotiations When Jeb reached the door of the Workshop, he paused for a moment. Would it be better to have the Managrass ready for the Weaver when I ask him to weave it? he asked himself, then shrugged. It probably wouldnt hurt anything if he had to go back to get it, and there was no guarantee that the Weaver would even be willing to weave it for him. The thought of just selling the Managrass directly to the Weaver and skipping the intermediate step of having it woven before selling to his Glyph Professor flitted through Jebs head, but he dismissed it. He had already agreed to provide the Manaweave, and his family had taught him better than to renege on his obligations. The Weaving Workshop was not immediately visible when Jeb arrived. As he watched the different crafts pass him by, though, it only took a few minutes for the door labeled Weaving to appear. Jeb focused on it and walked towards the Weaver again, repressing the part of him that wanted to avoid this place. The interior of the Weaving Workshop looked much like it had the last time Jeb was inside. The only difference was a new tapestry hanging opposite the entrance. Jeb knew at once where all of the Manathread that the Weaver had taken went. The prismatic mural on the back wall could be nothing else. Whos there? the Weavers voice called from one of the side closets. Its me, Jeb called hesitantly, Jeb. Ah! the Weaver suddenly appeared far from any of the doors, rapidly moving towards Jeb. I was wondering when you would return to my domain. Did you bring more Managrass to trade? The sheer longing in the Weavers tone was startling enough that Jeb found himself relaxing. It was unexpected, sure, but the hunger did not seem directed at Jeb, which made it far more bearable. Not at this exact moment, no, Jeb replied. Seeing the Weavers expression darken, he hurried on, I was hoping to make a deal with you. The Weavers eyes lit with some expression that Jeb could not quite name. It was too hungry to be glee, though mania seemed too aggressive. Oh? What can I offer you, and what have you to offer me? He continued his approach towards Jeb as he asked the questions. Jeb cocked his head, frowning. Is there something you would want other than Managrass? The Weaver paused, stopping in his tracks. Many things, he replied after a long pause, there are many and countless things that I desire. However, Managrass is certainly something you can offer me. What would you ask in return? Jeb took a moment before responding himself. Hesitantly, he spoke, would you be willing to make Manaweave like how you taught me? The Weaver cocked his own head, though something about the gesture seemed almost inhuman to Jeb. As he stared into Jebs eyes, Jeb shuddered slightly. After staring for far longer than Jeb felt comfortable, a light seemed to spark in the Weavers eyes. Ah, you have felt the trash that peddlers sell as Manaweave. He scoffed, as though there was something ridiculous about the implied assumption that he would make something so low quality. Yes, I would be willing to make Manaweave. How many sheets do you require? Jeb looked up as though he were considering the question. Including the Managrass you keep for yourself, how much would I need to bring to get sixty sheets of Manaweave? As long as he was bartering, Jeb thought it might be nice to get some Manaweave for himself. The Weaver hummed. I find it interesting that you did not seek to negotiate my price separately. Then again, I suppose that is in line with the way you presented yourself before. He began moving again, and Jeb resisted the urge to turn his entire body to track him. This was the Weavers space, after all. He had the right to go wherever in it he wanted. The Weaver sang something to himself in a tuneless voice. It was clearly not in the Republic language that the two had been speaking in just a moment before. Twice again more than what you brought the first time, he suddenly said, voice breaking out of whatever song he had been singing. Im sorry? Jeb replied, half missing the statement. I will need twice again more than what you brought the first time, he replied again. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb worked through the sentence in his head. Three times as much? The Weaver started nodding vigorously, shooing Jeb out. Yes, yes, now go and come back with the Managrass. As Jeb left the room, he asked a final question, do I need to bring it all at once, or could I bring it in portions? The Weaver said nothing for a long moment, and Jeb began to wonder if he hadnt heard. Just as he was getting ready to repeat himself, the Weaver spoke. So long as you bring at least a third as much each time as you brought the first time, that will be sufficient. Jeb nodded and moved back to his room. As he walked, he started to consider what he could spend his newfound income on. The immediate idea of paying off his debts to the Censusmaster felt less and less satisfying the more he thought about it. After all, as long as the Dean didnt think that he was paying it off too slowly, there was no consequence in delaying payment. What else could I spend money on? he thought as he entered his room and started gathering the fibers of Managrass he had grown. The only thing Im missing is my family, and its not like- Jeb froze, hand halfway into his bag. Both Declan and Catherine had gone to see their families over the term break. Jeb hadnt because he knew that it was not safe to travel alone. If he could travel with a caravan, though, that would mitigate most of the risks. Jeb made a note to see if he could go to town to find a caravan heading where he needed to go at the next term break. He hadnt heard anything about not being allowed off the Academy campus, but wanted to confirm that with Dean Aquam. Once he had gathered all of his Managrass fibers, Jeb began the walk back to the Workshop. As he heard the bells tolling, though, he quickly changed direction. He had somehow lost hours during his conversation with the Weaver, and he was almost late for Advanced Theoretical Enchanting. Rushing towards the classroom, Jeb hoped that Declan had saved him a seat. To his relief, there was a seat directly beside Declan, and Professor Bearson still hadnt entered the classroom. As the last bells tolled, he strode in through a door that existed only as long as he was using it. Jeb had grown used to his style of entrance over the previous term and didnt bat an eye at it. Welcome to the second semester of Theoretical Enchanting, Professor Bearson said. I see that most of you were in my course last term, and the rest of you I know from independent studies. As a result, I will be eliding through most of the expectations within my syllabus, as they remain unchanged from last term. If you have any questions, you are, of course, welcome to see me during my office hours. Now, are there any lingering questions from last term? A few students raised their hands, and the class fell quickly into rhythm. Jeb did not doubt the Professors claim that most of the students in the course were in Theoretical Enchanting the previous term. There were maybe a dozen students in total in the class, and he thought that he recognized all but one or two of them. Candidate Therese was there as well, which was a bit surprising. When the class ended, Jeb walked over to her, curious why she was in the class. Good day, Candidate Therese, he said formally. Good day, Jeb, she replied. Is there some way that I can help you? I was just wondering why youre in this class. I had assumed that someone in charge of the laboratory section would have already finished the entire course sequence. She nodded. That is a reasonable, though not always true, assumption. It is true for me, however. I took this course, she paused for a moment, a few terms ago, she finished hesitantly, as though she expected Jeb to call the statement out as untrue. When he didnt, she looked at him strangely for a moment and continued, I want to be a Professor when I finish my degree, and Professor Bearson believes that it would be in my best interest to watch the way that he teaches so I can begin to develop my own curricula. I will still be teaching the laboratory component of this course, if that was going to be your next question. It wasnt, Jeb admitted, but Im glad. Anyways, sorry for bothering you. She smiled kindly. It was no bother at all. I will see you in the laboratory. She stood to leave and Jeb moved away, turning to see Declan directly behind him. Are you about to do something? he asked. Jeb nodded. I am! Oh, Declan said, moving out of Jebs way. Do you want to get breakfast together again? Jeb looked at his schedule. I should be able to! he replied. What time were you thinking? Declan rolled his eyes, a small smile starting to form. Not first bell, or whatever ridiculous time youre waking these days. Before Jeb could object to the statement, he continued, how is seventh bell? Sounds good! Jeb replied, moving towards the exit. Have a nice night! You too, Jeb. Jeb hurried to the Workshop, hopeful that the Weaver would still be there. When he opened the door, the Weaver was standing directly in the entryway. Were you lost in your journey back to the Workshop? he asked, tone full of something that bordered on concern. No, Jeb replied, shaking his head, I just lost track of time and was almost late to my next class. Is this enough Managrass to start? he asked as he began to pull the fibers out of his bag. The Weaver made no effort to mask the glee on his face as he began to collect the fibers. It is, he confirmed, head bobbing, I should have your Manaweave ready by the third dawn from now. Which bell is that? Jeb asked. After a term in the Academy, he had started to think of the passing of time less by the rise and fall of the sun and more by the tolling of bells. The Weaver scoffed. Come after eighth bell, he said, tone imperious, and turned to leave. Jeb waved. Ok! See you in a few days. Chapter 137: Day Pass After leaving the Weaving Workshop, Jeb made his way to Dean Aquams office. He was not inside, if the sign on his door was to be trusted, so Jeb shrugged and went to the Library to study. Even though none of his courses had assignments due in the next few days, he knew that it was better to get ahead early. The next morning, Jeb woke well before his planned breakfast with Declan. Maybe Dean Aquam will be in the cafeteria, Jeb thought, making his way there. If not, Jeb could always just go to the Stacks to study for a few hours before he and Declan breakfasted. To Jebs relief, Dean Aquam was just sitting down to eat when Jeb entered the cafeteria. Dean Aquam waved him over, and Jeb went to sit by him. Is there something you need? Dean Aquam asked. Am I allowed to leave the Academy? Jeb asked. Dean Aquam set his bowl of broth down. Excuse me? he asked, tone concerned. Jeb realized what he had said and flushed slightly. Sorry, I meant for a day trip. Seeing that the Dean was only partially mollified, Jeb began explaining. I was thinking about different ways that I could spend the money that Im going to get from selling Manaweave. Something I realized is that I really miss my family, and I was hoping that I could join a caravan to visit them over one of the term breaks. Dean Aquam nodded. And you would need to find one of these caravans well before the end of term. To answer your first question, students may request day passes from their Dean to visit the Capital. To answer the implied second question, yes, I would be willing to give you a day pass. Oh! Jeb replied. Thank you, he said after a moment, standing to leave. Dean Aquam cocked his head. Do you not want the day pass now? Jeb shook his head. I agreed to meet Declan for breakfast today, and I have a course after that. Dean Aquam nodded. Find me on whichever day you decide to go to the Capital. Jeb looked at his schedlue. Would tomorrow work? The Dean nodded, and Jeb left him to his breakfast. After a few hours of studying in the Stacks, Jeb returned to the cafeteria and waved at Declan. Good morning, Jeb, Declan said, tone oddly subdued. Good morning, Declan! Jeb replied. Is something wrong? Declan rolled his eyes. Other than the absurdly early hour? No, nothing in particular. The two broke apart for a moment as each went to fill their plates with food. When the two were again seated at the table, Jeb paused for a moment, waiting to see if Declan was going to begin the conversation immediately. After a moment of silence, Jeb nodded to himself and began to eat his breakfast. Halfway through Jebs second bite, Declan cleared his throat. Would now be a good time to continue our conversation from breakfast the other day? Yes! Jeb replied. What were you wondering? What did you mean that anyone could cast a Glyph with Waterweave? Jeb looked at his friend. The two stared at each other for a long moment. Im not sure if I understand the question, Jeb replied honestly. I thought it was a fairly self explanatory statement. So you could cast a Glyph Spell with Waterweave? Declan demanded. Jeb paused, much more confused. Yes? he replied hesitantly. But you already knew that I could cast Glyph Spells, right? The confusion on Declans face peaked for a moment before starting to fade. He nodded. Yes, I do remember that now. Could I cast a Glyph from Waterweave? Jeb nodded excitedly. So you would need someone to put the Glyph onto a piece of Waterweave and imbue it with Mana, but then yeah! Anyone could. Isnt that really amazing? Declan shuddered. Amazing? Sure, absolutely. Terrifying? Also without question. Jebs brows furrowed. What could be terrifying about that? Declan stared at Jeb, clearly replaying most of their friendship back through his head. Finally he nodded and asked hesitantly, how familiar are you with crime? The word? Jeb asked. Im aware of what it means, he finished hesitantly. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Declan shook his head, tone growing in confidence. Imagine for a moment that you were trying to commit a crime. Ok, Jeb said, mind helpfully supplying a number of activities that Professor Fredrick had assured him were against the law. Something must have shown in his eyes, because Declan shuddered for a moment. Sorry, he said, holding up his hands, I think I might have framed it badly. Imagine that you were investigating a crime. Jeb squinted, trying to imagine how he could find himself in the situation of being responsible for investigating a crime. After a moment, he nodded. Say that you have a registry of everyone that knows a certain Glyph, Declan prompted, and Jeb began nodding far more vigorously. Professor Fredrick had drilled in the idea that not all Spells were publicly available. When people learned them, they were obligated to register their knowledge with the Republic, due to how dangerous they were. If you could put that Glyph on a piece of Waterweave, there would be no way to know who actually cast the Spell at any given incident, Jeb supplied. Exactly! Declan raised a hand in triumph. Im not sure why you think thats likely, though, Jeb rebutted. Professor Fredrick made it very clear that no one who knows a restricted Glyph is left in a situation where they would need to commit a crime, because that is an inefficient use of resources. How would someone who wanted to commit a crime get the Glyph onto Waterweave? Declan paused, his own brow now creased in confusion. After a moment, it straightened. Ok fine, he conceded, even if it would be difficult to get a restricted Glyph onto a piece of Waterweave, it would still increase the suspect pool for any crime committed with a Glyph. Jeb nodded in agreement. Thats true. Declan hesitated. Im sensing a but. Jeb shook his head. No, no exceptions. Increasing the availability of Glyphs might mean that more people could use them for crimes. I just dont on any level believe that the possibility of easier crimes is a reason to suppress knowledge. Think about all the good that could be done with Glyphs that can be functionally precast! Declan shrugged. So would you be willing to let me try a Glyph some time? he asked, tone carefully casual. It would depend on the Glyph, Jeb replied, and not until after the term ends. Seeing Declans face fall, he hurried to explain, my Theoretical Glyph Magic Professor sealed all of our Statuses for the term. Apparently having access to them would make doing the homework too easy. Declan gasped. And you just let them do that? Jeb shrugged. Of course, why wouldnt I? My Piano Instructor did something similar last term. Jeb paused. Well, I suppose that they did that by taking us to a slightly different dimension, but the effect was the same. Im glad that Enchanting students dont have to deal with anything like that, Declan said, glancing at the clock. And I have to go to class now. Good to see you Jeb! See you in Enchanting Class? Jeb nodded. Goodbye Declan. Ill see you then. When Declan was gone, Jeb considered whether it was worthwhile to tell him that the Enchanting laboratory they had used the previous term was also in a different space. After a moment of thought, he shrugged. Jeb wasnt entirely sure where the class had been sent, and it didnt seem like a kindness to get Declan worked up over something so harmless. He finished his breakfast leisurely and made his way to class. The next day, Jeb found Dean Aquam in the cafeteria. Im ready to go to the Capital, he said, joining the Dean at a table. Good morning to you as well, Dean Aquam said, taking a slow sip of broth. Do you have everything that you will need for the day? What would I need? The Dean looked towards the ceiling, as though he expected to see an answer there. A few moments later, he sighed. I suppose there is not much that you would need for the day. Let me go over the rules for your day pass. Jeb took out a piece of paper and began to take notes. First, you need to be back in the Academy by last bell tonight. He paused, clearly waiting for Jeb to ask a question. Jeb looked up from his note, waiting for the next rule. The Dean frowned slightly and continued, you must make sure not to lose your day pass. Or, rather, he amended himself, it is in your best interest to not lose your day pass. Getting back into the Academy with a day pass is as simple as holding it in front of you as you walk towards the entrance. Without the pass, however, you will need to go through security, which I have been told is a thoroughly unpleasant process. Understood, Jeb said. Finally, I am obligated to remind you that you represent the Academy during your day trip. Any activities that you should choose to partake in will reflect on the Academy. As a student, it is your responsibility to uphold the Academys reputation. I am certain that this will not be an issue for you? Jeb shook his head. I have no intention of causing any trouble, he replied. The Dean smiled. I was under no impression that you did, he said mollifyingly. Here is your pass, he said, holding out a piece of paper. Jeb looked at it for a moment. He was positive that the Dean hadnt been holding a sheet of paper at the beginning of the conversation. Shrugging, he took the paper. Thank you! he said, looking down at the page. It was fairly straightforward, stating that the holder, Jeb Humdrum, was entitled to travel throughout the Capital on that day. I would recommend getting breakfast before you go, Dean Aquam advised. Jeb stood and got a plate of food before returning to the table. As he ate, the Dean asked him a few more questions. Do you know the Capital districts yet? Jeb shook his head and the Dean nodded. You will want to go to the Mercantile District. How do I do that? Jeb asked, swallowing a bite of gruel. Dean Aquam stared at him for a long moment. How do you get anywhere within the Academy? he finally asked. Oh! Jeb exclaimed, I hadnt realized that the entire Capital had flexible geography. It does not. The Academy does, however, have a number of entrances around the entire Capital. The two chatted for a few more minutes before the Dean stood to leave. I will expect updates on your trip tomorrow, he said. Yes sir! Jeb replied, standing up himself. He followed the Academy through a long and winding hallway. As the walls of the hallway started to feel real for a moment, Jeb was briefly reminded of just how much stone was surrounding him. I wonder why Headmistress Petra is checking in on me, he thought to himself. The feeling faded and Jeb found himself in a plainly decorated room. There was a single desk in the room, manned by someone who was clearly bored. Day pass, he said, tone flat. Jeb showed him the page and he nodded. Have a good time in the Capital, he said, stamping the page and handing it back to Jeb. Jeb opened the door and found himself faced with the Capital. Chapter 138: A Good Deed Punished As far as Jeb could tell, the Capital had not changed in the slightest since the last time he had been there. Sure, he was in a district that he had never seen before, but the overwhelming feeling of chaos remained. People rushed from building to building, nearly colliding with the vehicles that moved as though there was no regulation on where they could travel. Jeb saw businesses offering anything that he could imagine purchasing. A few more glances showed him offerings that he could never imagine. Jeb shook himself, focusing on his goal. He was not here to window shop and admire all of the wondrous items he could purchase in another life. He was here to find a caravan heading towards his home. Jeb looked around for anything that might lead him to where caravans congregated. Nothing stood out immediately. As he kept looking around, he remembered seeing different traveling caravans during the time the Censusmaster had taken him to the Capital. They tended to spend times in inns, at least while on the road. Jeb spotted an inn and made his way over. He opened the door to a quiet but busy space. Nearly every table had at least one person sitting at it, quietly nursing a bowl of something steaming. Jeb walked to the counter and waved the Innkeeper down. Good morning to you sir, the Innkeeper inclined his head, would you be interested in a bite to eat? Seeing that Jeb was about to refuse, he hurried to add, the freezing Enchantment I have just broke down this morning, and I need to get rid of the stored food within it, so I can offer something at a very reasonable price. I just ate, Jeb replied, avoiding the fact that he did not have any money, let alone money on his person. I would be willing to try fixing your Enchantment if you would like, though. The Innkeeper squinted at him. Im sorry to refuse, sir, but I cannot afford the price to repair the Enchantment. Thank you for the kind offer, though. If you arent looking for food- Jeb held up a hand to stop him. Would you be willing to accept the repairs for trade? Jeb had spent enough time following his grandfather around town to know that many people were leery of accepting aid, especially from strangers. The Innkeepers eyes narrowed further. If you are a licensed Enchanter, working for anything but Guild rates would put your membership in danger. The unspoken comment that Jeb was clearly not a licensed Enchanter was not lost on him. Oh! Jeb replied, Im not a licensed Enchanter. Sorry, I hadnt meant to convey anything to that effect. I am a student at the Academy. For whatever reason, hearing that Jeb was a student made all of the Innkeepers tension fall out of him. Ah. Id been wondering why someone as- he paused for a moment, clearly considering how to refer to Jeb, well, suffice it to say that you being an Enchanting student certainly makes sense. Let me guess, you would like to trade repairs for a meal? He gave a knowing grin at Jeb, I remember my own days as an Apprentice. Even though my master fed me enough to keep me growing, I never turned down an offered bite. Jeb nodded, more out of politeness than any real desire to eat something. That had been my hope. The Innkeeper shrugged. I suppose there isnt much you can do to make the Enchantment more broken. Come on back, he said, gesturing for Jeb to come behind the bar. The inns kitchens were as clean as the front had been and spoke of an Innkeeper who loved the work. Jeb felt drawn to the freezer and realized with a start that he suddenly had access to his Status again. His Magic Skill was screaming at him that there was a piece of broken Magic in front of him. It could have saved the effort. Jeb could tell with a single glance what was wrong with the Enchantment. For whatever reason, the Enchanter who had made it initially had used an incredibly soft piece of metal. As water condensed and froze on it, the lines of the Enchantment slowly warped until they were no longer functional. Despite that, Jeb was fairly certain that he could recreate the Enchantment himself, since it seemed shockingly similar to one of the Enchantments that he had learned the previous term. Could you get me a sheet of steel? Jeb asked the Innkeeper without turning around. Can you give me any more details than that? the Innkeeper replied patiently. Jeb turned around, broken Enchantment in hand. Something the thickness of an average bucket would be perfect. As far as dimensions, something about as large as this piece would be ideal. Stolen novel; please report. Would this work? the Innkeeper asked, pulling a small plate of metal from a shelf. Jeb took it and looked. This should work, he said, nodding and turning back around to face the slowly warming freezer. Thankfully, whoever had made the freezer had done a much better job insulating it than they had with the Enchantment. Jeb wouldnt be dawdling in replacing it, but it was nice to know that he was not under any particular rush to finish. As he went to begin Enchanting it, he reached out absently for an etching tool like he would usually use to inscribe an Enchantment into a piece of steel. As his hand found nothing but air, he remembered where he was. Hmm, Jeb thought to himself, how can I Enchant this without making a physical mark? He thought about the Enchantments that most of his classmates wrought. Very few of them had any physical cues showing that they were Enchanted, as though they were able to push the Magic into a piece of material without anything physical. Jeb wasnt at that level of expertise, he knew, but the fact remained that he should not need to physically etch the surface with his Enchantment. A glance at his Status reminded Jeb that he had access to Least Create Fire and Least Shape Fire at that moment. Between the two of those, he was positive that he would be able to shape the Enchantment in heat on the metal. From there, he reasoned, it would be easy enough to convince the rapidly cooling piece of steel that it wanted to continue cooling. Shielding the block from the Innkeepers gaze, Jeb made a small flame in replica of the Enchantment. The metal directly under it began to heat, and as the heat started to leak out into the surrounding metal, Jeb pushed with his mind to make the Enchantment set. It was a strange feeling to use both a Glyph and try to Enchant something at once. It almost felt like Jeb was trying to draw with both hands at once. If not for his Magic Skill encompassing both pieces of Magic, he wasnt sure if he would have been able to make it work. When the Enchantment set, Jeb immediately felt the steel begin to cool. By the time that the heated parts of the steel had dropped below room temperature, Jeb was affixing the plate to the same place that the first sheet had come from. That should be everything, Jeb said, turning to the Innkeeper. The Innkeeper frowned. I didnt see you do anything. He opened the freezer and seemed surprised that it was cooling off again. But it looks like youve done it. Under his breath, he continued, even if this only holds out for the day, it is still well worth a meal. Facing Jeb, he raised his voice back to a conversational level, what can I get you? Jeb shrugged. Is there anything that this inn is known for? The Innkeeper smiled. We make the best hand pies in the Capital, he said proudly. One of those would be fantastic then, Jeb said. Ill have that right out to you, the Innkeeper replied, holding open the door to the common room. Jeb took the hint and moved back outside. His going to the backroom clearly had not gone unnoticed by the other customers of the inn. One came up to Jeb as he sat at the bar. What were you doing in the kitchen? he asked, tone somehow putting Jeb on edge. I was repairing the Innkeepers freezer, Jeb replied. Why? The man smiled. It was a cold smile, for all that there was joy in it. It was clearly the kind of joy that came at someones expense. I heard the Innkeeper say this morning that he could not afford a Guild repair. You wouldnt happen to be selling your services at below Guild rates, would you? Jeb shook his head. No, sir, I was not. His time with the Censusmaster had taught Jeb not to trust representatives of the law. He was beginning to get the idea that this man represented the Guild, and partial truths to representatives of the law seemed reasonable. Oh? the man quirked an eyebrow. I dont see a receipt pad in your hand. I have a number of pockets, Jeb replied, showing the fact that his Academy uniform was, in fact covered in pockets. The man stopped smiling. Clearly this game had gone on long enough for him. Are you a Guild licensed Enchanter? Jeb shook his head. No, sir. And yet you agree that you repaired an Enchantment, in direct violation of Capital Ordinances? I repaired an Enchantment, Jeb agreed, though I do not know if that is a violation of any ordinance. The man continued as though Jeb hadnt said anything after his admission of guilt. As this is a matter of Guild law, you will stand before the Enchanting Guild. Please come with me. Im waiting for my lunch, Jeb replied. Looking at the early morning sun, er, breakfast, he amended. Do you think that this is a joke? the man demanded. No? Jeb replied. Is it essential that I go now and not in a few minutes when Ive gotten my pie? Yes. the man replied flatly. In that case, Jeb said, standing up, lead the way. The two began walking through the streets. Jeb followed closely behind, constantly tempted to turn and go somewhere else. Only the fact that the man kept checking on Jebs presence stopped him from doing so. By the time they had finished walking, it was nearly noon. Jebs feet were starting to ache from the long walk, but he forgot about it when he saw what was clearly the Enchanting Guild. It was a tall building, easily five stories, and it glowed. As Jeb stared at the building, the glow started to resolve into a number of interwoven Enchantments which came together to produce the effect. He couldnt make out what most of the Enchantments did, but what little he could understand only made light as a byproduct of whatever Magic it was working. The man smirked at Jeb. As you can see, we take Enchanting very seriously here in the Capital. Come inside, he said, moving to open the door. the Tribunal awaits. Chapter 139: Tribunal Jeb walked through the door, unsure what he was going to see behind it. The light from the open doorway spilled into the dim room. Jeb stepped inside and the door shut quickly and firmly behind him. As his eyes adjusted to the darker room, Jeb saw that it was set up comfortably. There was a thick carpet underneath his feet, and a number of chairs lined the walls. As Jeb kept looking, he saw that there was a single person sitting opposite him, on what Jeb could only describe as a throne. Are you Jeb Humdrum? the person called, voice rich and smooth. Jeb nodded. The person smiled slightly, do you speak? Jeb began to nod but paused halfway through the motion. Yes, he replied. Then I must ask you to confirm that you are Jeb Humdrum verbally. According to my Status, I am Jeb Humdrum, he confirmed. The person nodded. Inspector Francis alleges a number of offenses against you. The facts he alleges mostly boil down to the fact that you practiced Enchanting without belonging to the Guild and that you undercharged for repairs. Are those accurate? Jeb nodded. Yes, though I- The person held up a hand, cutting Jeb off. Given that you are wearing an Academy uniform, would I be correct in assuming that you are a student there? I am, Jeb confirmed. The person sighed, seeming to release a heavy load of tension as they did. That makes this so much easier. Were you aware that you are required to belong to the Enchanting Guild in order to practice the craft while within the Capital? No, Jeb replied. That is normal. I assume that you are not close to graduating? Jeb shook his head. I just started my second term. The person held up a hand to their mouth, clearly just now realizing something. I have not introduced myself! You can call me Magistrate Green. I represent the Enchanting Guild in matters of discipline. It is nice to meet you Magistrate Green, Jeb replied. The fact that you are enrolled in the Academy makes this all so much easier, Magistrate Green continued, rifling through a folder. If you fill out this paperwork, you will become a provisional member, which entitles you to practice Enchanting, so long as you make it clear that you are not a full member. While that does not protect you retroactively, the fact that you are an Academy student will absolutely shield you from any consequences of trying to help someone. In a quieter tone, Magistrate Green continued, which Inspector Francis should have known. Louder, she said, I apologize for the inconvenience. Do you need to borrow a pen to fill out the form? Jeb frowned slightly. I dont know that I want to join the Enchanting Guild, though, he said. Oh? she asked, voice calm. Is there a reason that you are opposed to joining the Enchanting Guild? Jeb paused, trying to crystallize the nebulous distaste he felt. To start, he said after a long moment, I dont have any money to pay dues. As a student member, your dues are covered. It seemed as though Magistrate Green had expected that objection and was ready with a quick answer. In fact, if you are struggling to pay your tuition, the Guild is able to provide financial assistance. I dont like that you restrict who is allowed to Enchant. As Jeb thought, that was more of his issue. A common objection. Of course, anyone is welcome to Enchant for their own personal use. For those treating Enchanting as a profession, though, it is important that they be held to a high standard. I am sure that I do not need to educate you on the many ways that a faulty Enchantment can harm someone? This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Jeb nodded, processing the information. Licensing who could Enchant for a profession still felt somewhat wrong on principle, but he had to agree that it was important to ensure that all Enchantments were safe. Having all Enchanters licensed did make sure that the average person did not get taken advantage of. He thought of another objection. But how does that relate to paying dues? The dues members pay serve a number of purposes. First, they help to take care of the families of Enchanters, on the rare occasions that one should pass before their time. In cases where there are legal disputes arising from work done, the Enchanting Guild provides legal representation to any members. As I mentioned earlier, we provide financial support to our student members. Those are simply the self-serving benefits of dues. The Guild, of course, also uses the income for any number of other projects. Dues are set low enough that no one finds them a financial burden, especially given that they do not increase without an increase in the minimum rate. Magistrate Green seemed just as calm with these answers, as though she had given them by rote hundreds of times before. Jeb couldnt argue with any of those points, though the reminder that there was a minimum rate that Enchanters could charge reminded him of his final grievance. Why is there a minimum fee for Enchanting? It seems priced high enough that most people cannot afford to have anything Enchanted. She nodded, smile fading. I agree with the issues there. The minimum price does have the unfortunate effect of limiting who can afford an Enchantment. However, prices are set such that Enchanters can afford to make a living, even if they are taking care of a family and paying off loans from their education. So the Enchanting Guild gives loans to students? That doesnt seem like something that dues would be needed for. Jeb was quick to point out. Magistrate Green shook her head. No, the payments we make for student members are not loans as such. We do require services to the Capital and public good for Journeymen whose Academy times we have sponsored, but they are still compensated. Not every Enchanter joins before entering the Academy, though. For many of them, the only way to afford tuition is by taking out loans. But not every Enchanter has loans and a family, Jeb continued to protest. Why cant they charge less? The price minimums are set to protect Enchanters from social pressures, Magistrate Green said. The world is not always a kind place, and there are many in positions of power who would seek to use their influence to take advantage of others. Before we had price minima, it was a sadly commonplace occurrence for young Enchanters to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous yet influential people. The sound of the Magistrates voice slowly faded in the room. Jeb digested what she had said. The fact that the Guild would offer protection not just to consumers, but also to its members had not occurred to him. Now that he had heard it explained, though, Jeb found it difficult to voice any particular objections to the institution. Even his introduction to the Guild, though not ideal, was still a far cry better than his introduction to the Academy. Does that assuage your concerns about the Enchanting Guild? she asked after a long moment. Jeb nodded. It does, thank you. Does that mean you are planning to become a student member? Jeb nodded, and she passed him the sheet of paper with a pen. He started filling out the front page, writing his name and confirming that he was, in fact, enrolled in the Academy. Somewhat surprisingly, the form came with a box for the Remedial College in addition to the College of Enchanting. When he got to the next mark here to confirm, though, Jeb had to pause. I dont have the Enchanting Skill, he said, looking up at the Magistrate. That is common, she replied. Please note that the form has a link to the most common child Skills of Enchanting, and at least a few of their children as well. If you know what your Skill is classified as, you can always enter it into the box as well. I dont have an Enchanting child Skill either, Jeb replied. For the first time in the conversation, Magistrate Green looked at Jeb seriously. He hadnt realized how casual her demeanor had been until now, but it felt as though she was staring deep into him, uncovering every piece of his identity. After a moment, he realized that the feeling was not some Skill of hers or a feature of her Class, simply the intensity of her gaze. Do you mean to tell me that the work you did was done without the aid of a Skill? she asked, tone oddly heavy. Jeb realized that he did, in fact, have another critique of the Enchanting Guild. Why had they allowed such shoddy work to be performed? Still, he knew better than to respond with that. No, he replied, I have what seems like a parent Skill to Enchanting. At least, he thought to himself, it seems like that to me. Interesting, she replied, pulling out another copy of the form. I do not believe that there is a way for you to join the Guild, in that case. More to the point, I do not know if it would be in your best interest to join the Enchanting Guild if your Magics are not limited solely to Enchanting. I will look into whether the rules are explicitly Enchanting and any child Skill thereof, as the form implies, or whether by laws were written with the possibility of a parent Skill as well. If it is the former, I will petition to change the rules. Should it be the latter, or should my petition be successful, I will let the Dean know. I hope that whoever it is will be willing to pass the message to you, along with their own recommendation for your next course of action. Once again, I apologize for the less than warm way that you were introduced to the Guild. She made a motion for Jeb to leave, and he left the Tribunal room. Once he was back on the street, Jeb realized that he had not asked whether he was still allowed to Enchant. Chapter 140: Plans Foiled Jeb debated whether it was worth asking if he was still allowed to Enchant outside of the Academy. It seems as though ignorance is a defense, he thought to himself, turning away from the Enchanting Guild. If I ask permission and they say no, that will be worse for me than if I dont ask and the answer would be no. If the answer is yes, then it doesnt matter if I ask. After running through the different scenarios, Jeb felt comfortable with his choice. There was, of course, the slight chance that it was currently not allowed but that it would be if he asked. If that were true, then not asking would be a poor decision. Still, he only hesitated for a moment before continuing back to the inn he had visited. As he retraced his steps, Jeb realized that the Inspector had not taken him on the most direct route from the inn to the Enchanting Guild. Despite that, he followed the winding path that the Inspector had made, in case the streets were not all as much of a grid as they had appeared. While he walked, Jeb tried to remember why he had come out that morning. The nervousness he had felt while going to the Enchanting Guild had stripped his mind of everything else he normally carried in it. Only when he got to the door of the inn did Jeb remember what his goal had been when the Inspector had removed him from the premesis. When he went inside, he waved to the Innkeeper, who rushed out from behind the bar. What are you doing back here? the man asked, voice tinged with panic. I was hoping to get my hand pie, Jeb replied honestly. His journey through the city had been enough of an exertion that he found himself hungry again. The Innkeeper shook his head in clear disbelief. Is that it? Jeb paused, frowning. Even though eating a hand pie had been the last thing he was about to do, that couldnt have been why he left the Academy that morning. He started playing through the day backwards in his head, trying to remember what he was doing before fixing the Enchanting on the Innkeepers freezer. Oh! he exclaimed, finally remembering. I was hoping to find a caravan so I can go home at the next term break. The Innkeeper nodded, expression growing warm. Have you been away from home for very long? Jeb shrugged. The Censusmaster took me at the Census, which was midsummer. Given the Capitals proximity to the ocean, Jeb was not entirely sure what season it was. All the trees were still just as green now as they had been when he first came to the city. And was that your first time away from home? the Innkeeper asked, tone seeming somewhat concerned. Other than a brief visit to my aunts workshop, yes. Where are you looking to go? Have you heard of Humdrumville? Jeb asked hopefully. Seeing the Innkeepers grimace, he continued, I think that the closest city is Midville, but even that is not particularly large. Understanding blossomed in the Innkeepers eyes. I do know Midville. There are a few caravans that go in that direction, since it leads to the borders of the Republic. I dont know when the Academy term ends, but Liam over there, he gestured to a lean man who seemed to be nursing the same beer that Jeb had seen him with that morning, leads one of those caravans. Thank you! Ill have the hand pie out in a few minutes, the Innkeeper said, moving back behind the bar. If he still had unresolved questions about Jebs interactions with the Enchanting Guild, he clearly was not going to be the one to broach them. Jeb walked over to the Caravan Leader. Good day, Jeb said, my name is Jeb. The Innkeeper said that you have a caravan that goes near Midville. Liam looked him up and down, clearly assessing Jeb. After a moment, he nodded. An Academy student I see, he said, gesturing to the uniform Jeb was still wearing. Are you planning to take a leave of absence from the Academy? Jeb frowned slightly. No? The Caravan Leader nodded again. Are you working on your post doctoral project? I cannot imagine that theres anything worth studying in Midville. Then again, I suppose thats why Im not the one doing research. No, Jeb replied again, I was hoping to go between terms to see my family. Liams happy expression faltered slightly. Do you know how long the trip to Midville from the Capital takes? Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Jeb grimaced. It was at least a few weeks when I came here, he said, but I was hoping that the Censusmaster was just taking his time. Liam shook his head. I cant speak to the pace that the Censusmaster was keeping, but that is much faster than a journey with us. If we were just going to and from Midville, we could potentially make a trip to the city in the length of a single term break. Getting back would only be possible if everything went completely perfectly. Oh. And, of course, Liam continued, we do not go directly to Midville without stopping. Truthfully, we only stop there because theres nothing else of note within five days of travel, and there is a Woodcarver there that often gets commissions from larger stops on the route. Jeb had an idea about who that Woodcarver was, but it did not seem relevant to the conversation. I understand, Jeb said after a long pause. Do you know if there are any other caravans that might go there more quickly? The man gave him a slow sad smile. I wish I could help you, he said, but I truthfully dont know of any faster route to the middle of the Republic other than hiring a group to escort you there as their sole mission. Of course, that will be- he gestured something that Jeb interpreted as ruinously expensive, before speaking again. That being said, if you should ever decide to take a leave of absence from the Academy, my caravan would be happy to have you come with us. I saw what you did for the Innkeeper, he gestured to the kitchen, and I dont want you leaving here today thinking that good deeds go punished. Thank you! Jeb replied. He couldnt think of anything else to say, and moved back to the bar. The Innkeeper came back out with a pastry disc. Seeing Jeb back at the bar, he asked, how did the conversation go? Jeb shrugged, feeling as though that was rapidly becoming his default motion. It takes too long to get to Midville for me to go there for a term break. Ill need to find another way there. The Innkeeper laid a comforting hand on Jebs shoulder. That must have been difficult to hear. Sorry that today must have been filled with disappointments. Its alright, Jeb replied, trying to look on the bright side. At least I have a hand pie. The Innkeeper smiled slightly and left. Jeb bit into the hot pie. It was delicious, filled with a thick gravy and well seasoned vegetables. When he had finished the pie, he stood and left the inn. It only took him a few minutes to find the building he had left the Academy from. The same man was sitting at the desk when he came in. As Jeb approached, he stood. What are you doing here? he demanded. Jeb frowned slightly, pulling out his day pass. I was in the Capital on a day pass. Im coming back from that. The man cocked his head. Its not even sunset. Are you sure that there is nothing else you need to do in the city? Jeb nodded. Well then, the man took his day pass, welcome back to the Academy. As Jeb walked through the door in the back of the room, he did not see the hallway that had led to it. Instead, he found himself in the indeterminate tunnels that made up the bulk of his travels through the Academy. Jeb followed them, intentionally focused on not trying to go anywhere in particular. Wherever the Academy was sending him, he trusted it to be the right place. In retrospect, Jeb thought, staring at the forest that made up Dean Aquams entryway, seeing the Dean after my day trip makes sense. Debriefing the Dean on what had happened had been the furthest thing from his mind, so Jeb was grateful that the Academy had thought of it. Though, the longer Jeb had walked through the tunnels, the more that he felt his connection to the System being buried again. This time, though, he was able to feel the change as it happened. It was a strange feeling. It was somewhat like when he had first left the swarm and hive. The connection between them slowly faded, as though there was a greater distance. Unlike with his Bindings, though, the feeling did not stop at some arbitrary level of weakness. His connection to the System kept fading until it was completely buried. Dean Aquam opened the door to his office as Jeb neared it. Welcome back, Jeb, he said, seeming somewhat confused. What are you doing back so early? It turns out that caravans are too slow to get back to my hometown in the span of a single term break, Jeb said simply. I am sorry to hear that, Dean Aquam said. Did anything else of note happen? Oh! Jeb exclaimed. I may or may not have gotten in trouble with the Enchanting Guild. Dean Aquam sighed. As soon as you left, I had to question my wisdom in not warning you against performing Magic in the Capital. Foolish me, I had assumed that there would not be an easy opportunity for you to demonstrate. What happened? Jeb quickly ran through the days events, this time making clear his distaste of the person who had first Enchanted the freezer. Dean Aquam listened along, frowning slightly. I do not believe that the freezer was initially Enchanted by a member of the Guild, Dean Aquam said when Jeb had finished his recollection of the events, though I will still bring your concerns to the Guild. Oh? Why do you think someone unlicensed made the initial Enchantment? Jeb asked. The fact that they used such an inferior piece of material is one strong piece of evidence. Moreso, though, the fact that there was an Inspector in the inn who did nothing to repair the system himself. It reflects badly on the Enchanting Guild to have Enchantments they make break down. When that happens, Inspectors are sent out to determine what went wrong. Given that the Inspector did not make any comments about the Innkeepers misuse of the Enchantment, my only other thought is that it was not made by the Guild in the first place. Jeb hadnt considered that. The fact that there was an Inspector watching him make an Enchantment had just seemed like a strange coincidence. But the Innkeeper said that he couldnt afford someone from the Guild coming to repair it, he protested. The Dean looked at Jeb impassively. There are a number of reasons that he could have said that, most of which relate to the fact that there was an Inspector in the inn. Nevertheless, he continued, I am glad that you did not get into too much trouble today. Chapter 141: Theoretical Glyphs The rest of Jebs conversation with the Dean went quickly. After the conversation, he went to the plot of the land that the Academy had reserved for him and grew a crop of Managrass. If I ever want to go home, Ill need to hire something faster than a caravan. The thought made Jeb realize that he hadnt figured out how to pay for this terms tuition. The previous term, he remembered, had been paid for by a scan of his Status. Jeb rushed back to the Deans office, only to find that he was not there. He went to the Library and wrote a quick note to the Dean about his tuition, sliding it under his doorway. Hopefully hell see this. He spent the rest of the night studying at his desk in the Stacks, listening to the books rearrange themselves on their shelves. The next morning, Jeb saw a note in his doorway when he opened it.
Jeb,
I had assumed that you would wish to use the proceeds from the sale of your Manaweave to pay for your tuition this and future terms. If that is not the case, please let me know.
Dean Aquam
Jeb nodded as he read the letter. Anything he could do to avoid going further into debt was probably a good idea, even if he would not have to pay off the Censusmasters debt for a long time. Jeb went to breakfast and ate a quick meal before heading to his Theoretical Glyphs course. Class that day again focused on each of the students drawing a Glyph from memory. This time, clearly to make it easier, the Professor had distributed textbooks of Attune Mana Glyphs. Jeb had never learned any of the Glyphs on the book, and was more than a little surprised to find out that Clay was apparently also a First Tier Element. After a moment of further consideration, he decided that it made a fair amount of sense. It wasnt that much different than Sand, which he had created an Attuning Glyph for. As Jeb looked around the room, he saw that no one else seemed to be copying out one of the Glyphs exactly. If the Professor had selected Glyphs that no one in the course knew, that would explain the Elements he had chosen. Flame was represented, but not Fire. Jeb idly wondered how the two Elements differed, and made a note to himself to read up on that in the future. Despite his efforts, the class period ended without Jeb having successfully scribed a Glyph onto his Manaweave. Jeb stayed after class to see if the Professor had any advice. I would simply advise you to continue working, the Professor said calmly. Seeing that Jeb was feeling somewhat disheartened, he continued, I expect no more than half of the students in this course to successfully Inscribe a Glyph by the end of the term. Then why is that the only assignment you have us work on in class? Jeb asked. It is far easier for me to see whether students are learning and trying to actually draw Glyphs from memory and knowledge of principles of Glyph construction when they do it in front of me. For that reason, I assign the readings to be done outside of class. Oh, Jeb replied, a little confused. Thank you. The Professor nodded, and Jeb left the classroom, considering what the Professor had said. The fact that he did not expect everyone in the course to be able to Inscribe a Glyph was emblematic of something, Jeb was sure. Try as he might, though, Jeb could not figure out what it signified. Back in the Library, Jeb looked at the syllabus for Theoretical Glyphs. As Jeb had suspected after meeting with the Professor, he saw now that there were neither homeworks nor examinations in the schedule that the Professor had given at the beginning of the course. At first, Jeb had thought that was because the Professor did not have a firm plan on how the students mastery over the material would be tested. Now, though, he was beginning to suspect that the only metric the Professor planned to use was their ability to Inscribe a Glyph. The layout of the assigned readings emphasized that idea. Over the course of the term, they gradually shifted from the completely theoretical musings on what, specifically, caused the shapes of Glyphs to hold Magic that he was currently reading. By the end of the term, topics were far more concrete, describing exactly how to modulate thickness of lines and strokes to better produce the Glyph desired. Jeb resisted the urge to flip to one of those sections in the course textbook, instead trying to wrap his head around the concepts that the current chapter expounded. The fact that he was forced to rely on a dictionary to define every third word only made the process that much more difficult. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. At his next Theoretical Enchanting course, Jeb did not try to make a full Glyph. Instead, he tried to apply what the readings had talked about, noting the difference in how well Mana traveled through even a single brushstroke based on how he drew it. His Professor nodded approvingly at Jebs work, which made him smile. At the end of the class session, he could actually see progress that he had made. Even though he hadnt made a perfect starting line, he had a number of ideas for what he could do better the next time. A small voice in Jebs head reminded him that he could work on the Glyphs outside of class. As Jeb walked to the Stacks, he debated whether or not to do so. On the one hand, he had time even after finishing all of the work for his other courses. On the other hand, working on Glyphs seemed like the sort of task that could quickly drive Jeb to insanity trying to do it completely perfectly. There was also the fact that any time he spent working on Glyphs was time that he could not spend working on something else, such as growing new varieties of Managrass. In the end, Jeb decided that he would limit himself to filling a single piece of Manaweave a day. And so he passed the rest of the term. As his Theoretical Glyphs and Theoretical Enchanting courses kept going, Jeb saw more and more how the two Magics were so wildly similar and dissimilar in different ways. The fact that neither textbook he read felt comfortable defining exactly how the lines and shapes of the Glyphs and Enchantments caused the Magics in them to be bound made Jeb wonder how much of the disciplines were just belief based. Of course, just after he had that revelation, he read a chapter in each text describing some long dead Theoretician who had similar ideas. In both Enchanting and Glyph Magics, someone had raised a number of children, lying to them about the way that the Magics worked. Despite the childrens active belief in how the Magic should work, a Glyph of Least Create Fire needed to be drawn correctly in order to produce a flame. Another Theoretician found that, even when it was believed to be a Glyph of Least Create Water, scribing Least Create Fire would produce fire. After reading those chapters, Jeb found himself fascinated by the way that reality was, somehow, encoded in the lines and nodes of the different Magics. As the term came to a close, he met with Dean Aquam to plan the courses he would take the following term. Given how much Manaweave you have produced this term, it seems as though you have an enduring interest in horticulture, Dean Aquam began the meeting. Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, and I have been reviewing the Status that you gave to the Academy when you arrived. Why did you learn the Brewing and Distilling Skills? My family thought that they could be useful for learning Alchemy, Jeb responded. Dean Aquam nodded. Is that still a subject you are interested in studying? Jeb thought about it for a moment. Professor Fredrick had implied that he would not need to continue taking Remedial Civics. He had no interest in continuing to take Civics courses, so he had room in his schedule even if he did not drop any of his other subjects. I think so, he said. Though I think that I would need to start at a very introductory course. Are there any other subjects you have yet to study that interest you? Dean Aquam asked. Seeing Jebs face start to furrow in concentration, he quickly continued, I plan to continue asking this in future terms as well, but there is no point in delaying learning a branch of Magic if you are passionate about studying it in the upcoming term. Jeb shook his head at that. Im sure that Ill want to learn other Schools of Magic in the future, but I cant think of any right now. After a moment, he amended that statement, well, thats not entirely true. I have to assume that theres a Magic related to Weaving, and that seems like something Id like to learn. I worry that Ill be stretched too thin trying to learn how to weave while I learn whatever Magic intersects with it. Dean Aquam nodded again. That makes sense to me. Would you like to find room in your schedule for an actual Weaving course next term so that you have time reserved to learn the Skill? If it fits with the other courses I plan to take, that would be fantastic, Jeb replied. The two discussed what courses would be good to take as followups to the ones he was currently enrolled in. As it turned out, after two terms of Theoretical Enchanting, the subject diverged into different directions. Jeb was far more interested in the connection between Magic and the runes in an Enchantment than in the other portions of the course, and told the Dean as much. When they had finished planning the upcoming term, Dean Aquam changed the subject to how Jeb felt that his courses were proceeding. The two discussed the difficulties Jeb was having in some of his courses. Despite the fact that the term was coming to a close, he still had not managed to inscribe a Glyph. Dean Aquam frowned at Jebs tone when relaying that information. Is there a reason that you are surprised to be unable to form a Glyph without access to the System? The Professor said that no more than half of the students would be able to do so. I know its at least a little arrogant of me to assume that I would be in the top half of the class, but I had hoped to be, Jeb replied honestly. Dean Aquam chuckled. Seeing Jebs puzzled expression, he explained, I believe that in all my years at the Academy, your Professor is the only student who ever successfully inscribed a Glyph without any access to the System. You will not fail the course if you are unable to, if that was your concern. It hadnt been, but it was still a nice reassurance. The two chatted amiably for a few more minutes before Jeb left. Only after he was gone did he realize that he could have asked the Dean about Ritual Magic. Theres always next term, he thought to himself. Chapter 142: System Unlock As the final examination of Theoretical Glyphs ended, Jeb looked at his piece of Manaweave and sighed. He had truly thought that he was going to be able to inscribe a Glyph today. Looking at the strokes of ink on the page, he could not find any issues. The Professor came by to pick up his final attempt. Seeing what Jeb had drawn, he smiled and nodded. His smile froze when he saw that Jeb was far from happy. Is something the matter? he asked. Jebs frown deepened. I didnt manage to inscribe a Glyph. Understanding seemed to light in the Professors eyes. Oh! he exclaimed, do not worry about that. I have seen how much effort you put into this course, and you will absolutely pass. Seeing that Jeb did not seem cheered by that, he frowned and continued, Was that not your concern? Jeb shook his head. Dean Aquam had already told me not to expect to make a Glyph. I just really hoped that I would be able to. On the bright side, the Professor replied, In approximately three seconds, you will be able to. He handed Jeb a blank piece of Manaweave, which Jeb noted was one that was made of his Managrass. Jeb looked at it, wondering what the Professor had meant by three seconds. Just as he was about to ask, the restrictions that had been placed on him that term disappeared. Jeb felt his Status restored to him, like it had been during his day trip out into the Capital. With barely a flick of effort, he pushed Attune Sand Mana into the sheet of Manaweave. The Professor tsked. Are you truly satisfied to have wasted all the effort you spent trying to inscribe Glyphs by hand? He put another piece of Manaweave in front of Jeb. Jeb paused for a moment, trying to understand what he had done wrong. As understanding dawned, he gave a sheepish grin. Sorry, I completely forgot- The Professor interrupted him. I understand completely. After all, I too have had my System sealed off from me. When it comes back, it can be incredibly easy to fall back into whatever habits you had formed before losing it. If you are able to refrain from that impulse, however, he gave Jeb a meaningful glance, you may find that you are able to progress much more quickly. Jeb picked up the pen he had used for an entire term and began drawing Attune Sand Mana. As he did, he felt the System once again guiding his motions, and paused for a moment, marveling at how much information it was giving him. At once, he understood what he had been doing wrong. Even though Glyphs appeared two dimensional, especially when inscribed onto a piece of Manaweave, they were not. Portraying depth and higher dimensional impressions was not something he had considered at all without the System. Now that he had it back, though, Jeb saw how changes in pressure while writing or changes in the thickness of a stroke could represent places where the Glyph moved out of plane. It was as if all of the information that Jeb had been learning over the term was suddenly intrinsic to him. He did not have to think about the fact that Magic flowed better when the ink was laid down in a certain manner. Instead, he just drew, and his body laid the ink down properly. In just a few minutes, he had finished the second Glyph. Looking at it next to the one he had inscribed using his Mana, Jeb saw some obvious differences. After studying Glyphs for a term, he was uncertain which was a better imprint of the Glyph onto Manaweave, which was strange. He never would have guessed that forcing his Mana into the shape of a Glyph and pushing that onto a sheet of Manaweave could be in any way inferior to drawing a Glyph by hand. The Professor clearly saw the thoughts going through Jebs mind. It is interesting, is it not? The most accurate representation of a Glyph in two dimensions is not always the two dimensional projection that your Mana produces. The Professor finally seemed to notice the Glyph Jeb had inscribed and frowned slightly. Is this the Glyph that you have been working to inscribe all term? Jeb tried to remember whether he had started by working on another Attune Mana Glyph. I think so? he hazarded, or at least, its the one that Ive been working on for most of the term. Why? It was constructed in an, the Professor paused, clearly considering his words, interesting manner. Do you happen to know where you learned this Glyph? The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I created it myself, Jeb replied. The Professors eyes widened slightly. When did you do that? Before coming to the Academy. The Professor began to nod. Do you know any standard Attune Mana Glyphs? Jeb shook his head. Every Attune Mana Glyph I know I made myself. The Professor gave Jeb a speculating look. Interesting. In the silence that followed, Jeb was unsure if there was something he was supposed to say. Just as he was about to ask a clarifying question, the Professor pulled out a sheet of Manaweave and inscribed a Glyph on it. Looking at it, Jeb cocked his head in confusion. It was clearly Attune Fire Mana, he knew at a first glance. But, it was somehow different than the Glyph he had made for himself. Frowning, Jeb pushed a small amount of Magic into the Glyph and worked through the process of learning it. A few moments later, he felt the searing in his soul that let him know he had learned a new Glyph. When he went to confirm that he had learned it, though, he saw that his Status remained unchanged. Is there a reason that I cannot see this Glyph on my Status? he asked the Professor. The Professor began nodding excitedly. I had wondered if this would happen! When learning variations on the same Glyph, some find that their Status shows an entry for each variation. Others find that every variation falls under the same name. There has not been enough research to show systematically why this happens, though I can say that in my own anecdotal experience, those who have Modified Glyphs tend to fall into the latter camp. Try casting Attune Fire Mana. Jeb pulled the Glyph to mind as his teacher had instructed. As his Mana started to focus, he found that it was willing to go down three paths. There was the base Glyph that he had crafted and learned what felt like a lifetime ago, and the small path leading from it that represented the Modification he had made to it. But, in a branch that seemed just as large as the first, he saw the variation of the Glyph that the Professor had just taught him. Jeb shook his head, dispelling the Glyph. That was strange. The Professor nodded. The first time that I had to deal with variations of a Glyph, I nearly fainted from the strange sensation. Looking at the clock in the room, he jumped. My apologies! he cried, but I am late for a meeting. If you would like to discuss Glyphs in the future, I am certain that Dean Aquam can point you in the direction of my office. He fell though the floor. Jeb shook his head, trying to digest the conversation that he had just been a part of. As the lights in the room slowly faded, Jeb took the hint that he had been sitting there for too long, still confused by the interaction. He left the room and moved to finish preparing for his other finals. With his access to the System restored, studying suddenly went far more easily. It was as though he had been walking in a dimly lit corridor, and suddenly the sun rose. Connections that he had missed all term suddenly appeared in the material. Jeb nearly missed his next final, too engrossed in studying. As the bells started tolling, though, a book fell on his head. The distraction was enough to shake his concentration, and he rushed to see Professor Fredrick for his final Civics examination. Unlike the other courses he was in, Professor Fredrick did not give him a piece of paper and tell him to solve some issue. Instead, he began asking Jeb questions about laws and regulations within the Capital and Republic at large. As Jeb kept answering the questions, he saw Professor Fredrick grow more and more animated. Just as he was certain that the examination was over, the Professor asked a final question. Finally, Jeb, if a person was to Enchant an object within the Capital without being a part of the Enchanting Guild, what are the penalties associated with that action? He winked at Jeb. Jeb rolled his eyes. After his day trip and conversation with Dean Aquam, Professor Fredrick had spent their next three meetings going through all of the regulations pertaining to the different Guilds in the Capital. Is it the persons first offense? Jeb asked, a smile growing on his face. Professor Fredrick smiled as well, it is. Would I be able to assume that this person is also a student of the Academy who is unaware of the regulations pertaining to Guilds within the Capital? If you wish. Then, as per the Enchanting Guilds charter, it would be up to a Magistrate to decide the penalties. In nearly every situation, though, the student would be offered membership into the Guild, along with an appointed older guild member that they will serve as a Journeyman under. And if the student does not have the Enchanting Skill? As per, Jeb recited the ordinance which stated that any Child Skill can be used to satisfy a Skill requirement unless explicitly forbidden, the student could still be inducted into the Guild. What if the student has neither the Enchanting Skill nor one of its Child Skills? Jeb rolled his eyes good naturedly. That is an unexplored question. There is no specific answer in the regulations. However, as you have made clear, regulations are only the base of the law in the Republic. From experience, I can say that such a student would not be inducted into the Guild. Congratulations, Jeb. You have demonstrated sufficient proficiency in your knowledge of Civics. If you should wish to continue your Civics education, I would be happy to give Dean Aquam a list of courses you could consider. Jeb grimaced slightly, and Professor Fredrick laughed. I am only kidding. I understand learning this subject is, at best, a necessary evil to you. I have enjoyed our meetings, and I wish you the best of luck in your future studies. Thank you, Professor, Jeb replied earnestly. He left the room and resumed his studying in the Stacks. Chapter 143: Alchemy Part One When Jeb had finished the rest of his final examinations and said his temporary goodbyes to Declan and Catherine, he returned to the plot of land he used to grow Managrass. The Enchantment he had placed around the perimeter of the plot finally seemed to have evened out. As the Enchantment kept working, Jeb noticed that it did more than simply Attune the Mana within the soil to something useful. It also worked, somehow, to monitor the soil health and help maintain some mineral composition. It was not perfect, certainly, but Jeb was noticing that he needed to replenish the soil far less often than he otherwise would. Over the break, he spent his time much as he had the term break before. In the morning, he would wake and begin growing Managrass or one of the Elemental Managrass variations he had created. At some point during the day, he went to the Workshop to work on gaining his Weaving Skill with the Weaver. He took the occasional meal with Dean Aquam when their schedules lined up. The rest of his days were spent in the Stacks, trying to find anything that spoke of the interplay between Theoretical Enchanting and Theoretical Glyphs. It mostly consisted of reading a single aside in one of the textbooks about someone who had experimented with the other style of Magic, finding Margaret or Philip, and asking them if there were any books by the person cited. More often than not, the Researcher in question had never formally written up any of their results, and Jeb was forced to return to the Stacks to keep hunting. Every so often, though, the Librarians were able to find Preliminary Research Notes, and they revealed a mess of contradictory results. It seemed like every Researcher found a completely distinct set of ways that the two Magics were the same at a Theoretical level. Despite the lack of any clear patterns, Jeb enjoyed the project. All too soon, though, the term break came to an end. Truthfully, Jeb might not have realized he was supposed to go to his first course of the day, even with the schedule he had been given, if it wasnt for the surprising crowd in the cafeteria. As he thought about what could have caused the crowd, Declan came up to him. Good morning, Jeb! he called out cheerfully. Understanding quickly dawned on him. Good morning, he replied. The two compared their schedules, curious whether they would be taking any courses together. Jeb saw with some sadness that the two would not be taking any courses with each other. I suppose it does make some amount of sense, he thought to himself. Declan wants to learn Enchanting for practical purposes, and right now my interest in Enchanting is almost entirely at a theoretical level. Still, Jeb was nervous about not sharing any of his courses with someone that he knew. After Declan left, heading for his first course of the term, Catherine came by. Jeb was relieved to see that the two of them would be taking Intermediate Lute Technique together. It was still strange to Jeb how much the College of Music focused on the non-Magical aspects of their craft compared to the other Colleges. He commented on that to Catherine, mind still thinking about the ways that Glyph Magic and Enchanting were alike. She cocked her head as though confused. Of course we need to focus more on the non-Magical portions of the Magic, she said. Unlike Glyph Magic, there is an actual physicality to what we do. And, unlike Enchanting, most of us were taught how to draw and spell well before we were taught to play an instrument. Jeb nodded. The two continued chatting before both had to go to their own courses. Jebs first course of the day, he confirmed, was Introduction to Alchemy. The classroom had twelve seats, each behind a complex setup that reminded Jeb of the Distilling setup that his uncle used. In the front of the classroom, another setup was facing the opposite direction. The Professor for the course was sitting there, and he looked up when Jeb entered the room. Good morning, he said, are you enrolled in Introduction to Alchemy this term? Jeb nodded. Yes, sir. My name is Jeb. The Professor pulled out a sheet of paper and made a mark. Seeing Jebs puzzled look, he shrugged. Unlike most of the Professors in the Academy, I find that taking attendance is a necessary task for me. My memory is not what it once was, and I struggle to remember everything that happens in the classroom. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Jeb nodded slowly. There was no polite way to ask what had happened to his memory, for all that he was very curious. Now then, the Professor continued, what brings you to Alchemy? Jeb thought about the question for a moment. Truthfully, I dont have a great answer. Before coming to the Academy, my family did their best to provide me with the Skills and skills I might need for a career as a Mage. The Professor looked at him in confusion. Sorry, Jeb amended, everyone else in my family is a Farmer. As a result, they were not entirely certain how to best prepare me. One of my aunts is a Brewer, though, and she thought that Brewing and Distilling could be useful to someone attempting to do Alchemy. The Professor nodded. And do you have those Skills? I do, Jeb replied. Well, then, the Professor said, would you mind doing your entrance examination before the class period begins? It can be slightly overwhelming to monitor twelve new Alchemists at once. Absolutely! Jeb replied. What do you need me to do? The Professor walked Jeb through a number of different tasks. First, he needed to disassemble the still, which the Professor called an alembic. Once he had, the Professor walked him through cleaning and reassembling it. Jeb apparently did not assemble the setup to the Professors standards, because he was told to disassemble it as soon as he had finished building it. By the fourth time through the process, Jeb realized that the Professor was giving him fewer and fewer directions each time through. With the understanding that the goal was learning to perform the entire process from muscle memory, Jeb stopped keeping count of the repetitions. When the Professor was finally satisfied with his ability to set up and dismantle the alembic, Jeb was told to light a fire. He took a moment to debate between using the provided sparking tool and just using his Least Create Fire Glyph. Jeb quickly decided to use his Glyph. The Professor hadnt been specific in how he wanted Jeb to create the flame, so Jeb assumed that he was allowed to choose the method. When the fire appeared seemingly from nowhere, the Professor nodded. A Glyph? he asked. Yes, sir. Jeb replied. The Professor seemed satisfied with that answer and had Jeb begin distilling alcohol. Jeb felt the Distilling Skill start to guide his motions, and went along with them, shifting the alembics position slightly. Are you using your Skills? the Professor asked. Yes? Jeb replied hesitantly. The Professor nodded and let Jeb go through the entire process of separating and collecting the liquid. When he had finished, the Professor glanced at each of the flasks he had filled, nodded, and poured them back into the base of the still. This time without your Skills, he said, walking back to his desk. While Jeb worked, trying to suppress his Skill and not make any mistakes distilling, a part of him noticed that the room had started to fill. As each new person entered the room, the Professor asked them about their history and started walking them through the assembly and dismantling of the alembics. Jeb was distracted for just a moment before refocusing on his work. The last thing he wanted to do was learn that he was only as good as his Skills. The Professor came to his desk just as the last drop came out of the alembic. Once more, he looked at the different flasks Jeb had filled. Satisfactory, he said, pouring the flasks into another students alembic. After a moment, he came back to Jebs desk. My apologies. I tend to give minimal feedback where it is not needed. The Academy has encouraged me to be more specific with my feedback, especially in the early portions of the term. When I said satisfactory, I meant that your ability to work with the alembic are above the level that I hope my students enter the course with. If they were not, I would recommend that you enroll in Basic Alchemic Preparations, because this course presumes a background level of proficiency with the apparatus we will be using. Do you have any questions for me? Jeb nodded. Will I be expected to do my work this term without my Skills? The Professor shrugged. That is up to you. If your goal is simply to explore the field of Alchemy, then you are welcome to use any and all Skills. If, however, your goal is to gain the Alchemy Skill, then I would highly advise that you avoid using your Skills as much as possible. If needed, Skill Suppressors are available, though I would counsel against their use. Why would you advise against using Skill Suppressors? Jeb asked. It seemed like this would be his first term not having a Skill externally suppressed. It teaches bad habits, the Professor replied. When you are forced to suppress your Skills on your own, you learn how to recognize the way that the System guides your actions. By using a Skill Suppressor, you do not develop this ability. Jeb nodded. Thank you. The Professor nodded back. If you have no other questions, you are welcome to leave today. The only item I had scheduled was this entrance examination. Jeb nodded and left the room. He quickly made his way to the Library and started reading the recommended text for the course. Chapter 144: Alchemy Part Two Jeb showed up early to the next session of Introduction to Alchemy. He hoped that todays session would actually touch on Alchemy, rather than just focusing on how to use the equipment. The courses Professor was seated at his desk when Jeb arrived in the room. Jeb moved to the same desk he had taken on the first day of the term and received an approving nod when he sat down. Jeb? the Professor asked. Yes, sir, Jeb replied calmly. What are you doing here so early? The tone of the question cushioned the words, making it clear that the Professor was genuinely curious about Jebs motivation for arriving to the classroom well before anyone else had. Jeb shrugged. I came to class early last time and you had me start on the work early. I wasnt sure if the same would be true again today. The Professor peered over his glasses at Jeb. Do you have something else scheduled immediately after Introduction to Alchemy? No, Jeb shook his head. The Professors eyes narrowed, as though he was unsure how to take Jebs answer. If that is the case, then why would you wish to start on the work for this course earlier? Jebs brow furrowed as he thought about the question. He hadnt been expecting to have to justify his choice to arrive at the class early. After a moment of consideration, he decided to answer as honestly as possible, the material for this course is interesting, and I am excited to start on it. In general, I like to start doing something I am excited for as soon as reasonably possible. The Professor nodded as though Jebs answer had cleared something up for him. I can understand that sentiment. I regret to inform you, however, that my having you begin last class session early was the exception, rather than the rule. In fact, he began paging through what Jeb had to assume was the syllabus for the course, I do not believe that there is another day where that will be the case. Thats all right with me, Jeb replied. Would you prefer that I wait for class to begin somewhere else? The Professor waved a hand. No, no, do not feel as though you need to leave. I am happy to use this time as an informal office hour, should you desire that. He looked at Jeb expectantly, do you have any questions for me right now? I do actually! Jeb said, realizing his tone had suddenly grown loud. In a quieter voice he continued, is there a syllabus for this course? The Professor nodded slowly. Of course there is. Syllabi are a requirement for any course at the Academy. He lowered his gaze to the stack of pages in front of him. After a moment, he spoke again, was that a subtle way of telling me that I forgot to give out the syllabus for this course last session? Jeb smiled sheepishly. If you would like to take it that way, that is fine. Truthfully, though, Im not sure if you handed out a syllabus last session. If you did, it was after you had told me I could leave, and so I did not get one. No, if I did not hand out the syllabus at the beginning of the session, I would not have handed it out at all. With that in mind, I will also not give you it now. Seeing Jebs expression, he continued, if I give you a syllabus now, I will remember that I have given out the syllabi for the term and assume that the rest of these, he waved a number of thick packets in the air, are extra copies that I had printed for some reason. I make a new syllabus each term, and so I would dispose of the rest of these, and no one else in the course would know what the expectations are for them this term. That makes sense to me, Jeb said half truthfully. If he were being fully honest, he wasnt entirely sure why the Professor couldnt just have Jeb remind him to hand out the rest of them at the start of the class session. Seeing that the conversation had come to a close, Jeb pulled out the latest book Margaret had found discussing the origins of Glyphs and Enchantments. It was an old text, one which he found by following trails of references. If he understood the relative chronology, and assuming that there was only a single edition of everything he was reading, then this text was written nearly at the same time that Marcus the Mage was writing his own meditations on the field. Of course, Marcus Meditations were a seminal resource, though for whatever reason, Jeb had not found anyone reference them in his research. When he had asked Margaret about that, she rolled her eyes. Marcus Meditations are well known because Paul and Silass followers encouraged everyone to start reading them. They rely heavily on the writings of earlier Mages, and add little of substance to them. Seeing Jebs confusion, she shrugged. At least, that is what most of the reviews of the book in days before the Republic was fully established suggest. It is possible that what was considered derivative then is no longer considered so. She paused from looking at the pile of books she was carrying, giving the question further thought. At this point, a majority of people likely do not cite his Meditations because they are read now for their spiritual value, rather than their informational value. I am happy to acquire a copy of them if you would like. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Jeb had refused the offer at the time, though he was beginning to consider it. At first, he had thought that the book, which he had heard snippets of as a child, was too florid in its prose. As he continued to read older and older tomes, however, he was beginning to realize that was less a truth unique to the book and more a stylistic choice that the field had moved on from. Reading the latest book, Jeb felt as though the author spent a full page to describe what a modern author might use a sentence on. Try as he might, however, he could not find any extra meaning in the extra words. Whether that was due to his own ignorance or the authors need to use the longest words possible to describe each concept, he was not sure. By the time that he had struggled through a single page of the tome, the classroom had filled. Just as he turned the page, the bells tolled out the start of the class period. The Professor leapt up, as though he was just as surprised by the sound as Jeb. Good, the Professor paused slightly, glancing at a clock on his desk, morning class. It was brought to my attention that I neglected to pass out the syllabus for this course last session. The students began to nod. The Professor began to distribute the syllabi to each member of the course. Jeb noticed that there were still twelve desks and a student at each desk. Hmm, he thought to himself, I wonder if everyone passed the entrance examination, or whether there was some sort of waitlist for the course. He shrugged the thought away when the Professor came to his desk and dropped off the syllabus. It was by far the thickest syllabus that Jeb had seen since coming to the Academy. It was at least fifty pages thick, with densely typed text on both the front and back side of each sheet of paper. Jeb skimmed through it quickly, trying to see what made the syllabus so long. Before he was able to get a picture of what the syllabus was filled with, the Professor had once more moved to the front of the room and begun speaking. As I said a few moments ago, good morning. My name is Professor Quicksilver, and I will be teaching Introduction to Alchemy this term. Now, there are a number of fundamental truths of reality that I hope to distill into something you all will retain. He giggled slightly. Please pardon the pun. I cannot promise that I will not make more, though I will make an effort to limit the number. Professor Quicksilver paused as though he had forgotten what he was saying. Ah! he exclaimed after a moment, as I was saying, you may notice that the syllabus for this course is larger than the standard here at the Academy. That is because I have listed out what I expect of you for each meeting of this course. It would be less than useless for me to simply tell you to produce a potion, even given that each potion is described in the textbook for this course. In the interest of keeping the equipment, he paused slightly, and all of you safe, I have listed the ingredients for everything that I will have you produce in this class, along with the quantities and recommended method of preparation. That, along with the safety information for each reagent and method you will use, occupies the bulk of the syllabus text. The rest of the class session was spent with the Professor explaining what, exactly the rest of the syllabus text was made of. When the session was over, the rest of the class quickly filed out. Jeb waited, curious about something that the Professor had said during his lecture. Professor Quicksilver? Jeb called to the Professor before he left the room. Yes? During your lecture, you mentioned that some of the potions we will make this term are different than in previous terms, because the supply of reagents has begun to run low. What happened to the supply? Quicksilver gave a pained laugh. The same thing that has happened to the supply of every other Magical Harvest in the Republic. Since the banishment of the Druids, no one has been able to come up with a viable alternative to produce them. Jeb nodded, expecting the explanation to stop there. To his surprise, Professor Quicksilver continued, to answer the obvious followup question of why this is only now becoming an issue, some two score years later, many at the Academy, myself included, initially believed that the banishment would be lifted. As a result, Quartermasters set the standards for supply to a much smaller quantity than they might have if we had foreseen the length of the Druids removal from the Republic. They are now realizing that the current conditions are unlikely to change in the near future, and are therefore limiting the use of military critical reagents much more stringently. The material for this course was prepared in close conversation with the military, and many of the potions that are historically created in this course are of military importance for that reason. The Alchemy Faculty met over the term break to find and create suitable replacement potions for this term. If all goes, well, these replacement potions will likely remain on the syllabus for Introduction to Alchemy in future terms, at least until proper diplomatic channels can be established with the Enclave of Druids. The Enclave of Druids? Jeb asked. Whether we can call the Enclave of Druids a nation is up to some debate, and I am not well versed in the specifics. I believe that a majority of the Druids from the neighboring countries joined the Druids of the Republic when they were exiled from the country. Of course, banishment and exile are certainly debatable terms themselves. Quicksilver shook his head and refocused on Jeb. Hmm, I feel as though I remember being told something about you. He paged through a journal that was filled with small taped notes. Aha! Your Theoretical Glyph Professor mentioned that you produced Manaweave for him. Is that true? Kind of? Jeb hedged. The Weaver in the Workshop made the Manathread and Manaweave, but I supplied him with the Managrass for that. Why do you ask? Jeb had asked the question more out of politeness than legitimately not knowing. Given that Professor Quicksilver had just been telling him about the Republics dire lack of many Magical ingredients, he was unsurprised when the Professor suggested that Jeb might consider growing some of them in addition to the Managrass he was supplying to his Glyph Professor. As he walked out of the classroom, he debated the pros and cons of doing so. On the one hand, growing nothing but Managrass was beginning to get somewhat repetitive. On the other, Jeb had no idea whether he would be able to grow any of the plants to the standard that Professor Quicksilver would require. As he paged through the syllabus in the Stacks, he began making notes on the different plants he would be working with. Chapter 145: Alchemy Part Three A few days later, Jeb once again arrived at his Introduction to Alchemy course. Good morning... Professor Quicksilver paused for a long second, dragging out the final sound of the word, Jeb. He tilted his head as he said Jebs name, as though unsure whether it had been the correct name. Jeb nodded vigorously. Good morning Professor Quicksilver. I had a question about the discussion we had after the last class session. One moment, Professor Quicksilver said, pulling out his notebook. After frantically flipping through the pages, he nodded. Ah, have you thought more about growing plants for the Alchemy Department? Somewhat? Jeb replied. I dont know if I have the Skills or experience necessary to grow them effectively. Im also not sure what plants you might need. Professor Quicksilver began to nod. I have a list of plants for which the Alchemy Department would like to increase its supply. Let me find it. He pulled out a large bag from somewhere beneath the desk. Given that the desks were open in the front, Jeb was not entirely sure where he had been hiding it. Still, it was far from the strangest thing that hed seen a Professor do since coming to the Academy, and he shrugged it off. As the Professor rummaged through the bag that seemed to be continuously growing, Jeb looked around the rest of the classroom. The syllabus had said that they would be making their first potion today, Distilled Water. Exactly how it was different from distilled water, Jeb had not been able to figure out from the syllabus. He assumed that there would be some sort of Magical purification in the process, though there was nothing which explicitly said as much. Lost in his thoughts, Jeb did not notice when Professor Quicksilver finished rifling through his now body sized bag and pulled out a sheet of paper. Here it is! he said triumphantly, startling Jeb out of his thoughts. Handing it over to Jeb, he explained, the plants here are listed alphabetically by their Standard Alchemical Name. In cases where there are multiple plants with the same Alchemical Name or multiple Standard Names for the same plant, I have listed them together. Beside each plant name, there is a ranking based on how difficult Druids have historically claimed the plant is to grow, a second column ranking how difficult it is to source them now, and a third column with the quantity that the Alchemy Department desires. I have color coded the plants by their expected value, with the redder ink being used for plants which are more valuable per plant, and thicker ink being used for plants with a higher expected total value. I hope that you will find this sheet informative. I am, of course, available to discuss anything on the sheet at any point. Jeb quickly skimmed through the sheet, noting that most of the plant names were written in thin black ink. The few red names he saw were only slightly thicker, and the few thick names he saw had only the slightest blush. As he neared the bottom of the list, however, he saw twenty or so plants that were all inked in thick red letters. Why are these plants inked so thick and red? Jeb asked, pointing to the bottom of the long page. There are a number of potions that the Academy sells. Chief among them are the Statistic Enhancers that many rich families feed their children. Jeb was curious what Quicksilver meant by Statistic Enhancers, but the Professor kept talking, mind already traveling down a different diversion. I remember the first time I heard about how much they were worth. I debated dropping out of the Academy right then and opening a small boutique Alchemy Emporium that only sold those potions. Of course, when I mentioned as much to my advisor, he chuckled, well, you can imagine the look on her face. She reminded me that the high prices those potions command is as much due to the hassle of testing and sampling to comply with all the regulations as it is a function of their demand. The demand, though, is only limited by the stock. He trailed off, as though aware that hed lost the train of the conversation at some point. Where was I? he asked, looking at Jeb. Jeb spent a brief moment considering redirecting the Professor into talking about Statistic Enhancers, but swallowed the urge. The topic would come up again some other time, he was sure of it, and he did not want to lie to a Professor who so far seemed completely willing to be forthright with Jeb about anything he asked. I think you were describing why you didnt drop out of the Academy to make Statistic Enhancers, Jeb said, realizing that he could use that to segue into his question. Unfortunately, Professor Quicksilver began speaking almost as soon as Jeb did. Right! Well, as I am sure you can imagine, I fell further in love with the subject over the course of the term. By the time that the term ended, and my advisor told me that she had found someone willing to take me on as an apprentice for the term break if I was interested, I knew that I wanted nothing more than to study this most beautiful of Magics for the rest of my life. I told her as much, and she pushed me to become a Professor here. He smiled fondly at Jeb, as though remembering his own days as a student in an Introductory Alchemy course. By the time that the Professor had finished reminiscing about the good old days, when there were enough Druids on campus for the Alchemy Department to be able to supply every course, with plenty to spare for Professors doing research, the rest of the class had filed in. Jeb resolved to stay after the session of class ended to ask what, exactly, Statistic Enhancers were. As Quicksilver had continued his recollection, it sounded more and more like they were potions that the rich fed to their children to improve their Statistics. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Thats ridiculous, he thought to himself, theres no way that something like that would exist without anyone knowing about it. The fact that the Academy, at least, knew about it made him less sure of that conclusion. As Professor Quicksilver began lecturing the classroom about how to safely decant water from the starting vessel into the alembics, Jeb put the thought away. He could revisit it when the period was over. Until then, he needed to focus on learning Alchemy. By the end of the class, Jeb still had no idea what differentiated Distilled Water from distilled water. As far as he could tell, the only thing that the class had done was evaporate water to collect it in another jar. Jeb clearly wasnt the only student confused, at least if everyones hesitance to leave the room was any indication. Professor Quicksilver turned back around from his desk, where he had worked all period to slowly fold his bag back into itself. Is there a reason that none of you are leaving? The laboratory is finished for the day, you all successfully distilled water. Professor, one of the other students spoke up. Everyone else in the room turned to her. Jeb had to imagine that they were all as grateful as he was that she had been willing to speak. What is the difference between Distilled Water and distilled water? Hmm? Professor Quicksilver cocked his head and frowned. Distilled Water requires multiple intricate stages of Mana purification, and is worth its weight in whatever precious metal you happen to prefer. Why do you ask? The syllabus said that we would be making Distilled Water today. Professor Quicksilvers frown deepened, and he moved to her desk. She pointed to the section in the syllabus where it explained what the goal of the days experiment was. He nodded as he read the description for the days work, and then flipped to what seemed to be a random page in the syllabus, where he nodded again. My apologies, he said. I did not review the notes for this course as closely as I might have, and whoever last wrote the syllabus had a habit of capitalizing the name of the final product of each days experiments. In most cases, the product listed is correct. However, as you noticed today, that is not always the case. I will endeavor to warn you in advance should it happen again. If the disgruntled noises a few of Jebs classmates made was any indication, they had been aware that Distilled Water was incredibly valuable, and were less than pleased to learn that they had not made it during the class. Jeb was curious what made Distilled Water so valuable. After the Professors repeated statements, he wondered if it was due to regulations, or whether it was due to how inherently difficult it was to produce Distilled Water. He waited around with hopes that the rest of the class would leave before the Professor did. Instead, as the Professor kept folding his bag, eventually he disappeared into it. Somehow the bag fell into itself and disappeared as well. The members of the class who had not left yet let out different sounds of disappointment and turned to leave. Jeb followed, having no better ideas. Back in the Stacks, he read through the sheet that Professor Quicksilver had given him more carefully. He wrote the names of the plants written in the reddest ink onto another scrap of paper, then started wandering the Stacks. Even though he was not a Librarian, let alone a Stacks Librarian, it had clearly grown accustomed to Jebs presence during his many searches for books with Margaret and Philip. When he looked for books, it had begun to lead him to the right section, assuming that he was not looking for anything too difficult. He hoped that a compendium of Alchemical plants would not be too arcane of a request. As Jeb walked through the Stacks, he paid attention to the labels on each of the shelves. When he saw the same number for a fifth time, he paused. This was clearly the shelf he was looking for. Or, it was at least as close to the correct shelf as he was going to find. As Jeb scanned the titles near eye level, he found one that seemed like what he was looking for. It was a thick and clearly well used tome. Jeb pulled it off the shelf and started walking towards the circulation desk without looking back. Almost as soon as Jeb had learned that the Stacks would be willing to lead him to the correct book, he had learned that the Stacks would also use that as an excuse to try to trap him. When he had run into Margaret after wandering for two hours through books that grew less and less physical, she told him to be more careful if he was going to continue wandering. The implicit approval to wander did not go unnoticed, and Jeb had taken to strolling through the Stacks when he had nothing else to occupy his time. Hed found that being willing to spend time in it when he wasnt in a hurry meant that it was more willing to let him leave with whatever treasure hed found when he was in a rush. Even though he had no other appointments for the day, Jeb wanted to get the Library into the habit of letting him leave when he had picked up books. Jeb wasnt entirely sure why that seemed like an important habit to drill into the Library, but he had grown to trust his gut instincts more and more the longer he stayed in the Academy, especially when they encouraged him to do something that felt strange. Just as he was starting to worry that hed grown too distracted in his walk, the Stacks gave way to the open space of the Library entrance. Kaitlyn was standing beside the circulation desk. As he walked near, she blew a loose strand of light purple hair out of her face. She frowned slightly as she looked at the book in his hands. You haven not checked that book out, she accused. Jeb thought back to the other times hed found a book in the Stacks. Philip or Margaret was almost always the person he saw at the circulation desk. On the few occasions that it hadnt been one of them, Jeb ran into a Librarian he had never met before. This might have been the first time that Kaitlyn had seen him with a book he had found himself. I have not, and I was hoping that I would be able to, Jeb replied. Kaitlyn clearly considered asking why whatever Librarian had gotten the book for him had not checked it out when they did. She also clearly came to the conclusion that asking the question fell too close to her desire not to pry into Jebs relationship with his hometown Librarian and refrained from asking. Do I need to remind you on the policies for returning Library materials? she asked, already returning to her office. No, I think I still know them, Jeb replied. She gave him a small smile and closed the door. Chapter 146: Overdue Conversations Jeb returned to his desk in the Stacks with his new book tucked carefully under his arm. It was everything that he had hoped for. Not only did it describe what each plant looked like, it also gave some details on how they were grown. Unfortunately, very few of the plants grew in conditions that he could reproduce with the field he had access to. Those few that could were written in thin black ink, which made sense once Jeb took a step back and thought about it. If the plants could be grown in any field, there would have been nothing stopping any Farmer from growing them, or from the Republic demanding that they did. As the book described more esoteric methods to grow plants, Jeb began to wonder about his first visit to the Library after receiving his Class. The Librarian had told him then that there were no books on Agricultural Magic, but Jeb struggled to describe this book as anything else. There was a possibility that the book was not labeled that way by some Library system, and that the Librarian hadnt thought about Druidic Magic when Jeb had asked the question. He had a hard time believing that, especially given how quickly the Librarian had led him to other forms of Magic. That meant there had to be a reason the Librarian had kept Jeb from learning about Magical Plants and Druidic Magic. What could it be though? Jeb stared at the constantly shifting Stacks for hours as he considered the question. When the bells tolled midnight, he shook his head and left the Stacks. His mind had run consistently blank on any ideas to explain the Librarians choice. As he tossed and turned unsleeping that night, he continued to wrestle with the question. When he finally faded out of consciousness, his dreams were filled with betrayal. In the morning, Jeb still did not have a good answer to what the Librarian had been trying to do by shielding him. The best idea he had was that the Librarian did not want Jeb to become a Druid, which seemed plausible. Still, why couldnt he have told Jeb about Druidic Magic while warning him to not develop a Skill for it? He realized that he had a single way to potentially learn the answer. Skipping breakfast, Jeb ran towards the Stacks. Despite the fact that the geography of the Academy was fluid, it still seemed to take him where he needed to go more quickly when he moved with more urgency. In the Stacks, he wandered, searching for Margaret. After a few minutes of searching, he saw her leaping up the shelves to pull down a book. She leaned over the side of the book case, giving him a grin. Someone misshelved this book a decade ago. The records have it listed as missing. She took the book and hopped down to face Jeb. Now, then, how can I help you this morning? Would it be possible for me to send a letter to the Librarian, rather than to my family? Which Librarian do you wish to send a letter to? Margaret asked. Jeb let out a frustrated breath. The Librarian from my hometown. As he said that, he realized that he still had no idea what his hometown Librarians name was. On top of the fact that he did not know why he had lied to Jeb, the secrets were beginning to grate. Why havent you ever used his name? Her smile fell. I had been wondering when you would get around to asking that question. The Academy Librarians set up an entire betting ring over it, in case you are curious. Jeb could tell that she had said that to try to distract him from the question of the Librarians name. I am curious, he admitted, but not curious enough to be distracted from my question. Do you not know my Librarians name? Her smile returned. Ooh, that is a good question. In fact, that is a much better question than the last one you asked. I do not know what name the the Librarian of Humdrumville uses to refer to himself. The difference between Jebs question and the answer Margaret gave him was subtle enough that he almost missed it. You dont know what name he uses for himself, or what name the Republic uses to keep track of him? he pressed. She sighed. I do not know the former. An argument could be made that I am not entirely sure that your Librarian is actually in any current Republic systems, but that would be needlessly pedantic, even for me. Jeb waited for her to continue, but she stopped speaking as though she had nothing more to say. So you know what his name is? She let out a heavy breath and nodded slowly, as though weighed down. Can you tell me his name? She shook her head, each action slower than the one before. Can you tell me why you cannot tell me his name? She paused, a quizzical expression overtaking her features. After a long moment of consideration, she shook her head and spoke again, no. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb figured there was no harm in trying one level deeper, can you tell me why you cannot tell me why you cannot tell me his name? She let out a shaky laugh. Interesting, Margaret said, I think that I can, at least in part. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. I guess that Ill have to be careful about how I do so, though. I cannot tell you why I cannot tell you his name for the same reason that I cannot tell you his name. Margaret paused, as though she was unable to believe that she had been able to say even that much. In a slightly dazed tone, she continued, I do not know the exact circumstances of that reason, though I was told as an Apprentice Librarian that it was as much for the safety of the Republic as for his safety. There were implications that it would be dangerous for me if it became widely known that I knew his given name, but- Her voice cut off suddenly. After a moment, she began to cough. Well, at least we know where the limits are to what I can say, she said. I apologize that I cannot be of more assistance with this request. Do you still wish to send him a letter? Jeb had almost forgotten where the conversation had moved to the Librarians name from. I think so? he said hesitantly. Though I am less certain of that now. She nodded. What were you planning to ask him? If it is something too dangerous, I would not be able to send it to him. When I was first given my Class, I was stunned and disappointed, Jeb said, remembering how terrified he was that his family would reject him. That fear, while ridiculous in retrospect, had left him grasping for any lifeline possible. I went to the Library in town to ask if there was any way for me to somehow learn Agricultural Magic, because I had no desire to become a Mud Mage. Margaret gave him a sad but understanding look. I assume that he told you there was no such Magic? Jeb nodded. She bobbed her head, as though weighing some sort of mental scale. I do not know if he will answer your question. However, I can offer a few hypotheses as to why he would have done so, if you would like. I would appreciate it, Jeb responded. She held up three fingers. First, it sounds to me as though you were not in a good mental state when you approached him. Being a Druid is not an acceptable choice in the Republic right now. The most likely answer is that he was worried that you would become a Druid and then be forced to leave the country and your family. Jeb was glad to hear that she had the same impression that he did. And if it isnt that? he asked, seeing that she still held two other fingers up. She shrugged. The second reason is similar, if more self-interested. If a Druid was to suddenly appear in the middle of the Republic, I can guarantee that any number of Auditors would have been sent to understand why. Given how low of a profile he was trying to keep, drawing the ire of higher ups would have been completely out of the question. Jeb nodded thoughtfully. He hadnt even considered the fact that the Librarian could have been concerned for his own safety. Finally, she lowered her last finger, he may have been concerned that you learning to grow Magical Plants at that point would have been ultimately harmful to your development. Jeb frowned, eyebrows creasing in confusion. What do you mean? She gave him a blank look. Can you honestly tell me that if you had been given a path to becoming a Magical Farmer that you would have hesitated for even an instant before taking that option? I may not have known you then, but I can read the echoes of the boy you once were. I probably would have, Jeb admitted, but would that have been so bad? She shrugged. Bad for who? Jeb waited for her to continue, but it seemed as though she were legitimately asking him to think about who it would have harmed. He started thinking aloud. I never would have learned how much I love Glyphs or other forms of Magic. She gestured for him to continue talking. The Censusmaster would likely still have kidnapped me. If he had, I would not have had any recourse to be able to escape the debt. Margaret nodded slowly. But wait, Jeb objected, there is no way that the Librarian could have known the Censusmaster would have done that. The Stacks Librarian shrugged. For that reason alone it would be worth asking him what his reasoning was. I simply provided some possible reasons. Consider, however. How long has that Censusmaster had Humdrumville as part of his route? Understanding began to shine in Jebs eyes. The Librarian could have had plenty of time to learn what the Censusmaster is like over the years. I do still want to know what he was thinking, though, so Ill be back in a few minutes. Jeb rushed over to his desk and quickly penned the Librarian a note. Only as he began searching for Margaret again did he realize how ridiculous his leaving to go write a note was. He knew that she read each message he sent to his family before she somehow transmitted it to the Librarian. There was no reason he couldnt have just told her what he wanted to ask the Librarian. Something about that thought must have showed on his face when he found her again, because she smirked slightly. Did you just realize that there was no reason you needed to pen a note? Jeb blushed and nodded slightly, handing over the page. She quickly skimmed it and handed it back to him. I will leave his response, if there is one, on your desk. Thank you! Jeb said, moving back towards the Stacks. Now that he had done everything in his power to learn what the Librarians motivation had been in denying him the information before, Jeb found that it was much easier to focus on the reading. Only after a few hours of reading did Jeb realize that Margaret had, for the first time, referred to the desk he kept in the Stacks as his desk. A few hours later, a folded piece of paper ran into the back of his head, clearly tossed there by Margaret. On the front, she had written make sure to eat food. You cannot sustain yourself on knowledge alone. It looked like the word yet might have been written and erased beneath the text, but he could not say that with any certainty. As he unfolded it, he saw that the Librarian had sent him a response. His answer was more or less what Jeb had been expecting. The Librarian apologized for misleading him, before explaining that he did not think that it would have been in his best interest to learn about Druidic Magic in his early days as a Classholder. The Librarian did not expound on why he did not believe it would have been in Jebs best interest, but he supposed that Margaret might have editorialized one of the two of their messages. If not, the Librarian probably just trusted that Jeb would be able to walk himself through the potential pitfalls. Chapter 147: Alchemy Part Four Jeb forced himself to put down the book of Druidic plants. Even though it was fascinating, he could not afford to fall behind on any of his courses. The book kept tempting him, and he ended up feeling the need to leave it behind in his room as he left for the day. When he read what he would be doing in the next Alchemy class, however, he found it much easier to stop thinking about the book. Making distilled water had hardly felt like Alchemy, probably because there was nothing inherently Magical about anything that he was doing. In the next class session, however, they would finally be performing Magic. The syllabus explained that students would be expected to pull the properties of a Magical plant into a vial of Distilled Water. The Distilled Water would be provided for each student, which made Jeb wonder why it was so valuable. Ounces of precious metal were hardly so cheap as to be reagents for an introductory course. Shrugging, he turned the page to learn how he would do the transfer. Jeb was a little disappointed at how easy the instructions made it seem. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that just because the syllabus described something as straightforward, that did not mean that it would be easy for him. His first Theoretical Enchanting laboratory session had taught him that. Jeb took notes on what he was going to be expected to do, even if he didnt think that it was going to be particularly necessary for the class. The habits that Professor Bearson and Candidate Therese had drilled into him over the past two terms hadnt had time to fade yet, and Jeb wasnt sure if he wanted to let them. Being able to enter the laboratory and know what he needed to do, having run through it in his mind while writing directions to himself, was incredibly useful. When they had begun working with dangerous Enchantments the previous term, the practice had prevented Jeb from needing to see the medics more than once. After one disastrous day, when more than half of Jebs class had been forced to leave due to injury, he committed to knowing exactly what he was going to do in each laboratory section before he entered the room. With that in mind, Jeb arrived early for his next Alchemy class. Professor Quicksilver, unsurprisingly, was already in the room when he arrived. He looked up at Jeb and nodded once. Are you here to ask about the syllabus for today? Jeb shook his head. No, I just wanted to get to class a little bit early so that I can make sure everything is in the right place before class starts. He saw a glimmer of respect in the Professors eye at that comment, and got to work laying out all the different apparatus he would need for the period. Jeb did his best to ignore it, instead focusing on making sure that everything was the way he had visualized it would be. As the rest of the class slowly filed in, he began to read through the directions he had made, confirming that they matched what the syllabus expected of him. He finished his checks before the bell rang and spent the rest of the time just relaxing, a part of him wishing that he had brought the Druidic book with him. As the bells finished tolling, Professor Quicksilver stood up. As I am sure you all saw, today will be your first experience with a project that can be reasonably called Alchemy proper. I also have another apology to make. I created the syllabus for this course by working from a number of syllabi from prior terms. In the early versions of this course, students did create Distilled Water in the first session, which they would then Alchemize in this, the second. Over the years, however, the Academy has encouraged Introductory Courses to assume less prior knowledge, which the Alchemy Department has attempted to do. He paused, clearly replaying what he had just said in his mind. As I was saying, he continued after a long moment, I will be providing the Distilled Water that you need for this experiment. However, as I mentioned, Distilled Water is relatively valuable. Although I would prefer to trust that all of you are here for no reason other than a desire to learn Alchemy, the Department has informed me that I must mistrust you. Therefore, I will only be providing sealed vessels of Distilled Water, and that only when you have demonstrated that you can extract and purify the required Essences from Fireleaf. I do not expect that to be an issue for any of you. I simply do not wish to mislead you as to why you will not be receiving all of the necessary reagents for this project at the beginning of the period. Now, then, if you would like to form an orderly queue, I will be happy to distribute the Fireleaf. Jeb stood eagerly, though he did not rush to join the line. The Professors request for the queue to be orderly made him hesitant to go too quickly. Due to his hesitation, Jeb ended up near the end of the line, not that he was particularly concerned. Nothing in the syllabus or his plans for the period made him think that he would be particularly pressed for time. Professor Quicksilver handed him a packet that was labeled both with the Alchemical Symbol for Fireleaf and the name inked neatly in Republican. Jeb excitedly took it back to his seat. Fireleaf had been one of the plants that he was somewhat confident he would be able to grow, and he was curious how it felt in his hands. As Jeb opened the packet, he was forced to take a moment to decide how much he wanted to stop the System from influencing his actions. He had already known that he would do all of the Essence extraction, distilling, and recombination as unaided as possible, since he wanted to earn the Alchemy Skill. As he went to analyze the plant, however, he felt his Pollination Skill try to assert itself for some reason. After a short moment of consideration, Jeb pushed the Skill down. He could explore what about the plant had triggered a reaction with Pollination after he had finished preparing a flask of Alchemical Fire. Until then, however, he was going to work as intentionally as possible. Jeb poured the leaves into the mortar, grinding them carefully with the pestle. As he did, he felt the Fireleaf start to release some of its Magic. The syllabus had explained that Fireleafs Essences were among the more easily separated from their host plant, which was one reason that it was commonly used in Alchemicals that needed Essence of Fire. Although it contained multiple Essences, only its Fire was of note. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Jeb had wondered what the other Essences were, but the syllabus didnt seem to have the information anywhere inside of it. As he looked at and tasted the Magical signature Fireleaf gave off, he took a moment to wonder about how similar or different Essence was to the concept of Attunement he had grown used to in his Enchanting and Managrass experiments. The Magical signatures coming out of the small bowl were almost exclusively tinged in Fire, though Jeb felt touches of what he could describe only as Leaf, which was strange. He had never seen a Magic like that before, and yet something in him instinctively recognized it. Professor Quicksilver came over, nodding vigorously. Ah, I see that you are trying to understand how Essences relate to Attunement! Jeb didnt bother to ask how Professor Quicksilver had known that, giving a small nod instead. Professor Quicksilver began speaking quickly, that question is the main focus of my research. With something like Fireleaf, it seems obvious how the two relate. He frowned, picking up Jebs syllabus and leafing through it. Truthfully, he muttered, it seems obvious with almost everything you will work with this term. In a louder voice, he continued, however, that is only more reason for you to continue studying Alchemy. As you begin to work with more complex Alchemicals, their Essence begins to diverge from the Attunement you would expect, which is a relief to me! Seeing Jebs confused expression, he chuckled. If there was nothing more to Alchemy than the manipulation of Attunements, there would be nothing to prevent any random Enchanter from driving us all out of business. Jeb nodded in understanding. I have made a few Enchantments to change the Attunement of different materials, he admitted. Professor Quicksilvers eyebrows rose. We will need to discuss that another time. For now, he nodded at Jebs notes for the day, you should work to make Alchemical Fire. With that, he walked over to another table, where he began questioning the student standing in front of their own setup. Jeb tuned the conversation out, focusing on the work in front of him. The next step in the process was the only part he was unsure of. The syllabus described the next step simply: using the alembic, separate the Fire Essence from the Fireleaf. In Jebs notes, he had marked the direction with a question mark. It did not seem quite so straightforward to him. Then again, he thought, I dont know if could describe the way that I form a Glyph any more descriptively. Professor Quicksilvers comment about Alchemy being its own discipline had reminded him that what he was working with was, in fact, Magic. As a Wizard, it was apparently his Classs goal to learn Magic, which only served to hone his focus slightly more. Jeb transferred the ground leaf into the alembic, then poured in distilled spirit. He stirred the paste into the liquid until the entire mixture was a uniform texture. The syllabus had been helpful in describing consistency it should have, and Jeb carefully added drops of spirit to the paste until it was just thin enough to move with the swirling of the bulb. He rebuilt the alembic, silently grateful to Professor Quicksilver for having him assemble and reassemble it to the point of muscle memory. The hazards associated with Fireleaf were numerous, especially when ground and mixed with distilled spirit. Almost as soon as the apparatus was sealed, the liquid began to bubble and steam. Jeb hadnt been expecting anything to happen before he lit a flame under the alembic and panicked for a second. Breathing deeply, he refocused. He knew that Fireleaf gave off a fair amount of heat when crushed, and he knew that distilled spirit took almost no heat to boil. It should not have been surprising that the mixture would boil itself, if he had been thinking about it. The reminder that the reagents in this course would be actively changing was a mental shift Jeb had not yet internalized, and he was beginning to see where that could harm him. As the steam rose, he was grateful that he had started cooling the alembic as soon as he arrived. The distillate collected and fell back down. The syllabus had given a note saying that the Essence would be most concentrated in the evaporate, and he focused on the newly rising steam, trying to look past the Magical signatures he recognized. Underneath the layers of differently Attuned Mana, Jeb felt like he could feel some other source of Fire. When he tried to pull it away, the Fire Mana came with it. Try as he might, Jeb was unable to separate the two. Professor Quicksilvers comment about how similar the Essence and Attunement were for Fireleaf played through his mind. When he stopped trying to prevent the Fire Attuned Mana from following, he found that it was easy enough to pull the Fire Essence away from the rest of the steam. Guiding it carefully, he moved the Fire Essence into the bulb at the other end of the setup. As the Fire Essence began to pool, Jeb got his first glimpse of an Alchemical Essence. It was hard to describe its appearance. It was nothing like Mana, that much was certain. This Essence was a liquid, looking and moving so much like the distilled spirit he had poured that Jeb had a moment of concern that he had accidentally pulled the spirit, rather than the Essence. When Professor Quicksilver came over, however, he was nodding brightly. Fantastic job with the separation! he exclaimed. In a more subdued tone he asked, how much did you rely on your Skills? Jeb frowned. As little as possible. I tried to do this without the System influence, but it was hard to find the Essence. Quicksilver nodded. Now that youve felt Essence once, you will have an easier time recognizing it in the future. Separating Fire Essence was only the first part of the assignment, however. He pulled out a small glass flask and replaced the bulb that still held the remainder of the mixture Jeb had made. Guide the Fire Essence back into the flask, and you should have Alchemical Fire. Jeb did as he was instructed. Lifting the Fire Essence was difficult. For all that it felt volatile to him, it did not seem to want to travel back where it had come from. As sweat beaded on his brow, Jeb slowly forced it to climb up the side of the jar. The higher the Fire Essence climbed, the less effort Jeb felt it take to push it higher. At first, he had thought that was because he was getting better at manipulating Essence. When it reached the top of the still and started actively pulling away from him, though, Jeb understood better. The syllabus had mentioned that Distilled Water, when prepared properly, had negative Essence pressure. Jeb had not understood what that meant, until the Fire Essence was ripped out of his control, shooting into the water below. As the two clear liquids mixed, they became a dark green sludge that was visibly thick. If the syllabus hadnt described Alchemical Fire as looking like that, Jeb would have been terrified that he had made a mistake. Instead, he carefully disassembled the alembic and capped the flask. Walking up to the front of the classroom, he handed Professor Quicksilver the sealed container. Professor Quicksilver took it with a smile. Let us see how well you did, he said, uncorking the flask. Chapter 148: Alchemy Part Five The rest of the class stopped as they watched Professor Quicksilver. More than a few alembics filled with steam, and he coughed meaningfully. Please pay attention to your own experiments, he said, tone gently chiding the rest of the class. Even as the rest of the class began to refocus on their experiments, Jeb still felt part of their attention focused on him. He could make a few guesses at what they were thinking, most of which would probably be questions about how he had finished so quickly. Declan had asked him the same thing after a number of laboratory sessions in Theoretical Enchanting. Jeb had tried to explain that he just did what he had planned to do, but Declan never seemed quite able to copy him. Jeb pushed the thought away, curious about what Professor Quicksilver was about to do. He pulled out a small dropper and carefully sucked up a small bead of the green substance. With his other hand, he started rummaging around in his desk for something. After a long moment, he proudly displayed a piece of paper, which he held out in front of him. Carefully squeezing the dropper, Quicksilver poured the drop of Alchemical Fire onto the piece of paper. With a roar of flame, the paper suddenly burned a bright crimson. Jeb felt the flash of heat from where he was standing a few feet away. As the paper was consumed, the fire did not seem to die out. Instead, it started to fall, as though only partially constrained by gravity. As it touched the floor, the flame began to spread. Just as Jeb was beginning to worry that the flame was going to consume the entire room, Quicksilvers smile stopped, just for a moment. No. He spoke a single syllable, and yet it carried the weight of an eternity with it. For that brief instant, there was no trace of the jovial and forgetful Professor that Jeb was getting to know. There was only a figure of immense power, telling an Alchemical that it could not behave according to its Essence. Jeb was completely unsurprised to see that the flame stopped at the Professors word. The crimson had disappeared, replaced by the standard yellows, reds, and oranges of any other piece of burning paper. The flame faded out in a few more seconds once it was no longer sustained by Magic. Sorry about that! Professor Quicksilver gave a sheepish grin, all traces of seriousness completely gone again. I had not thought that your Alchemical Fire would be so willing to burn. Given how quickly you were able to grasp the Essence, however, I suppose that I should not have been surprised. In a louder tone, he addressed the rest of the classroom, in future terms, one of the skills you will need to develop is the ability to separate yourself from your Alchemicals. Until you do, everything you create will be tinged by the same motivations that you have. Jeb, as you can see, clearly has an innate drive to burn the world down. He winked, clearly showing that he had been joking, but Jeb still felt his face flush. The looks that he saw on his classmates as he walked back to his seat were far more inquisitive than they had been even as he walked to the front of the classroom. Something in their expressions told Jeb that they had, for whatever reason, written him off before. Now that they had heard the Professors praise, however, they were beginning to reevaluate those judgements. Jeb grimaced slightly and prepared to dismantle the alembic. He glanced at his notes to confirm that there was nothing dangerous left in the residue. Seeing the note that any lingering Fire could be dealt with by the application of a small amount of Water, he carefully focused Attune Water Mana and pushed it into the apparatus. When the feeling of flames was gone, Jeb nodded and started taking the parts apart, washing each in distilled water to prevent any physical residue from sticking. As he carefully cleaned the setup, he watched as the other members of the course began creating their own Alchemical Fire. For some reason that Jeb could not tell, every students Fire Essence joined the Distilled Water differently. None were as eager to combine as his had been, as far as Jeb could tell, but most still vigorously joined together. One of his classmates, however, stared in vexation at the two clear liquids which dispersed around each other, like oil and water. Professor Quicksilver, she called, clearly unsure how to proceed, did I do something wrong? After quickly making a mark of which student had just given him a vial of Alchemical Fire, Professor Quicksilver hurried over to the student. Interesting, he said, and Jeb felt something quickly pulse out of the Professor in the direction of the flask. The two liquids began to mix, turning the sickly green color of Alchemical Fire. Tell me, he paused clearly trying to remember the students name. Annabeth, she supplied helpfully. Annabeth, he repeated, nodding, do you have prior experience with Alchemy? She nodded stiffly. Yes, sir. My parents are Alchemists, and they trained me in proper Essence separation when I was younger. It has been a few years since I last practiced the skill, however, so I may have made some mistakes. Oh, no not at all! he exclaimed. One piece of information that the syllabus leaves out is that Alchemical Fire relies on the personal Essence of the Alchemist to bind. That is not typically an issue in Introduction to Alchemy, because the Academy only recommends those with no Alchemical experience to take the course. Is there a reason that you did not start with Intermediate Alchemy? Annabeth flushed slightly. I didnt want to have another difficult course this term, she muttered. I am sorry, I did not hear what you said, Professor Quicksilver replied, my years working with Alchemicals has made me somewhat unable to hear quiet sounds. Stolen story; please report. I said that I was hoping to take an easy course this term! she practically shouted. Im sorry. I will leave. She packed up her bag as though planning to leave the room. Professor Quicksilver held up a hand. I can understand the motivation, he said consolingly. When I was a student here myself, I was never shy about scheduling myself so that I had at least one course I did not need to worry about. That being said, I do not believe that you would struggle in Intermediate Alchemy. If you wish to remain in this course, though, you are more than welcome to. Oh, Annabeth replied. Thank you, Professor. She set her bag back down and corked her bottle of Alchemical Fire. Handing it to Quicksilver, she continued, I would like to remain in this course, if that is acceptable to you. He took the bottle with a nod and walked back to his desk. Jeb felt grateful to her for a moment. The rest of the class was no longer focused on him, instead paying attention to the girl who had yelled at her Professor. After a moment of the feeling, though, he felt bad. He shouldnt be happy that someone else was suffering. As Professor Quicksilver began testing the rest of the classs Alchemical Fire, Jeb thought about what he could do to make her feel better. The thought was quickly chased from his mind as Jeb watched the many different ways that Alchemical Fire could act. There were similarities between every vial, to be certain. They all had very similar textures and colors, and all burned with crimson flame when Quicksilver placed a drop onto sheets of paper. That was where the similarities ended. One burned in a single tongue that licked up to the ceiling of the room. Another seemed to almost crawl across the page, taking far longer than a flame should need to travel. As each flame devoured the page the Professor had given them, however, Jeb noticed that none of the others reached down towards the floor. They all faded away as the paper was consumed. Finally, Professor Quicksilver raised a bulb holding Annabeths Alchemical Fire. When he dropped it on the page, it burned a vicious green. He waved a hand and the flame disappeared, leaving the rest of the page untouched. As you may have noticed, Quicksilver began to lecture, each of your vials of Alchemical Fire burned differently. That is because, in addition to the Essence of Fire that you pushed into the Distilled Water, a small amount of your own Essence is needed to catalyze the reaction. Annabeth, he gestured to the student who seemed to be trying to hide behind her dismantled alembic, was able to keep her Essence from interacting with the Alchemical, and as a result, did not initially produce Alchemical Fire. As a trained Alchemist, I decided to show the rest of you what control over your own personal Essence can allow, since many do not understand the value of Alchemy. In addition to controlling the color of the flame, he poured another drop onto the paper. This time it erupted in bright golden flames. Professor Quicksilver waved a hand and the flames once more guttered out as he continued to speak, a well trained Alchemist is also in control of any Alchemical Magic which he has created. Of course, as you all saw, anyone can use an Alchemical that has been created, especially one as simple as Alchemical Fire. With the demonstration, everyone seemed to have forgotten about both Jeb and Annabeth. Jeb silently thanked the Professor, recognizing that he had not meant to draw unwanted attention to either student. As everyone continued to clean up from their experiments, Professor Quicksilver started walking around the classroom, offering feedback and advice. When he reached Jebs table, he murmured, please stay after class ends today, and continued his journey around the classroom. Jeb had nothing else to do in the period, so he sat and watched the other students clean up from their experiments. A few still glanced at either him or Annabeth as they cleaned up, but they at least attempted to be subtle about their looks. If he hadnt happened to make eye contact as they did, he likely wouldnt have noticed them doing so. After a few minutes of waiting, the bells tolled out the end of the period, and the class all stood and began packing up to leave. Jeb moved slowly, as though he was trying to make sure that he had not misplaced anything. In reality, he was simply trying to be covert about his staying late. The fact that hed stayed after class without anyone caring countless times the past two terms didnt occur to him. As most of the class filed out, Jeb saw that Annabeth was still in the room with him. She looked at him as though waiting for him to leave, and he did the same to her. When the door shut behind the final other member of their course, Professor Quicksilver gestured for the two of them to come to the front of the classroom. I wanted to call the two of you together to apologize for my behavior during class today. While I meant no harm by poking fun at the two of you, I recognize that it can be uncomfortable when someone in a position of power over you mocks you, even in jest. I also recognize that there is not a good way for you to respond to my apology, which is why I kept both of you after class. I am sure that both of you, being more than prepared for Introduction to Alchemy, will be able to find something to bond over, even if it is just a mutual distaste for my lecturing style. With that, he walked out of the classroom through a door that Jeb would swear neither was there before he had opened it nor remained after it closed. In the absence of the Professor, he and Annabeth looked at each other, as though both was waiting for the other to speak. Jeb broke the silence first. Im sorry that the Professor called you out in front of the entire course today, he said, a little awkwardly. She shrugged. Its really more on me for reacting so much to his question. I could have said anything else, rather than screaming at him. A few more seconds passed, and then she spoke again. Im sorry that the entire class has been looking at you like some kind of freak. Jeb blinked. He hadnt been expecting an apology on behalf of the entire class, and especially not for that. What do you mean? She stared at him, as though trying to gauge how legitimate his question was. She shook her head, clearly seeing something strange in his eyes. Have you not noticed the way that the rest of the class acts? Not really, Jeb admitted, Ive been too focused on the material of the course to really pay any attention to anyone else. You havent noticed that nobody asked you to join a study group with them, or to get a breakfast before class? she countered, tone disbelieving. Now that you mention it, Jeb reflected, that is a little strange. I had just assumed that everyone already had their own friend groups. As for studying, though, it isnt like theres that much material to learn yet. I assumed that study groups would start to form as the content grew more difficult, or at least more demanding. Oh, Annabeth said softly. She seemed somehow sad as she continued, Im sorry for bringing it up then. I dont want you to feel like you dont belong in this course. Paragons know you seem to belong the most of anyone enrolled this term. She stood up as though to leave the room. Hold on, Jeb said, holding out his arm. Why has the rest of the course been looking at me as though Im a freak? Her words had reminded him of the conversation hed shared with Catherine during the party at the end of their first term. Hed meant to ask her what she had meant about his standing out, but never got around to doing so. Whatever Annabeth said, he would ask Catherine if that lined up with what she had meant to tell him. She bit her lip, as though trying to find the right words to express what she was trying to communicate. Her eyes roamed up and down Jebs body as though that was somehow relevant to what she was going to say. I apologize for being so blunt about this, she began. Chapter 149: Overdue You do know how you look, though, right? she continued. Jebs brow furrowed. What do you mean? She blushed slightly, as though embarrassed to be pointing out something so obvious. Jeb, was it? Jeb nodded. When you look at all of the other men in the Academy, what do you notice about them? Jeb shrugged. Im taller than some of them, shorter than others, and around the same height as most of them. Anything else? she prompted, looking at him meaningfully. He shook his head. No, I cant say that theres anything else I notice. Theres a variety of hair color, I suppose, but mine isnt something wildly outside of the norm, I dont think, at least. She shook her head as though mirroring him. No, it isnt that. She covered her face with her hand as though trying to figure out how to explains something incredibly simple to somebody who seemed almost willfully obtuse. Um, she finally said, when you go through doors, what do you notice? Jebs frown reasserted itself. Since coming to the Academy? When I enter a doorway I dont always come out where I would expect to if the geography was fixed. Is that not the normal experience here? No, it is, she confirmed. After a second she asked, is that not what your experience has been historically? No, why? Jeb asked, do you come from somewhere else that isnt built strictly physically? She shrugged. Were getting away from the point here. Do you ever notice that, for instance, your shoulders clip into doorways here? No more than usual? The usual amount is none, Annabeth replied, deadpan. After a moment her facade cracked and she let out a smile. But, just to clarify, you havent noticed anything different about the doorways here as compared to wherever you come from? Hey, Jeb replied, playing along, how do you know that Im not from the Capital? She rolled her eyes. Is that a legitimate question? Because if so, I can start going through the list. Jebs smile froze on his face. Um, no, thats ok. She nodded, a smile creeping back onto her face. I understand. Ill repeat my question, though, have you noticed anything about the size of the doorways here, or how you interact with them? No? Why? She let out a sigh, as though there was nothing she wanted more than to end the conversation. I cant play along much longer. Jeb, youre significantly wider than every other member of the Academy. Ok, Annabeth quickly amended, I dont know for certain that youre wider than literally every member, but you are certainly much wider than the standard. Jeb looked down at his shoulders. They were thicker than they had been when he was younger, he knew, but they didnt seem any thicker than when he left home. Visually tracing a line from the outside of his shoulders to the outside of Annabeths, he nodded slightly. For now, he said, Ill accept that Im broader than you. Why would that make the rest of you treat me differently, though? Couldnt tell you. People who are different tend to get excluded, though. Thats always true, and part of why I was trying so hard to blend in during this course. Given that that ship has sailed, though, would you want to study together sometime? She flapped her eyelashes as though that would convince Jeb. Uh, Jeb replied, sure? I havent really been studying that much for this course yet, though. Mostly Ive been working on my other courses and projects. Thats totally fine! she beamed and bounced out of the classroom. That was strange, Jeb said to the empty room. Shrugging, he made his way over to Intermediate Lute, where he hoped that Catherine might be willing to deny that statement. When he found her before class, she noticed that something was wrong right away. Did something happen in Alchemy class? she asked in a whisper, mindful of the crowded room. No? Yes? Im not sure, Jeb replied honestly. He shook his head, sorry, that isnt helpful. I met one of my classmates, though, and she said that the rest of the course thought that I was weird. Catherine nodded, then froze halfway through the motion as Jeb did not continue his story. And...? she prompted. Seeing Jebs face, she hurried to add, Jeb, I told you that you were strange, and that I would happily tell you about it whenever you wanted. The fact that you never brought it up again made me think that youd come to terms with it on your own over break. I can see now that was a bad assumption, though. Did she say what about you was so strange? She implied that my shoulders are a lot broader than everyone else''s here are. Looking at Catherine, Jeb noticed that she was also far narrower than he was. He frowned as he looked around the classroom and saw that everyone else there was also far smaller than him. When he looked back at Catherine, he saw that she was nodding. Im glad that you learned this for yourself, she said calmly Why is everyone here so small! Jeb exclaimed. A few of his classmates turned at the outburst, but he ignored them. Catherine looked at him strangely. Jeb, are you not particularly large where you come from? The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Jeb shook his head then paused, trying to remember everyone else in his hometown. Truthfully, I think Im one of the smaller people in my hometown. Well, excluding children, of course. It was even a joke as I was growing up. What was the joke? Catherine asked. Jeb saw a few more of his classmates lean in as though they were also curious. Whats Jeb short for? Jeb asked. Oh! I didnt know that your name was short for something! Catherine exclaimed. No, no, Jeb said, shaking his head, youre supposed to ask that. Whats Jeb short for? she asked him. Havent hit my growth spurt yet, I suppose. Jebs smile fell slightly when he saw that Catherine wasnt smiling with him. So normally the joke would be that someone would ask one of my family members and they would say that in explanation, but- No, I got that, she hurried to say, I just um, dont think thats a very funny joke. Oh. Jeb said sadly. I guess Im not very good at telling jokes. She put a hand on his shoulder. I dont think its that, Jeb. I think that just may not be a particularly funny joke. It always got laughs in my hometown. Catherine didnt have any response to that. Luckily for her, their Professor took that chance to enter the room and begin class. Jeb pulled out his lute and started playing along with the warmups. When a bell signaled the end of the period, the rest of the class filed out. Catherine waited for the room to clear before turning back to Jeb. I really dont know what to tell you. I have no idea why people in the rural parts of the country would be so much larger than people from the Capital, especially when they dont have Farming Classes. Its ok, Jeb said, waving her comment away, Im just glad that my shoulders are the only strange thing about me. Sure! Catherine chirped. Something in her tone made Jeb think that she didnt really believe what she was saying. Is there something else? he asked. Jeb, what else about you would people notice? Catherine turned the question back on him. He tried to introspect, thinking about the way that he interacted with the Academy differently than the rest of his peers. I mean, they could notice that Im not only in courses from a single College. Since they would have to take courses in multiple Colleges, though, I cant see where that would happen. Okay, thats understandable, Catherine said in a patient tone, except that you know that Declan and I are friends. Even though we met through you, we have found that we have a number of mutual friends. We might have met even without you. So people think Im weird because Im in courses from different Colleges? That makes no sense! Im in an Introductory Alchemy course, for students who have no experience with the subject. I never said that, she replied. I just asked you to think of other ways you might be different than other students here. If you cant think of any, then what makes you think that theres anything else that theyre noticing? Jeb noticed that she didnt explicitly say that there was nothing else the other students noticed, but decided not to say anything. If she wanted to keep something a secret, she was allowed to. Ill keep thinking about it, he said. Relief flashed across Catherines face before she managed to school her expression back into something neutral. We should grab breakfast sometime soon! she said, clearly glad that the conversation was ending. That would be nice! Jeb said, and the two both left to go to their next activities. In the Stacks, Jeb wandered around, hoping that they would lead him to something which explained why people in the Capital were so small. As he kept walking, more and more books passed him by. None seemed to repeat, which meant one of any number of things, the most plausible of which were either that there was not a book which clearly explained the answer, or that for whatever reason, Jeb was not supposed to know the answer to that question. After an hour or so without making any progress, he started traveling towards Margaret. She was standing beside his desk, clearly waiting for him. Jeb, she began, something in her tone guarded, is there something you want to tell me? Jeb thought about the question. I have something I want to ask you, but I cant imagine its whatever youre thinking of, he replied honestly. Try me. Her tone was dry, which concerned Jeb slightly. Is there anything about me which is different than the other students at the Academy? She blinked rapidly, as though completely taken aback by the question. Well, yes. Would you like me to enumerate the differences, or simply highlight a few of the relevant examples? It was Jebs turn to blank. If you werent expecting that question, why do you already have an answer ready? She shrugged. I was expecting you to ask me at some point. Truthfully, I am more surprised that it took you so long to ask. A few highlights would be nice, Jeb admitted, but what did you want to talk to me about? I was going to ask you if there was a reason that Professors were coming to the Library in hopes of hiring the Druid we keep in the Stacks. Jeb stood a little straighter and looked around. You do? Where? Id love to meet them! She stared at him, clearly unamused. It took a moment for her words to sink in, but when the did, Jeb cringed slightly. Oh. They think that Im the Druid in the Stacks? he guessed. She nodded, paused mid bob, and shook her head. Yes and no. They know that you are Jeb, a third term student in the Remedial College. They just also know that there is a trained Druid who spends his time hiding in the Stacks and selling Manaweave to Professors in the College of Letters. I dont think that I started that rumor, Jeb said. If I did, I apologize. She sighed deeply and sat down in his chair. Jeb resisted the urge to ask her to stand up. I did not really think that you started the rumor, she said after a long silence. It just would have made the next few weeks a little easier. Now, immediately after we were audited for suspicious communications with your hometown Librarian, we are being audited because someone at the Capital thinks that we are harboring a fugitive. She shook her head, forcing a smile onto her face. As with the last audit, though, there is nothing in it which concerns you. Given that both audits had come about as a direct consequence of Jeb and his actions, he wasnt sure how true that statement was. He didnt really want to deal with another Auditor, though, so he refrained from commenting. She looked at the pile of books on his desk. Hmm, she commented, it might be a little difficult to honestly tell the Auditor that we do not have a Druid in the Stacks if these are the books you have chosen to spend your time reading. Have you considered what Class you are aiming to earn with your next Class Change? Jeb reeled at the sudden segue. I hadnt really considered it, he admitted. I guess I hope that Ill get to remain a Wizard. Truthfully, though, I dont see much of a benefit to any Class, given the way that the Academy runs. Margaret nodded. That is a common sentiment in the first few years of a students time at the Academy. In time, you will understand the ways that your Class benefits you, even when it does not directly aid you in your coursework. I think we may be talking past each other, Jeb said. My Class has been sealed in different amounts every term except for this one. Even now, my Alchemy Professor is encouraging me to do my best to reject any influence from the System on my actions. A book fell onto Margarets outstretched hand. With a start, Jeb realized that its cover was labeled Jeb Humdrum Academic Record. Interesting, she said after a long moment, tossing the book back into the endlessly shifting shelving of the Stacks. I will retract my statement for you in particular, and I will add this experience to the list of reasons you are different than other students. Jeb chuckled at the idea that she had a physical list. The laughter died in his throat as he saw a piece of paper float down into her hands. She quickly scrawled a few lines onto the page and tossed it back up. What was that? he asked. The list of reasons you are different from other students, Margaret replied. What did you think it was? Chapter 150: Weaving Part Three After quickly summarizing the list, Margaret left Jeb to go prepare for the visiting Auditor. As thoughts rolled through his head, Jeb chose to ignore everything he had learned about himself that day. The fact that he was larger than the rest of his classmates may have been true. Given that nobody was willing to dispute it, it was almost certainly true, he amended. However, that didnt mean that he had to pay attention to it. Instead, he thought back to what had happened during his Alchemy class. Jeb had made an Alchemical! Even if it was almost trivially easy, he had still pulled the Essence out of a material and used it to create something different. He still wasnt sure what, exactly, an Essence was, but he hoped that he would get a better picture as the term progressed. The idea that some intrinsic part of him wanted to burn everything, when combined with Fire, at least, was a little bit disconcerting. Jeb couldnt resist the urge to figure out why that was. Thankfully, Philip came by his desk just as he was getting ready to stand up. Hello Jeb, Phillip said, Margaret implied that you might be looking for a book. Is there something I can help you find? Jeb wasnt sure whether Margaret had been trying to keep him from thinking too hard about what she had revealed, or whether she was actually so aware that she knew he would want a book, but it worked out for him either way. I am, he said. Do you know if theres anything about the way that someones personal Essence makes Alchemical Fire behave? Phillip hummed, clearly considering the question. A few books leapt off the shelves towards him, but he dismissed them after glancing through the pages. It may take me a few minutes to locate one, but I do believe that the Academy has a book on exactly that topic. It has not been requested in a number of years, however, so it may be a bit of a struggle for me to find exactly where it has ended up. I trust that you will be studying here for the foreseeable future? Jeb nodded. Ive got some other projects to work on, he confirmed, so theres no rush for you to get back. Philip nodded and disappeared into the shelves. Jeb pulled out the other book that the Alchemy class had pushed him towards. It described the creation of Distilled Water through a number of different techniques. Apparently, a skilled Alchemist could simply pull all of the Essence out of water as it boiled, leaving the resulting liquid completely free of any Essence or other contaminant. For less skilled Alchemists, there existed a number of options, from Enchantments to carefully constructed Alchemy apparatus. For the completely skillless, however, there did not appear to be any options. Making Distilled Water took a baseline competency. The fact that it was apparently so easy for a skilled Alchemist to make Distilled Water did explain why Professor Quicksilver had been willing to share it with the class, however. Even if it was not particularly enjoyable work, it did not seem as though it was the sort of project that could really go wrong. At worst, it seemed like you would just need to distill the water again. As Jeb finished combing through the chapter for any hints to what the Enchantments for making Distilled Water looked like, Philip came back with the book. This is the best book that I could find, he said apologetically. There may be something better somewhere else in the Stacks, but I do not have the authority to pull anything better. The book was clearly old and well used, if the faded gold lettering was any indication. The title was almost too faded to make out, reading On the Blazing Fire of Alchemy and Connection to the Essence of a Given Person or Persons, a Treatise of Comparison. From the title alone, Jeb knew that it was going to be filled to the brim with overly flowery language. Sighing, he opened the page. What he had hoped to see was a chart explaining what the different reactions that Alchemical Fire could produce signified. Instead, the author went to great lengths to explain that a skilled Alchemist should be able to make their own Alchemical Fire produce any of the effects listed, and that any judgements of an Alchemist based on the behavior of their fire should take that into account. Despite the clear disclaimer, it then leapt immediately into a character and personality judgement of any Alchemist based on what their default Alchemical Fire reaction was. Jeb found what nearly every one of his classmates did within the first few pages, but apparently continues burning and tries to eat floor was not one of the common reactions. The book was older than section headings, so he couldnt just page through until he found the section he wanted. Instead, Jeb had to piece his way through each long paragraph of the book, struggling to convert the old text into something modernly legible. By the time that his stomach started growling, he was more than halfway through the book and still had no idea what his Fires reaction meant. After a quick meal in the cafeteria, where he waved to Annabeth and Catherine as each sat at their own tables, he returned to the Library to continue his studying. When the lights began to dim, signalling that the final bell was about to ring for the night, he was just finishing the final chapter. In a brief aside on the last, page, the author mentioned that, some young Alchemists find that their own Fire seems to take on a life of its own. The way that the Fire chooses to sustain itself is incredibly emblematic of the sort of Alchemist they will become. Due to the number of ways that a Living Fire might present, I will not do it the disservice of trying to condense the information onto a single page here. Instead, I will write another treatise concerned solely with this effect. That was where the book ended. Philip came by the desk, making sure that Jeb had noticed the lights dimming. Philip, there wasnt a sequel to this book anywhere, was there? Not that I could find, why? Philip asked. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The author said that the effect Im concerned with was going to be covered in the next treatise that he wrote. I was hoping that it ended up getting written. One moment, Philip said, grabbing a book off of the shelf and leafing through it. Ah, as I thought, he said, shelving the book. The author of your book there died mere days after publishing this first treatise. His cause of death is unknown, though contemporary sources link it to a professional rivalry. Given that the number one provable cause of death for Alchemists in that time was professional sabotage, I do not have trouble believing that account. I do not believe that he left any notes behind for a future treatise either, if that was going to be your next question. It wasnt going to be. Truthfully, Jeb was more curious what, exactly, professional sabotage meant in the context of ending someones life. After a moments consideration, though, he decided against asking the question. Odds were good that the answer would only serve to give him nightmares for a few nights. Thank you anyways, Jeb said, standing to leave his desk. Absolutely! Philip said, carefully escorting Jeb back to the circulation desk. Privately, Jeb wished that he wouldnt be so conscientious. When Philip wasnt there, Jeb could go directly from his desk in the Stacks to his room in the dormitory. When Philip was there, however, he had to go first to the front of the Library, which only seemed willing to connect to the entrance of his dormitory. It wasnt that much of a difference, but it seemed like a wasted amount of effort, which grated on Jeb slightly. Still, he reminded himself that it wasnt Philips fault. He had almost certainly been told to make sure that Jeb didnt get lost on his way out of the Stacks, and was just making sure that Jeb didnt. When Jeb got to his room, he debated pulling open his book of Druidic Plants to see if he could find any more references to Distilled Water. As his head hit his mattress, however, he fell directly asleep. In the morning, Jeb woke to the tolling of bells. Sitting up in a jolt, he listened more carefully to the tones. In his time since coming to the Academy, Jeb had learned that the bells tolled out not only a different number of times each hour, but also had a slightly different timbre. The sound of tolling told him that it was only now fifth bell. Even though it felt like he had slept in, he was still up before most anyone else in the cafeteria. As he ate a relaxed breakfast, Jeb considered what Catherine, Annabeth, and Margaret had told him the day before. He was completely willing to believe that he was strange. At the very least, he recognized that he was far more interested in learning Magic than his peers seemed to be. It was strange. For all that they were all in a school that did not exist in a completely material way, many of them acted as though they were simply on their way to an apprenticeship doing something that they felt no passion for. Every time that Jeb heard one of his classmates groan about a homework assignment, he wanted to scream at them. Didnt they realize how lucky they were? Of course, Jeb knew that he did not feel that way about every course. Whenever he had to study for his Civics class, he bemoaned the existence of laws in general, even though he knew that they were generally beneficial. Civics, though, could never hold a candle to the joy that was effecting his will on the world, which Magic allowed in a very real and unique way. Jeb was so caught up in his meditations that he did not notice when someone sat down across from him. When they spoke, he leapt slightly. Im sorry, Annabeth said, I did not mean to scare you. What are you doing at breakfast so early, though? No, its completely fine, Jeb said. What do you mean by so early, though? I normally eat breakfast this early. She gave him a challenging look. If you normally eat breakfast at sixth bell, then why havent I seen you here most days? Jebs eyes widened in shock. Dont tell me that its already sixth bell! he cried, leaping out of his seat. I need to go. Sorry! Good to see you! He took his tray and quickly cleaned up after himself, before returning to the Stacks in the Library. Once back at his desk, he took a deep breath. Was it wrong to imply that I had to be somewhere else urgently? he asked himself, even though my main goal was just being able to be somewhere by myself to think? Even considering the question for a few minutes, Jeb did not end up coming to a conclusion. Shrugging, he made his way out of the Stacks towards his Weaving independent study. The first few sessions with the Weaver had been relatively simple. Despite the fact that he had learned how to spin thread before, the Weaver started him off with wool, carding it to get rid of any debris. When Jeb had asked why, the Weaver explained that, even if Jeb might never wish to work in anything but Manaweave, the world might not allow him to do so. Even if you never touch another aspect of the craft, he had continued, I would be failing in my role as a teacher if I did not prepare you for the eventuality. And so, Jeb had spent the past week cleaning wool and preparing it to be spun. By halfway through todays session, the Weaver was satisfied with his progress and had him start to spin the wool. Compared to Managrass, spinning wool was practically effortless. It seemed as though the fibers wanted to be made into something. Seeing Jebs astonishment, the Weaver laughed. There is a reason that we would not tend to start students off on Managrass, even if it were more readily available, he explained. Once you have experience with spinning this wool, we will move on to other, less ideal breeds of sheep. From there, we will move on to other materials. By the end of the term, I expect that you will be able to prepare nearly any fiber for Weaving. Will I also be able to weave them?Jeb asked curiously. If the entire term was just going to be spent teaching him to make thread, he would need to revise his plans for the next term. Studying the Magical side of Weaving would have to wait until after he had some experience actually working with weft and warp. Absolutely! the Weaver exclaimed, scuttling to beside Jeb. I am not teaching you to become a Spinner, laudable and essential as those crafters are. I am teaching you the skills you will need so that, stranded alone in the wilderness, you need not live like an uncivilized beast. Even amid nothing but stone and thorn, you will be able to craft soft and gentle clothing for yourself. Jeb had no intention of ever going off into the wilderness alone. Before he could say as much, though, he considered the fact that he had also never really intended to join the Academy. The world would not always behave how he expected it to, which meant that he should do everything in his power to deal with whatever life might bring his way. Knowing how to start from raw wool and turn it into a bolt of fabric might never be a useful skill for him. Just off the top of his head, though, Jeb could think of at least half a dozen situations he could find himself in where that would be an absolutely essential skill. When the bell tolled the end of his new independent study, the Weaver nodded approvingly. You have made enough thread now that I think you are ready to begin your First Weave. Havent I already made that? Jeb asked, thinking about the sheets of Manaweave he had crafted. The Weaver sighed. If we are being strictly technical, then yes. However, there is a difference between a craft done with the goal of reaching an end result and a craft done for its own sake. Jeb struggled to tell the difference, even though he did not say anything. Something in his silence must have shown, however, because the Weaver sighed. You will understand in the future, he said, shooing Jeb out of the Workshop. Chaper 151: Alchemical Manuals Like that, the term continued. One of Margarets points had been that Jeb was generally too willing to go without interacting with his friends. In light of that, he made a point of planning to meet up with Catherine, Declan, and Annabeth at least once a week for a meal. He had invited Philip and Margaret as well, but both had refused his offer. I do not think it appropriate for me to socialize with you, she had said, given that I am still assigned as your Librarian. When you graduate from the Academy, however, I would be happy to share a meal. Jeb wasnt sure entirely what part of etiquette required them not to socialize together, especially given their conversations in the Stacks. Still, it was clear that she did not want to get breakfast with him, so he did not push the issue. Philip, on the other hand, seemed ecstatic about the invitation before his own face fell. I dont have a schedule that lines up with your own, he explained. Seeing Jebs confusion, he continued, the Library has a system for training where hopeful Librarians are randomly assigned their tasks at random intervals. When I find my schedule, I would be happy to search for a period you are also free for a meal, but I cannot guarantee that they will happen with any regularity. I understand, Jeb replied half truthfully. Privately, a part of him was grateful that he only had three breakfast appointments a week. As much as he did deeply value his relationships with his friends, a part of him always felt like he was playing a role in front of them. When he had asked a few questions obliquely asking whether his friends felt the same way, they did not respond as though they felt like they were performing when they interacted with others. Or, rather, they did, but in a way that seemed fundamentally different from how Jeb meant it. On days that he did not have a meeting set up, he took to bringing a notebook to the cafeteria with him, so that he could think through ideas that he had. As he kept reading through the Druidic Plant book, he saw a number of references to Druidic Rituals and other pieces of information that were clearly only transmitted orally. Frustrating as it was to know that there were well known facts he would have to rediscover on his own, Jeb was beginning to feel confident in his ability to grow at least a few different Druidic Plants. He planned to spend the term break working to prepare a space to grow Fireleaf. For whatever reason, Jeb had felt a special connection to the plant since the first time they used it in Introduction to Alchemy. Whenever the plant had been needed for an Alchemical, he found that the entire process went slightly more smoothly. It was strange, especially since his Class had initially been given to him explicitly to fight a creature of Fire. Even though Jeb tried his hardest to forget that he had been given a Major Quest, it was still a reality he knew that he would need to start dealing with at some point. More than a few members of the military had already come by the Academy with their own versions of the Major Quest, looking for a Mage that was supposed to be enrolled there. Thankfully, the Academy had a strict policy of not revealing information about its students to the military. If it hadnt been for that, Jeb was certain that he would have been conscripted already. Every time that the thought came to his mind, he shooed it away. He had enough issues without adding the existential threat of a Dragon to the mix. Over the course of the term, he had grown more and more adept at feeling out the Essence in a material. As Professor Quicksilver had said, the Essence and Attunement for almost every reagent they used was more or less identical. However, as the term progressed, some of the Alchemicals they made started to have Essences which differed from the feeling of Magic they gave off. Each time that there was a difference, Jeb felt like there should have been a way to explain where the divergence happened in a more satisfying way than simply an Alchemist did it. He knew that Professor Quicksilver had the same frustration with the field, which may have been part of why the two got along so well. He and Jeb spent the hours before each Alchemy class session discussing their own hypotheses for the underlying cause. Or, rather, the two spent the hours before each class session with Jeb proposing a hypothesis and Professor Quicksilver giving an example to disprove it. Jeb had been disheartened at first to find that Quicksilver had already thought of most of the explanations he gave. He quickly got over that feeling. After all, not only had Quicksilver been studying the question for longer than Jeb had been alive, but he was more or less Jebs sole source of Alchemy information. Of course the Professor who taught him would have traveled down the same mental routes that he pursued. Once he had reframed the activity, Jeb found that it was far more enjoyable. Every so often, he did come up with an idea that was no closer than a variation on an idea the Professor had tested. Those fell just as quickly, though they often required Quicksilver to consult his notes. Annabeth had come to participate once and left within minutes. When they had their next breakfast, Jeb asked where she had gone. Jeb, she said, I need you to know that I have never been a part of a conversation that I wanted to be in less. Im not saying that to be mean, I just have no interest in learning how Essences work. Whats the point in figuring out how similar they are to the Attunement of Mana within an object? Jeb struggled to answer the question. I dont really think I understand, he said after a long moment. Figuring out how similar Essence is to the Attunement of Mana is the point? What can you do with that? Nothing? Jeb answered carefully. But thats true of most of what Ive learned in the Academy. Its knowledge for its own sake. That is not true in the least! Annabeth objected. Every Alchemical we have made in the course can be sold at a high markup to the military. Based on what youve told me about your Intermediate Lute course, you could use what youve learned in it to busk, at the very least. Even your Weaving independent study gives you the skills you need to make woven cloth! The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Right, but I wont, Jeb countered. For me, personally, knowing how Essences work is just as practical. She shrugged, clearly done with the topic, and thats probably why you enjoy those discussions with the Professor so much more than I did. The two sat in silence for a few moments as they continued eating their breakfast. Have you had a chance to study for the final examination? she asked, moving the conversation forward. For Introduction to Alchemy? Jeb asked, clarifying. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Yes, for the course that both of us are enrolled in together, Introduction to Alchemy. Jeb shrugged. All we have to do is make Distilled Water. I found the Schematic for an Enchantment that does almost all of the work a few weeks ago. It was pretty easy to make, for all that it didnt really make much of a difference. I feel like there are a number of things we need to unpack in that sentence, Annabeth said. Lets go in the order that makes sense to me. First, what did it not make a difference for? Oh! Jeb replied happily, I tried making Distilled Water without the Enchantment afterwards, since the process seemed relatively simple. As it turns out, it is a very straightforward process. Annabeth let out a sigh. When were you going to tell me that you already knew how to make Distilled Water? Jebs brows furrowed. I told you that I was trying to recreate the Alchemical Fire effects that I had read about. Where did you think that I was getting the Distilled Water for that? She stared at him for a long moment. Did I say something wrong? Jeb asked. Jeb, she said slowly, are you telling me that you have been making every batch of Alchemical Fire with Distilled Water and Fireleaf? Yes? Jeb replied hesitantly, how else would I have made it? Any of the other hundred or so recipes in a standard Alchemical Manual, or any of the thousand or so recipes in the extended editions, she suggested. The what? Jeb asked, excited. I didnt know there was a standard Alchemical Manual. She froze. What do you mean? How have you been studying for the course? Ive been reading the syllabus? What have you been doing? Ive been reading the syllabus and comparing the directions to the ones listed in the standard Alchemical Manual! What do you do when the syllabus doesnt explain what the process is? It never does that, Jeb said. The conversation devolved from there, and the two left to go about their days. Jeb made his way to the Library, where he immediately went to the circulation desk. Kaitlyn looked up with a quizzical expression. Good morning, Jeb, how can I help you? she asked, tone slightly confused. Would it be possible for me to check out a standard Alchemical Manual? Jeb asked, overly casually. She sat up a little straighter, muttering, I had wondered when this would come up. In a louder voice, she continued, that depends a lot on what you mean by possible. May I check out an Alchemical Manual? Jeb asked, reframing his question. Professor Quicksilver has requested that you do not check one out, she said. He has said as much in the his Instructors Notes. Technically, he is unable to prevent you from checking out any specific material, as he is not a formal advisor of yours. Nonetheless, I would recommend that you listen to his request, at least until you have asked him why he made it. Wait, Jeb said, one of my classmates said that she had an Alchemical Manual, and she didnt say anything about Quicksilver requesting we not check one out. I apologize for the lack of clarity, Kaitlyn said, Professor Quicksilver requested that you, in specific, would not have access to an Alchemical Manual. Jeb frowned but said nothing else as he walked out of the Library. Without knowing exactly where Professor Quicksilvers office was, he wasnt entirely sure if he would be able to find it. After all, he reasoned, without knowing where Dean Aquams office is in the forest, there is no way that I would be able to find the clearing. Still, he wandered, hopeful that Quicksilver might have an easier to find office. To his relief, he came across a row of doors, each labeled with a Professors name. After walking for a few minutes, he came across one labeled Professor Quicksilver. Jeb knocked on the door. He heard something crash from behind the door. One moment! Quicksilvers voice came from near the sound. As Jeb waited, the crash changed into something that sounded like a roaring fire, then transitioned into the smell of a waterfall. Just as he was beginning to grow concerned, the door opened a crack, and Professor Quicksilver peered out. Jeb? he asked, frowning. You have never come to my office before. Jeb heard the unasked question. I found out two things today, he said. Oh! the door opened wider. Come in! What wonderful facts are you now privy to? It was clear from his tone that he had no idea what Jeb was here to talk to him about. I dont know if I would call them wonderful, Jeb said, taking a seat in the offered chair. Annabeth, he paused, seeing the look of confusion quickly flit across Quicksilvers brow, one of my classmates in Introduction to Alchemy, told me that there is a book called an Alchemical Manual. That was news to me, in large part because I have not heard of one before, despite the fact that I requested a number of books related to Alchemy this term. When I asked the Library about the omission, they told me that you had said that I, in particular, was not allowed to check out an Alchemical Manual. Why? Quicksilver nodded, smile faltering slightly at Jebs rapid accusation. Of course, he said, voice still confident. I am certain you know why, if you take a step back to think about it. Jeb did his best to set aside his emotions for a moment to consider the question. Try as he might, though, he could not find a reason. He shook his head and answered after a few minutes of consideration, Im sorry, Professor, but I cant think of a reason. I suppose that it would be difficult for you to understand the issue inherent to reading an Alchemical Manual without having ever seen one. He hummed aimlessly. Let me think, he said distractedly, hands reaching out in front of him. Jeb sat entranced as lights and sounds began to coalesce around the Professors hands. It was clear that Quicksilver was doing something, but what, exactly, he was doing remained a mystery. As the light and sound show continued, Jeb wondered whether the Professor was simply conjuring an Alchemical Manual out of thin air. Almost as soon as the thought occurred to him, the light and sounds vanished. Yes, Professor Quicksilver said, I do think that the benefits of you learning why you should not use an Alchemical Manual outweigh the harms of you seeing one. Exactly how that seeming contradiction made sense, Jeb was unsure. Still, when the Professor lifted a small but thick tome onto the desk, Jeb was entranced. The cover was a deep blue, bordering on purple. It was clearly not made of leather, and almost seemed to have been bound in stone. On the front, embossed and colored in a deep red, it simply said Alchemical Manual. Now this is not a standard Alchemical Manual, Professor Quicksilver explained, it is my own private one. However, I have followed the typical conventions for crafting an Alchemical Manual. Please look at the entry for Alchemical Fire. He handed the book to Jeb, who eagerly opened the tome and flipped through to the entry on Alchemical Fire. Chapter 152: Alchemical Conversations Jeb read through the section, still unsure what was wrong with reading an Alchemical Manual. He found that there were any number of easier ways that he could have made the Alchemical, including using a few completely unrestricted items. Instead, he had been forced to ask Professor Quicksilver for more Fireleaf every time that he wanted to make another batch. I still dont see the issue, he said when he had finished the section. Interesting, Professor Quicksilver said. What did you find about the difference between how the syllabus told you to prepare Alchemical Fire from Distilled Water and Fireleaf and how the Manual told you? Jeb pulled out the syllabus, unwilling to rely solely on his memory. The syllabus, he said, goes through step by step what I need to do, and makes a point of noting that the only Essence we care about from the Fireleaf is the Fire Essence. The Alchemical Manual simply states to combine Fireleaf and Distilled Water. And that is different because? Professor Quicksilver prompted. The Alchemical Manual clearly presupposes that the reader will know how to extract and combine Essences? Jeb guessed. Quicksilver shook his head, before reluctantly nodding. That is true, though not what I was getting at. You have worked with Fireleaf enough that I am certain you have come to learn its unique Essence profile. What Essences does it have? Jeb thought about the question. There was the obvious answer of Fire, but it sounded like that might not be the correct one. It has Fire Essence, he said anyways, getting a nod from the Professor in return. And? Quicksilver prompted. It also has what I can only really describe as Leaf Essence, and a few others that I dont have as good names or feelings for. Exactly! Quicksilver exclaimed. Do you see the issue now? Jeb started to shake his head, but stopped himself in the middle of the motion. What was Professor Quicksilver trying to get at? He looked at the syllabus and Alchemical Manual again, trying to see what they each said about Essence. Suddenly, understanding clicked. Oh! Jeb said, voice louder than he had meant, the Alchemical Manual implies that the only Essence in Fireleaf is Fire. I knew you would figure it out, Quicksilver said smugly. The smugness was clearly not directed at Jeb, which made him wonder who the Professor had just proved wrong. And do you see why that is an issue? Jeb grimaced. Not really, he admitted. Quicksilver began to nod, as though he had expected that answer. It is a subtle issue, but one which takes many Alchemists years to address. When you read an Alchemical Manual, which implies that Fireleaf contains only Fire Essence, you begin to only see the Fire Essence in the Fireleaf. It makes it easier to reliably produce Alchemical Fire, to be certain, but that comes at a high cost. I think I understand, Jeb said, if I did not know that there was Leaf Essence in Fireleaf, I would not be able to do anything with that Essence. Quicksilver moved his head, as though debating how to respond to Jebs idea. That is not entirely wrong, though it somewhat misses the point. The issue in using Alchemical Manuals too early is that it makes Alchemy seem like something that is completely prescriptive. We make Alchemical Fire with Fireleaf and Distilled Water, because that is what the Manual says to do. Seeing that Jeb still wasnt understanding, the Professor tried another line of inquiry. If I told you that you needed to make Alchemical Fire, but I would not give you Fireleaf or Distilled Water, what would you do? he asked. Jeb only needed to consider the question for a moment. I would make my own Distilled Water, like Ive done all term, he replied instantly. Quicksilvers brows shot up, as though he had not realized Jeb was doing that. And then assuming that you meant that I was not supposed to use Fireleaf, I suppose that I would start with the Firegrass that I grew, Jeb said. Given that it is almost entirely Attuned to Fire, I am almost positive that it would have at least a little Fire Essence. I am curious what you mean by Firegrass, Quicksilver replied, but otherwise that sounds like a completely reasonable course of action. Why would you not just pull the Essence out of a fire, though? Jeb shrugged. Firegrass seems more similar to Fireleaf, and thats what I have experience with. Theres no point in making a project more difficult for the sake of making it difficult. Professor Quicksilver nodded. Now, if you had been using the Alchemical Manual all term, what would you have told me? Jeb glanced at the page and recited one of the other formulations. I still dont know if I see the issue, though, he said, how is that any different than what I just suggested doing? Quicksilver let out a sigh. I realize now that this is an issue that almost needs to be seen in retrospect. Will you trust me, for now at least, that reading an Alchemical Manual would be harmful to your future development as an Alchemist? Jeb nodded. Other than hiding Alchemical Manuals from him, Quicksilver had been incredibly open for the entire term. If his Professor thought that the Manual was going to harm Jeb, he was willing to trust that, at least for now. Is there anything else you came to talk to me about? Quicksilver asked, standing up. Jeb mirrored him, turning to leave the room. I am a little curious why Distilled Water is so expensive if its so easy to make, he said, and I would like to know what, exactly, I am allowed to bring with me on the day of the final examination. Quicksilver chuckled. I was wondering when you would ask that. Before I answer your question, do you happen to have a sample of the Distilled Water you have made? Jeb searched through his bag, pulling out a small vial. Thank you, Professor Quicksilver said when he handed it over. What makes Distilled Water so expensive is the complete lack of any Essence in it. To pass the course, as you have identified, you need only make water pure enough to turn into Alchemical Fire when reacted with Fireleaf. Have you attempted to do that with standard water, by the way? This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. I have not, Jeb admitted. Is it difficult? Quicksilver shrugged. Relative to making Distilled Water? Most would argue no. Relative to making Alchemical Fire with Distilled Water? Absolutely. As he had talked, the Professor had pulled out a large apparatus, which he carefully poured a drop of Jebs liquid onto. The liquid spread across the small glass plate and began to glow. At first, it was a dim blue light. As Professor Quicksilver turned a knob, though, the light grew brighter and more complex. Blue was still the dominant color, but Jeb saw lighter and darker hues in what had once been a singular color. As the light grew more intense, shades outside of blue began to appear. A tinge of green appeared, before developing into a forest of its own. Just before Jeb was worried the light might get blinding, it suddenly cut off. As Jeb blinked away the spots in his vision, Professor Quicksilver gave him an approving nod. I will be honest with you, that is a much better product than I would have expected. Seeing Jeb still blinking wildly, Quicksilver slapped himself on the forehead. I knew I forgot something. Well, for the future, it is in your best interest not to stare directly at the light from an Essence Meter. Remind me what your Vitality is again? Jeb didnt think that he had ever told Professor Quicksilver his Vitality, but that fact didnt seem particularly relevant just then. With a quick glance at his Status, Jeb said, fifty five, why? Oh good! Quicksilver said happily. Jeb noticed that the Professor did not say why his Vitality score was a good thing. As he stared at Quicksilver, he seemed to realize it as well. Sorry, any Vitality over forty is generally sufficient to avoid long term damage when looking at an Essence Meter. Of course, there are a number of confounding and compounding variables that can affect that number, but it works as a rough heuristic for prolonged staring. Since you only looked at it once, you should be completely fine in a few minutes. I had been wondering what an Essence Meter was, Jeb said, remembering the mentions to them in a few of the Alchemy books hed read that term. Im still not sure I understand exactly what it does, though. Professor Quicksilver stood up quickly. I have an Essence Meter Im rebuilding in my workspace, he said, it will serve us much better for explaining exactly what an Essence Meter does. With that, he rushed out of the room, and Jeb hurried to follow, dodging around piles of loose paper and books. Inside of the laboratory, Jeb looked around, half in awe and half in horror. It seemed like every Alchemical he had ever heard of, and more than a few that he hadnt, were piled in the room. Some, like Lime, were in neatly labeled jars. Others, like Fireleaf, lay in messy heaps. Professor Quicksilver ran through the room, heedless of the chaos around him, and tore a sheet off of a shelf in the back of the room. Jeb was hit at once with a sudden wave of Essence. Quicksilver didnt seem to notice Jebs distraction, too busy excitedly explaining exactly what every part of the Essence Meter did. At its core, an Essence Meter is really just a way to analytically say what Essences are in a material, and in what concentration. There are a few methods that people have used to build Essence Meters historically, but right now the standard is to put an Essence Stone in the center of the instrument, which you can then calibrate on known standards to see relative amounts of Essence. As you might have seen, there are two kinds of Essence Meters- Jeb couldnt stop himself from interrupting. Professor, where would I have seen that? The Essence Meter you pulled out in your office was the first Essence Meter Ive ever seen. Quicksilver turned, eyes glowing a brilliant and metallic grey. Hmm, I hadnt considered that. He seemed completely unaware of the fact that his eyes were actively emitting light. Jeb wasnt sure how light could be grey, but somehow the Professor had managed it. Well, the Professor said, turning back around, there are two kinds of Essence Meters, those that rely on absorption and those that rely on emission. There are pros and cons to both forms, but I have always been more partial to emission Essence Meters. Of course, he said, tossing a piece of the instrument casually behind him, it takes minimal effort to interconvert the two. He continued tossing parts of what Jeb assumed was a dismantled Essence Meter behind him, and Jeb was beginning to have to dodge out of the way to avoid being hit by flying chunks of metal. After a few close misses, Quicksilver turned around. Even more of him was glowing, emitting the same strange but clearly active grey light. Jeb saw that it was not a single shade of grey, like he had initially thought. Instead, much as the light from the Distilled Water had broken apart into a wide array of blues, the grey light emanating from the Professors entire body was a rich tapestry of grey. This is the heart of every Essence Meter, he said, hefting an object that practically screamed to Jebs Magical Senses. When he intentionally dulled his Magical Sense enough that it wasnt unbearably loud to them, he realized that it was really mostly screaming Essence. What is that? Jeb asked, tone somewhat afraid. Whatever it was, he had a growing suspicion that it was what was causing the Professor to glow. This is an Essence Stone! Professor Quicksilver said happily. It emits wide spectrum Essence. When you have an Essence Stone as nice as this one, it emits practically all forms of Essence, which is what makes it so useful for analyzing different Alchemicals. Before you go any further, Jeb said nervously, noting that his own hands seemed to be emitting a small amount of light, is it supposed to be unshielded? I only ask because, um, youre glowing. Quicksilver looked down and blinked rapidly, as though surprised to see himself glow. Asking questions like supposed presupposes a prescriptivist way of approaching the world. Despite implying that there was nothing wrong with leaving the Essence Stone out, Jeb noticed that the Professor quickly put it inside of a container that looked custom made to hold it. Once the orb was stowed, Jeb noticed that Professor Quicksilver began to dim. As I was saying, Professor Quicksilver said, clearly willing to move past what just happened. Wait, Jeb said, you were concerned about me looking at the Essence from Distilled Water a few minutes ago, why are you so unconcerned about direct exposure to an Essence Stone? Jeb, he replied in a calm and patient tone, I already asked you what your Vitality is. Fifty five is more than high enough not to be harmed by a little direct exposure from an Essence Stone. Jeb weighed the pros and cons of continuing down the conversational path. Regardless of whether or not Professor Quicksilver ended up agreeing with him, the odds were pretty good that their conversation would end with settling that dispute. He had far more questions, and could always raise safety concerns another time. Sighing, he asked, what is an Essence Stone? Quicksilver beamed. That is a fantastic question! Nobody knows, which is the best part! Well, that is not entirely accurate. We know that Essence Stones are a particular type of stone which emit broadband Essence continuously. Exactly how broad the range of Essence emitted and how powerful the Essence is comes down to a number of factors, but those are all factors we have used based on evidence, rather than anything based in theory. Where do Essence Stones come from? The Professor shrugged. I think people just find them in the ground sometimes. It is generally accepted that they show up more often in locations where there was a significant Magical battle, but the reason for that is still unclear. There are those who argue that landscape altering conflicts simply churn the earth enough that it brings them to the surface, and there are those that argue something in the clash of High Tier Magic creates the Stones. How long do they last? That is actually a fascinating question. There is a debate in the field right now about whether drifts in Essence Stone outputs are a sign that they do not have exactly the same output at all times, or whether something changed in the way that we measure Essence. Do you have any satisfying answers? Jeb asked, half exasperated. Quicksilver paused, clearly considering the question. You asked how Essence Meters work. The short answer is that an emission Essence Meter exposes whatever sample you place into it to Essence from the Essence Stone. As you saw, objects that are hit with a large enough dose of Essence will output their own Essence signature. By calibrating that to known Essences, we are able to build a catalog of what Essences produce what colors and effects, and then see what is inside of an unknown Alchemical. Chapter 153: End of Term Rewards Jeb tried to remember what other questions had been in his mind before he had seen the Professor glowing. Lets see, he thought to himself, reconstructing the conversation, why did we come back here to look at the Essence Stone? The answer was clearly because Jeb wanted to know how an Essence Meter worked, but why did that come up in conversation? I came to ask him about Alchemical Manuals, he thought, trying to rebuild the conversation from the beginning. After he justified why I wasnt allowed to use Alchemical Manuals, we talked about Alchemical Fire. Jeb suddenly remembered where the conversation had detoured. Professor Quicksilver! he called, why did you put my Distilled Water into an Essence Meter? I had been wondering how we got on this conversational track, Quicksilver admitted. Thank you for reminding me. As I said, you can tell the Essence signature of an object by placing it in an Essence Meter. There are a lot of ways to make it quantitative, but for Distilled Water, a qualitative measurement is more than sufficient. Your Distilled Water emitted Essence, which means that it was not truly Distilled Water. He paused, stroking his chin, which Jeb now noticed was covered in a light dusting of what looked like liquid steel. At least, the way that the Professors stubble moved reminded Jeb far more of liquid poured onto a surface than anything as mundane as hair. Well, I suppose that isnt fair, he said after another moment. There is significantly less Essence in your liquid than in a standard distilled water, so it is not inaccurate to call it Distilled. This is one of the rare times that I agree with the Professors of Analytical Alchemy. What is Analytical Alchemy? Jeb asked, curious. Quicksilver looked at him quizzically, as though he did not expect that question. After a moment, though, he nodded. With the questions that you ask, I tend to forget that you are only enrolled in Introduction to Alchemy. Alchemy, as with every other discipline, has subdisciplines. Though, as with most other disciplines, the borders between them are somewhat nebulous. Alchemy is traditionally broken into Synthetic and Natural Alchemy, though both of those classifications have fallen out of favor in recent generations. These days, Theoretical, Synthetic, and Analytical Alchemy are the three areas an Alchemist can focus on up to their Mastery at the Academy. After Mastery, the options open up slightly more, but that is neither here nor there. Do you follow so far? There are three kinds of Alchemy: Theoretical, Synthetic, and Analytical, Jeb parroted back. As with most of what I have taught you this term, that is wrong in every specific sense but right overall. I am generally classified as a Theoretical Alchemist, because my research focuses on understanding the way that Essence works on a fundamental level. Synthetic Alchemists are generally concerned with either producing new Alchemicals or finding better ways to produce existing Alchemicals. Analytical Alchemists work to standardize and define everything that they do. In a world of grey, they seek to find black and white by sorting with ever finer sieves. So why do you dislike Analytical Alchemists? It seems like they have a similar goal to you. It really does. The issue is really the direction that we work from. I, as a Theoretical Alchemist, try to find words to describe what happens. Analytical Alchemists, on the other hand, try to describe what happens by finding words. It is a subtle distinction, to be sure, but one with long reaching consequences. Quicksilver worried his lip between his teeth for a moment before continuing. Where was I? Right! Analytical Alchemists proposed a naming system for Distilled Water based on how much physical impurity remained and how much Essence impurity remained. The broader Alchemy community could not really think of a use for that nomenclature. After all, every Alchemist with voting rights has access to an Essence Meter, so they can always make sure that whatever reagent they are using is good enough for the task at hand. More than that, though, every Alchemist worth their salt is able to make almost perfect Distilled Water with the same amount of effort it would take them to make an inferior product. He seemed to realize what he was saying and hurried to add, not that you are inferior for making objectively bad Distilled - Quicksilver seemed to realize there was no way that he could spin the statement to something positive. Rather than continue to try, he simply closed his mouth and nodded. I think I understand, Jeb said. Even though I got rid of a lot of the Essence when I tried to make Distilled Water, I didnt get rid of all of it. Quicksilver nodded, as though he was trying to move the conversation on. Exactly! I am certain that if you continue working to make Distilled Water, you will find that you will continue to produce purer and purer Distilled Water. I assume that the blue light I saw coming out of the Essence Meter was Water Essence, Jeb said, but what were the other colors. Be careful with your assumptions, Professor Quicksilver warned, but, in this case, you are correct. The blue colors were different shades of Water Essence, and the other colors were likely shades of Essence from wherever your water came from. I did not have any of the specific analytical equipment activated, so I cannot say for certain exactly what other Essences your Distilled Water contains. Out of curiosity, what would good Distilled Water look like in the Essence Meter? Jeb asked. You know what they say about curiosity, Quicksilver said, tone much lighter. Seeing Jeb shake his head, he chuckled, it is best sated with answers. He grabbed a vial from one of the drawers in his desk and poured it out onto the Essence Meter. When he had sealed the Essence Meter, Professor Quicksilver started turning a knob. No light started pouring out. I am afraid that this will not be interesting, Professor Quicksilver said apologetically. Distilled Water was a specialty of mine at one point, and I have learned how to keep any traces of Essence out of it when sealing the container. Jeb nodded. Did you have any other questions? Quicksilver asked, gesturing to Jeb. I dont think so! Jeb said, taking the hint and standing to leave. Thank you for answering my questions, Professor. I will see you in class! I look forward to it, Quicksilver said, waving Jeb away. As Jeb started to close the door, Professor Quicksilver popped his head out. Remind me, where are you from again? Jeb frowned, unsure why the Professor was asking him that question. Im from Humdrumville, he said, why? Quicksilvers brows furrowed in concentration. That is in the middle of the Republic, correct? Jeb nodded. Do you have any memories of Magical Creatures from growing up? What do you mean? Jeb asked, confused. Quicksilver coughed slightly. Technically this is confidential, but the Academy has begun to receive reports of Magical Creatures heading towards the Capital. They appear to have originated from the center of the Republic, but there are no records of any significant populations. I was simply wondering whether the records are incomplete. Whats a Magical Creature? Jeb asked. Quicksilver sighed. I had expected you to say that. Thank you anyways. He closed the door, and Jeb walked back to the dormitory with a brand new set of questions. After the admittedly strange conversation with Professor Quicksilver, Jeb felt like the rest of the term passed in a blur. He studied for all of his examinations and spent extra time in the Workshop, hoping that he would be able to gain the Weaving Skill. When the final examination for Introduction to Alchemy came along, he quickly made some Distilled Water and added the Essence of Fire from Fireleaf to it. His Alchemical Fire did not continue to burn after eating through the paper this time, and he saw Quicksilver give him a nod of approval. As the term break started, Jeb prepared the fields to plant Fireleaf. He felt like he had read enough to explain what, exactly, he needed to do to make suitable conditions for the plant to grow. Watching the plants grow day by day, he thought about how much nicer Managrass was, since he could grow it as quickly as his Mana allowed. About halfway through the term break, Dean Aquam called Jeb into his office. Are you ready to receive your grades? he asked. Jeb nodded eagerly. As he had expected, he had passed all of his courses. There were two supplementary notes attached, which he was confused about. Dean Aquam explained, sometimes Professors will attach a note if they believe that there is something specific that a student did that stood out to them over the term. Often, it is a form of commendation, but occasionally it is a statement that they worry about a students future success in the field and advise them to work to shore up some weakness. The two letters came from his Intermediate Lute Professor and Professor Quicksilver. The Lute Professor simply noted that he was pleased to see that Jeb tried to work without accessing his Lute Skill, though he advised that Advanced Lute and on would require full use of his Skill and skills. Quicksilver wrote a glowing review, where he expounded on how excited he was to have a new Research Assistant. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Have you already read these? Jeb asked the Dean. Dean Aquam nodded. Professor Quicksilver is known to be a little over eager when he finds students that he likes. Do not worry, you will not be required to work for him, though that would be a good way to pay for your tuition, assuming you ever stop wishing to make Manaweave. Thank you, Dean, Jeb said. Did you unlock the Skills you had hoped for? Dean Aquam asked. Jeb checked his Status, looking for any updates. Blushing slightly, he realized that he had forgotten to accept the rewards from his second term of study.
Congratulations! You have completed your Second Term at the Academy.
Rewards for Suppressed Quests and Term Performance:
30 Intelligence, 30 Willpower, 30 Magic Affinity, 30 Mana Depth, 30 Charisma, 30 Presence, 250 Mana.
Once he had accepted that, he accepted the next Quest, hopeful that he would get the Skills he had worked for.
Congratulations! You have completed your Second Term at the Academy.
New Skills Gained:
Weaving
Alchemy
Rewards for Suppressed Quests and Term Performance:
30 Intelligence, 30 Willpower, 30 Magic Affinity, 30 Mana Depth, 30 Charisma, 30 Presence, 250 Mana.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn a New School of Magic. You have delved deeper into the realms of Magic.
Rewards: 2 Intelligence, 2 Willpower, 2 Magic Affinity, 2 Mana Depth, 2 Charisma, 96 EXP
Thats strange, he said to the Dean. What is? Dean Aquam asked. My Wizard Class told me to learn new kinds of Magic, and it absorbed all of the other Magical Skills I knew. I unlocked Alchemy, though, and it still shows up as its own Skill. That is interesting, Dean Aquam agreed. It is not uncommon for Classes to avoid merging Skills, however. For some, Skills are merged at Level increases. Others wait until the next Class Change. Since you are Third Level, I suppose that the point is moot. I expect that your Class Skill will consume Alchemy whenever you choose to Level Up. I guess that is another question I have, Jeb replied honestly. When should I Level Up? Dean Aquam looked at him, as though he was unsure what question Jeb was asking. After a moment, light seemed to spark in his eyes as he remembered where Jeb was from. Right, I had forgotten that your family does not generally Upgrade their Classes as often as is common in the Capital. I cannot think of a reason for you to wait to Level Up, unless there is a Skill that you think will be essential to your Class development. I got a new Magical Skill, so I feel like I should be fine, Jeb said, feeling around his Status for confirmation. It seemed to agree. Is there any chance I can get another tuition waver for sharing the results of this Class Upgrade? he asked hopefully. Dean Aquam considered the question. I will have to ask Headmistress Petra. That is one reason to delay, I suppose. I will let you know by tomorrow what her response is. The two chatted for a few more minutes, and Jeb left just as he was starting to feel lightheaded. When he looked at his Status, he understood why he felt so bad. His total Statistic Load had grown by half. Laying down on his bed, Jeb felt the darkness take him as he slipped into sleep. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 17
Class: Wizard
Level: 3
Experience: 1246/204
Total Statistic Load: 858 ->1228
Physical Load: 278 ->338
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 64 ->124
Mental Load: 580 ->890
Intelligence: 126 ->188
Willpower: 127 ->189
Magic Affinity: 119 ->181
Mana Depth: 104 ->166
Charisma: 104 ->166
Mana: 2015 ->2515
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Alchemy
Weaving
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 154: Dreams of Essence As Jeb slept, he dreamed. In the midst of the dream, he suddenly became aware of the feeling of his fingers and toes. He even felt his hair, which had started to grow long enough to brush the tips of his ears. Despite that, he still knew without a doubt that he was dreaming. Swirling infinities in colors that he could not name rushed around him. A song wove around him, shaping into a river that reformed into a bird taking flight. When he took a step, the entire scene moved around him, as though he were the center of the universe. That thought jolted him, and suddenly Jeb broke out of the stream he was moving in. Just for a moment, he felt a searing deep within his soul, as though he were once more making a choice that went against the natural order of things. Thats ridiculous, though, he thought, I havent made any choices. Im dreaming. Forming a thought seemed to break the dream realm he was in slightly more. Like a window cracking in front of him, the infinities seemed to split away, fracturing into potentials and realities. Jeb felt a pressure begin to form behind his eyes, and his head started to throb. Just as the pain became blinding, it ceased. His eyes cleared, and the scene was gone. No, that isnt right, Jeb thought, looking around. The scene was still there, it was simply frozen and limited to his normal perceptions. The infinities were gone, replaced by something unfathomably large. In front of him, Jeb saw the figure of Magic. It had changed since the last time he had shared a dream with it. Now, it seemed to have crystallized, as though its shape were set. Child of man, it said, tone sweeter than any song he could ever play, what are you doing here? I dont really know, Jeb replied honestly. Magic nodded, and Jeb saw that his first impressions had been wrong. Magic had not crystallized, he was simply seeing its Essence for a moment. Despite the fact that it was a being of nearly infinite potential, Magic was of a single Essence. Quicksilver burned a metallic grey when his Essence was amplified. Water glowed blue. Magic simply was. Regardless of the form that it took, however briefly and lightly it took it, it remained Magic. Seeing that helped keep Jeb from assigning any meaning to the fact that Magic was changing shape far more than it had the previous times Jeb had seen it. He wasnt sure why Magics form was so much more mercurial than before, but he did his best to ignore it, focusing on what it was trying to say to him. Child of Man, it said, tone somehow gentle, do you know what you have done by accepting your Class? Once again, not really, Jeb admitted. It seemed somehow dissatisfied with that answer, and Jeb felt his mind sinking back beneath the gentle lull of dreams. The infinities faded away as he sank deep into the depths of a dream. The bell tolled out five times. Jeb sat up, feeling more invigorated than his usual. When he remembered that he had been sleeping for nearly half a day, he nodded. His mind and soul were acclimating to the new Statistics, and thinking felt easier. It felt almost as though there had been a sheet muffling everything that he thought, and now the sheet had been lifted. When he opened a door, he saw a note from Dean Aquam.
Jeb,
The Headmistress accepted your proposal. Come to the Ritual Grounds at your earliest convenience. Do not worry about alerting the rest of the faculty, we are alerted whenever a student attempts to enter them.
Jeb watched the note fade away like dew before the morning sun. Shrugging, he made his way to the cafeteria to have a breakfast. The room was deserted when he entered, food sitting prepared beside unmanned stations. I wonder where everyone is, Jeb thought, preparing a plate of food. He hadnt realized how much background noise there was in the cafeteria as people cooked and plated food. Without any of it, each scraping of his fork on the plate seemed to echo in the empty room. He ate slower than usual, savoring each bite and texture. When Jeb finished his meal, he cleaned up his place as normal. Lets see, he mused aloud, is there anything else that I should do before Tiering Up? I dont have any courses right now, but I should probably check in on the Fireleaf. Oh! a sudden realization struck him I was told to bring my lute last time. I should probably grab that again. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Mind set, he debated between going to his room and going to the field first. Despite the fact that he had been separated from the lute for terms at a time, though, Jeb still felt most comfortable with it resting on his back. This past term he had taken to playing Lute Enforcement each night before he went to sleep. At this point, he wasnt sure if he could hurt the instrument even if he tried. Then again, Jeb thought, walking back to the dormitory, I suppose that my ability to cause damage with Magic has probably improved again with how much my Statistics increased. Back in his room, he moved to the lute without a thought, putting on the strap and leaning it against his back. A tension that he hadnt noticed suddenly faded away, and Jeb walked to his small farm a little bit calmer. When he made it to the field, Jeb tried to activate his Magical Vision. The Attunement of the plants remained what they had been, primarily Fire. However, Jeb felt a new lens slip into place in his vision. The field burned with Fire Essence. It seemed to travel between the plot as a wave, growing in strength as it passed by each small sprout. When the tide of Fire reached the edge of his field, it spilled over slightly, pushing a small amount of Fire Essence into the surrounding air, where it was quickly broken apart by the Essence in the air. The rest of the wave moved back over the plants, once more growing in intensity. Jeb stood entranced as he watched the Essence moving in the Fireleaf. When he managed to pull his attention away from the wave of Fire, he saw that there were more Essences that he had missed. For all that Jeb still thought that Leaf Essence was a ridiculous concept, he saw each plant start to collect it as small buds started to form on their stems. Underneath all that, the soil in the ground itself collected Essence. He watched the Enchantments he had placed at the edges of the field pull in Essence of their own. Interesting, I hadnt seen any mentions of the Enchantments affecting Essences, Jeb thought, frowning slightly. As he looked around, he could not find any places where the Essence and the Mana Attunement differed too greatly. Of course, that was probably because his ability to discern specific Essences was not well developed in the least. If Jeb was honest with himself, he was not particularly skilled at distinguishing shades of Attunement. By the time that he managed to pull his attention away from the new Magics he could see, the sun had started to fall from the sky. Noon was a few hours past, he realized with a start. What he had meant to treat as a slight detour before gaining his new Class had taken much more of his time than he had planned. Now feeling slightly behind, Jeb started to jog towards the Ritual Grounds. As he moved, he began to wonder how he could potentially work an Enchantment or Alchemical into his lute. It felt a little strange that as he continued to gain new Magics, he did not attach them to the objects Bound to him. He remembered that he had been cautioned against Enchanting the lute, but he could not remember why. Before he figured out what the reason was, Jeb found that his way was suddenly blocked. Between one step and the next, a wall of stone suddenly filled the entire hallway. The halls remained somewhat unreal, as though Jeb could ignore them if he really wanted to. His sense of self preservation had kept him from exploring what existed behind the walls so far, but he had known it was only a matter of time before he gave into the impulse. Jeb had done his best to remove the temptation by avoiding asking anyone what was behind the walls of the Academy. He knew that any answer he was given would not satisfy and would only drive him to find out sooner. Suddenly prevented from using the halls by a stone wall that made him feel half dreamed, Jeb looked at the walls again. Maybe now is the time to find out whats behind them, he thought. If there was something preventing him from getting to the Ritual Grounds, he would have to get around it. As he began to push against the hallway, Jeb focused on how much he did not believe that the walls were real. They started to pull away from his hand, and Jeb felt his fingers start to slip through the soft material that felt like jelly. Just before they breached the backside of the wall, though, the stone in front of him suddenly disappeared. In its place, Headmistress Petra came rushing, yanking Jebs hand out of the hallway. What were you thinking? she demanded, tone like a landslide. In retrospect, Jeb said, I probably should have realized that you were the cause of a stone wall in the Academy hallway. Yes. You should have. The Headmistress was clearly not pleased that Jeb had tried to circumvent a barrier she had placed. The two stood in silence for a few moments, both clearly waiting for the other to speak. As the silence grew, Jeb considered what he could say to excuse his behavior. For whatever reason, he did not think that saying I was already curious what lay behind the walls, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to find out, would do him any favors. Try as he might, though, he could not think of any better excuse. Just as he was about to say as much, if only to break the silence, Petra sighed. I suppose that I should have expected this behavior from you, given the reports I have received. Something in her tone made it clear that Jeb shouldnt ask what reports shed gotten, even though he was curious. She turned back towards the direction shed come from and started to walk. Jeb followed the leader of the Academy through the halls, noting the way that they slowly shifted to a solid stone as she stayed inside of them. Before he could ask about that, the hallway ended and Jeb stepped out into the grove he had stood in the last time he had changed his Class. All the Deans he had seen before were assembled again, along with most of the Professors that Jeb had taken courses from and a number of others that he did not recognize at all. Professor Quicksilver waved, grinning wildly. Professor Bearson waved as well, large hand peeking out of his thick robe for just a moment. Do you remember the process? Headmistress Petra asked. Jeb nodded, stepping into the middle of the ring. Even though there were at least twenty people watching him, he did not feel nervous. Amidst his surprise at his new Class, Jeb had not connected a lot of what had happened when he received his last Class. In the past terms, however, he had spent some time going over the events. Something that stuck out to him was the fact that no one seemed to know what his Class was or what Class Quests he had before he told them. Taking a deep breath, Jeb focused on his Level, willing it to increase again. He felt his knees bend as his body and soul separated for a moment. Chapter 155: Class Change Jeb felt his soul tug out towards everything it was Bound to. His lute sang immediately, their connection stronger than it had ever been before. After a long delay, he felt the Hive connect as well. The Swarm seemed far more dispersed than he remembered. Still, Jeb was glad that the bees seemed to be doing well. As much as he enjoyed his time in the Academy, he did miss the presence of his bees. Hopefully I can find a way to see them sooner than later, he thought. After connecting to each of his Bound objects, Jeb felt the part of his soul that had intertwined with them carefully unthread itself and rejoin to him. Just for a moment, he was Bound to nothing except himself. Once again, Jeb saw himself in the center of a rotating universe. The two planets of his first two Classes seemed to be completely crystallized. There was nothing more that he could do to affect them, for all that he could see the way that they would affect each future Class he had. Jeb looked at the options in front of him. Compared to the last time he had been there, the sky seemed far sparser. There were just a few bright points in an infinite sea of darkness. As Jeb looked more carefully, he saw that his initial impression had been wrong. There were other Classes out there if he wanted them. They were just incredibly dim and far away. When he looked at the bright stars of Classes that seemed to be calling him, it made sense why there were no other real options. The brightest Class was Wizard. Even though he did not have lungs in this space, Jeb let out a sigh of relief. He had hoped that he would be able to continue learning different kinds of Magics, and he knew that Wizard was the best way to make that happen.
Wizard
Third Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Novel
You have not been content to rest within a single School of Magic. Nor have you kept the Schools you have learned separated, as individual wells of power for you to draw from.Instead, you have sought to understand the very underpinnings of Magic, finding even the font of Magic.
The fact that it was not significantly brighter than the other stars in the constellation was a little surprising to Jeb. Curious, he moved over to the next point of light. If the star for Wizard had burned with mystery and discovery, this star was entirely discovery. Just by looking at it, Jeb felt as though he was beginning to understand the roots of Creation.
Theoretician
Third Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Novel
To name something is to call it into being. To observe something is to pin it in place. Not content with simply learning what others have learned, you seek to drill down into the very depths of Creation. Find the links between Magics. Find the links between Skills. Find the links between soul and body and Status.
Just by drawing near to the star, Jeb felt himself pulled ever closer. He had to admit that the offer it gave was incredibly tempting. Even though he had loved learning Magic at the Academy, he was starting to chafe at the fact that all of his other Skills had started to stagnate. During his Alchemy course, he had expected to use what he had learned about Brewing and Distilling. To his disappointment, though, Quicksilver had emphasized that Jeb should work on removing the Essences from reagents solely with his Magic. Even Weaving, for all that he had done an independent study, seemed to be something that Dean Aquam was letting him do out of the generosity in his spirit, rather than something the Academy valued. Now that he was presented with this Class choice, Jeb was beginning to realize that, even though he was not being kept in the box of Mud Magic, he had simply broken out of it to be placed in the larger box of Magic. As tempting as it was to choose the Class right away, Jeb pulled himself from the star that promised him answers and moved towards the third Class that seemed hand picked for him. If the last star had promised answers to questions that Jeb had never thought to ask, the third star he orbited promised solutions to all of his problems. Creation seemed to emanate from it, and Jeb felt as though he could make the purest Distilled Water that anyone had ever made, if only he stayed here.
Crafter
Third Tier Class (Advanced)
Novel
To understand Creation, one must become as a Creator. Magics, though interesting, are most interesting in how they shape the world around you. Understanding how Magic works is only as useful as the applications that understanding creates.
Now that he was orbiting this star, Jeb saw the issue with Theoretician. For all that he did, legitimately, enjoy learning the reasons that Magics worked together and the way that they worked on a fundamental level, that was not where his interest stopped. He had initially dreamed of being a Magical Farmer, somehow working great feats of Magic onto the land itself. Even if that dream had faded somewhat, there was still a deep part of him that refused to be limited in what he could do. Theoretician would not limit him to the study of Magic, he knew, but it would limit him to study. Crafter, by contrast, rejected all notions of theory. If something worked, the star seemed to whisper to Jeb, why did it matter how? Optimization by empirical measurements was the only way that theory ever developed. Jeb found that he had drifted closer and closer to the star as he considered to ponder his choices. Seeing the two laid out as such clear opposites firmed his resolve not to pick either. Even though he found practice important, Jeb was beginning to realize that the part of him which feared and resented being limited considered not knowing why something worked a limit in itself. He pulled away from the star, leaving the promise of perfected experiments behind. As he flew to the fourth star, Jeb felt at peace in a way that he never had before. Drawing near, the star radiated such pure feelings of life, growth, and knowledge that Jeb felt himself drawing ever closer. The star whispered promises of theory matched with experiment and Magic mixed with reality. Forcing himself to see what Class was calling him so, Jeb focused on pulling up its description.
Druid.
Third Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Novel
Life is change. To understand life, it is not enough to crystallize it to theory. Nor is it enough to thoughtlessly create. The world is more than Magic, and all Magics rely on the existence of nature and natural products. Shape the world to your dreams, bring peace to the world itself.
Note: Druid remains a forbidden Class in your nation.
Despite the warning, Jeb found himself dreaming about life as a Druid. He stood beside a great tree, wider around than the town he grew up in. Countless other plants grew in the shade of the tree, supported and nourished by its roots. Entire foot networks existed on each of the World Trees branches. Jeb saw himself as the tree, just for a moment, Bound even more deeply than he was to his lute. Pulling himself out of the vision, Jeb saw that he had almost accepted the Class without meaning to. Only the fact that the System required him to confirm without a doubt that he was comfortable with gaining the Achievement: Outlaw stopped him from taking the Class. He shot back, resisting the pull of this latest Class offering. Back in the void where he had begun the process, Jeb felt each of the stars exerting a pull on him. Every part of him was pulled towards one star in particular, for all that he could not find one that pulled all of him. Standing in the absence of space for a subjective eternity, Jeb felt the pull from the star Wizard start to change. Curious, Jeb let himself be pulled towards the star. Focusing on the star, he pulled up the text for the Class description. It changed as he watched it, letters moving and reforming. When it stopped, the Class was slightly different.
Wizard
Third Tier Magical Class (Advanced)
Novel
You have not been content to rest within any School of Magic.Instead, you have sought to understand the very underpinnings of Magic and its connection to the greater System. Delve deeper. Grow in understanding.
The fact that the System was able to rewrite Class descriptions was meaningful, Jeb knew at once. The new Wizard was slightly different. It was still a Magical Class, unlike Crafter, but that suited Jeb fine. Even though he did not want to be limited to only studying Magic, Jeb was aware that a majority of his time for the foreseeable future would be spent on Magical endeavors. He was, after all, still enrolled in the Academy. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. As Jeb discarded his objections to the Class, he felt himself changing slightly. His willingness to prioritize Magic and the study of Skills related to its craft began to crystallize. Remembering the river of fate analogy that his grandfather had given him, Jeb felt his own course settle more deeply, as though a tributary had fixed its path. Just before he accepted the Class, though, he noticed that none of the Class offerings had told him what Statistics they would give. A voice in his head assured him that all the Classes had comparable Statistic Gains, and Jeb shrugged, trusting the half real thought. Looking at the vast expanse of nothingness, he saw the places he was Bound. Testing the connection, he made sure that the Swarm was comfortable with his choice of Class. The hive and lute, as he had expected, did not reply. The Swarm did not seem to have an issue with Jebs new Class, so he flew into it, watching as the planets of his previous Classes began to circle around a new star. Actually, Jeb thought, looking at the System, that isnt quite right. Second Tier Wizard was orbiting this new Class, but his First Tier Class Mud Mage was orbiting the planet. It seemed like a stable system: a star, a planet, and a moon. Before he could wonder about what that meant, his Class selection was finalized.
Congratulations! You have Tiered Up!
-204 Experience, New Class: Wizard.
Excess Experience detected.Multipliers applied:
Level up: 3/4
Tier Up (2-3): 0.66
Total Multiplier: 0.5
Remaining Experience: 521
Congratulations! Your Skills have Combined!
Brewing (Magical)
Distilling (Magical)
Have been consumed into the Skill-
Jeb stopped reading, refusing to let the Skills go. To his surprise, the window disappeared, leaving another in its place.
Congratulations! Your Skills have Combined!
Alchemy (Magical)
Has been consumed into the Skill Magic (Class Reward, Magical)
Jeb collapsed on the altar, soul and body once more united. Are you alright? Professor Quicksilver called out, voice surprisingly concerned. Im fine, Jeb croaked out before the darkness took him. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 17
Class: Wizard
Level: 4
Experience: 521/309
Total Statistic Load: 1228 ->1278
Physical Load: 338
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 124
Mental Load: 890 ->940
Intelligence: 188 ->198
Willpower: 189 ->199
Magic Affinity: 181 ->191
Mana Depth: 166 ->176
Charisma: 166 ->176
Mana: 2515
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Weaving
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 156: Woven Fire When Jeb awoke, it was morning again. He hoped that he had just slept through the rest of the day and night, not for multiple days. Sitting up and looking around, he saw that there was nobody in the grove with him. He picked up his lute, noting that it did not seem any worse the wear for its exposure to the elements and started walking back. As he did, Jeb felt the grove slowly fade out of his senses, as though it was no more real than any of the hallways he walked through. It was a strange feeling, to say the least, and Jeb hardly noticed the transition from grove to cafeteria. Inside the cafeteria, Dean Aquam and Professor Quicksilver were sitting next to each other, holding an intense if whispered conversation. Both looked up at the sound of the door opening and smiled when they saw Jeb. Ah! Professor Quicksilver exclaimed, we were just discussing you! Dean Aquam rolled his eyes. Jeb, please tell me that you did not knowingly expose yourself to an Essence Stone, he said, tone already resigned to the answer he knew he would hear. Technically Professor Quicksilver exposed me, Jeb replied. Dean Aquams frown deepened. I am aware. We were just discussing that. Professor Quicksilver shrugged in Jebs direction. Dean Aquam looked Jeb up and down. Did you just wake up from your new Class? Jeb nodded. His stomach let out a loud gurgle, which seemed to stop the Dean from asking any other questions. He gestured for Jeb to go and get breakfast. Jeb did not need to be told twice, practically bolting to make himself a plate of food. When he had sated his hunger, gone through ablutions, and changed into a clean uniform, Jeb considered what he could do with the rest of his break. He looked around, hoping that he had left a list to himself. Unsurprisingly, he had not. Lets see, Jeb thought, next term Im taking Alchemy again. Given Dean Aquams mood this morning, its probably not a great idea to start with that immediately. I could check on the Fireleaf, but I doubt it needs anything. Jeb started heading in the direction of the field as he continued to go through the possibilities for how he could spend the rest of his break. Looking through his Notifications, Jeb was reminded that he had unlocked the Weaving Skill. He remembered the meeting with Dean Aquam where he had implied that there was a Magic he could learn once he had the Weaving Skill. The desire to learn it resonated so strongly with his Class that Jeb found the hallway in front of him suddenly swerve, as though it was now leading him to the Workshop. Frowning, Jeb continued walking forward, trusting that the hallway would reform in the direction that he actually wanted to go. When he ran into the semi-permeable membrane, he debated pushing against it. He had nearly succeeded in going through the wall before he had raised Tier again. Now that he was Third Tier, Jeb was positive that he could get through the wall if he really needed or wanted to. Thankfully, the Academy did not push him to do so now. Moving like nothing so much as a petulant child, the hallway one more started to point in the direction of Jebs field. Nodding in satisfaction, Jeb began to walk down the path, fixing his desire to see the Fireleaf in his mind. To his relief, the hallway did not play any tricks on him, and in a few minutes he started to smell the growing life. The Fireleaf, as he had expected, had continued to grow just fine in his absence. Now that Alchemy had been absorbed by his Magic Skill, Jeb found that it was no struggle at all to see the Essences and Attunements at the same time. Most of the time, as Professor Quicksilver had told him, the two did overlap almost entirely. Every so often, though, the two diverged significantly. When that happened, it was like looking at something that was somehow a striking blue and orange at the same time: clearly impossible, for all that his eyes were telling him that was what they saw. Jeb hoped that the sight would become less distracting in time. If not, he was worried about his ability to continue doing Alchemy. After confirming that there was nothing he needed to do with the crops, Jeb let the Academy lead him to the Workshop. He found the Weaving door almost as soon as he entered the constantly rotating set of doors, as though even the Workshop was excited for Jeb to begin this next project. Jeb opened the door, more than a little surprised to see that the Weaver was standing, waiting for him. I see that you are finally ready to begin Magical Weaving, he said simply, turning towards a door that had not been in the Weaving Workshop before. Jeb followed him, hoping that it was the right choice. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. They entered a dark hallway. Unlike the halls of the Academy, these seemed almost too real. A part of Jeb felt as though he was going to start fading away if he stayed in them too long. Looking at the walls, Jeb realized that the area was not quite as dark as he had thought. Intricate woven murals were attached to each wall, like they had been in the Workshop. These, however, seemed to be made of something completely different than any thread Jeb had worked with before. The Weaver paid them no mind, continuing forward. Jeb realized that he was falling behind and hurried to catch up. A voice in his head assured him that it would go poorly for him if he lost sight of the Weaver here. After what felt like an eternity or a split second, the Weaver stopped. Jeb stopped as well, noticing that they stood in front of a door. It is not too late for you to choose not to see this, the Weaver cautioned. His tone was different than anything Jeb had heard before. It sounded almost afraid. See what? Jeb asked. The Weaver nodded, almost sadly, and opened the door. Light spilled out, warm and comforting. As it did, the tapestries on the wall seemed to suck in the light, glowing brighter and brighter. Jeb was reminded of the way that embers glowed when breathed on. Stepping inside, Jeb saw what he knew had to be a spinning machine and loom, for all that they were completely unlike any he had seen before. A roaring fire floated where rough fibers might normally go on a standard spinning machine, burning without any apparent need for fuel. What is this? Jeb asked, looking around. He hardly noticed that the door to the hallway had closed, sealing the room away. If Weaving were capable only of producing mundane fabrics, you, an Academy student, would never be permitted to learn the Skill. Right, Jeb replied, still staring in awe at the fire. To his Magical senses, it was just as much fire as it was to his vision. Manaweave isnt a mundane fabric, though. The Weaver scoffed. Is it not? Fibers are grown from the earth, before being cleaned and spun. The thread is woven no differently than any wool or other natural material. A material being Magical does not make the fabric any less mundane. This, he gestured to the setup, is thread that cannot be made through mundane means. Fire itself is spun into the form of thread, and fire itself is woven. He handed Jeb a small scrap of spark. It shimmered in his hands, blues and greens occasionally surfacing amidst waves of yellow and red. Looking at it was even worse than looking at the places where Essence and Attunement differed. To all of his standard senses, the material was simply fabric, albeit a fanciful one. To all of his Magical senses, though, the material was simply fire. His Magical senses didnt even register the fire as having been woven, simply that it was, for whatever reason, more or less planar. Jeb blinked rapidly, trying to process what he was seeing. The Weaver tutted and took the scrap out of Jebs hands. Jebs mind cleared, and he looked up at the Weaver in amazement. Do better, the Weaver said simply. You are a Weaver now. See that this is a woven material. Jeb frowned at the instruction. Shrugging, he tried to activate his Weaving Skill as he looked at the piece of fabric. To his surprise, Jebs vision was overlaid, like when he tried to use his Magical vision. Unlike with his Magical vision, though, Jeb did not see Attunement or Essence. Instead, the world seemed to be reduced to four kinds of objects: things which could be woven, things which could weave, things which could not be woven, and things which were woven. When he looked at the Weaver, Jeb amended that list. Weaver was also a category to his Weaving sense. If you have ever heard of a cloak of shadows or a cape of moonlight, it was made by a Weaver, the Weaver continued, grabbing a fistful of the fire. He began to work it into thread as Jeb watched. If you were to dedicate yourself to the craft, in time you would need nothing save your will to create cloth out of anything. The thread seemed to weave itself, and another scrap of fire was suddenly in the Weavers hand. He crushed it, tossing it back into the ball of fire that he had taken it to. Somehow, the fabric dissolved back into the fire it had been woven from. For now, however, I expect that you will need to use the setup here. With that, the Weaver left. Jeb looked at the apparatus in front of him. Try as he might to start the spinning machine, it would not take hold of the ball of fire. He found himself wondering how, exactly, the Weaver had managed to trap and stabilize a flame for so long. Shaking himself out of the thought, Jeb focused on his Skill again and looked at the ball of flame. It looked completely inert to his Weaving sense. I watched the Weaver weave this not even a minute ago, Jeb said, arguing with the Skill. He was not surprised that the Skill did not suddenly accept fire as weavable. Truthfully, Jeb wasnt entirely sure if he believed it either. He could accept that the Weaver had managed to weave fabric out of flame, but that did not mean that Jeb would be able to. Rather than focus on his failure, Jeb started to investigate the spinning machine. The more he looked at it, the less that it felt like a spinning machine in any meaningful sense. For one, it was not hand held. It resembled a spinning wheel, but there was no part which would grab raw fibers, and when Jeb used it, it did not seem to do anything to actually spin thread. Jeb reached into the fire, trying to tell himself that it would be solid when he grabbed it. He did not really believe it, and his hand passed straight through the fire. It felt hot. Jeb was grateful for the extra durability that Statistics and Tier granted him. He could tell that he would have been burned just from this short contact a few months ago. Jeb continued to try and fail to grasp the flames for hours. When he took a break, he realized that he was far more tired than he would have expected. Whether it was something residual from his recent Class Advancement or something else, he was not sure. Looking around, he saw what resembled a sleeping mat. Lying down on it, Jeb fell asleep. Chapter 157: Woven Fire Part Two Jeb woke up. He felt around, feeling a little disconnected from himself. As he blinked away the last vestiges of sleep, Jeb tried to figure out why the feeling felt so familiar. Working backwards through his time in the Academy, he tried to place the feeling. After a few minutes of thought, he remembered the way that he had felt when Instructor Thistle had pulled the class into another dimension. It was a similar feeling, but not entirely the same. Having satisfied the curiosity, Jeb focused on the ball of fire in front of him. He wasnt entirely sure how the Weaver would know when he succeeded, but Jeb trusted that he had not been abandoned forever. At worst, he thought wryly, I am sure that my Glyph Professor would notice if he stopped getting a supply of Manaweave. Looking at the setup again, Jeb tried his hardest to put aside his preconceived notions. There was every possibility that he was, in fact, in another dimension. If he was, he tried to convince himself, there was no reason that someone with the Weaving Skill shouldnt be able to touch fire. When Jeb tried to activate Weaving, he found that he was able to slip into the visualization much more easily than before he had slept. Whether something had changed while he slept, or if it was just the benefit of repetition showing, Jeb wasnt sure. Shaking his head to knock away the question, Jeb looked at the fire again. As he looked, a strand of it suddenly seemed weavable. Reaching out, Jeb realized that it was just a strand of his hair that had fallen in front of his eyes. Sighing, he pushed his hair back and stared at the fire, willing it to respond to his will and come out as a strand. When that didnt work, he tried to call his Attune Fire Mana Glyph, hoping that an increase in the Mana concentration might help him sense the fire better. To his surprise, his Glyphs seemed to be sealed away from him. The same was true when he reached for Lute Enforcement or any Enchantment he had memorized. That did confirm his suspicions that he was in a slightly different dimension, for all that it was more than a little annoying. Refocusing, Jeb looked at the spinning machine. It did not have a single part that appeared to twist the thread, which Jeb struggled to understand at first. For some reason, his Smithing Skill seemed to be trying to tell Jeb something. He gave into the feeling, trusting the System. Jeb suddenly remembered his time in his grandfathers workshop, where he pulled thinner and thinner wire through draw plates. The spinning machine resembled a very specialized draw plate more than any of the other pieces the Weaver had introduced him to. As Jeb thought about why that might be, something clicked in his understanding. The fire no longer appeared completely unweavable to his vision. Rushing forward, Jeb grasped for it. His fingers pushed through the fire with minimal resistance. The sudden inspiration he had fled him, and Jeb pulled his hand back when it started to overheat. Frowning, he tried to return to the mental state he had been in. As he did, he realized something. Minimal resistance was not no resistance. Jeb had made progress in grasping Fire, even if it was only slight. Something seemed to slip in front of his vision as he reached out to the flame again. This time, it was as though Jeb had stuck his hand into a pot of some hot liquid. He could feel the fire pulsing around him, but it slid between his fingers when he tried to grip it. His hand seemed to heat up more quickly this time, and he pulled it out, blowing on his fingers. Jeb blinked, and his vision returned to normal. He looked down at his hand, noting that it was slightly red. Looking around, he tried to find anything he could use to prevent his hand from becoming more burnt. A quick trek through the room he was trying increasingly hard not to think of as a prison cell did not appear to have any bandages. It also did not have any food or water. I guess I have a time limit, Jeb said, grateful that raising his Class another Tier made it so that he did not need to eat as often, especially since he was not doing anything too physically strenuous. Thinking about his Class, Jeb remembered the way that the description had changed. His Wizard Class was about finding the connection between Magic and the System. There was nothing that weaving fire could be except for Magic. Jeb reached down into himself, searching for the Magic Skill. For all that he had used it while working on Glyphs or Enchantments, Jeb had never really thought of the Skill as a singular entity. He had always treated it as a wrapper over Skills, rather than a Skill in itself. Closing his eyes, Jeb focused on his soul. His Weaving and Smithing Skills were the first he found, already half primed to be called up again. He passed by Brewing and Distilling, noting that they seemed a little raw, as though they were trying to heal. Try as he might, though, Jeb could not see Magic. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. He willed himself to look unfocus his vision. As he did, his Skills appeared to grow smaller and more defined. Suddenly, Jeb realized that what he had taken for the backdrop of his soul was not, in fact, a blank canvas. Continuing to pull his vision back more and more, Jeb saw a Skill start to take shape. His Magic Skill was far larger than any of his other Skills. Jeb wasnt certain if that was because it had consumed so many Skills, or if it was a consequence of being his singular Class Skill. Both reasons seemed to resonate with him at least somewhat, so he mentally shrugged and focused on the Skill, tuning out the rest of his System. The Skill looked somewhat sickly. Even though Jeb knew that he was not in a three dimensional space, he had begun to visualize his Skills as spheres. The rest of them had appeared perfectly smooth, growing steadily denser towards their core. Magic, by contrast, seemed to have points of density scattered around it. The center of the Skill seemed almost hollow. As Jeb continued to stare at the reflection of his dearest Skill, he noticed that one of the denser regions seemed tied to Brewing and Distilling. Probing the connection, he saw that the denser region was his Alchemy Skill, which was still being absorbed into its parent. Even knowing that most people learning to weave fire would not have such a broad skill, Jeb couldnt help but feel like the Skills ill health was the biggest barrier to his current success. Pulling himself back into his body, Jeb started to focus on his Magic Skill. He questioned the part of him that still thought of his ability to produce Glyphs and Enchantments as separate. It was hard to break out of the mental ruts that had served him so well up to this point. Lying back down onto the pile of bedding, Jeb breathed deeply and started trying to unify his use of Magic. He kept returning to his dreams of Magic. The fact that it seemed to exemplify all the different Colleges preferred Magics perfectly was something that resonated with every part of Jebs Class. At some point, he fell asleep, still thinking about how to unify his Skill. When Jeb woke up, he felt like Magic had become stabler, even if he did not want to delve into exactly why. He focused on Magic, forcing himself not to see either the Essence or the Attunement, but simply the presence of Magic. The room was blinding. Every piece of the room blazed with its own distinct touch of Magic. Countless Weavers had practiced their art here. Each had a different connection to Magic, to the System, and to Weaving. If Jeb focused harder, he was certain that he would be able to trace exactly which thread of every piece on the walls came from which set of hands. He shook himself out of the thought, focusing again on the fire and the spinning machine. The fire somehow seemed the dimmest of anything in the room to his newly unified Magical sight. Jeb wasnt certain if that was a consequence of how he was still failing to see Magic as a single concept, but pushed the thought aside. Forcing himself to ignore all the other sparkling lights in the room, which seemed to dance around him, Jeb focused on Weaving. His vision changed again. The spinning machine suddenly blazed with the desire, the need to form thread. The fire seemed almost hesitant, as though it wasnt sure what it was meant to be any longer. Jeb reached out, knowing beyond confidence that his hand would be able to grasp fire. The fire would slot into the spinning machine, where he would be able to make a spool of thread. Reaching out, the fire felt gelatinous. The first handful he grasped separated from the rest of the ball of fire, though the ball did not seem in any way diminished. Shaking his head, Jeb grasped a new handful more gently, pulling without tearing the fire away. It pulled away, still connected to the larger ball. Feeding it into the spinning machine, Jeb was relieved to see that it began to run on its own. As the flames stretched and thinned, a spool of thread began to form. When Jeb had enough to make a small piece of cloth, he broke the connection between the thread and the large ball of yarn. The fire, which had stretched out to remain connected to the machine, suddenly snapped back to a ball form. Jeb felt his connection to his Skills suddenly break as his consciousness started to fade. Waking, Jeb winced. His head pounded with the pulsing of his heart, letting him know that he had pushed too hard the day before. When he tried to activate his Magical sight, the pain flared all the brighter, and Jeb nodded. Looking through the lens of Weaving did not seem to make the pain much worse, so Jeb grit his teeth and picked up the spool of thread he had made. A part of him had been worried that the thread would have dissipated back into tongues of flame. To his relief, it seemed as though the material was stable, at least in the short term. Ideas began to play through Jebs mind about weaving different materials together, but he pushed the thought to the side. Taking the thread over to the loom, Jeb was relieved to see that, despite the Magic emanating from the machine, it did not appear to operate any differently. Jeb carefully threaded the machine and began working with the material. The stability he had noticed started to fade as he worked the thread, and the warp and weft threads tried to melt together. The first time it happened, Jeb let them, curious what would happen. The heat that the flame released before dissipating into the surrounding air let him know that he had to force the thread to remain thread as he wove. Groaning slightly, he rethreaded the machine and started to work it again. When he was running out of thread, he finished off the piece of fabric and stepped back, wiping a hand across his sweating brow. Weaving had become almost meditative to Jeb as he had worked over the term. There was no part of him that could tune out while working with fire, however. He had to remain totally focused on the project, reminding the flames that they were, in fact, thread. Once the project was finished, however, Jeb felt the weight pull off his shoulders. He had done it. Picking up the small piece of material, Jeb marveled at the way that it felt. It was softer than any other fabric he had handled, and seemed to keep his hand at a perfect temperature. Chapter 158: Preparing to Homebrew As Jeb continued to admire the fabric, he felt a growing reminder that rewriting reality did not come freely. Grimacing slightly, he braced for the pain in his temples to come back with a renewed vigor. When it didnt he let out a sigh of relief. It seemed like this time, at least, the only price the world wanted was his rest. Jeb walked over to the sleeping area and fell asleep, hand still clutching the woven fire. Waking up, Jeb had a moment of panic. The gentle glow of the woven fire along the walls was gone. Shivering slightly, he realized that he was not lying between woven mats. For all that he was somewhere unexpected, the new location did not feel dangerous. Blinking more rapidly, he understood why. Jeb was once more in his room in the dormitory, sheet of woven fire still in hand. How, exactly, he had been moved he was not sure. Listening to the faint sound of ringing, he heard that it was only now fourth bell. Rolling over, he resolved to deal with the issue only after he woke up again. Waking at sixth bell, Jeb stretched. His bed was more comfortable than a pile of mats, and he felt almost completely replenished. The Weavers ability to simply grasp a flame and weave it with no aids started playing through Jebs mind, and he felt the sudden urge to start a fire. The jolt of pain in his soul stopped him, and he took a moment to look inside himself again. His Magic Skill looked much better than it had before. It was still far from the perfectly consistent spheres of the rest of his Skills, but the center at least had some substance now. Looking, he saw that there was a connection forming between the Skill and Weaving. Following the other connections, he saw that Brewing and Distilling were still in rough shape. Jeb pulled back out of his thoughts, mind racing. He had refused to let the System claim the Skills when he had advanced Classes. Why, though? Jeb thought on the question as he walked to the cafeteria. Inside, he headed directly for the pots of hot water and mixed some of the herbs available nearby. As he watched the mixture steep, he tested the idea that it was because he enjoyed his morning tea so much. Fishing out the leaves, he tossed that thought aside. As nice as it was to have a perfect cup in the morning, he rarely bothered to steep it himself, usually relying on the already brewed tea and coffee. He walked around the cafeteria, filling his plate and thinking of other reasons. Biting into a cinnamon roll, Jeb remembered breakfasts with his own family. Unlike the cold and quiet room he was in now, the kitchen was always lively. Frowning, he took a sip of the tea, washing down the pastry. Was he keeping the Skills because he missed home? That idea resonated with him a little more. It wasnt the whole truth, he knew even without probing any deeper. After all, he had given up Running and Lifting without any argument. As he looked down at his empty plate, Jeb realized that he had eaten his entire breakfast while lost in thought. Looking up, he saw Dean Aquam looking at him intently. Good morning, Jeb said hesitantly. Is everything alright? the Dean asked in reply, tone full of concern. I think so! Jeb replied, holding aloft his piece of woven fire. Look what I made, he said, not caring at all about how childish that sounded. The Dean took the piece of fabric and worked it between his fingers. I suppose that this explains where you have been over the past few days. Were you worried about me because I havent been in the cafeteria recently? Jeb asked, nodding to his own question. It made a fair amount of sense that the Dean would be worried if Jeb suddenly disappeared after receiving his new Class. No, Dean Aquam replied, brows creasing together. There are any number of reasons that our dining schedules have misaligned over your time in the Academy. I ask because I tried to speak with you half a dozen times before you finally responded to me. You were staring off into space as though you were only half present. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Oh, Jeb replied. I was just thinking about what happened when I Upgraded my Class. The Dean stared at Jeb, and he took a moment to consider how to frame the question. As much as Jeb tried, he could not remember anyone discussing how optional it was to lose Skills when Upgrading a Class. The fact that nobody had commented on it made Jeb assume that it was rare to keep Skills, but there was a part of him that hoped it was something so common that no one had felt the need to tell him about it. After all, nobody had told him that gaining new Classes would feel like constructing a solar system. Shrugging, he decided to tell the Dean. When I gained my new Class, Magic absorbed Alchemy, he began, voice somewhat halting as he tried to figure out how best to explain what he had been thinking about. That makes sense, Dean Aquam replied. I cannot imagine that you were thinking about that so intently, however, given that the same happened to you when you reached Second Tier. It isnt, Jeb agreed. Before Alchemy was consumed, it tried to consume my Brewing and Distilling Skills. Dean Aquam nodded, as though he had expected nothing else. Taking a deep breath, Jeb leapt off the conversational cliff. I didnt let the Skills get absorbed, and I was trying to figure out why. The words came out in a torrent, and Jeb tried to smile when they came out. Dean Aquam took a deep breath, as though he too was working up the courage to say something. Preempting him, Jeb continued in a rapid clip, I cant think of anything in particular that made me want to keep the Skills, but now that I have them it kind of feels like a waste to just have the Skills and not use them. To Jebs surprise, Dean Aquams face lightened at that. That seems like an easy enough problem to fix, he said, tone comforting. What is stopping you from Brewing or Distilling something? Jeb thought about the question. I mean, the first problem is that I dont have anything that I can Brew or Distill, Jeb said. Amending himself, he continued, that isnt closer to doing Alchemy, at least. Dean Aquam nodded. Is that the only barrier to you utilizing your Skill? I dont know if theres any way for me to make what I do academically useful, Jeb admitted. Before I knew I could weave fire, I was beginning to feel the same way about Weaving, but at least that allowed me to make Manaweave. Alchemy can do everything that I would need Brewing or Distilling for in a Magical context. Dean Aquam waved a hand, as though encouraging Jeb to explain where the barrier was. Jeb looked at him, unsure how to rephrase the issue. After a long moment, Dean Aquam hesitantly nodded. Is your concern that you should not be working on anything which does not benefit you academically while enrolled at the Academy? Jeb nodded vigorously. Dean Aquam let out a laugh, before quickly growing serious. I am sorry for failing you as an advisor, he said firmly. There is more to life than academics, maybe especially while you are enrolled at the Academy. Are you familiar with the Tier Wall? I dont think so, Jeb replied. I will admit a small measure of surprise that Professor Fredrick did not cover it with you. In short, the qualifications for most Classes is well known at lower Tiers, and there tends to be nothing which limits how many new people can receive the Class. By Tier Nine, however, it is not enough to follow a prescribed path. Instead, each person must find a way to channel who they are as a whole and entire person into their Class. No two people are identical, and so there is no way to guarantee a path to a given Class. Is that the Tier Wall? Jeb asked, hoping for confirmation. Dean Aquam nodded. It is a problem which affects noble children mostly. There are debates about whether that is due to the way they are trained, or whether it is simply a consequence of far more nobles reaching the peak of their eighth Tier. Regardless, the Academy has started encouraging advisors to tell their students to be more than their studies. I had assumed that you were treating at least one of your interests as something outside of your academics here. So you think that I should start making brewed and distilled drinks? Jeb asked, looking for confirmation. Dean Aquam clearly played through a number of potential outcomes to their conversation, if the rippling in his bowl of broth was any indication. In the end, he nodded hesitantly. Yes, he said, tone measured, I think that it could be beneficial to your long term growth to explore a hobby such as Brewing or Distilling. As their conversation wrapped up, Jeb stood to leave and start preparing to Brew. Even if the Dean had told him that he should work on the Skills, Jeb knew that it would be best to get the majority of the work out of the way during the term break. He rushed to his desk in the Stacks and began to make a list of everything that he would need to start working on both Skills. While making the list, Jeb realized how nice it was to have so many different Magics at his disposal. He did not worry about finding pure water, since he had a Glyph which could create it. The same was true for cooking the malt, and he had learned Enchantments which would maintain the temperature of the liquid as it fermented. Alchemy was bound to be helpful, if only because it gave him another lens with which to see how the different ingredients were interacting. Taking his list in hand, Jeb moved to start gathering. Chapter 159: Sidequests Jebs first stop was the plot of land that the Academy had given him. He wasnt really expecting to find anything new in the storage shed, and nodded when he saw that it had the same tools as before. The Fireleaf continued to look healthy and was still steadily pumping the idea of Fire into the air around it. Jeb noticed that it took longer for the Fire to disperse than it had when the plants were first growing. It still dissipated well before saturation, but Jeb made a mental note to avoid planting such a large plot of anything with a single Element. His readings of Druidic growing practices suggested that they worked hard to find the optimal Essence and Attunement levels for each plant to grow. Jeb had been wondering why they wouldnt just grow entire fields of Fireleaf, but was beginning to get an answer. While he did not think that it would be an issue this time, he knew that it would take the field time to recover before he could grow anything else. If he tried to grow more Fireleaf without cleansing the soil, something in the System assured him that the field would likely catch fire. Thinking about the Druids led Jeb to his next stop: the Seed Vault. Even though the Druids were no longer a part of the Academy, the objects they built still remained. Or, at least, Jeb knew that the grove where he had twice Upgraded his Class and the Seed Vault were still in somewhat active use. The Seed Vault had ready to grow seed of almost every Magical plant that Jeb had read about, and thousands more that were still completely unknown. However, the Academy, being a place of Magic, did not store mundane plants such as barley. Even if it did, Jeb mused, I dont know any way to make the barley grow more quickly. It wouldnt be the end of the world if he needed to grow the barley from seed, but it would mean that Jeb would not be able to start brewing until the next term break at the earliest. Frowning slightly, he followed the hallway to Professor Quicksilvers office. Jeb knocked on the door a few times, but Professor Quicksilver did not answer. He debated knocking again, unsure where else he might find the Professor. Just as he began to turn from the door, though, it opened. Good, Professor Quicksilver glanced back into his office, morning, Jeb. What are you doing here? His tone was far friendlier than the question implied, and Jeb took it in stride. Dean Aquam said that I should start brewing and distilling, and I was hoping that I could borrow a still and barrel, at the very least. Quicksilver started nodding rapidly. Jeb looked at him with his Magical vision active, noticing the way that the Essence around the Professor seemed to loop in silver arcs. As the arcs started to calm down, Quicksilver spoke again I do not have any stills which are safe for use in creating potables. The Alchemy Department should, however. He ducked back into his office, leaving the door ajar. Jeb stood awkwardly in the hallway, debating whether to take the open door as an invitation to follow. Before he could decide, Professor Quicksilver came back out and thrust a piece of stained paper into his room. If the supply room asks, you have my specific permission. He paused a moment, as well as Dean Aquams, I suppose. The door slammed in Jebs face, and he looked down at the sheet of paper in his head. It had a string of numbers and letters that meant nothing to him. Any chance youre willing to lead me to the supply room? he asked the Academy hopefully. It did not reply, and after walking through the halls for a few minutes, Jeb found himself in the Library. Kaitlyn was manning the help desk. She looked up as Jeb came by, wiping her lavender hair off of her face. Welcome to the Academy branch of the Library, she said, tone making it clear she was reading off of a script, how can I be assistance? Jeb frowned. Is there a reason youre reading from a script? She shrugged, blowing a strand of hair that had fallen across her eyes. It reduces the number of complaints that we receive, as well as improving the randomly sampled ratings that we receive. Even that statement came with the cadence of something she had repeated many times before. Professor Quicksilver gave me this slip of paper and told me to go to the supply room, Jeb said, offering the sheet to the Librarian. Kaitlyn took it and began nodding. What is your question? she asked, even though a book was already flying towards her outstretched hand. What do the numbers mean? Jeb asked. The book paused just before she grasped it. Do you actually care what the numbers mean, or is your goal simply to find the supply room and receive the supplies you have requested? If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Jeb thought about her question. Is there a significant difference between the two questions? She nodded. If it is the latter, then I can task you with bringing this book to Alchemy Supply, and the Academy halls will lead you there quickly. If it is the former, however, then you will need to understand the topography of the Academy. Before Jeb could say anything, she prompted, how well can you visualize a seven dimensional projection of an eight dimensional object? Um, Jeb replied. If you were asking for advice, Kaitlyn said, I would recommend that you take at least a few terms of Advanced Questions in Topography before you try to understand the Academy layout. Without understanding the Academys layout, you will have no real hope of understanding what these numbers mean. So why did Professor Quicksilver give me a sheet with numbers? Jeb asked. The Librarian shrugged. I would assume that he does know the layout of the Academy and has for a long enough time that he forgets not everyone knows where everything is. It may also have been a test to see how well you were able to gather your own resources, though that would not be typical of Professor Quicksilver. He tends to be explicit when assigning tests. She offered him the book again, and Jeb took it. As soon as it was in his hands, Jeb felt the sudden urge to start moving. Heeding the impulse, he started walking and immediately found himself in the Academy hallways. After walking for just a few minutes, the hallway ended in front of a wooden door. Jeb knocked, noting that the halls around him were not solidifying into any other shape. The door opened after just a moment. Hello? a voice called from somewhere in the room. Hello! Jeb called back with a wave. Jeb started to bounce in the hallway, one of the lute pieces he had learned the past semester playing through his head. After a full chorus, the voice called out again, What are you doing here? How did you get here? What do you want? It sounded as though each question came from a very different and far off location from behind the door. Do you want me to answer those in order? Jeb called back. Whatever order you prefer, the voice answered again in a darker register. I found my way here because Im delivering a book from the Library, Jeb held up the book, Librarian Kaitlyn said that Id have trouble finding my way here otherwise. Id like to check out supplies for Brewing and Distilling, and Professor Quicksilver and Dean Aquam support that request. Jeb hummed, trying to decide if the implicit answer to the first question was good enough. A hand shot out and took the book from Jebs hand. The door slammed, and he heard the voice murmur from across the room. A few seconds later, the door opened again and a basic set of equipment for brewing and distilling came through it. The door closed again, disappearing this time. Jeb nodded and picked up the supplies, debating where to set them. As he started to walk, it seemed as though the Academy was trying to lead him somewhere, and he trusted the weaving hallways. They opened on a building that was directly beside his field of Fireleaf. Jeb was certain that the building had not been there earlier in the day. It seemed to have everything that he would need, though, so he set up his equipment. Even though Alchemy Supply had given him all of the apparatus he would need, Jeb still needed ingredients. With no other ideas, Jeb made his way to Dean Aquams office to ask for another day pass. Dean Aquams door was open when Jeb walked by, and the Dean called him in. Jeb, is there a reason that Alchemy Supply just sent me an invoice for a still? He asked as soon as Jeb entered the room. I would assume that they sent you an invoice for the still they gave me, Jeb said, nodding. I had asked to borrow their equipment, but I can understand if they think that the still might be fundamentally changed by my use. Why did they send me the invoice? Jeb shrugged. You told me to start brewing, and Professor Quicksilver told me to tell Alchemy Supply that the two of you had sent me. On that note, he said, giving the Dean his best smile. Dean Aquam sighed. Why do I get the feeling that you are planning to ask me for another Day Pass? Because youre the best of Deans? Jeb asked, hoping the compliment might work. Why do you want a Day Pass? Dean Aquam asked, tone somewhat resigned. I couldnt find hops or malt anywhere in the Academy. Brewing, at least non-Alchemical Brewing, requires malt, and most of the time uses hops. Since the Inn I repaired an Enchantment for sells beer, I know that there is likely malt available somewhere in the Capital. The Dean held out a Day Pass that he had clearly filled out earlier in the day. As Jeb went to reach for it, he pulled it away. I feel as though we need to set a few more ground rules before you go on your trip. Jeb nodded. First, Dean Aquam said, holding up a finger, no repairing Enchantments or otherwise visibly using Magic. Jeb nodded. There were plenty of Magics he knew that were not visible. It had been a while since he worked on the Ephemeral Song that the Bard had taught him. Maybe his new Class would make that easier. Second- Dean Aquam paused, clearly replaying what he had just said, actually, let me amend the first ground rule. Do not repair any Enchantments or do any other Magic, unless your life depends on it. Understanding dawned on Jeb, and he nodded more vigorously. Second, do not attempt to barter with whoever you end up purchasing ingredients from. Tell them to send their invoice to the Academy, care of Dean Aquam. I can do that, Jeb said, committing the phrase to memory. And third, please try your hardest not to come to the attention of any other Guilds while you are in the Capital today. Jeb nodded and took the Day Pass. Whistling slightly, he made his way to the Capital. The same person sat at the desk, and he hardly seemed to register Jeb as he walked into the city. Chapter 160: Shopping Trip Jeb oriented himself quickly and started moving towards the Inn he had visited his last time in the Capital. After a few missed turns, he found it and walked inside. The Innkeeper looked up and waved at Jeb with a smile. Welcome back! the Innkeeper said, are you here to take a leave of absence from the Academy? Jeb frowned, unsure what would give him that impression. Remembering his last visit to the Inn, though, he smiled and shook his head. No, I actually came here to talk to you. The smile froze on the Innkeepers face. I wonder what thats about, Jeb thought. How can I help you? the Innkeeper asked after a long moment. Jeb nodded at the barrels of beer. Did you brew that? The Innkeeper didnt relax, and he started to shake his head. No. I know other Innkeepers, especially outside of the Capital, tend to do their own Brewing, but its never seemed like a rational use of space and time for me. The space I would need for Brewing is easily larger than any room I rent out, and it isnt as though the local Breweries charge unreasonable rates. Why do you ask? I was hoping to buy some malt, Jeb replied. What Brewery did you buy that beer from? There was a logo on the barrel, but Jeb couldnt recognize what it was supposed to represent. The Innkeeper seemed to thaw, and he quickly gave Jeb directions to the Brewery. It was about half an hours walk, and Jeb began walking. Looking around, Jeb was once again aware of just how bustling the Capital was. Everyone seemed to be rushing from one place to another. Some people stopped to speak with each other, sure, but even the pace of their conversations seemed faster. Lost in his observations, Jeb nearly missed the building with a small sign. Lionheart Brews seemed no different than any of the other buildings Jeb had passed. Walking inside, he was still unsure exactly how they managed to fit their entire operation in the room. It was far smaller than the barn that his Aunt used for her own Brewing. A man with short cropped amber hair stood behind a bar. He looked at Jeb, and Jeb briefly smelled malt and felt a few phantom bubbles pop on his face, before the man smiled. He placed a hand on the bar and vaulted over it, startling a few of the other people in the room. Coming towards Jeb, he wrapped him in a warm hug. Jeb had a moment of panic. His grandfather hadnt mentioned any family members who lived in the Capital in any of their letters, and Jeb didnt recognize this person at all. When the embrace ended, the man was still beaming, it is always a true joy to meet another Brewer. Tell me, how can I help another lover of the Art? Jeb grimaced. Im not- the man cut him off with a wave of his hands. Yes, yes, your Class is not Brewer. I can tell that much, even if I cannot tell exactly what your Class is. I do know that you are here to talk shop, however. My name is Cyprus Lionheart, and I am the Master Brewer here. Who are you? My name is Jeb, Jeb said. Seeing that the man was expecting more, he continued, Jeb Humdrum. Jeb had not expected his last name to cause any impression on the man, but he froze, hands still gripping Jebs arms. Would you happen to be from Humdrumvillle initially? the man asked. Seeing Jeb nod, his smile came back even larger. Then you must have learned Brewing from Esther! Do you know her? Jeb asked excitedly. Cyprus shrugged. We were never close, but we did enter similar competitions for a while. If she taught you, then I cannot imagine that you are here to ask for a job. Im not, Jeb agreed. How do you know, though? If Esther sent you to find work, she would have attached a letter of recommendation, or sent a note at the very least. What can I help you with? I havent done much Brewing lately, Jeb admitted. The Brewer nodded, but let Jeb continue speaking. I was hoping to get back into the craft, and I was hoping that you would be able to tell me where I might be able to purchase some barley and hops. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Are you looking for raw barley, or would you rather it already be malted and heated? Jeb shrugged. I enjoyed malting in the past, but I wouldnt be opposed to purchasing ready to use malt. Itll be far cheaper if you are willing to prepare it yourself, Cyprus advised him. One moment, he said, rushing back behind the bar and into a room in the back. He came back with a jar filled with froth. I have to imagine that you do not have a yeast strain of your own right now. This is one of my more reliable strains, and it should work for most styles that dont require anything too specific. Thank you so much! Jeb responded, taking the jar. Cyprus motioned for Jeb to join him at the bar, and he pulled the two each a small glass of a beer the same color as the mans hair. As they sipped, Cyprus advised Jeb on the best places to look for grains and hops. Unfortunately, the best shops for grains are not the best places for hops. I would offer to send you with some hops that we grow, but this year was a bad harvest, and we barely have enough to cover our own Brewing needs, the man said sadly. Jeb shook his head vehemently. Youve already given me more than enough! he protested, holding up the glass and the jar. The conversation drifted after that, and the man seemed as fascinated by life in Humdrumville as Jeb was of life in the Capital. I might just need to visit sometime, he said when their beers were empty, standing to shake Jebs hand again. When Jeb took it, the Brewer pulled him in for a hug. Best of luck with your Brewing endeavors, and please let me know if you end up going into business. I would hate to have you make the same mistakes I made when I was first starting out. Thanking the man again, Jeb started out towards the market section of the Capital. There were five shops that Cyprus had recommended that Jeb look at for grains, depending on what, exactly, Jeb was hoping to purchase. Jeb planned to visit all five, if only because he wasnt entirely sure himself what he wanted to Brew. Hoping for inspiration by the available crops, he stopped outside of the first store. The door opened with a small chime. Looking up, Jeb saw that there was a bell set so that the motion of the door opening would cause it to ring. Welcome! a voice called out from somewhere deeper in the shop. Jeb walked in, noticing how bright the building seemed. The mid day sunlight streamed though open windows onto samples of different grains. Barley was visible, as were a variety of breeds of wheats and other plant products. The milled flour and unmilled berries seemed to be on opposite sides of the shop, and Jeb ignored the flours. Jeb roamed around the other section, smelling the grains that caught his eye. As he did, he heard the floorboards give slightly as another person came to his section of the shop. My name is Charlotte, the woman said, welcome to my shop. Are you looking for anything in particular? Jeb shrugged. Im looking for some grain to Brew with, but Ive got a few other shops to look at as well. The woman nodded. Let me know if I can help you find anything. If theres a particular grain you are hoping for, I may be able to point you to a suitable replacement or a shop that sells them, assuming that we do not have it, of course. Thank you, Jeb said with a nod, returning to look at the different wheats in front of him. It was obvious where they differed. One was a spring wheat and the other was a winter wheat, as the labels said. They had different protein contents, and Jeb could tell that they looked slightly different. The only thing Jeb was unsure of is how that would affect whatever he Brewed with them. After a thorough perusal of the shop, he thanked the Shopkeeper and moved to the next shop that Cyprus had told him to look at. The second shop was much like the first, though they had slightly different stocks of grain. The barley appeared identical between the two shops, and the second Shopkeeper confirmed that he and Charlotte used the same supplier for barley. As Jeb looked through the second shop, he became more certain that he wanted to Brew with barley, at least at first. Regretting that he hadnt asked Charlotte, Jeb found this Shopkeeper to ask what quantities he could purchase barley in. I sell barley by the barrel, he said with a shrug. Seeing Jeb looking towards Charlottes shop, he nodded in that direction and continued, Charlotte does as well, if that was what you were wondering. Thank you, Jeb said, exiting the shop. The next two shops did not stock barley at all, but Jeb noticed that the grains they did have seemed higher quality than the first two shops hed seen. The fifth shop wasnt where Cyprus had said it would be, and Jeb stood, frowning at the empty storefront. Are you looking for the grain store? a small boy asked, suddenly coming up from behind Jeb. Jeb spun and looked down, noting how worn down the boys clothes seemed to be. Yes, he said while nodding. They closed last year, the boy said, before hurrying off. Jeb watched him duck into an alleyway and shrugged, making a note to himself to tell Cyprus whenever he saw the Brewer again. As he walked to the hop shops, he debated which store to purchase barley from. Given that both were selling it by the barrel, Jeb did not imagine that there was any real benefit to purchasing from one over the other. I suppose that the second shop did tell me what quantities I could purchase in, Jeb rationalized, deciding to purchase a barrel from them. He was startled out of his thoughts by the aggressive scent of hops. Jeb knew that he had found the right business, and he understood why Cyprus had only recommended he visit the single store. As he looked at the plants, however, none seemed to speak to him. Jeb was certain that he could brew with any of them, but it seemed as though the business was more interested in selling plants to be grown, rather than simply selling the flowers. As Jeb made his way back to the store and confirmed purchase of one barrel of malt to be delivered to Dean Aquam, he thought about his options. He vaguely remembered that his aunt had taught him how to use other herbs to bitter and store beer. Walking back to the Academy, Jeb wondered whether anyone had ever tried to brew with Alchemical ingredients before. Chapter 161: Brewing Again Jeb rushed back to the Academy, mind whirling with possibilities. As excited as he was for the different ideas, he could not help but think about the time he had made Fire mead. Would whatever he Brewed this time be similarly dangerous? The Academy led him directly into the Stacks, where he nearly collided with Philip. Just who I was hoping to see! Jeb said happily. How can I help you today? Philip asked, turning from a shelf as it sped away. I was wondering if anyone has ever brewed with Alchemical ingredients before, Jeb said. Philip frowned, clearly considering the question. Shrugging, he folded a paper dart and tossed it into the Stacks. Seeing Jebs confused look, he shrugged. My Class advanced recently, and it came with the ability to send messages to other Stacks Librarians. I havent figured out the best way of using it, though, so Librarian Margaret suggested that I explore different options. Jeb nodded. A few moments later, Margaret came from a hole in the shifting shelves, dart in hand. As amusing as I find this idea, she said, handing the dart back to Philip, I do recall that I suggested you focus on making less obvious tells for your summoning. You did, Librarian, Philip agreed. Margaret eyed him, clearly unwilling to press too hard in front of an outsider. Sighing, she turned to Jeb. Did you cause trouble with your day pass again? she asked. Jeb shook his head vehemently. I did not! I met someone who knows one of my aunts, though, which was fun. How many aunts do you have? Philip asked. Jeb shrugged. That live near the farm? Five or so. In total, though, I have no idea. Philip opened his mouth to ask another question, but Margaret silenced him with a look. Who knew one of your family members? Margaret asked. Cyprus Lionheart. He runs a brewery called Lionheart Brews, Jeb said. He gave me really good advice about finding grain for Brewing. Are you taking an independent study on Brewing? she asked. I have not seen any paperwork suggesting as much. Dean Aquam told me that it was good to have hobbies, so Im going to see if Brewing is as much fun as I remember, Jeb said with a shrug. That is what I came here about, though. Margaret perked up. Are you trying to make it an independent study? No? Jeb replied hesitantly. Should I be? What was your question? Margaret asked, clearly ignoring Jebs new question. He debated pressing the issue, but decided to let it drop. It wasnt as though he really planned on doing an independent study, especially since Dean Aquam had told Jeb that he should have hobbies outside of coursework. I was wondering if there were any resources about peoples attempts to Brew using Alchemical ingredients, Jeb replied, a little hesitant. Something sparked in Margarets eyes. There are many resources, she said quickly, books flying towards them. She handed Jeb a large stack of books, seemed to reconsider something, and then handed him two books from the pile. The first was a thin tome, clearly handwritten. On a soft blue leather, the title, Basic Alchemical Brews for the Young Alchemist, was lovingly embossed in gold. The second was a thick book that seemed more like a textbook than anything else. It had a worn exterior, but Jeb could still make out the pressed title, On Brewing, A Guide for Alchemists. He had a few immediate suspicions about how the books were different, but waited for Margaret to explain. When he looked up from the tomes, however, Jeb saw that both of the Librarians were gone, and he was somehow beside his desk in the Stacks. With nothing else in front of him, he debated which of the two books to read. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Theory is usually more helpful, at least at first, Jeb reasoned, picking up the thicker tome. Unlike a lot of the older books he had read, this one did not hide its knowledge behind flowery words. Instead, it simply explained how Brewing worked from first principles, though with a far different lens than how Jeb had learned it before. This tome assumed that the reader was an Alchemist, and so would be familiar with distillation and extraction as techniques, even if they did not know exactly how to apply it to more mundane brews. One thing that the book failed to mention, at least in the early chapters, was anything pertaining to safety. Jeb still had vivid memories of how much his aunt had cautioned him when he started working with Fire Honey. He did not see a single reference, however oblique, to the dangers. Leaning back in his chair, Jeb wondered if that was just a consequence of the fact that this book was written for Alchemists. Even from just a single term spent working on the Skill, Jeb already knew that Alchemists generally assumed everything was unstable and dangerous until fully stabilized at the end of the process. As he continued to read the book, Jeb did gain some insights into Brewing that he had not considered. For all that this book was written for beginners, approaching it from a new perspective illuminated parts of the process that Jeb had taken for granted. The section on kilning malt was particularly interesting. Kilning had always made sense to Jeb. The plant was alive, and needed to be heated in order to kill off the young sprout. The heating after that introduced color and flavor, it was true, but came at the expense of some of the fermentability. Approaching it from an Alchemical perspective, kilning the grain meant adding heat and fire. In Alchemy, Fire was a force of transformation. It was a subtle reframing, but one that Jeb found helpful as he considered what he wanted to Brew. After reading through about half of the tome, Jebs stomach let him know that he had been reading for far too long. He set the book down, debating whether or not to continue reading it after he came back from his meal. It was an easy decision. Even though Jeb enjoyed reading about Brewing, there was very little new information in the book. While he would plan to finish it eventually, it didnt seem like he would need to keep reading in order to Brew something successfully. Setting the book down, he picked up the thinner tome. He began to read as the Stacks gradually gave way to the amorphous hallways of the Academy. This book did not give a single broader application of the Skill. Instead, it was simply a collection of recipes. The beginning did note that, unlike Brewing with Mana Attuned ingredients, Brewing with Alchemicals did not require any particular safety precautions. Since this book was also designed for Alchemists, Jeb wasnt sure whether that actually meant anything. He supposed that all the Brewing apparatus he had were from the Alchemy Storeroom, so they would probably be fine for his purposes. The fact that there were no directions for what to do in case of spontaneous equipment failure was somewhat telling, he had to admit. As he finished a quick meal in the cafeteria, Jeb saw a recipe that looked particularly fun. It only called for Fireleaf and malted barley, and Jeb would hopefully have both of those sometime soon. Standing up, he saw Dean Aquam entering the cafeteria. The two locked eyes, and Dean Aquam hurried over towards Jeb. Hello! Jeb said, realizing that he had no idea what time it was. Good morning, Jeb, the Dean replied. I wanted to tell you that your barley has arrived. It should be by the plot of land that you have been using. Excited, Jeb took off from the cafeteria. He found a barrel and pulled the lid off. It was filled, unsurprisingly, with small grains of barley. Jeb set a few handfuls aside to plant later. Even though it was fairly convenient to just buy the barley, he knew how to grow it and saw no reason not to. Lifting the rest of the barrel, he carried it over to the brewing shed, where he poured it into a thin layer. With a careful application of Least Conjure Water, Jeb had the grains appropriately moistened. He walked back to the field, noting that the Fireleaf was ready for harvest. Nothing in the Alchemical Brewing books directions specified exactly how the plant was meant to be stored, so Jeb started to harvest them, mentally marking that he wanted to reserve at least a few ounces for his own projects. As he plowed the rest of the plant into the ground, Jeb debated what to plant next. Barley was an obvious answer, but he didnt know if that was the best use of his time. He remembered how long it took his aunt to go through an entire barrel of grain, and she Brewed as her entire profession. Looking at the field with his Magical sight, though, Jeb decided to let it lay fallow for at least a few days. The Essence and Attunement was completely unstable, seeming to rapidly cycle between Fire, Soil, and a number of other elements that Jeb could not quite place. The Essence and Attunement were also out of sync with each other, both seeming to shift on their own rhythms. Jeb knew without a doubt that anything he planted in the soil would struggle to grow, especially if it was at all Magical. He went back to his room, listening as the hour was rung out. It was seventh bell, which meant that it was the wrong time for him to go to sleep, at least if he wanted to keep anything resembling a normal sleep schedule. After a few moments of debate, Jeb decided to take a long nap. He wasnt suffering too much from having studied all night long, and he figured that his schedule would realign with the day before the term break ended. When he woke up, he went to check on the barley. To his surprise, it had already started to sprout. It was ready to be kilned. Jeb poured the plants into a large metal barrel and started spinning it. Carefully activating Least Create Fire, Jeb kept his nose trained on the way that the scent changed. Chapter 162: Brewing Firebeer Jeb found that roasting the grains became almost meditative after a few minutes. He was transported back to his first days as a Classholder, trying his hardest to control the new powers he had been given. This time, however, he did not struggle. His Mana, which had limited how long he could work with Fire before, now seemed almost limitless. His Class, which once rebelled against working with Fire, now accepted using it as easily as any other Magic. Even his body was stronger. Keeping the large barrel of grain rotating had been a strain, however minor, on his body. After growing his Physical Statistics for a year and increasing his Class twice, Jeb was more than up to the task of moving the barrel almost forever. Jeb smelled the point when the grains were sterilized. The scent suddenly changed from the scent of a field ready to spring to a field freshly harvested. A part of him knew that he could brew with the grain now, but that it would only have the simplest possible flavors. Jeb stopped the flame, pulling out a single kernel. The small sprout on the kernel had wilted from the rotating drum. It was shrunken, a lot of the water having been driven off. Tasting it, Jeb frowned slightly. It tasted sweet and grassy, but very one dimensional. The sugars had not developed at all from the heat. Starting the drum spinning again, Jeb once more Created Fire. The drum started heating up again, and the malt once more started letting off its aroma. When the grain was just beginning to let off the scent of caramel, Jeb emptied most of the grain out and started to cool it. He picked a single kernel up, feeling slightly homesick at the familiar taste. As he swallowed, he started spinning the rest of the grain, once more calling on Least Create Fire. The smell continued to develop as he kept heating it. Richer and darker notes started to grow in, and the sweetness of the smell started to fade. Jebs Brewing Skill assured him that he could take the malt all the way to black without picking up off flavors. He had no intention of going that far, however. When the malt was a deep amber color, he pulled it off the heat. Its flavor was far deeper, and Jeb knew that a combination of the two malts would produce something spectacular when combined together. Jeb quickly ran through the calculations for how much grain he would need to make a barrel of beer. Once he had finished, he waited for the grain to cool before carefully measuring it and beginning to crush it. Jeb felt the husk separate from the kernel, and continued to break each down until his Skill assured him that they were the ideal size. A part of him was hesitant to rely so heavily on his Skill, but Jeb would rather the beer come out well than feel like he had made it completely without the Systems aid. Once the grain was milled, he looked around for a pot to boil the wort. Not seeing any, he took the barrel he had used for kilning the grains and poured the small amount of crushed malt back inside. Jeb was about to Conjure Water to fill the barrel when he remembered the fact that the Water he Conjured did not have any of the other nutrients that yeast would need to grow healthy. He tried to remember what his aunt had done, before remembering that Quicksilver had shown him where reagents were stored when Jeb had first delivered an Alchemical Plant. In addition to all of the Magical ingredients, the room had a number of more mundane ingredients which could stabilize an Alchemical while Magic set in. After getting confirmation from Quicksilver that he had permission to take the few ounces of minerals that he would need to Brew, Jeb hurried to the room and picked up all of the reagents that Brewing told him he would need. He rushed back, this time filling the barrel with Conjured Water. Jeb then started carefully adding each nutrient slowly as he stirred the water, trying to gauge exactly how much he needed. He noted down the quantities, making a note to experiment with those values in the future. Jeb then started heating the water, watching as the liquid started coloring a beautiful color. When the water reached the temperature that his Skill told him was ideal for converting the remainder of starch to sugar, Jeb tried his hardest to maintain the level. Even this was far easier than he remembered from the last time he had Brewed, and part of that was simple practice. Professor Quicksilver had assigned a few Alchemicals which required a stable temperature while the Essences combined. Once the malt was extracted, Jeb came to his next issue: how was he going to separate the grains from the wort? He once again looked around the room, this time spying a second barrel. Jeb brought it over and tried to use Least Shape Water to move the wort. It was the hardest part of the process so far, because the Glyph seemed to want to leave all the extracted sugars behind. Jeb forced them to stay together, and a few minutes later, the second barrel was filled with an overly sweet mixture. Jeb carefully added the sprigs of Fireleaf to the pot, once more referring to the Brewing Guide. It recommended boiling the mixture for a full hour, and so Jeb kept the mixture rapidly bubbling. He noticed some Essence start to diffuse from the Fireleaf, seeming to stain the entire mixture with a glowing energy. When he had finished, he cleaned out the first bucket, setting the spent grains to the side, then transferred the bittered liquid to the first barrel, leaving the Fireleaf behind. He tasted the mixture. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. It wasnt spicy, but Jeb did notice a tingle as he tasted the more complex tasting liquid. He was excited to see how the flavor profiles would change as the beer fermented, knowing that a lot of the fresher flavors would be driven off by the bubbling yeast. Still, the Fireleaf gave the mixture some deep and dark notes that played very nicely with the malt that Jeb had made. Looking at the barrel, Jeb realized that he was at another predicament. He wasnt entirely sure how he could cool off the mixture quickly. If he waited too long, there was every chance that something in the air could contaminate the brew. If he didnt wait for it to cool, though, the yeast would absolutely die before they were able to ferment. Jeb tried to remember what his aunt had done, but his mind was blank. In the end, he shrugged and Conjured Water along the outside of the barrel, actively focusing on having the Conjured Water come out cold. To his relief, the wort quickly cooled to the point that it was safe to add the yeast. Jeb pulled out the jar that he had been given, noting that his Brewing Skill said that the yeast inside were still more than ready to start fermenting. He hoped that the yeast Lionheart had given him was ale yeast, because he felt much more comfortable working with it than with lager yeast. Try as he might, Jeb could not get his Skill to tell him which kind of yeast he had. Shrugging, Jeb poured it into the warm wort, stirring it to help the yeast get the air they would need to grow healthy. Once he was satisfied that the yeast were well dispersed throughout the liquid, Jeb covered the barrel and left. As soon as his plot of land was out of sight, though, Jeb became somewhat antsy. He had forgotten how much of a pain it was to wait the days on end that it took beer to brew. Even though he had gone for a relatively low strength drink, it would still take time for the yeast to multiply and convert the sugar to alcohol. He idly wondered whether the Druids might have come up with a solution, before immediately discarding the idea. Jeb had not seen any evidence that the Druids did any sort of Brewing. However, Jeb was less willing to immediately dismiss the idea that there might be an Alchemical or Enchanting answer to making beer brew more quickly. The hallway turned sharply, leading Jeb to the Library Stacks. Margaret was waiting at his desk, and waved as Jeb drew near. She was reading a book, but she tossed it into a moving shelf before Jeb could read what it said. How goes Brewing? she asked. I just pitched the yeast! Jeb said excitedly. And I was wondering whether there was any way to make the beer ferment more quickly. Margaret tsked before running her hands through her hair. Did neither of the books I gave you help with that? she asked, tone somewhat concerned. Jeb paused. Honestly, I didnt look, he said. She stepped away from the desk, gesturing for Jeb to sit and start reading. He chuckled, but sat down and opened the thinner tome. It mentioned that there were Alchemical Yeast Energizers, but it did not provide the recipe, stating that it was of intermediate difficulty to produce, and therefore outside the scope of this book. The theoretical treatise, on the other hand, came with a number of detailed recipes for different Yeast Energizers, each of which had different benefits and drawbacks. Thankfully, the one which seemed easiest to prepare came with the fewest downsides. The only issue with it was how slow it was. The other Yeast Energizers could completely eliminate the time required to brew and age a beer, reducing the months or years of time into a few seconds. The Basic Yeast Energizer, by contrast, only affected the yeast as they fermented, and it would still take a few hours for the yeast to fully ferment Jebs wort. As Jeb stifled a yawn, he decided that the Basic Yeast Energizer would be perfect for what he needed. The beer would hopefully be ready when he woke up in the morning. It did not require too many materials, and Professor Quicksilver once more gave Jeb permission to take the supplies he needed to make a dose of the energizer. Without the Alchemy Skill, Jeb could see where the process could have been somewhat difficult. The tolerances on the different measurements were strict, and it required forcing three or four disparate Essences to interact with each other. He carefully mixed the various white powders together, trying to change them. The first few attempts failed, each in their own way. His first attempt resulted in no change, leaving a pile of white powder. His second created a brown sludge that bubbled as he watched it, even when removed from heat. After a few attempts, however, Jeb had managed to make the electric blue powder that signified a successful Basic Yeast Energizer. He walked back to his brewing barn and added it to the barrel. Almost instantly, the entire mixture started to churn as though it was the sea during a storm. Jeb left it and went to sleep. When he woke up, he ate a quick meal and checked to see how the beer was fermenting. He was slightly surprised to find that it had completely finished brewing while he slept. More than that, though, it somehow managed to trap enough gas to keep the beer bubbly. Jeb hadnt even considered how difficult it might be to keep yeast for secondary fermentation if they had all fallen out after brewing the beer. Thankfully, the Yeast Energizer was a mature recipe, and whoever had developed it had already accounted for that issue. Jeb put it into a wooden barrel and tapped it. He considered who he could share it with, knowing that an entire barrel would be too much for him. Jeb poured a small glass, hoping that nothing had gone wrong during the Brewing process. The flavor was exactly what he had hoped for. (The malt flavor was clear and present without being too overwhelming. The small amounts of residual sweetness from the amber malt offset the bitterness from the Fireleaf perfectly. Even the yeast seemed to have produced flavors that complemented the other ingredients. Jeb breathed out a sigh of relief. He leapt back when he saw that a jet of flame came out with the air. Jeb watched in horror as a few drops of the liquid splashed out of his glass and onto the floor. To his relief, they just sat there, the same way that any other beer would. Maybe it was just the first sip, Jeb rationalized, taking another sip and carefully breathing out. Once again, flames rushed out of his mouth. Now that he was expecting it, Jeb noticed that the flames were not hot. Chapter 163: Starting a Speakeasy Jeb finished his glass, now more able to focus on the flavor of the beer. It was not the best beer hed ever had, but it was good enough that he would have been happy to drink it, even without the fun effect. He had another pang of homesickness as he realized that he could not share the drink with his family. Thinking about that reminded him that, while he may not be close to family, there were still plenty of people in the Academy that he could share the drink with. Jeb looked at the barrel. It might be a little inconvenient to carry this with me, he thought. When he struggled to get a good grip on the barrel, he nodded and set it back down. Jeb made sure that the barrel was not going to continue pouring and made his way to the Workshop. He watched the doors pass by him, each filled with their own mysteries. When the Weaving door passed by, Jeb realized that he had not talked to the Weaver since making his woven fire. I cant get distracted now, he thought, mentally resolving to talk to the Weaver about it soon. After waiting for a few minutes, the door he was hoping for finally appeared. Jeb entered the Glassblowing Workshop and found an open area. The head Glassblower met him at the station. Sounds of breaking glass echoed in Jebs mind as the woman looked him up and down. Are you looking for instruction? she asked, frowning slightly. Jeb shook his head. No, Im just here to make some bottles, he said. She nodded. I assume from your clothing that you are from the Academy? Seeing Jeb nod, she continued, there are bottles for Academy students with matching sized corks available there, she gestured to a wall of bottles. Jeb considered the offer. His goal had initially just been to get bottles, it was true. As he thought about it more, though, he realized that he did actually want to make the bottles that he was gifting to people. Even if they didnt know that he had put in the extra effort, he would. The Glassblower seemed to see something in Jebs eyes, and so she gestured to another wall. If you want to make standard sized bottles, there is a mold over there. Jeb was confident in his ability to free blow bottles to the right volume, even if they would not all be identically shaped. Since he was only planning on giving each person a bottle as thanks, though, that did not seem important. It was far more relaxing than he had expected to simply work with glass and heat again. He almost thoughtlessly used Least Create Fire to keep the glass at just the right temperature, and Least Move Air meant that he was able to blow multiple bottles at once. Jeb decided to make thirty bottles, since he was unsure how many he would want. He was sure that it would be well under that number, but figured that it was always better to have spares. When he finished, he saw that the Glassblower was staring at him, mouth slightly agape. Jeb waved, and she waved back after a moment. He collected the bottles and made sure that a cork would fit in each of them, then made his way back to the brewing barn. He carefully filled each bottle before corking them and putting them in his bag. When he exited the barn, he paused, debating which to deliver first. Jeb, this is a surprise, Dean Aquam said, looking at his clinking bag. Jeb felt all the liquid in the bottles stir in unision, just for a second, before they resumed sitting normally. I wanted to say thank you for all of your support since Ive come to the Academy, Jeb said, handing over a bottle. Dean Aquam took a sip, nodding appreciatively. When he breathed out, the flames came out tinged with blue. It has been a few years since I had a Firebeer, he commented. Is this the standard recipe? Jeb shrugged. The book that Margaret gave me just had amounts of malt and Fireleaf. Its possible that they used a different kind of malt or yeast. He turned to leave, then stopped, remembering that he had more to do. Handing the Dean a bottle, Jeb asked, would it be possible for you to get this to Cyprus? I want to thank him for the advice and yeast. Dean Aquam took the bottle, nodding. Also, Jeb said, a little hesitantly, I realized that I never asked how much the barley cost. Dean Aquam waved the concern away. Assuming that you remain in the Remedial College, your debts are not going to accrue any interest. Seeing that Jeb was about to object, he continued, the grain merchant was, of course, fairly compensated by the Academy. I have gotten the impression, however, that economics is not a subject for which you have any particular love. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Jeb nodded. Thank you! he said, leaving to go deliver the other bottles. Professor Quicksilver sniffed the bottle quizzically before he took a sip. He let out an audible sigh of relief, bright white flames licking down his beard. Thank you, he said, I would, of course, be happy to purchase more of this at a later date. Jeb nodded. Talk to Dean Aquam about that! he said, moving off to deliver the other bottles he had. The Weaver took the bottle happily and complimented Jeb on weaving fire. Margaret, Declan, and Kaitlyn were all in the Stacks when he made it into there. Were you looking for us? Kaitlyn asked. Yes! Jeb handed each of them a bottle, which they took with thanks, though he noticed that none made any motions to open the bottles. Without anything else pressing for the term break, Jeb decided to make two more barrels of Firebeer, one with the Yeast Energizer and one without, to test whether there was any real difference between the two. To his relief, other than the time that it took the brews to be ready, Jeb could not find a single difference. Still, with three full barrels of beer, he was beginning to worry about using up all of the beer before it went stale. On the first day of the term, he found Catherine and Declan at breakfast. After a brief set of hugs and hearing about how they spent their term breaks, Jeb offered each of them a bottle of Firebeer. The two other students both looked at their bottle hesitantly. Jeb, Catherine said slowly, it isnt even eighth bell yet. Sure, Jeb agreed, more than a little confused. Catherine held up a hand, ready to say something, before shaking her hair and lowering her hand. After repeating that a few times, she shrugged and opened the bottle. She took a sip and began to cough. Whats in this? she said, as fire poured out of her mouth. Firebeer! Jeb said happily. Neither she nor Declan seemed to have noticed the tongues of fire that came out of her mouth. Then again, Jeb thought, maybe they just already know what Firebeer is. Catherine nodded and took another sip. Seeing that it was safe, Declan took a sip of his own. Both of their eyes widened with pleasure, and they let out a soft sigh of enjoyment. This time, they noticed the flames. Both leapt out of their seats. What was that? both demanded in unison. Firebeer? Jeb replied, shaking a little bit with joy. He was glad that he was not the only person to be surprised by the drink. His two classmates took another sip, this time clearly expecting the flames. When they breathed out, they both let out a chuckle as tongues of fire once more licked out of their mouths. Jeb, do you have more of this? Declan asked excitedly. I know so many students in Enchanting who would love it! Catherine echoed similar sentiments. Jeb grimaced. I only have a few more bottles, he said. Seeing their faces fall, he continued, I do have the better part of three barrels, though, and it isnt like Firebeer is particularly difficult to make. Their eyes lit up again, and the two started planning how best to distribute the alcohol to the rest of the Academy. Jeb sat back and vaguely listened, glad that his classmates enjoyed what he had made. Suddenly, there was a lull in the conversation. Jeb felt four eyes suddenly boring into him. Hmm? he asked, trying to replay the last few moments of the conversation. We asked if you had anywhere to sell Firebeer, Declan said. Jeb shrugged. No, but Im sure that we can find somewhere. He cleared his plate and moved out of the cafeteria. Declan and Catherine hurried to follow him. The walk through the Academy halls felt like it took much longer than normal. Neither of his companions said anything about it, though, so Jeb assumed that he must just be nervous. After what felt like fifteen minutes of walking, the three found themselves in an old, somewhat dusty room. Jeb looked around curiously. He had never seen dust in the Academy. Catherine and Declan, on the other hand, rushed around, noting the tables and holders already built to keep barrels of beer. Could you sell it here? Declan asked. Jeb had a brief memory of his conversation with the Dean about paying for the barley. Something of that must have shown on his face, because Catherine gently suggested, if it helps, Declan and I can be responsible for setting the price and collecting it from the students. Jeb nodded eagerly. That sounds great then! he said. Catherine pulled out a pad of paper and asked about the costs associated with brewing Firebeer. When Jeb admitted that the only real costs were barley and effort, her eyes seemed to catch fire. And so, Jebs semester suddenly became far less focused on his courses. He still attended every lecture and dutifully completed all the homework. In the other hours of the day, though, he spent more and more time in the bar. A few days into the term, a sign had appeared, proclaiming it as Jebs Fine Firebeer Emporium, though both Catherine and Declan denied putting it there. At first, business was slow. Catherine or Declan would bring in one of their friends, who would try the beer, laugh at the novelty, and then leave. As more and more students seemed to realize that this was the easiest place in the Academy to find alcohol, however, the Emporium became more crowded. The first time that someone mentioned coming for that reason, Jeb was more than a little hesitant to serve them. Thankfully, after two drinks, they left. That set the tone for the rest of the Emporiums operation. Gradually more students would come, have a drink or two, and chat with their friends. When one student learned how to make the flames coming out of their mouth a different color, sales doubled. It got to the point that Jeb ended up needing to ask Dean Aquam to get him a few more barrels of barley, since the grains in the field were not growing quickly enough. Dean Aquam gave him a strange look, but after admitting that he knew nothing about Brewing, sent Jeb four barrels of barley. A note from Cyprus was attached to one of them, thanking Jeb for the beer and inviting him to spend a term interning at Lionheart Brews if he ever needed a break from the Academy. Like all good things, though, it could not last. Chapter 164: Did You Know That There are Rules? One morning, Jeb was manning the bar. The riotous laughter that had accompanied most peoples first reactions to Firebeer had long since left the Emporium. It was still a cheerful and warm space, and there was always a background hum of conversation. A few weeks into the operation, Catherine had recruited some of the other students in the College of Song to play in the Emporium. Today was a lute ensemble. The four Musicians were doing a fantastic job of adding to the ambience of the space, and soft strains of music floated around the tongues of flame. When Margaret walked in, the music halted, just for a moment. She turned to the Musicians, and they hurried to keep plucking their strings. Nodding to herself, she started walking to the bar, each step in time to the music. All the conversations in the Emporium came to a pause as she reached the bar. Jeb looked around, curious what he was missing. Good morning, Margaret said with a nod. Good morning, Margaret, Jeb replied happily. Are you here for a Firebeer? I am. I understand that there is a charge associated with it, however. Jeb shrugged. I think that theres a tally somewhere. Catherine and Declan have been keeping up with that. This one is on the house, regardless. Hed never seen the Librarian outside of the Library, and Jeb was curious what had prompted her to leave. That would be lovely, she replied, taking a seat on one of the stools at the bar. It was early enough that no one was sitting next to her. Despite that, the nearest students still edged further away, trying to avoid the Librarian. Jeb grabbed a mug and filled it from the barrel he had tapped the night before. With all the practice the term had given him pouring drinks, he had no issue forming exactly the right sized head for the brew. He passed the mug to Margaret and poured himself another. Not that I mind you coming here, he said, flames winding through his hair, but I dont think that Ive ever seen you outside of the Library. Margaret took a deep drink from her own mug, clearly savoring the flavor. Breathing out, she blew a small series of fireballs before responding. Is it not enough for me to be here to support you? she asked, eyes glinting with amusement. Seeing that Jeb was about to speak, she shook her head and continued, that is truly a significant reason that I am here. Otherwise, she gestured to the mug in her hand and then the room they were in, I have missed student led activities at the Academy, and I have missed Firebeer. You gave me an opportunity to accomplish three things that I wanted to do at the same time. Thank you for that. Jeb wasnt sure how to respond. To his relief, he was spared from needing to reply when a new student came up to the bar and asked for a mug. The morning rush had just started. By the time that the rush subsided and Jeb had a moment to himself, Margaret had finished her drink and left. Jeb took her mug and put it in the pile to be cleaned. The first few weeks had been filled with a lot of behind the scene work that the three needed to do to set up a bar and keep it running. As they started to get ahead, though, Declan started to make Enchantments which would automate the less pleasant parts of the process. Cleaning the mugs was one of those tasks. Jeb set the Enchantment to begin cleaning and went to his first class of the day. That night, as Declan, Catherine, and he were meeting to discuss how the business was running, Catherine asked Jeb a question that he had not been expecting. Jeb, she began, how do you want your money to be paid to you? Jeb grimaced. Honestly, I dont really know. He shrugged. Dean Aquam has been in charge of my finances since I came to the Academy. I suppose giving it to him makes as much sense as anything else. Catherine looked hesitant, but nodded. I do not believe that I have been introduced to Dean Aquam. Would you introduce us? Sure! Jeb said happily, trying to remember if he had ever seen the two in the same room. Unable to remember a time that he had, he thought about the next time that he was likely to see the Dean. We could meet at breakfast tomorrow? A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Seeing Catherine nod, he continued, I think that hes usually there around third bell. See you then! Catherine took a deep breath and sighed. I suppose I will see you then. The rest of the meeting proceeded with no major developments. After confirming that they were still well ahead on stock, Jeb decided not to Brew another batch that night. Instead, he made his way to his room, picked up his lute, and played himself to sleep. The next morning, he rose and met Catherine in the cafeteria. She was blearily rubbing her eyes, clearly trying her hardest to wake up. After grabbing a plate for each of them, Jeb sat down and waited for the Dean to arrive. To his relief, the Dean showed up in just a few minutes. He noticed Jebs intense gaze and walked over to the table he and Catherine were sitting at. Good morning, he said, nodding at the two students. Good morning Dean Aquam! Jeb said. The table fell into silence. After a few moments, Dean Aquam prompted, and who is your companion this morning? This is Catherine, Jeb said. We met in the Intermediate Lute Course. Good morning, Dean, she replied with a slight bow. Good morning Catherine, he replied. Turning back to Jeb, he continued, is there a topic you wish to discuss this morning, or did you simply want to say good morning? Theres a topic! Jeb replied happily. If I came into money, what would be the best way of transferring it into my account? If you had the money sent to the Academy in your name, it would be recorded properly. Thank you! Jeb replied, nodding. Does that work, Catherine? She nodded hesitantly. Out of curiosity, Dean Aquam continued, where did these funds come from? Catherine looked at Jeb, clearly urging him to remain silent. Im not entirely sure if there is any money right now, Jeb replied somewhat honestly. Something about the Deans tone warned him that being totally transparent might be a mistake. I do know that some students take on work that is tangentially related to their studies, however. It seemed prudent to get ahead of that. He had learned a lot of gossip since starting the Emporium. People would spill their hearts to their neighbor, completely forgetting that Jeb was standing a few feet away. Dean Aquam looked skeptical but did not press the topic. After a few minutes, he finished his broth and left, wishing the two students a good day. Once he was out of the cafeteria, Jeb turned to Catherine. So you just have to send the money to the Academy, he said. That seems easy enough. Catherine just stared at him. Is something wrong? Jeb asked. Is that how you normally speak to the Dean? she asked. More or less, Jeb confirmed. Why? She shook her head. No reason. And yes, it will not be difficult to send money to the Academy in your name. The two finished their meals and went about their day. After that nights debrief, Jeb saw that he was running low on Firebeer, and went to go Brew another barrel. When he started brewing, he noticed that he was running low on barley again. Wow, Ive really gone through a lot of beer this term, he thought. After Brewing the barrel, he went back to the Stacks, where he wrote a letter to Dean Aquam. As Margaret had been trying to help Philip develop his Class Skill, she had encouraged him to read up on the way that the Intra-Academy Mail System worked. Jeb had been curious, and the two had spent some time reading up on the subject. Even though Jeb still had no idea how it worked, he was much more confident in his ability to send a letter to anyone in the Academy. He penned a quick note asking Dean Aquam for more barley, then went back to his room to sleep. In the morning, Jeb saw that there was a note in his doorway. It was from the Dean, and it asked where all the barley he had received was going. Frowning, Jeb quickly penned a reply that he was Brewing with it and made his way through the day. That evening as he ate a quick supper, he saw Dean Aquam, who waved him over. Good evening, Jeb, he said, tone somewhat aloof. Good evening, Dean Aquam, Jeb replied, sitting down with his food. I am a little surprised at how quickly you are going through the barley. Would you mind showing me where its all going? Not at all! Jeb replied happily. He quickly ate his meal, noting that the Deans bowl of broth was already almost empty. When they had both finished, Jeb led the Dean to his plot of land. So this is the latest barrel of Firebeer I made, Jeb explained pointing to the barrel. How much barley does it take to make a barrel of Firebeer? Jeb shrugged. I suppose that it would really depend on the recipe. He explained how much malt the barrels he made used, and the Dean nodded. If that is the case, then where are the rest of the barrels that you have Brewed? I do reuse the barrels when they are empty, Jeb explained, which didnt seem to help the Deans mood. But the rest of the barrels are in the Emporium. I can show you there, if you would like. Dean Aquam gave a hesitant nod. When they entered the Emporium, all the lively conversation stopped. Unlike when Margaret had come in, though, no one resumed speaking. Jeb, what is this? the Dean asked, gesturing at the room. Jeb pointed to the sign. What is Jebs Fine Firebeer Emporium? Jeb gestured to the room. Dean Aquam sighed, cradling his face in his hands. I feel as though I need to ask, much as I am loathe to do so. Jeb, are you selling Firebeer to students? Jeb bobbed his head, debating how to answer. Catherine and Declan are in charge of the actual selling. I just pour the Firebeer. Dean Aquam let out a long breath. You cannot operate a bar on Academy grounds. There was a finality to that statement, and Jeb noticed the room quickly clear of students. I will not force you to dispose of the Firebeer, especially since I was the one who proposed that you Brew it in the first place. With that, the Dean left the room, leaving Jeb alone in what had just moments before been a jolly space filled with happy conversations. Chapter 165: Discipline As Jeb looked around the empty room, Declan and Margaret came rushing in. What happened? Catherine asked, staring at the tables that had just been filled with people. Dean Aquam said that the Emporium had to close, Jeb said with a shrug. Oh no! Declan cried, wrapping his arms around Jeb. Are you alright? Jeb nodded. I suppose that it will be nice to have more time for my schoolwork again. With that, he looked around the room and started stacking the chairs on their tables. It seemed polite to make the space ready for whoever would use it next. Catherine and Declan joined in, cleaning down the few tables that had gotten dirty and stacking chairs themselves. As they were cleaning up, Margaret came in, dragging Philip behind her. She stopped at the entrance, noticing that the room was mostly deserted. My apologies, she said, I did not realize that the Emporium was closed at this time. It isnt normally, Jeb supplied helpfully, but Dean Aquam said that we had to close the Emporium. Margaret frowned, Glyphs and Runes starting to swirl around her. She stormed out, muttering something under her breath. Philip followed after her, carefully wiping the words out of the air when they tried to land on the wooden walls. Declan and Catherine left a few minutes later, clearly sensing that Jeb wanted to be alone for a moment. He hardly noticed that they were gone, still processing what had just happened. The Deans tone as he left had almost implied that Jeb was in trouble. When the room was clean, he walked behind the bar and picked up the first barrel. One after another, he carefully carried the barrels back to his brewing barn, noting how much smaller the space felt now that there were half a dozen barrels stacked in a corner. When there was only the final keg, already tapped, Jeb sighed and took a mug. Pouring himself a Firebeer, he took a small sip, looking out over the space. As though the Academy knew what he was thinking, the lights slowly dimmed. Jeb breathed out, noting how little the flames he made did to illuminate the space. When he had finished the mug, he cleaned it, stacked it back with the others, and took the barrel to his brewing barn. The next day, Jeb woke up and hurried to the dining area. He began to eat quickly, before remembering that he was not in any sort of rush. His first class wasnt until eighth bell, and the third bell had just finished ringing. Jeb started eating more slowly. He still finished eating well before fourth bell. With nothing else to do, he went to check on his barley crop. It was still far from grown, not that there was any rush for it anymore. Satisfied with how it was growing, he made his way to the Library, hoping to get ahead on some of his schoolwork. In the Stacks, Jeb saw that there were still a few curses sliding off of Margaret, but nothing like the storm that had followed her out of the Emporium. He tried to focus on his work, but found that he was unable to pay attention to the derivations he wanted to make. When the bells started ringing, Jeb made his way to class. After class, Jeb found that he was far more able to focus. By the end of the day, he was already a week ahead on his readings. The next morning, Jeb saw the Dean waiting for him in the Stacks. Good morning! Jeb replied happily. Good morning, the Dean replied. You do not seem as down as I had expected. Jeb shrugged. It is what it is. It will be nice to have more time for schoolwork! he said, trying to look on the bright side. I regret the fact that I must add another hardship to your day, but the Disciplinary Committee has requested a meeting with you. Oh! Jeb replied, when? Tomorrow. The Deans tone did not leave any room for argument. What do they want to meet with me about? Jeb asked. The Dean sighed. Jeb, what do you imagine that a meeting with the Disciplinary Committee would concern? I dont think that I did anything wrong during my last Day Pass, Jeb mused aloud, and it would be strange for the Enchanting Guild to only be raising an issue now. He trailed off, unsure what else the meeting would be about. The Dean sighed. Jeb, it is against Academy regulations to operate an unapproved business, among other issues. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb nodded. I understand, he said. The Dean walked away, and Margaret showed up a few minutes later. I understand that you have a meeting with the Disciplinary Committee tomorrow? Jeb nodded, and she slipped between the shelves. A few seconds later, she returned. I will be unavailable for the remainder of the day. Any questions you have can be directed to Philip or one of the other Librarians. She slipped between the shelves again, this time disappearing. Philip came by a few minutes later. Is there anything that I can help with? Jeb shook his head and resumed working. Since there was nothing that he could think of doing to affect the outcome of his meeting with the Disciplinary Committee, he put it out of his head. The rest of the day passed quickly. The next day, he woke to a note in his door. Reading it, Jeb nodded and started walking in the hallway that had suddenly appeared. He very rarely felt anything from the hallways in the Academy anymore. This hallway, however, felt dark and angry. Jeb shuddered a little, uncomfortable with the feeling. Once again, he was glad that he had managed to avoid fighting the Dragon. As that thought flashed through his mind, he paused. Why had he been thinking about the Dragon? Shaking it out of his head, he continued down the hallway, which seemed to be growing longer with every passing second. Thankfully, that appeared to be an illusion, and the hallway ended a few seconds later. Jeb found himself standing in front of a rough stone semicircle. Unlike everything else in the Academy, which felt timeless if anything, this room felt old. There was a weight to the room that reminded him just how long the Academy had been around. Sitting behind the raised semicircle were all of the Deans, the Headmistress, and a few other people that he did not recognize. The Headmistress was seated in the center of the room, a complicated expression on her face. Jeb Humdrum, she said, the stones reverberating with her voice, do you know why the Disciplinary Committee has been convened today? Maybe? Jeb hedged, I heard that it was something about my Brewing. The Headmistress nodded encouragingly. The charges are operating a Guilded business without being a member of the requisite Guild and producing industrial quantities of a cottage good without proper licensing. Do you have anything to say in your defense? Jeb was about to answer when the large wooden doors behind him slammed open. Margaret came barreling in, words of power floating around her. As no one has taken the role of Advocate, I, Margaret of the Stacks, claim the rights and responsibilities which accompany the position. That statement set off a brief round of murmuring from the semicircle, though Jeb could not hear what they were saying. Nobody seemed unhappy with the announcement, though no one seemed particularly pleased, either. Petra held up a hand, and the room settled. Very well, she said. Advocate, what do you say in defense of Wizard Humdrum? Could you please tell me what the charges against my client are? Petra rolled her eyes but repeated her previous statement. The charges are operating a Guilded business without being a member of the requisite Guild and producing industrial quantities of a cottage good without proper licensing. The Academy handbook was suddenly floating in front of Margaret. It flipped to a page, where she began reading. Being the twenty first day of- Headmistress Petra cut her off. You may assume that everyone here is familiar with the text of the Academy handbook. Please summarize the relevant portion. Margaret nodded. The Academy recognizes that, although many of its students are training to become specialty craftsmen, mass production of goods is a valid way to ply a trade. Students are therefore allowed to develop their Skills in whatever fashion they choose, so long as it does not conflict with any explicit Academy rule. Seeing that one of the Deans was about to raise an objection, she continued, and, it was explicitly found that a student who is used to producing bulk goods may continue to do so, so long as it does not lead to any other violation of the Academy rules or regulations. That is all well and good, Headmistress Petra said, but the production did lead to another violation of the regulations. Margaret held up an old and fraying piece of paper. In my hands, she said, voice firm and commanding, I hold the charter of the Brewers Guild. As many of you know- Dean Aquam cut her off. Margaret, as much as I appreciate the research that you do, would you be able to present only the relevant facts to the case? Margaret slumped slightly, the words fading from around her. Absolutely, Dean Aquam, she replied. In short, the Brewers Guild has a provision for those who received the Brewing Skill somewhere other than the Capital. More or less, those Brewers are allowed to claim the rights and protections of the Guild so long as they are not displacing any other Brewers market and they receive a character reference from an existing member of the Guild. I have here, she held up a newer looking piece of paper, a letter from Lionheart Brewery supporting Jeb Humdrums right to practice his trade in the Capital. The Headmistress waved her hands, and a stone took the pages from Margaret. Petra quickly skimmed them before nodding. Well, then, she said, it appears as though both charges can be dropped. The tension in the room suddenly dissipated, and the other Deans started to clear out. Headmistress Petra and Dean Aquam approached Jeb, and he tensed. Thank you for your service, Headmistress Petra said, nodding at the Librarian. There were enough mitigating factors that we would not have sentenced Jeb to anything onerous, but I am glad that there was a way out that did not require punishment at all. Her gaze sharpened slightly, and she turned to Jeb. If you are serious about developing your Brewing Skill, you need to be working to develop the entire Skill. I have never known a Brewer to produce a single Brew. I look forward to hearing about your progress. As she walked away, Jeb remembered that he had forgotten to give her a bottle of the Firebeer. Dean Aquam nodded at the two of them, but left without saying anything. Jeb turned to Margaret. Thank you! he said. She shook her head. It was the right thing to do, and I did enjoy your Firebeer. However, the Headmistress is right. You should explore the craft more. She left, and the stone room started to fade into darkness. Jeb hurried out, a sense in him saying that he should not be there when the light was fully extinguished. As he jogged to the Stacks, he considered what else he could Brew. Chapter 166: Stouts Jeb went back to his brewing barn and considered the Headmistress words. As far as he could see, there were a few different variables that he could explore. He immediately discarded the idea of testing different yeasts. He knew that yeast could have a variety of effects on the end result of a Brew. However, Jeb was completely unsure where he could find another strain of yeast, let alone what other flavor profiles he would be interested in exploring. After a few more moments of conversation, Jeb also discarded the idea of testing different grains or sugar sources. Even though he was interested in the different flavor profiles that different sugars could add, Jeb knew that he still had far too much to explore with barley. And, after his past few terms in the Academy, Jeb was far more aware that it was easier to experiment when there were fewer variables. Even without yeast or other grains, there were still a number of beers that Jeb could make. He felt as though he had a fairly decent understanding on the effects that roasting the malt to a greater or lesser extent would have. Jeb was equally sure that he knew what different amounts of grain would do, as well. He was willing to experiment with different amounts as he started Brewing, but he was almost entirely focused on the final variable he had. Now that he had been given explicit permission to work on his Brewing, Jeb was excited to find out what different Alchemical ingredients might do to the beer. Having never tasted Managrass, Jeb was unsure whether it would work for Brewing. If it did, however, then Jeb wondered whether that might work to also make Firebeer. Regardless, Jeb was excited for the different flavors that different ingredients could produce. As he stared at some potential recipes, Jeb realized that he was at a crossroads. He enjoyed making Firebeer, it was true, and a part of him was excited to see what other Magical effects he could effect with his Brewing. The other part of him wanted to draw a sharp line between his Academy work and his hobbies. Brewing non Magical beers would also let Jeb see how his craft was improving. After all, plenty of people would be willing to drink something subpar if it came with a fantastic Magical effect. Without one, however, Jeb would be judged entirely on his Brewing ability. In the end, Jeb decided that he would start with non Alchemcial Brews. Once he felt confident with his abilities, he would consider Brewing Firebeer and other Magical beers. As he made the decision, Jeb felt something shift in the world. He could not place it, exactly, but there was absolutely something different. His Brewing Barn suddenly felt more real, and the halls as he walked back to his dormitory felt even less real. Dean Aquam, Catherine, and Declan were all waiting for Jeb at breakfast the next day. None of them seemed to be in a rush, so Jeb took his time gathering a plate of food. When he made it to the table, the small amount of conversation that the table had ceased, and all three of them turned to him. Oh, sorry, Jeb said, standing back up, I thought that you were signalling me to sit here. Do you not want me to? Dean Aquam let out a small laugh. No, Jeb, please sit down. Jeb did. He began eating as the other three members of the table started looking at each other. Jeb, Catherine began, Ill be frank. Do you still want Declan and I to be involved with the Emporium? Sure! Jeb replied happily. Im more than glad not to have to deal with pricing or collecting. Dean Aquam nodded. Given that you now have explicit permission to operate your Brewery, you should formalize the business. He pulled out a few contracts, which Jeb read through, remembering the lessons he had been taught in Remedial Civics. There was nothing in it that seemed particularly off. Jeb, Declan and Catherine would split the money the Emporium made that wasnt spent on Brewing or expanding the business. The contract the Dean gave him had Jeb taking four parts of the profits, and Declan and Catherine would each take three. This seems reasonable to me, Jeb said, signing the form. Declan and Catherine both had a few more questions, but they were resolved quickly. After some more negotiation, the split changed to two parts of the profit to Jeb and one each to Declan and Catherine. Jeb was more than a little confused why the two of them had negotiated their own share of the profit lower, but he hadnt been paying enough attention to remember. And, finally, Dean Aquam said, rolling the signed papers up, I assume that it goes without saying, but the expenses and income for this venture now must be logged appropriately, as the money will be stored with the Academy. Jeb started fidgeting in his seat. He trusted the three of them to know the best way to handle the finances, and the conversation about the Emporium reminded him of all the experiments that he wanted to try. The other three clearly noticed, because Dean Aquam let out a small chuckle and told him that he was welcome to head out if he wanted. Jeb scarfed down the rest of his meal and sprinted to his nascent brewery. Do I need to give this a name? Jeb wondered, looking at the plain barn. That thought led to another, do we need to rename the Emporium? Im planning on selling far more than just Firebeer, and Im not sure if I even want to sell Firebeer for a bit. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Jeb mulled the thought over as he started preparing some barley to malt. While the Emporium had been first active, hed found a few Enchantments that helped the sprouting to go more quickly. He had noted it down as something to send back home whenever he had a chance. When the barley malt was ready, he started kilning it. The scent of sugar started to fill the small room as Jeb Created Fire and spun the barrel. As soon as his nose told him that the malt was ready to be stored, he poured about half of the barrel out. The amount he had spread to cool should be good for at least a few barrels of experimentation. A part of Jeb considered Brewing smaller test batches before he was certain that a recipe would work, but he waved the thought away. He was confident that nothing he made would be undrinkable, and letting a number of people weigh in could only be helpful to optimize the recipe. Jeb Created more Fire and started turning the barrel again. The scent slowly shifted, growing darker and richer as the minutes ticked past. Almost on instinct, he started shrinking the flame, slowing the rate that the malt caramelized. Jeb wanted to get just to the edge of burnt, but he did not want to surpass it. As soon as the malt was ready, he dumped it out. It was a perfectly uniform color, he was glad to see. The malt was a deep, dark brown, bordering on black. It smelled nutty and fruity and dark, all at once. Jeb realized only then that he did not have enough barrels for the Brewing he wanted to do. He rushed back to the cafeteria, hoping that one of the three might still be there. To his relief, they were still discussing something. Jeb, Dean Aquam said, turning towards him, I had not expected you back. Is there something that you need? Jeb nodded. I need a lot more barrels to figure out the right ratios for everything that Im Brewing. When you say a lot, Catherine began. Jeb did some quick order of magnitude calculations. Would a hundred be outside of our budget right now? Declan started to cough. When he recovered, Dean Aquam cut in, no, that would be well within your budget. How quickly do you intend to fill the barrels, however? Jeb shrugged. I suppose it will depend on how quickly Im able to make a beer taste just right. If that is the case, the Dean began, might I suggest that you bottle your Brews once they are finished? It would allow you to transport and sell them far more easily. Jeb nodded. That makes sense to me! If Im bottling beers, I probably dont need as many barrels either, he said, hopping from foot to foot. The barrels should be in your field by tenth bell, the Dean said, and Jeb scurried back to his project. As he ran, the seventh bell started to toll. Is there anything else that I need to prepare? Jeb asked himself, realizing that he still had three bells before he could start Brewing in earnest. Realizing that he only had Fireleaf and Managrass, Jeb ran to the Stacks to see what the Alchemical Brewing guide said about the flavor and scent profiles of different reagents. He started noting down potential combinations that he could try. Jeb was so engrossed in the options that he hardly noticed the tenth bell starting to ring. He bolted out of his seat and ran back to the barn. In spite of all his research and his previous resolution to focus on regular Brewing, Jeb realized that he did not have first hand knowledge of any other bittering agent. I guess Ill be working with Fireleaf for now, he thought, a little wryly. There were a dozen barrels lined up in front of the barn, and Jeb carefully rolled five of them inside. He carefully crushed the two grains, noting the smells that they let out. For his first experiment, Jeb wanted to try dialing in the strength of the beer. He made five batches of beer with the same ratios of light to dark malt, but with steadily more in each. Jeb was almost certain that the first beer would feel wrong, given that it should have even less fermentable sugar than the Firebeer hed been serving before. Still, it would be good to see what people thought. He debated for a moment whether it was better to use the same amount of Fireleaf in each, or if he should scale it up with the amount of malt that he was using. After briefly looking outside and considering bringing in another four barrels, he shook his head and carefully ground the same amount of Fireleaf into each wort. Once it had steeped, Jeb transferred everything into one of the barrels, labeled it, and poured in the Alchemical. Tasting each beer, Jeb nodded. He knew what his own favorites were, but he was curious what the rest of the Academy would think. Looking around the cramped room, Jeb let out a sigh. It was going to be a fair amount of work to bring all of the barrels back to the Emporium. After a dozen or so trips, the Emporium was once more set up. Declan and Catherine came in as he finished tapping the last barrel. Both seemed a little confused by the fact that there were six tapped barrels. Jeb, Declan said, are you expecting a large rush? No, Jeb said, pulling two small glasses of each of the test Brews. He handed them over to his friends, who looked at the dark beers with interest. Are we supposed to tell you what is different about these? Catherine asked. Jeb shrugged. I know whats different. Right now Im trying to figure out which I prefer, though. Id like to make the best Firestout that I can, and so I would love to hear what you think of each Brew. Catherine and Declan nodded and started to taste each. Their objective experiences more or less lined up with what Jeb had noticed from his beers. It was more than a little surprising to Jeb that they had different preferences, though. All of them agreed that the beers tasted progressively more as they increased in strength. Where Jeb had preferred the almost overwhelming taste of the final stout, though, Catherine and Declan both preferred one of the more intermediate Brews. Thank you! Jeb said, clearing the mugs away. Declan and Catherine started talking to each other as Jeb cleaned the mugs. Do you think that we need to do a grand reopening? they asked him when he came back. I dont think that we will, Jeb said, nodding to the door where a few students had just entered. He offered these students the same flight of beers. More and more students came into the Emporium, and more and more students gave their opinions on the different beers. When Jeb left for class, none of the barrels seemed any less full, even though he was sure that he had asked at least twenty students their opinions. Chapter 167: Alchemical Explorations Over the next few weeks, Jeb gradually found the optimal amounts and ratios of the different malts and Fireleaf to make his ideal Firestout. Of course, none of the failed versions (with one notable exception) were undrinkable, or even unpopular. As Jeb realized that certain batches had drifted further from his goal, he began to bottle them. Unlike during the term break, Jeb knew that there was no way that he would be able to make enough bottles for his needs. After a few trips to the Glassblowing Workshop to take its entire supply of bottles and corks, the head Glassblower pulled him aside. What are you doing with all of these bottles? Im bottling all the beer from my Emporium! Jeb replied happily, handing over a bottle of one of his better Firestouts. The Glassblower took the beer, peering at it somewhat suspiciously. After a moment, though, she shrugged and took a sip before nodding appreciatively. The flames coming out of her mouth seemed almost insubstantial, as though they were completely made of diffracted light. She took another sip, let out a small sigh, and then shook her head, clearly refocusing. Is this a personal project, or is this a business venture? I think its a business venture, Jeb replied without confidence. She nodded. In that case, you will need to purchase the bottles you wish to use. Who is the faculty member mentoring this project? Dean Aquam, Jeb replied more confidently. She continued nodding and let Jeb leave with the bottles he had gathered. The next day, Dean Aquam informed him that he would need to give a weeks notice before he could receive any more bottles. However, he would also be able to request different shapes, colors, or sizes of bottle. Jeb still defaulted to the plain brown that signified beer to most of his peers, but was glad to know that he had other options. After three consecutive failed attempts to improve his Firestout, Jeb noted the recipe down in the ledger that Margaret had given him. A Head Brewer should have a recipe book with his final recipes, she explained when she had given him the soft leather tome, if only so that you can recall what recipe you made decades ago when a customer comes back with a sudden order. After optimizing his Firestout, Jeb found that he was growing bored of the effects of Firebeer. His customers seemed to feel the same way, if the way that they did not react to the flames coming out of their mouths at all was any indication. For his next recipe, Jeb wanted to try something pale and light. He had a vague memory that one Alchemical had very floral notes, and he found it in the larger tome of Alchemical Brewing. Thankfully, it was a plant that non-Druids were still willing and able to grow, so Jeb had no issues requesting a few pounds to experiment with. He carefully brewed a small pot of tea with a few sprigs of the Alchemical, noting the way that the flavor changed as it extracted for longer. The floral notes boiled off in just a few seconds, while the bitter notes took a few minutes to really fully develop. Jeb made a few notes on a nearby wall and started Brewing. Since he wanted the brew to be pale and light, he only used the barely cooked malt for sugar. He added a small amount of the Alchemical Eyebright, noting the recommended concentrations in the Alchemical Brewing guide. After a few minutes, Jeb stopped the heat on the barrel and added another portion. When the wort started to cool, he added the yeast and Yeast Energizer. The beer was finished a few moments later, and Jeb gave it a hesitant sip. Over the many barrels of Firebeer that hed brewed, Jeb had grown familiar with the feeling of an Alchemical taking effect. As a result, he knew that something was happening, even though he could not tell exactly what. The feeling quickly faded, and Jeb realized that he hadnt paid the slightest bit of attention to the flavor, too focused on the Magic. Taking his next sip, Jeb let out a sigh of relief. The beer was light, as he had hoped for. The bubbles tickled his lips as he raised the glass to his lips, and the flavor was crisp and clean. The bitter notes helped keep the beer from tasting too cloying, and the slightly strange floral notes invited him to keep drinking. He called the beer a success and moved the barrel into the Emporium. As he lifted the barrel onto a new stand, the bar patrons gathered around, interest clearly piqued. Catherine spoke first, That doesnt seem like another barrel of Firestout, she commented. It isnt, Jeb confirmed, drawing the entire bars attention even further onto him. What is it? Catherine asked, raising her voice slightly to catch the few stragglers who had yet to notice the commotion. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Jeb shrugged and pulled out a mug to give to her. She took it and quickly took a large mouthful. Her eyes closed in satisfaction as she let out a sigh. When she opened them, Jeb noticed the difference. Catherines eyes were normally a light but piercing blue. It tended to remind Jeb of a winter morning when he saw them. Right now, however, they blazed a vicious shade of orange. Jeb took half a step back without thinking about it, startled by the sudden change. What? Catherine demanded, eyes slowly fading back to their normal hue. Apparently this beer changes the color of your eyes, Jeb replied. Otherwise, I would describe it as a light pale ale. Catherine quickly leapt behind the counter and added another column beside the rows dictating the different versions of Firestout available. Is Eyelight Ale an appropriate name for this? she asked the room. Jeb tried to sense whether Alchemy or Brewing would have already given him a name. It didnt, at least as far as he could tell, so he shrugged and agreed with the rest of the crowd. When Jeb found what he thought of as the optimal recipe for the Eyelight Ale, he moved on to another beer. Some of the Professors had begun coming to the Emporium, and one commented that he missed an amber ale that one of the Druids used to make. All that he could remember was its color and the fact that it made the drinkers hair stand straight out in every direction. Jeb pored through his Alchemical Brewing books for a full week, unable to find anything that met that description. Just as he was nearly pulling his own hair out from consternation, Margaret came by. Is something the matter? she asked. Jeb related his issues finding an Alchemical that could do what the Professor wanted, and Margaret nodded. A few minutes later, five new books dropped themselves onto his desk. Each was a different compendium of Alchemical Brewing at a higher level than what he had done. Rather than using a single Alchemical, each used a mixture of at least three or four. Within those tomes, he found a recipe that resembled what the Professor had asked for. After Brewing a small test container, he brought a mug to the Professors table. He took a long drink, wispy hair suddenly shooting off in every direction. With tears in his eyes, he thanked Jeb for bringing back memories of his youth. The sudden commotion of a Professor crying was enough to pull the entire Emporiums attention, and Jeb rushed out to make a full barrel of Hairraiser. When Jeb tried the barrel, he was not particularly fond of the style. It was far more bitter than he preferred in a beer. However, Jeb was once again reminded that his own tastes were not universal. Sales of Hairraiser quickly outstripped Firestout once word started to spread about it. Since it was a recipe he had no interest in perfecting, Jeb moved on to another project. The advanced Alchemical Brewing books all had references to an Inkstain Ale. Each of the authors had their own hypotheses for how, exactly, the beer had been made, but none had cared enough to attempt to recreate the recipe themselves. As far as Jeb could tell, it was a beer that would cause designs to temporarily form on the drinkers skin. None of the authors had left any comments on the flavor profile, instead saying to simply drink the beer oneself. Unsurprisingly, Jeb was unable to find anyone who had a bottle available for him to try. With nothing else to go off of, he began experimenting with the different blends of Alchemical Reagents that the books suggested. When none of the ratios that had been suggested worked, Jeb briefly worried that he might be making the wrong kind of beer. After reassuring himself that the Magical effects were determined simply by the Alchemical Reagents, their concentrations, and the fact that he had Brewed them, Jeb started paying more attention to the Essences within each of the failed batches. Each of them had a similar Essence, even if Jeb could not quite put a name on it. He was discussing his findings with Catherine and Declan in the Emporium when Professor Quicksilver came in. He walked up to the bar and ordered one of each of Jebs brews that were still on tap. Jeb shrugged and filled up three mugs for the Professor. Quicksilver accepted the drinks with a nod and sipped each one. He frowned at each sip, and Jeb noticed that none of the Magical effects seemed to take place. The beer tastes nice, Quicksilver said once he had sampled each. Thank you! Jeb replied. But, Quicksilver seemed to hesitate, as though he was unsure how to continue. But what? Jeb asked. I suppose that I am disappointed in how much your Essence control has slipped since last term. I know that you have the Alchemy Skill now, but that is no excuse for letting the fundamentals falter. Jeb looked at the beer, unsure what Quicksilver meant. As soon as he started looking, he saw the issue. None of the beers emitted a single unified Essence signature. The Firestout was the closest, and even it had shades of flame and spark interwoven with the fire. The rest were far worse. Quicksilver blushed as Jeb continued staring at the beers. That was not entirely fair, I suppose. Alchemical Brewing is a distinct art, and it is absolutely more difficult to control Essences when manipulating them through a medium. Still, I would be remiss as an educator if I did not point out areas for you to improve. Would you be willing to help me learn how to control Essences in Alchemical Brewing? Jeb asked, thinking about his failures to make the Inkstain Ale. Quicksilver brightened. Absolutely! he replied, finishing his beers and standing to leave. I will see you in my office, he replied, walking out of the Emporium. Jeb turned to Declan and Catherine. Well, you heard what Professor Quicksilver said, he said as he went to leap over the counter. Wait, Declan said, holding up a hand. Are you giving up on Brewing for the Emporium right now? Jeb shrugged. I wasnt planning on it. If you two are tired of running the Emporium, though, Im happy to stop. Otherwise, I think that it would be best if someone else manned the bar. Im happy to make new barrels of whatever you need as the bar runs out of product. Catherine and Declan looked at each other for a moment, some sort of unspoken communication clearly going on between them. As one, they turned and offered Jeb a nod. Were excited to see what you learn, they said, trading places with him at the counter. Jeb took one last look at the room and left, chasing after Quicksilver. Chapter 168: Independent Study Jeb was relieved to find that Professor Quicksilver was waiting inside of his office. He quirked an eye at Jebs arrival. I did not expect you to arrive so quickly. Will someone else be maintaining the Emporium while you are away? Jeb shrugged. Catherine and Declan both agreed to take over while I spend some time improving my skills. Neither of them want me to stagnate either. Quicksilver nodded slowly, and Jeb realized that he might not know who Catherine and Declan were. Catherine and Declan are friends that Ive made in my courses here, Jeb explained. They have been in charge of the different business aspects of the Emporium. Understanding flashed in the Professors eyes. Given how reluctant you were to name a price for your services before, I will admit that I was surprised to hear that you were operating a business. That explanation does clear much of it up, thank you. Jeb gave a quick nod. So, how would you recommend we begin? he asked. Quicksilver stood, gesturing for Jeb to leave his office. Jeb ducked underneath a pile of papers that had somehow appeared as he sat down. The Professor started leading him through the halls before suddenly pausing and turning around. Flushing slightly, he explained, I realize now that I do not know exactly where you have been performing your Brewing. Oh! Jeb said happily, taking the lead. The hallways bent backwards on themselves as he led the Professor to his plot of land. When they reached it, Jeb saw that his barley was nearly grown. It was a bit of a surprise to see the large stalks waving in the wind, but Jeb shrugged it off. He was focused on Alchemy right now, not Farming. When Jeb opened the door to his Brewery, he cringed a little. He had not been expecting anyone inside except for himself, and the surroundings showed it. There was exactly one path through the space between all of the barrels, bags of grains, and other assorted detritus. Nothing in it was dirty, exactly, it was just all very cluttered. Quicksilver hardly seemed to notice the mess as he deftly danced around the hazards on the floor. When Jeb caught up to him, he was looking intently at Jebs notes on Inkstain Ale. Jeb heard him muttering something about trying to fly before learning what a bird is, before Quicksilver turned to him. I would like to watch you Brew a barrel of the Eyelight Ale, he said. Sure! Jeb replied happily, beginning to gather the ingredients he would need. His concern about the condition of the space began to fade as he moved, each piece placed perfectly where he could reach. As he was waiting for the wort to cool, he asked, is there a reason that you had me start with Eyelight Ale? Quicksilver nodded. I was wondering when you were going to ask. It requires a single Alchemical, which should make it easier. I know that you have significant experience with Fireleaf, though, which means that you may have already trained your Skills to work with it unthinkingly. The same cannot be said for Alchemical Eyebright. That makes sense, Jeb replied. The wort had cooled sufficiently, and so he added the yeast to the mixture, stirring it. When the yeast seemed ready, Jeb poured the Yeast Energizer and watched the beer almost instantly Brew itself. Jeb poured the beer into a serving barrel and looked over. Where would you like me to begin? Quicksilver asked. Something in his tone let Jeb know that there were any number of right answers, but that the Professor would not be giving him them. Jeb mulled the question over for a small while. In the end, he was deciding between two different questions: what he could most quickly improve, and what needed the most improvement. When he realized that those were his choices, his choice became clear. What do you think I need the most improvement on? he asked. Professor Quicksilver gave an approving nod. I cannot comment on the specifics of anything you did regarding Brewing, so it is possible that there are mistakes that I could not catch in that process. However, there are two major issues that I see with regards to your Alchemy. First, he held up a finger, I believe that many Brewers have different yeasts which they use for different beers? he lifted his voice as though it was a question, so Jeb nodded. Similarly, Alchemical Brewing has historically used different strains of yeast which have been Attuned to the proper Essence for whatever Brew is desired. Unfortunately, only the Druids know how to produce Essence Attuned Yeast. If you wanted to learn to produce it yourself, you would need to do an apprenticeship with the Druids. Second, he began, and Jeb tried to interrupt him. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. It sounded as though an apprenticeship with Druids was not out of the realm of possibility. Quicksilver did not pay attention, however, and he continued speaking. I think that it would be best for me to simply demonstrate the second part of your process. You are using the basic Yeast Energizer, correct? Jeb nodded, and Quicksilver pulled out another bottle from the folds in his robes. Please prepare two more barrels of the Eyebright Ale, stopping after you add the yeast. Jeb hurried to do so, silently hoping that the Emporium was selling a lot of that brew. When he had finished adding the yeast to both, he turned to Quicksilver. Watch the difference, he said, pouring a bottle of Jebs own Yeast Energizer and the potion that he had produced. Jeb activated his Magical sight, trying to watch the difference. At first, he thought that the basic Yeast Energizer was doing a far better job. The Essence coming off of that barrel was far more potent. As both beers finished fermenting, however, Jeb realized his mistake. Any Essence that the beer gave off was Essence that was no longer within the Brew. The beer he had made with his own Yeast Energizer felt almost hollow compared to the dense Magic within the other barrel of beer. What do you see? Professor Quicksilver asked. The beer that you put the other Yeast Energizer in has far more potent Essence, Jeb replied. Good, Quicksilver confirmed, what else? Jeb frowned slightly. There did not seem to be anything else different between the two beers. As he looked more closely, however he started to see something. Or, rather, he started to taste something with his Magical sense. The beer that had been made with the Professors potion tasted like a perfectly tuned chord. Jeb shuddered a little as he tried to make sense of something tasting like a chord. When he accepted the feeling without trying to understand it, however, it was the right description for the flavor. The other barrel of beer was still a well tuned chord, it was true. It was not, however, perfectly tuned. The Essences in the beer with your Yeast Energizer are better aligned, Jeb said hesitantly. Quicksilvers eyes glinted a metallic grey. How did the difference in alignment appear to you? he asked, tone carefully neutral. I dont quite know how to explain it, Jeb admitted, but I tasted chords from each of the beers Magical signatures. The beer from your potion was perfectly tuned, while mine was ever so slightly off pitch. Interesting, Quicksilver said, eyes unfocusing as he thought of something. He quickly shook the thought away, refocusing on Jeb. We can discuss that later. What do you think the difference was between the two potions? The potion I used just makes the yeast work more quickly, Jeb said. I assume that, much like some delicate flavors can be blown off during fermenting, the same is true of Essence. Yours trapped the Essence somehow. Your explanation for the first Yeast Energizer is correct in broad strokes, if nothing else. Any details that you missed are not particularly relevant right now. However, you are incorrect in your assessment of the second potion. Tell me, do you know how Alchemical Brewers used to work before Yeast Energizers were discovered? I do not, Jeb admitted readily. Alchemical Brewers have to hold the Essences in the beer as it Brews, much as any Alchemist must hold the Essence in an Alchemical. Unlike the simple distillations that you performed in Introductory Alchemy, however, I understand that most beers take multiple days to ferment. Seeing Jebs nod, he continued, Alchemical Brewers were forced to either work without rest for days on end or else find a team of other Alchemists that they could trust to hand the Essences off to. Now, I will gladly tell you that there are Yeast Energizers which will hold and bind the Essences in place for a Brewer so all one would need to do is pour the Energizer in and have a perfect beer, at least as far as Alchemy is concerned. What I used, however, simply allowed me to continue manipulating the Essence within the beer as it Brewed. Which Yeast Energizer was that? Jeb asked. Jeremiahs Fourth, Quicksilver replied easily. Seeing the lost look on Jebs face, he continued, I am sure that we have referenced different texts. If nothing else, the tome I referenced is not written in Republic Standard. Still, it is a simple enough Alchemical to prepare. Do you prepare your Yeast Energizer in this room? he asked looking around. Jeb shook his head. When I realized how much the Yeast Energizer helped, I made a large batch of it. I havent had to make more since then. You didnt struggle to keep the Essences in line? Quicksilver asked. Not really, Jeb admitted, something about the process felt similar to making Woven Fire, though. Interesting, Quicksilver said, turning and exiting Jebs Brewery. Instead of opening to his plot of land, however, the door opened to an Alchemical Workshop. Quicksilver strode in, and Jeb quickly hurried to follow him. The new room was significantly cooler than his Brewery. Jeb wasnt sure if that was because his Brewery was hot or this room was cold, but it was a strange contrast either way. When he had recovered from the sudden blast of cold, there was a piece of paper floating in front of him. It was labeled Jeremiahs Fourth, though Jeb did note that the entire page seemed to be written in Republic Standard. Surprisingly, it did not appear significantly more difficult to produce than the recipe he had been following. It was fewer steps, even if it did require tighter tolerances on all the measurements. Looking up and seeing Quicksilver watching him from a desk in the center of the room, Jeb felt like he was back in Introductory Alchemy. He set the page down on the first desk and saw that it was already stocked with all the reagents he would need. Humming to himself, he started to measure and grind the different plants. Chapter 169: Essence Beer Jeb found that he grew steadily more focused as he continued to prepare the Yeast Energizer. When he put all of the liquids and extractions into the alembic, his mind had reduced down to a single goal: rewrite the world so that the Alchemical existed and the precursors no longer did. The Essence tried to resist changing. The Alchemicals he had added together joined in a disparate but unified opposition. Once again, Jeb was reminded of the Bards explanation of the different mental Statistics. This process did not seem like one best solved by force, which took Willpower out of contention. As Jeb tried to reason with the disparate Essences, he realized the futility of that approach as well. He had not realized how out of practice he had gotten in working with Alchemy. More than that, though, Jeb still did not feel like he understood how Alchemy worked in relation to the other Magics he knew. The more that he tried to unify his Magic Skill, the more he realized that truth. Shaking himself out of the thought, Jeb refocused on the alembic in front of him. It doesnt matter why these Essences are resisting me, he finally decided, I am a Wizard, and I want to accomplish this Magic. The world sharpened, just for an instant, and Jeb watched the Essences blend. He tasted music once again, as the different voices were forced into perfect harmony. It was no less strange of an experience the second time through, even if Jeb was less surprised by the sensation. Quicksilver came over as he was bottling the potion. I notice that you seemed to have some difficulty creating the Alchemical, he noted. Jeb explained his goal of unifying Magic within his soul. Quicksilver nodded, seeming to agree with Jebs rationale. I had forgotten that you no longer have the Alchemy Skill, he admitted. With that in mind, you may be best served by making a few more vials of this Yeast Energizer. I am less than confident in your immediate success. Jeb tried not to be hurt by his Professors lack of faith. The next batches came together far more easily, and Jeb soon had half a dozen vials of the new Yeast Energizer ready to test. Pocketing them, he led Quicksilver back to his Brewery. Inside of the Brewery, Professor Quicksilver watched quietly as Jeb once again prepared a barrel of Eyebright Ale. When the yeast had been added, Jeb reached into the folds of his students uniform and withdrew a bottle of Yeast Energizer. In the scattered sunlight of the Brewery, the Yeast Energizer almost seemed to glow. When he uncorked it, a drop flew out, burning a crimson gold in the light. It seemed to be drawn to the barrel of wort, and Jeb hurried to add the rest of the vial. As soon as it entered, Jeb felt the space within the barrel suddenly speed up. Because he had been the one to add the Energizer, however, he was able to split some of the timing difference. The world within the barrel was still moving incredibly quickly, but the world outside the barrel seemed to have stopped. Jeb felt the Essences in the beer trying to fight him. The moment that he tried to control them, however, the Eyebright Essences fell directly in line. Jeb tasted the chord as it slowly came into tune. In just a few subjective minutes, the entire barrel was thrumming with the same taste. However, that was not the end of the process. The moment that Jeb tried to pull back, the Essences started to slide out of tune. As a result, he was forced to maintain his grasp on the beer through the entire Brewing. It was not difficult at first, any more than holding his hand out at shoulder height with a small weight was difficult. As the minutes turned to hours, though, the process grew more and more difficult. By the time that the process had finished, Jeb was shaking with exhaustion and sweat. He pulled back as the beer started to carbonate, confident that the Essences had fully stabilized. Pulling back, he took a deep breath, noticing how the world seemed to suddenly jump forward again. Quicksilver began speaking, but the words came out in a rush, and Jeb had barely realized that the Professor had started speaking before he stopped. Quicksilver stared at Jeb patiently. Jeb stared back at Quicksilver. It looked as though you managed the Eyebright Essences, Quicksilver commented. Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, is there a reason you let the Essence of Ale escape? Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Jeb cocked his head. I didnt realize that Alchemical Eyebright had Essence of Ale, he replied honestly. Quicksilver frowned. It does not. A barrel of Alchemical Beer, however- He trailed off, clearly unsure how he was supposed to finish the sentence. Jeb felt a connection in his mind suddenly form. It was as though he had been wearing a blindfold during all of his Brewing, and it had suddenly been pulled off of his eyes. What is Essence of Ale? Jeb asked. Professor Quicksilver sighed. It is exactly what it sounds like. Have you truly not noticed it? Seeing Jebs blank expression, he nodded. I suppose that it would tend to be diffuse enough that you could miss it, especially if you are working with Alchemical reagents. Still, it is an essential Essence in order to stabilize any higher level Alchemical effect, he nodded at Jebs notes of failed Inkstain Ale recipes. How would you recommend that I make it? Jeb asked. Do you need any Alchemical to make your beer? Jeb bobbed his head, considering the question. Not as such, he finally concluded, though I do need something to balance the sweetness in the wort. Quicksilver waved his hand, and a shimmering silver portal appeared behind him. He reached through, pushing the liquid away, and pulled out a handful of fresh hops. Would these work? he asked, handing them to Jeb. Jeb smelled the herbs cautiously. They smelled almost identical to the hops his aunt had used on the farm. Frowning, he cautiously nodded. Then I would recommend you Brew a barrel of beer, using these, Quicksilver glanced to the side, hops, he carefully enunciated, and use your old Yeast Energizer so that we are not waiting weeks for it to finish Brewing. Wont that lose the Essence? Jeb asked. What Essence would a barrel of ale have other than Ale? Jeb could not think of a rebuttal to that, so he nodded and prepared another barrel of ale. Even though he was certain that the end result would never be drunk, it felt wrong to Jeb to waste the hops on anything other than his best barrel of beer. He forced his Skills down, trying to recreate the beer that his aunt had taught him from memory and instinct, rather than relying on the System. As Jeb started rolling the malt, he felt as though he were in the midst of some song that had been playing in the back of his head for years. Each motion he made was exactly as large as it needed to be and not a modicum more. As the malt slowly steeped, the smell rising from the barrel changed, growing sweeter and darker as the room started to steam slightly. When he had extracted all the sugars from the base malt, Jeb transferred the liquid to another container and, on impulse, added a small handful of his darkest malt. The heavily roasted color spread though the liquid, dying it a flaming red. After straining the grains off again, Jeb sniffed the hops again and added a scant handful to the beer. He brought it to a rapid boil, carefully Controlling the Fire so that the entire barrel heated evenly. When the bitter flavors had been fully extracted, he pulled some of the heat away from the barrel and carefully added the rest of the hops. As the wort cooled, Professor Quicksilver seemed slightly confused at how much longer this process had taken. He seemed unwilling to question Jeb, however. As the dance came to an end, Jeb added the Yeast Energizer to the barrel and watched it quickly brew. When it finished, he grabbed two tasting glasses and filled them. Handing one to the Professor, they toasted each other and tried the beer. It was the best beer that Jeb had ever Brewed. He hadnt really thought that he had been relying on the Alchemical effects of his beer, but the flavor here was just so much better that he questioned that conclusion. Even if part of what made this beer taste so good was the nostalgia, Jeb was positive that the overall Brew was a higher quality than his Alchemical Beers. Fantastic job, I assume, Quicksilver said after savoring his own glass. Now then, you remember how to concentrate an Essence, correct? Jeb nodded, internally breaking a little. The only way that Jeb knew to concentrate an Essence required destroying the starting reagent. Quicksilver missed Jebs expression, already walking back into the Alchemy laboratory. Jeb followed, lugging the barrel of beer. Inside of the room, Quicksilver refilled his tasting glass. Ale is the most dominant Essence in this, he said, staring at the liquid. If you do a primary concentration, it should be the only Essence you produce. Jeb nodded and brought the barrel over to one of the larger alembics. He would need to boil off the entire barrel, and that would go more quickly if he started with a larger volume. Filling the Alembic, Jeb Created Fire, wrapping the tongues of flame around the glass container. As more and more of the liquid boiled off, Jeb kept topping it off. When he had finished pouring and evaporating the liquid, there were a scant few ounces left in the alembic. They radiated Essence, however, so Jeb felt comfortable assuming that it was Ale Essence. As he studied it more closely, he became more confident in that assertion. It was hard to describe it as anything but Ale. There were aspects of sweetness and aspects of bitterness, to be sure, but they were so minor as to hardly matter. Quicksilver came over, interrupting Jebs musings, and Jeb noticed that the Professor had a slight sheen on his face. Good job, he said, clapping Jeb on the back, do you think that you would be able to find this Essence while Brewing? Jeb shrugged. I suppose that there is only one way to find out! Chapter 170: Essence of Ale Jeb hurried back to his Brewery, only half paying attention to see if Quicksilver was following after him. By the time that he had finished cleaning his workspace, Jeb realized that the Professor had not left his laboratory. Jeb shrugged and returned to his work. Since he did not have any non-Magical bittering agents, he decided to try to make another barrel of the Eyebright Ale. Once again finding the song, Jeb steeped the grains, letting the soft scent of a light beer wash over him. When they had steeped, he added the Alchemcal Eyebright and then pitched the yeast. Taking a deep breath, Jeb forced himself to stop listening to the music of Brewing. He needed to act as an Alchemist now. Jeb found one of the vials of improved Yeast Energizer he had made and carefully poured it into the wort. All at once, the world seemed to stop, and Jeb was unable to move away from the brewing beer. The Eyebrights Essence was screaming, taste slightly out of tune. Jeb tried to focus past it, remembering his time learning Glyphs. After what felt like hours, Jeb tasted the slightest strain of Ale Essence. He carefully coaxed the Essence to the forefront, forcing it into tune. To his surprise, the Essence seemed to want to tune, quickly reshaping itself to be in perfect agreement. When Jeb tried to tune the Eyebrights Essence, however, he ran into an issue. The two Essences were both tuned, but they were in different temperaments. It was a subtle difference, and Jeb wasnt sure if he would have been able to hear it before his latest term in the College of Song, which had focused exclusively on the different shades that a slightly different tuning system could bring to a piece. Neither Essence seemed willing to change its temperament, and for a while, Jeb considered letting the two simply be in different tunings. As the seconds turned to dragging minutes, however, the beating between the chords grew more and more grating, until Jeb felt like there were nails clawing at his eardrums. He forcibly detuned both Essences, uncaring that some of their Magic escaped. Jeb mentally shook himself and tried to clear his mind. Being sloppy now would not help him tune the Essences, and giving up would never give him a solution. He carefully picked up the pieces of Eyebright Essence, tasting the slight differences in pitch that he had caused. One felt close to what the Ale Essence had tasted like, and Jeb tried to muscle and plead the rest of the Essence into place. Just as he felt the Essence give up, Jeb found himself forced out of the barrel of beer. It had finished Brewing. Jeb stood and, half in a daze, sprinted around the Brewery, trying to find anything reflective. He stopped beside a window, noting that he could see his eyes, if only vaguely. He also saw that his hair was plastered to his face, and Jeb wondered how long he had been sweating. Refusing to wait long enough to think of an answer, he hurried back to the newly finished beer and poured a small taster. The flavor was slightly off, and Jeb frowned. Apparently trying to wrest the Ale Essence into place did more than simply affect the Magic of the beer. Taking another sip, and suppressing the urge to grimace or spit it up, he ran to the window. Bright golden beams of light stared back at him, and he let go of the breath he hadnt realized he had been holding. Even though this batch of Eyebright Ale wasnt up to his taste standards, he had not messed up enough that the Magic ceased working. Sighing, Jeb hefted the barrel onto his shoulder and walked back to the Alchemy laboratory. Because he had used Alchemical Eyebright instead of mundane hops, there was far more potent Essence in the second barrel of beer that Jeb distilled. He vaguely waved to Professor Quicksilver as he started filling another alembic. Jeb saw the Professors mouth open, but no sound came out. Shrugging it off, he once again started to concentrate the Essence of Ale. Eyebright Essence boiled up and out of the liquid, only for Jeb to break it down into its Magical potential and force it to become Ale Essence. Unlike the last barrel, where gallons of liquid had become a scant few ounces of Distilled Essence, Jeb filled the alembics reservoir with less than a quarter of his new barrel. Professor Quicksilver came over, and once again seemed to speak, though Jeb still could not hear anything. As he thought about it, Jeb realized that he had no recollection of actually hearing anything since the last time that he had left the Alchemy laboratory. Before he could dwell on it for too long, though, Quicksilver clapped his hands, and the background hum of reality started to play in Jebs ears again. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Can you hear me now? Quicksilver asked. Seeing Jeb open his mouth to respond, the Professor nodded and continued speaking, I see that you decided to make more Distilled Ale Essence. Might I ask why? Jeb raised his finger, ready to list off his reasons. As he looked at it, though, he realized that he did not have any specific reasons for doing what he had done. I tried to make a barrel of Eyebright Ale with both Essences in tune, Jeb said, but I couldnt get the two Essences to align together. The final result tasted wrong, and I couldnt think of any other use for a barrel of Alchemical Beer. He looked at the Professor, hoping that he had not made a mistake. Professor Quicksilver slowly looked Jeb up and down. The longer that his deep metal eyes stared at him, the more that Jeb felt as though every part of him was being lain out for inspection. He let out a shiver, suddenly cold despite the heat of the room. You are out of Mana, Professor Quicksilver finally said. Or rather, he waved a hand in irritation, you are nearly out of Mana, and you are clearly suffering from Magical exhaustion. I realize that it may be somewhat hypocritical of me to tell you that you need to take breaks, but it remains true. Do not do any more Magic for the rest of the day. With that, he dipped a finger into the container of Distilled Ale Essence and tasted it. Nodding to himself, he walked away. Jeb heard the bells tolling and realized that he had missed all of his courses for the day. He ran to the Library, hoping that Margaret might be able to tell him where his Professors offices were. She was nowhere to be found, however, and he ended up returning to his desk in the Stacks, where he tried to focus on the readings for the sessions he had missed. Jebs mind refused to focus on the page, eyes constantly sliding off of the words. The world started growing brighter and louder, and Jeb tried to tamp the sensation down. When the quiet background hum of the Stacks sounded like a crashing wave, however, he gave up on work for the day. He followed the hallway back to his room, laid down, and went to sleep. The next day, Jeb woke up just before first bell. He felt refreshed, and was relieved that the symptoms of Magical exhaustion had apparently faded away. Jeb took a moment to debate between going to the Brewery and going back to the Alchemy laboratory, but a rumbling in his stomach pushed him towards a third option. As Jeb entered the dark cafeteria, he reflected on the fact that he had never come so early. There were a shocking number of people in the room, though most seemed to be post-doctoral researchers of some sort or another. A few scattered clumps of them were chatting or playing cards, but the room by and large was quiet, filled with the soft clatter of silverware on plates. The food was also different than Jeb had ever seen before, and he took his time wandering around the entire space before he filled his plate. When Jeb sat down, he noticed that the nearby tables were staring at him. He gave a cautious wave, and received sleepy nods in return. Another patron took a plate of food moved to sit across from Jeb. Jeb noticed that she was carrying a book, though the title was too worn to be immediately clear. She did not acknowledge Jeb, instead opening her book seemingly at random. She started to draw her finger in the air, and complex Magical diagrams traced out where her hand went. As she spooned soup into her mouth with the other hand, she waved the image away and frowned. Jeb enjoyed the light show as he slowly ate his meal. When the second bell tolled, however, he finished his plate and stood. The person sitting across from him jolted as though Jeb had just screamed. How long have you been sitting there? she asked in a furious whisper. I was here before you sat down, Jeb replied. Seeing other people turn to the sudden noise, he lowered his voice to a whisper, did you not notice me? She blushed slightly. Never mind, she mumbled, suddenly focusing much more intently on her reading. Jeb left the cafeteria feeling like he had intruded on a part of the Academy that was not meant for him. When he made it to his Brewery, he saw that Professor Quicksilver was waiting outside. He looked up from a small pamphlet in his hands when Jeb drew near. Are you truly planning to begin Brewing at such an early hour? he asked. Jeb nodded. I missed my classes yesterday, and I dont want to do that again. The sooner I start here, the sooner I will finish. Quicksilver beamed. I am glad to hear that! Tell me, what new insights do you have today? Jeb cocked his head, thinking of how best to answer the question. I dont know if I have any new insights. I guess that I was just hoping that without Magical exhaustion, the process would go more smoothly. Some of the excitement in his Professors face faded, but Quicksilver did not say anything else. Jeb calmly went through the process of making another barrel of Eyebright Ale, pointedly ignoring the growing collection of full barrels. When it had cooled, he added the yeast and Yeast Energizer. Diving back into the brew, Jeb tasted both Essences singing immediately. Neither was perfectly in tune, but it seemed as though they were at least in the same temperament, at least so far. Jeb carefully took each Essence in one hand and gently coaxed them together. The two harmonies formed into a beautiful melody, and Jeb found that it was easier to hold the two Essences than it had been to simply hold Eyebright Essence. He felt time start coming faster and faster as he started to pull away from the Brewing, and in just a few minutes, he had finished a full batch of Eyebright Ale. As he went to drink a tasting glass, however, Quicksilver put his hand on top of it, blocking Jeb. Chapter 171: Independent Study Concluded Jeb looked at the Professors hand. Is something wrong? he asked. Professor Quicksilver sighed slightly. Jeb, what is different about this Brew compared to others that you have made? I managed to get both the Ale Essence and the Eyebright Essence to align! he replied proudly. Quicksilver stared at him, nodding slightly. He did not say anything, though, clearly waiting for Jeb to connect the pieces himself. Jeb thought about the implicit question. Why would aligning Essences make something unsafe to drink. As though asking had been the catalyst, understanding dawned on Jeb. Oh! he replied, aligning Essences is one of the fundamental ways to change Essence, he said excitedly. And? his Professor prompted. And slight variations in Essence can produce very different effects, Jeb replied. I dont see why this would be an issue, though. I still followed the directions for making Eyebright Ale. Did the directions say anything about controlling the Essences while you Brew? Quicksilver asked. Jeb shrugged. I dont remember anything, but it may have just been implicit. It was not, Quicksilver assured him. Or, at least, it would not have included also controlling Essence of Ale. What should you do, since you do not know the exact Essence makeup of this Brew? The first answer that comes to mind is feeding it to someone, Jeb replied, but I have to imagine that is not the correct answer. Quicksilver chuckled, for liability reasons, you are correct. How else could you test this Alchemical to see if it is safe to consume? Jeb spoke through his ideas. For many Alchemicals, the reagents themselves are toxic in small quantities. Since that is not the case here, I only need to worry about Magical dangers. He paused, curious what Quicksilver would say. You are neglecting second order interactions between matter and Magic, his instructor prompted. Thats still a Magical danger, Jeb argued. Quicksilver waved a hand, ceding the point. Magical dangers are either due to the nature or duration of Essence, Jeb recited. Seeing his Professor nod, he continued, I do not know the exact spectrum of Eyebright Essence, but I do have a barrel of Eyebright Ale here, which has it. If the nature remains unchanged, it should behave the same way in an Essence Meter. I do not know how to test the duration, however, he admitted. Quicksilver smiled. I was wondering when you would decide to use an Essence Meter! There are, of course, no truly permanent Alchemical effects. He began walking out of the Brewery as he kept his explanation going. Alchemical effects described as permanent are either capable of pulling and reforming Essence when consumed or decay so slowly that they will outlast the person who has consumed them. Despite the fact that these modes will operate in the same way, they have fundamentally different causes, and as such, are measured using fundamentally different methods. However, you are supposing that the only Essence in the Eyebright Ale will be Eyebright Essence, is that correct? Jeb noticed that they were back in the same laboratory he had been using to concentrate Ale Essence. Taking the hint, he filled a small bottle with Distilled Ale Essence and slipped it into a pocket. Professor Quicksilver nodded and continued walking, which Jeb took as his cue to keep speaking. I believe that the only Essences in the beer will be Eyebright Essence and Ale Essence, Jeb amended, and I believe that they will remain separated. Why do you suppose that? Quicksilver seemed to be having fun with the question and answer routine, and Jeb remembered how much his Professor enjoyed this pedagogical tool. I believe that there will be no other Essences because I did not notice any other Essences in the Brew, Jeb said. Holding up a hand to forestall the obvious next question, he continued, although that does not preclude other Essences, it does mean that it is unlikely for there to be any Essences in this Brew that are not in the Eyebright Ale which we know is safe to consume, other than Essence of Ale, of course. And? Quicksilver prompted. Jeb realized he had only answered half of the Professors question, and I do not think that they merged because it felt like there were still two distinct Essences in the beer when it had finished brewing. A part of him expected the Professor to reject his argument, based as it was on something as nebulous as feel. However, the rest of him remembered the frequent lectures Professor Quicksilver had given about Alchemists needing to trust their own intuition. With that in mind, it was no real surprise when his Professor nodded and opened a new door. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The room behind the door was dimly lit. A large Essence Meter took up almost the entire space. Enchantments were visible by the glowing runes that seemed to appear and disappear at random. Jeb realized that he had never seen a working Essence Meter before, only the partially disassembled versions that Professor Quicksilver had been working on. The working version was a beauty to behold. It was a seamless blend of Alchemy and Enchanting. The longer that Jeb looked at it, the more certain he was that this apparatus blended more than just those two Schools of Magic. He caught the faintest hint of a Glyph flashing somewhere within the instrument, and a faint song seemed to spiral around it. Quicksilver beamed at Jebs expression. I was hoping that you would enjoy this. A poet might compare you, or at least your Class, to this instrument. Jeb nodded, immediately seeing the parallels. Shaking the excitement away, he picked up the container of Eyebright Ale, looking for a place to pour the liquid out. Quicksilver held out a hand to stop him. The Essence Meter will need to be reconfigured to perform both analyses for which you have expressed interest. Would you prefer to begin with testing the duration or the Essence makeup of your new beer? Jeb shrugged. Is the system already configured to run one of those? Seeing Quicksilver shake his head, Jeb continued, I think that I would like to start by measuring the composition of the brew. If it is markedly different than Eyebright Essence, it doesnt really matter how long of a duration it has, because I would need to do more testing on it to make sure that it is not dangerous. Quicksilver gave an approving nod and began configuring the instrument. At times, it almost seemed as though his hand was disappearing, slipping between a fold in reality that Jeb could not see. A few minutes later, the Essence Meter was humming and glowing a bright golden hue. The Professor let out a small whistle of appreciation and stepped back to rejoin Jeb. As he did, the instrument pushed out three plates with small depressions. Put the Eyebright Ale and the Ale Essence in those two wells, Quicksilver instructed, and Jeb hurried to do so. When the three samples were all loaded, Jeb began to bob from foot to foot, waiting for light to begin pouring out of the instrument. Instead, however, a small piece of paper ejected itself from the instrument. Quicksilver ripped it off, quickly glanced at the page, and then handed it to Jeb. Jeb looked down at the page, curious what it said. Try as he might, though, he was unable to understand the meaning behind any of the shapes or lines printed on the page. Quicksilver was already busy at work reconfiguring the Essence Meter, so Jeb waited until he was finished to ask his question. Hmm? Quicksilver asked, clearly not expecting a question What does this any of this mean? Jeb asked again, gesturing to the page. Oh! Quicksilver leapt back. I had forgotten that we do not introduce readings from Essence Meters in the introductory course any longer. Giving Jeb a sheepish grin, he explained the meaning of all the different parts of the page. In short, the Essences were, as Jeb had thought, still separated. They were far more concentrated than he would have expected, though. The Ale Essence was almost as strong in the Brew as it was in the Distilled Ale Essence. As I mentioned before, Quicksilver segued into his lecture on the new experimental setup, there are two ways that an Alchemical can be functionally endless. It can either absorb new Essence or take a long time to decay, Jeb parroted back. Quicksilver nodded. This configuration will hit the sample with Essence twice. The first time, the sample will absorb the Essence as normal. The second time, however, tells us about its duration. Seeing Jebs dubious expression, he continued, if there is no new absorption, then the sample remained full of Essence, and we can extrapolate its lifetime with a few more runs. If, once primed, it absorbs other Essences, we can see that it will continue to self multiply. To demonstrate, Professor Quicksilver put a small drop of the old Eyebright Ale into the chamber and then explained the readout. To Jebs relief, his new Brew decayed just as quickly. So there is no harm in drinking the newest batch? Jeb asked to confirm. It would appear so, Professor Quicksilver replied. We have not tested for Magical and physical interactions, but that requires far more effort than is worthwhile to teach you at this time. I can tell you that, having tested those Essences before, there will not be any relevant interactions. Jeb smiled and poured the two of them each a small glass of the beer. It tasted far better than any of the previous batches had, and Jeb almost reconsidered his dislike of the Brew. The Ale Essence seemed to chip away at each of the flavors within the beer, making them all sing just a little bit more together. Of course, Jeb knew that he had also gotten better at the physical mechanism of Brewing, which helped as well. The Eyebright had been steeped exactly as long as it needed to, not a scant second longer. The two of them began to walk back to Jebs plot of land. As they did, Quicksilver encouraged Jeb to consider what he wanted to work on next. When they arrived at the field, Jeb found an answer. The barley growing there had clearly suffered a little from inattention. As much as I like having these fresh plants, Jeb said, I dont know if I have the time to take care of them the way that they need. Are there any Alchemicals that I could make to help with this? Quicksilver shrugged. There are, though it requires a fair amount of effort to ensure that you are using them at the right times and in the proper quantities. What you are looking for, I believe, is a custom set of Enchantments. I am sure that you can figure out most of what you need to know about Alchemical Brewing from what weve just done, and of course, my office is open should you have other questions. However, selfishly, I would also prefer if you focused your attention on growing plants more effectively. For all that none of the plants you have requested are particularly limited, you are depleting our stocks more quickly than we had predicted. I am certain that Professor Bearson would be willing to work with you on a project to automate much of this work. Having spoken, Quicksilver stepped through a fold in the air and left Jeb to his thoughts. Jeb quickly watered and checked on the barley, doing his best to make up for the neglect it had faced over the past few days. Once he had, he set out, hoping to find Professor Bearsons office. Chapter 172: Another Independent Study After wandering for a few minutes, Jeb found himself amidst Enchanting Professors offices. Most of them were propped open, and Jeb saw every variation on a room with a desk that he could imagine, and more than a few that he couldnt. As he kept walking, though, he failed to find Bearsons office. On his second time through the same hallway, Candidate Therese stuck her head out of a doorway. Jeb? she asked, tone full of confusion, what are you doing here? Im looking for Professor Bearson, he replied. Do you have an appointment with him? He shook his head, no, but Professor Quicksilver said that I should speak with him about an independent study. Therese gave him a strange look but helped him find the Professors office. Professor Bearson was reading a book and taking detailed notes when Jeb knocked on the door. He looked up, and cocked his head, clearly trying to place the student in front of him. Good afternoon, Professor Bearson, Jeb said. Good afternoon. Did you have an appointment scheduled? he asked, pawing through a schedule. Jeb shook his head again. You may not remember me, but my name is Jeb. You taught my Theoretical Enchanting courses when I first came to the Academy. I had an Enchanting project in mind that Professor Quicksilver seemed to think would be something you would be willing to supervise as an independent study. Understanding sparked in the Professors eyes. Ah, he said, letting out a long sigh, I remember you now, Jeb. His eyes flashed, and Jeb was suddenly reminded of the Professors size. Just for an instant, Jeb was reminded that there was a food chain somewhere, and that humans were not always on the top of it. The feeling faded as quickly as it had come, and Jeb was once again looking at his affable Enchanting Professor. I will ask Dean Aquam what he thinks would be administratively best for this independent study, he said. Thank you! Jeb replied, turning to leave. That had sounded like a dismissal, and Jeb did not want to start off on the wrong foot with his new study advisor. Where are you going? Bearson asked. Um, Jeb replied hesitantly, I have a course this afternoon that I do not want to miss again. Bearson nodded. I will meet you at the Library when your courses are finished for the day. We can begin the study then. Jeb went to his courses for the day, trying his hardest to pay attention. Unfortunately, the combination of his having read ahead and being excited for the independent study meant that he struggled to follow more than the vaguest outlines of any of the lectures. When the courses concluded for the day, he debated stopping by the cafeteria, but decided against it. Surely there will be time for food after the study, he thought to himself. Bearson was standing beside Margaret when Jeb entered the Library. Good evening, Jeb said, nodding to the two of them. They exchanged greetings, and Margaret led the two of them to Jebs desk in the Stacks. The books on the shelves seemed to be much more interested in being opened during this trip, and Jeb was able to read almost all of the titles. Most seemed to relate to Enchanting, though more than a few were related to wildlife, which Jeb assumed was due to the fact that he wanted to Enchant his farmland. He was certain that there would be environmental factors that he would need to consider, even if he was currently unsure what they would be. When they got to his desk, Jeb was surprised to see that the books on it were completely different than they had been the last time he sat there. All of the tomes on Alchemical Brewing had been taken away, along with the books that he had never gotten around to returning on every subject he had taken a course in. Heart breaking, he turned to Margaret, who rolled her eyes. The rest of your books will be here when your independent study concludes, she said. I took the liberty of making space for the texts that Professor Bearson thinks that you will need for your current project. Jeb looked at Bearson, who nodded, letting out a low rumble of a laugh. Truthfully, the Professor continued, if you had not come to me about this project, I am certain that I would have ended up working on it in a few years. The Republic does not seem at all willing to begin negotiations with the Druids, and the Alchemists will continue running their supplies lower and lower. With that in mind, I spent the afternoon working with this fantastic Librarian, he nodded respectfully at Margaret, who gave a somewhat joking curtsy, to find tomes that may be relevant for this project. Tell me, how much do you know about agriculture? Jeb beamed. He hadnt realized how much it felt like nothing from his life before getting a Class mattered at the Academy until just now. All of the years he had spent learning to take care of the land suddenly seemed unimportant to everyone when he was able to do Magic. If he was being honest with himself, though, Jeb could admit that a lot of the change was precipitated by him. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. He shook himself out of the sudden realization, realizing that he had not answered the Professor. A fair amount, Jeb hedged. I grew up on a farm, and until I became a Classholder, I and everyone around me assumed that I would end up becoming a Farmer of some sort. Bearson straightened at that, clearly growing more excited about the project. I understand that you have Skills relating to agriculture as well? he asked hopefully. Jeb nodded and went through his Skills, which the Professor noted on a piece of paper that he pulled from his sleeve. Margaret and Professor Bearson exchanged a look, and Jeb swore that the Professor seemed a bit sheepish as he nodded. Margaret cleared a few of the more basic Primers on soil management away. Now then, Bearson said, tell me what your specific goals are for this study. Jeb had been expecting a question like this, and so he answered quickly, I want to automate as much of the process of growing plants as I can. It feels like a waste to have the land that I do and not use it, and I know that there are at least a few Professors who have explicitly told me that they want the crops that I grow. However, I know that I do not have the attention span right now to plan out exactly how to care for every plant that I put in the ground, especially if I want to grow more than one. Right now, Ive been using the entire field for a single plant, which works, but feels inefficient. So, I guess that my ideal case would be a set of Enchantments that will make sure that whatever I plant in the field grows well and then is harvested appropriately. He paused, amending himself, actually, I think that my ideal Enchantment would also plant the crops itself. Bearson nodded. I am glad to hear that the reports of your lofty ambitions were not exaggerated. What would be the minimum the Enchantment could do that you would consider a success? Jeb hadnt thought about that question, and he froze as he tried to think of an answer. I suppose that I am comfortable doing the planting myself. I could do the harvesting, especially if theres some sort of a notification that lets me know when the plants are ready to be pulled. I suppose that right now Im able to monitor the plants sporadically, so something that makes it less vital for me to constantly check on the plants would be the lowest goal I have for the project. When I forget about the field for a day or two, I dont want the plants to wither. That is a much lower goal than I had expected, he said. I believe that we will be able to do far more than that. Now then, how much have you been keeping up on your Enchanting since you stopped taking my course? His eyes glittered, and Jeb knew that the Professor already knew the answer to his question. Jeb sighed. Not very much. Even in the Emporium, Declan has been doing most all of the Enchanting that we need. Ive been much more focused on- Professor Bearson cut him off, on whatever project your flight of fancy takes you towards. Yes, Dean Aquam made that very clear when I met with him. With that in mind, we will be starting from the basics. Jeb had been unsure what this independent study would look like. When he had worked with Quicksilver, it seemed to be as much a place for Jeb to learn what questions to ask as Quicksilver explicitly instructing. This was nothing like that. Professor Bearson seemed to be treating the independent study as nothing more or less than a single person classroom. Jeb demonstrated that he was still capable of drawing each of the fundamental runes for a few dozen different Enchanting sets. Something about the strokes he made felt off, though, so he stopped the Professor from moving forward with the lesson. Is something the matter? Professor Bearson asked. I dont know, Jeb replied honestly. These runes just dont feel quite right to me. A predatory gleam sparked in the Professors eyes, and Jeb was reminded that none of his Professors had been anything less than completely devoted to their craft. Go on, he said, gesturing at the page. Jeb tried to articulate what he meant. I dont quite know what Im trying to say, he admitted, sketching out the runes again, but it feels like this is not actually a complete set. He frowned. No, that isnt quite right. It is more than a fundamental set? It seems like these two, he quickly drew two of the runes, should be able to do anything that this rune is capable of. Can you demonstrate what you mean? the Professor asked, tone carefully neutral. Jeb tried, drawing a quick script to light up when Mana was poured into it. The first time he wrote it, he used the allegedly fundamental rune. It took no more than a few minutes, and it glowed the way that he expected it to. Starting to work on the other one, though, Jeb was instantly stumped. He was able to draw the initial Enchantment, but when he finished the script, he saw that there was a gap in the script that would cause the Mana to circulate incorrectly. Fixing that created its own set of errors that he needed to account for. By the time that he had finished, the single line of script had ballooned into nearly four full pages of densely scribbled exceptions to exceptions to edge cases. Jeb was certain that he could make the Enchantment at least a little smaller if he were to create it again, but it would not be anywhere near as short as a single line. Interesting, Professor Bearson said as he flipped through Jebs Enchantment. I would not have thought to prove the redundancy of this rune in this manner, but you are correct. Is that the only redundant rune in the set? Jeb drew out the set of runes again, this time excluding the rune he had considered extraneous. He frowned. It seems like these three runes, he pointed, should be able to do everything that this rune can do. Go on, Professor Bearson nodded along. Jeb crossed the rune out and continued staring at the sheet. He frowned. I feel like all of these runes are modifiers to each other, he finally said. As long as I have at least three runes, I can recreate the effects of any other rune. Professor Bearson nodded. So, why do we describe the other runes as fundamental? Jeb paused. After thinking about the question for a few minutes, though, he could not come to an answer. I dont know, he replied honestly. Let us look at the first example you produced, Bearson said, laying a hand on the two different Enchantments. The first line of script started glowing all sorts of colors, from reds to violets and beyond, and the other one seemed to as well. Just as Jeb was about to ask what he was trying to learn, however, the page caught on fire. What does this show us? Professor Bearson asked. Chapter 173: Planning Enchanting Jeb watched his hours of work go up in flames. As beautiful as it was to watch the flickering light, he did have a slight concern about having a fire in the middle of the Stacks. When he saw that Margaret was not concerned, however, Jeb stopped thinking about the potential side effects of the pages catching fire and started thinking about the side effects in the runes that had led to the page catching fire. Try as he might, though, Jeb could not find an answer. The fact that his Professor had cycled through all different colors of light made him assume that the error came from some color. Professor Bearson took pity on him and explained, the runes you used were only meant to work over visible light. There are infinite shades of light that are not visible. You did a fantastic job of foreseeing many edge cases, but runes are not fundamental because of their standard usage. They are fundamental because they cover every possible edge case inherently. So I was wrong? Jeb asked, gesturing at the page, this is a complete set of fundamental runes? Bearson bobbed his head, as though debating how to answer. Not quite, he admitted, though not for the reason you proposed. In fact, this set of runes is not taught as a complete set. It is missing this fundamental rune, he quickly drew another shape on the page, which only comes up very rarely. I do not imagine that you will need it for your project, but I do believe in rewarding inquiry. What does this rune do? Jeb asked. Nothing in his System seemed to give any clues, but something inside of Jeb instinctively flinched away from it. How much do you want me to answer that question? Bearson asked, tone suddenly serious. Not that much? Jeb replied quickly. I was simply curious. Both of our lives will become more difficult for the next few years if I give you the answer to that question. With that in mind, I will not answer it at this time, though please do feel free to ask again in the future if it becomes relevant later. The two stood around for a few moments, both clearly feeling somewhat awkward about that interaction. Margaret finally piped up, how do you plan to start this project? Both Jeb and Bearson jumped slightly. They had clearly forgotten that she was in the room with them. Right now! Jeb said excitedly, turning to make sure that the Professor agreed with his enthusiasm. Bearson was nodding along, and turned to face Jeb. How would you begin? the Professor asked him. Monitoring the health of a plant seems like the most important place, Jeb responded hesitantly. Seeing the Professor continue to nod approvingly, he started to sketch out a potential way to monitor the health of a plant, glossing over most of the details. Bearson put a large hand on above the page, interrupting Jebs work. What are you doing? he asked. Jeb frowned, working on an Enchantment to monitor the health of a plant. Is that not where I should start? No, it is, Bearson replied, but why are you recreating one from first principles? Any of these texts, he gestured to the pile of books that seemed to have grown, has at least half a dozen different Enchantments to identify living objects. Truthfully, I would be shocked if most of these books did not have an Enchantment designed specifically to monitor a plant. Jeb held up a finger, ready to rebut what the Professor had said. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to think of a reason that he should remake the Enchantment from scratch. Bearson smiled. Although I do believe that the way we teach Theoretical Enchanting includes vital pedagogy for developing Enchanters, it does predispose students to certain blind spots. The thought that every project needs to be reinvented from the lowest possible level is one of them. Imagine you were trying to dig a hole. Would you go purchase a shovel, or would you build a forge, find ores in the earth, and then refine them into metal, before forging it into a shovel? The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Jeb thought he understood the metaphor that the Professor was aiming for, but just to be certain, he replied, if I was trying to dig a hole in the ground, I would likely just use a Glyph to move the soil. Professor Bearson let out a deep sigh. Margaret let out a small chuckle. Jeb continued, I think that I see your point, however. Theres no point in repeating a derivation when all I care about is the result. He opened the book on the top of the pile and started flipping through it. Looking at the options, Jeb quickly realized that he was not actually interested in something which monitored the health of a plant. Any Enchantment he could make would only tell him something that he could see with his own eyes. Next to an Enchantment which would monitor the plants health, he found an Enchantment to measure the moisture content in the soil. Aha! Jeb said, quickly noting the page down. Flipping through the book with a renewed vigor, he found Enchantments which would measure the temperature and air content of the soil. As he went through the rest of the books, Jeb was able to find Enchantments for nearly every aspect of the ground. Of course, different Enchanters started from different fundamental sets of runes. More than that, though, each Enchanter had their own style for crafting an Enchantment. Whether it was as small as a seemingly decorative swirl in one rune, or something as fundamental as the syntax they used to connect the words, it made Jeb nervous to try to assemble them all into a single large Enchantment. Bearson spoke up, is something the matter? I dont have any idea how I can combine all of these Enchantments into a single piece, Jeb said. The Professor walked over, frowning slightly. Is there a reason that you are so focused on soil health, rather than the health of a plant? he asked. Um, Jeb began, I thought that it was more important to measure the health of the soil, because that will be most of what makes plants healthy. If the soil is too dry, the plant will start to dry out. So you have decided to shift to measuring at a larger scope, rather than monitoring the instantaneous health of the plants you grow? Jeb grimaced. When you frame it like that, no, that does not sound like my ideal. It seems as though you have an Enchantment to measure each element of the soil independently. Would you be able to assemble a similar list for what parts of a plant you would be interested in measuring? Jeb pulled out another sheet of paper and began to write the different needs of plants. Every plant needed the proper nutrients at the proper amount, of course. They needed to have the right hydration, and each needed to get the proper amount of sunlight. That would suffice for mundane plants. For Magical plants, however, there were other considerations. Alchemical plants needed to have the proper Essences surrounding them, and plants for Alchemy needed to have the proper Mana Attunements and the right density of Mana. How, exactly, Jeb could measure those, he was less sure. Professor Bearson nodded at the list. What comes next? Jeb thought about it. My first instinct would just be to monitor the different levels in aggregate over the entire field. Bearson raised a hand, but Jeb hurried to continue, I see where that will not work, however. If I put a solid chunk of phosphorus in the middle of the field, then the plants closest to it will be exposed to far too much. The plants at the edges of the field, by contrast, are unlikely to feel any of the new mineral. However, I also do not think that I need to measure every individual plant, he continued, thinking aloud. If two plants are directly next to each other, they should be experiencing very similar environments. If they are not, then I probably have larger issues than I would trust to an automated Enchantment. You can wait to decide on the size of the Enchantment, Bearson said, pulling Jeb out of the weeds. Measuring the different levels of nutrients is only part of your goal, correct? Jeb nodded. Ideally, the system would correct deficiencies. And how would you do that? Jeb paused. Is there a reason that add more of the missing nutrient would not work? Professor Bearson shrugged. I will be honest, I do not have much experience with the maintenance of plant health. Then yes, I think that it would be best to just add the nutrient. Jeb started flipping through the book to find an Enchantment to create water or light or any of the different other minerals. What are you doing? Bearson asked. Jeb explained, and Bearson shook his head. It would be far easier to make an Enchantment which simply distributes the different minerals, assuming that it is not difficult to procure the different materials. Why? Jeb asked. Two reasons, Bearson held up his thick fingers, producing materials is very Magically intensive, especially compared to simply moving them. As long as you are planning to monitor the Enchantment, at least slightly, there is no reason that you would need to prepare the Enchantment to work indefinetely. More importantly, though, the fewer pieces that can break in a prototype, the better. Even if the final version of this independent study results in you creating the materials, it is best to leave that for later. Jeb nodded and started sketching out the newest version of the Enchantment. Chapter 174: Critical Enchanting Failure Jeb quickly sketched out a rough version of the Enchantment. Once he had finished, he showed it to Professor Bearson. Bearson took the page. This seems reasonable. Do you plan to start with each Enchantment in parts, or do you plan to make this entire Enchantment at a single time? Neither? Jeb hesitated. I was going to separate the measurement from the nutrient depositing, but I was going to make everything within that the same. Do you not think that I should do that? Bearson shrugged. It is your project. Ultimately, I see my role as primarily one of safety officer. So long as what you propose will not be actively harmful, I am willing to let you experience failure. Would you rather that I take a different approach? He offered the page back to Jeb, who took it, considering the question. I think that seems reasonable, Jeb answered after thinking. Bearson nodded but did not say anything else. After another long moment, Jeb tried, is there any reason that I shouldnt try to make the Enchantment now? Taking the Professors silence as an answer of its own, Jeb left the Library to start working. Jeb knew that paper was a terrible medium for an Enchantment of any real complexity. As much as he trusted that the runes were all fundamental, a part of him did wonder whether the Enchantment would have burnt out if it had been scratched into metal or some other, stronger medium. Stopping in the hallway, Jeb realized that he should pick a material to Enchant. Or, at least, he should plan on committing to one, even if it would need to change. There was always a chance that whatever medium he picked would end up being incompatible with some portion of the Enchantment he was going to make. If that ended up being the case, he would find something else. Gold was the first medium to pop into Jebs mind, but he tossed the idea aside. There was no chance that he would feel comfortable working with so much of the precious metal, knowing that any mistake he made was suddenly far more costly. Wood, being far cheaper, was the next to come to mind. He discarded it just as readily. Wood was far too variable to be a medium for Enchanting. Looking back on his Woodcarving project, Jeb was honestly surprised that he had ended up as successful as he did. As the hallway started to close around him, Jeb decided to start moving again. He ended up in the forge. Jeb shrugged. There was a chance that the material idea had not percolated to his conscious mind, but that the Academy caught it. It was just as likely, however, that the Academy had simply decided that iron would be the medium for Jebs Enchanting project. A blast of heat and the sound of hammer striking metal greeted Jeb as he opened the door to the forge. Even after choosing iron as his material of choice, he realized that there were still options. After staring for a long moment, Jeb sighed and reached for a thin sheet of metal. As tempted as he was to work with bar iron, he knew that he would regret having to shape and reshape the material over and over. If he messed up too badly with the iron, he could always just throw the sheet away and start again fresh with another. Sheet of metal in hand, Jeb started to walk out of the forge, stopping in the doorway. Where would be the best place to work on the Enchantment? After turning around five or so times, stuck between working with iron in the forge, where it belonged, and working in his own space, Jeb committed to another choice. He entered the hallway, careful to keep his sheet from hitting the wall, and moved to the farm. After all, he rationalized, Im going to need to test the Enchantment eventually. The fact that he would need to return to the forge for each new sheet of iron did not enter Jebs mind. Shifting the barrels aside in the Brewery, Jeb set the sheet of iron down and grabbed a pencil. He quickly marked a vague placement for each of the detection Enchantments he was planning to start with. Once he had that down, he consulted the different books to see what runes, exactly, he needed to add to them for input and output of Mana. Jeb blinked away the sunshine from his eyes. Figuring out how he could connect the various sets of fundamental runes each Enchantment used had taken far longer than he had expected. His stomach reminded him that he had missed more than one meal the day before, and Jeb sighed, forcing himself to leave his notebook behind as he went to the cafeteria. After eating a quick breakfast, spending most of it debating whether it still counted as breakfast if there was no sleep before it, Jeb went to his classes for the day. Finished with them, he stopped by the cafeteria for another short meal and then returned to his Brewery to resume his work on the Enchantment. Once again, he found himself lost in the details of making different runes connect. Before the sun had fully set, though, he had a preliminary answer for connecting each Enchantment in series. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. If there was one skill that Theoretical Enchanting had truly engraved into Jeb, it was carving Enchantments without using his hands. None of the measurement Enchantments were particularly difficult, and it only took him an hour to engrave them all onto the piece of iron. Deciding on exactly which rune to form the syntax he wanted took a few hours more, but Jeb finished his first version of the Enchantment as the sun rose again. Its a little annoying to be so keyed into the passage of time, Jeb thought, realizing that he had spent another day without sleep. The fact that his Class let him go so long without sleep wasnt necessarily healthy, he knew, even though it was convenient. By the time that his classes were over for the day, though, he felt the need to sleep again. Jeb woke as the final bells of the day chimed out. Whether it was a great idea to shift his sleep schedule so much or not, Jeb was comfortable with the fact that he slept when he was tired. Jeb carefully picked up the sheet of iron before pausing and setting it back down. After rushing to the Library, he realized that Professor Bearson had most likely returned to his office at some point in the past two days. To his relief, Bearson opened the door when he knocked on it. Good, Bearson ducked behind his door again, morning, I suppose. Is there some help that I can offer you at this late hour? Um, Jeb replied, realizing that his schedule was not the default, I just finished my Enchantment, and I was wondering if you would be willing to look at it before I try running Mana through it. The Professor blinked a few times, clearly surprised by something that Jeb had said. I will be leaving for a few days in the morning, so now would be a fantastic time. Where are you going? Jeb asked as the two began walking towards his plot of land. There is a Magical creature infestation that has continued to spread over the past few terms. The fact that they have continued to spread is worrying some people, even though they have yet to do anything actively hostile. As one of the resident experts on Magical creatures, I have been tasked with determining next steps. That makes sense! Jeb replied happily, opening the door to his Brewery. Only after he stepped through did he realize how tight the space would be once Professor Bearson came inside. I can take it outside if you would like, he offered. Bearson shook a head and stooped to come inside. That is quite alright. His gaze quickly passed over the script that Jeb had written. Hmm, he said quietly. Is something wrong? Jeb asked. Bearson shook his head. There is nothing that would preclude you safely testing this Enchantment, he replied somewhat cryptically. Jeb shrugged and started pouring Mana into the Enchantment. The first few pieces started to glow, and he tskd at the waste of Mana. Still, it was good confirmation that they were working. As the Magic sluggishly moved through the lines of runes, it grew dimmer and dimmer. It faded to nothingnness less than halfway through the Enchantment. Shrugging, Jeb pushed more Magic into the Enchantment. At first, it seemed to work. More and more of the Enchantment started to glow as he forced more and more Magic through the system. Before he managed to reach the end, however, the iron itself began to glow and melt, distorting and breaking the Enchantment. With a loud pop, all of Jebs work over the past few days went up in a quick flash of light. I would just like to ask one confirming question, Professor Bearson said when the ringing had faded out of Jebs ears. did you continue to add more Magic into the Enchantment until it failed? Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, was your goal to stress test it? Jeb shook his head. The Magic didnt seem to be tracing all the way through the system, so I thought that putting more in might help. Is there a reason that you wrote the Enchantments strictly in series? Bearson asked, seeming to ignore Jebs response. Before Jeb had time to answer, the first bell rang out and Bearson jumped. I will be late if I do not leave now. Do let me know what progress you have made when I return. Jeb stared at the slag in front of him. Bearsons comment about running in series continued to bounce around his head. Enchanting in series made sense, since it caused the Magic to flow from Enchantment to Enchantment in order. However, that was most useful when one piece of the Enchantment directly caused another. With the measuring Enchantments, Jebs goal was to measure all the different pieces independently of one another. His next instinct was to try to run the entire Enchantment in parallel, but after filling a few pages of his notebook with ideas, Jeb realized that there were far too many for his skill as an Enchanter. Lets see, he mused to himself, with a standard Magical throughput, I was able to see the first five pieces of the Enchantment glow... Jeb ran to the forge, took another sheet of metal, and sketched out his next idea. Chapter 175: The Ritual of Ritual Jebs next draft of the Enchantment did not work. One of the splitting scripts cracked the moment that he poured Mana into it. The third attempt failed a little further downstream. Jeb was entranced by the project. He was barely able to pull himself away long enough to go to his classes, and most of his Professors noted how much less engaged he seemed. Jeb was still keeping up with the content, though, so most understood that he had other priorities. As the term wound down, he woke to a note from Dean Aquam.
Jeb, please come to my office at your earliest convenience.
Dean Aquam
Checking his schedule, Jeb realized that he did not have any courses for a few bells. Assuming that the meeting would not take very long, he walked to the Deans office. Come in, Dean Aquam said as Jebs first struck the door for the first time. Have you given any thoughts to the courses you will take next term? he asked when Jeb took a seat. Not really, Jeb admitted. I have been fairly caught up in the Enchanting project. Dean Aquam nodded, as though he had not been expecting any other answer. He pulled out a page and made a quick note on the first line. Moving to the second, he asked, how has your Emporium fared with your absence? I dont know if its really fair to call it my Emporium, Jeb argued, especially since Declan and Catherine have really taken over most of the operation. It sounds as though it is still faring well, though. Its still going through about the same amount of Ale. Are you enjoying the break from your Enchanting that Brewing provides? That question did not appear to come from the list in front of the Dean, so Jeb took his time thinking of a response. I am enjoying it, though I dont know if I really think of it as a break, Jeb admitted. Every time that I manage the Essence in a beer, I feel as though I understand the way that Magic wants to flow a little better. That helps me refine my next draft of the Enchantment. More than that, though, taking a few subjective hours away from the process is really helpful for letting me consolidate my thoughts. Dean Aquam tilted his head, clearly considering Jebs response. Do you feel as though you have learned a sufficient number of Magical Schools? That question seemed to come from much lower on the list. Jeb wondered which prompts he had just skipped. I dont know if I understand your question, Jeb admitted. Dean Aquam sighed. I suppose that I was really trying to ask two questions at once. First, do you still wish to learn more Schools of Magic, assuming all the time in the world? Jeb nodded. The Dean nodded, as though he had expected the answer, second, do you feel as though you have enough time in your schedule to dedicate to learning another School while keeping up with the Magics that you already know? That question feels like it has an implicit question buried within it, Jeb protested. The Dean gestured for Jeb to continue, it implies that I want to keep up with all of the Magics that I know. Do you not wish to? Aquam asked, seeming genuinely curious. No, I do, Jeb said, thinking about how little time he had dedicated to Weaving fire or his lute recently. I dont know if time is the right framework, though. If I was not spending so much time on Enchanting, then I would have more time to work on the different Magics I know, but right now I really want to focus on my Enchanting. Adding another Magic would change my priorities, it is true, though I do not know how. The two sat in silence with that answer, both digesting what Jeb had said. After a long moment, Dean Aquam shifted in his chair and pulled out a syllabus. Handing it over to Jeb, he began speaking, I am offering a section of Ritual Magic this coming term. There are a number of political reasons for the courses offering, which I will not get into here, other than to say that there will be other opportunities for you to take the course if you choose not to do it this coming term. The fact that you gave me a syllabus feels like you already know my answer, Jeb joked. Dean Aquam shook his head, face growing more serious. I gave you the syllabus because I want you to read through the expectations for the course. I know that you are in a relatively easy set of courses this term, and so you have the time and mental space to work on your independent study. That will not be the case if you take Ritual Magic. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Jeb looked down at the thick pile of pages. I dont know if I can give you an answer right now, he replied. I did not expect you to. Please let me know before the term break ends. Jeb nodded, and the two went through the other courses that he would be taking the following term. Now that he was able to Weave fire, there was an option for an independent study with the Weaver, which was tempting. They continued to discuss options until it was time for Jeb to go to his courses for the day. When he was finished with his daily obligations, Jeb went to the Stacks to read through the Syllabus that the Dean had given him. As he did, he appreciated the deadline that the Dean had given him. If he had finished the Enchantment before the next term started, then he would love to take the course. However, if he still needed to dedicate time to the project, then he would absolutely not be able to succeed at Ritual Magic. The Deans question about his Magical priorities also weighed on Jeb. Even though his Class seemed to encourage him to take every Magic available, he did not want to be a slave to the System. Jeb put the question aside and started working on his Enchantment again. Now that he had a deadline, however arbitrary, he found a new sense of pressure looming on the project. When Professor Bearson came back, muttering something about over zealous Farmers, Jeb almost had a working prototype. It was a vastly different Enchantment than what the Professor had last seen. For all that Jeb had been encouraged to use existing Enchantments as much as possible, his different drafts had taught him that he could not simply plug all the different pieces together. More than that, though, Jeb had grown tired of constantly failing to produce a working Enchantment. In a stroke of inspiration and desperation, he had given up on measuring everything, deciding that it was better to monitor the moisture content of the plants than to not be able to measure anything. As he watched the Magic flow through the Enchantment, Jeb thought that he understood why none of his Enchantments had worked. Each measuring Enchantment took in the same inputs, Mana and an observation of the plant, and returned the same outputs, Mana and information about the plant. The difference between information and observation was slight, but it compounded quickly. Once he had realized that, Jeb started to see where all of his old draft Enchantments had broken. He spent a long and tedious few days rewriting each of the measuring Enchantments to take in a standardized input and return a standardized output. Once he had, though, the process was far faster. The system had become almost entirely parallelized, and it no longer seemed to be a number of Enchantments hastily connected together. It was still a very crude draft, Jeb knew, but it did what it was supposed to do. Bearson seemed impressed by Jebs progress, and asked if he had made any progress in deciding how small of an area the Enchantment would work on. Jeb frowned. No, you told me that was something to work on after I had a working Enchantment, he said. Bearson nodded. What would you call this? A working detector, Jeb replied. I still dont have an Enchantment to fix whatever is wrong with the plant. How long do you think that it would take you to make a minimally viable Enchantment to correct issues in a plant? Jeb had already started to look at the Enchantments he would need, and he felt like he had a good grasp on how they worked. A day? he guessed, assuming that I do nothing else during the day. What a coincidence! Bearson replied happily, tomorrow is the first day of the term break. I will come back in two days. If you come up with a working prototype, please consider how much area you would like each iteration of this Enchantment to cover. Jeb nodded and got back to work. The next two days passed in a blur, and Jeb felt as though he was almost in a trance. When he had a working version of the Enchantment, a part of him tried to pull back to decide how large of an area he wanted it to cover. The rest of him, however, refused to let go of the project. For just a moment, he felt as though he had a complete picture of what the perfect version of this Enchantment would look like. The image crystallized in his mind and faded even as he sketched out notes from what he had seen. It called for runes and syntax that he had never seen before, and Jeb quickly gave up on understanding it. When Bearson came back to check on him, though, he immediately honed in on the page that Jeb had sketched and tossed aside. Where did you see this? he demanded, tone suddenly very tense. Nowhere? Jeb replied hesitantly, it just kind of came to me in a dream. Why? Bearson quickly relaxed. No reason. I would not advise you to work on implementing this Enchantment until you are at least Seventh Tier, however. The syntax it uses requires a level of power that you would not be able to express right now. Seeing that Jeb was going to ask a question, he continued, please do not ask me what that means. As a Professor, it is my duty to guide you to knowledge in a safe fashion. Experience has shown the field and myself that it is unsafe to even explain what higher power syntax means to low Tier students. The conversation died there, and both stood around awkwardly. Jeb debated asking Margaret if she could give him a book on high Tier syntax, but ended up deciding not to. He did, after all, trust the Professor to have his best interests at heart. Well then, Bearson said, picking up the Enchantment Jeb had been working on when he came in, it appears as though you were successful in making the Enchantment modular. Jeb nodded. As long as the entire system is connected, I only need to power it from a single location and have the different materials that a plant could need in a single hopper each. Right now, the biggest barrier Im facing is making the Enchantment small enough. I think that I want it to cover an area about half the size of the current script. Is there a reason that you have decided on that size? Bearson asked, nodding along. Jeb explained his logic, and the Professor helped Jeb with a few methods to shrink the footprint of the Enchantment. As the sun sank below the horizon, Jeb started working on the hundreds of small modular Enchantments he would need to cover his field. Chapter 176: Tick Tick Boom Jeb reached over to his side. What had started as a pile of small iron sheets was now completely empty. Frowning, he looked to his other side. It was far less orderly than the initial pile had been, but Jeb was at least half sure that every sheet was now inscribed with the modular Enchantment. Stretching his neck, he started to arrange them into smaller piles to make counting easier. By the time the the sixth bell rang, he had finished his count. Somehow he had miscounted when cutting the iron pieces, and so he had every Enchantment he needed plus an extra twelve. Ignoring the rumbling in his stomach, Jeb walked to to his field and began to carefully place the Enchantments onto the untilled soil. When the last Enchantment was in its place, he pushed the smallest thread of Mana into one of them. If he had done everything right, the Mana would start flowing into the other pieces, and they would all start pulling from the ambient Mana. To his relief, a great slab of iron started to raise into the air before it slowly faded from his vision. Good to know that the Enchantment to make it transparent worked, he thought. Finally giving in to the call of his stomach, Jeb walked to the cafeteria. He hoped that the Enchantment would have finished initializing and begun to start outputting data by the time that he came back. The cafeteria was nearly empty, which confused Jeb for a moment. It wasnt that early. When he remembered Professor Bearsons comment about the term break beginning, Jeb realized that he had not said goodbye to Declan or Catherine. To his surprise, the two of them walked into the cafeteria just a few minutes later. Good morning Jeb! Catherine said, how is your independent study progressing? Good morning Catherine, Jeb replied, trying to keep confusion out of his tone, its going well, I think. I suppose that Ill find out in a few minutes when I go back to the field. Would you mind if we tagged along with you? Declan asked. Jeb shook his head, and the two hurried off to grab meals. The three ate a relaxed breakfast, and Jeb tried to remember the last time that he had slept in his own bed. Or, at least, his bed in the dormitory. The more time that Jeb spent in his workshop, the less connected he felt to the space that Dean Aquam had initially given him. The three ate in silence as Jeb tried to frame a question about what the two of them were doing at the Academy. By the time that they had finished eating, he still hadnt been able to find a wording that was not outright aggressive or offensive. Shrugging it off, Jeb led his friends to the field. Right at Jebs eye level, a few lines of text described the current conditions of the field. They were more or less what he expected. The field was fine, though unplanted. What does that say? Declan asked, squinting at the semi-transparent writing. Jeb realized that he and Professor Bearson had chosen to abbreviate most all of the content that the Enchantment provided. Rather than go through the entire process of explaining what each contraction, color, and orientation meant, however, Jeb simply replied, the Enchantment says that the field is in good condition. The three of them spent a few more minutes catching up before Declan and Catherine left. Only as they disappeared did Jeb realize that he still did not have an answer to what they were doing in the Academy over the term break. The fact that both of them had discussed the Emporium made Jeb think that it had something to do with their presence. Pushing the question aside, he started planting the field with Alchemical Eyebright, remembering a comment that Professor Quicksilver had made off hand the other day about how the stock was running somewhat low. As the plants started growing, if only slightly, his Enchantment started reporting the differnet nutrients that were being extracted and implanted. Jeb realized that he had not yet attached any of the Enchantments which would add nutrients as needed, and he quickly sketched one and watched as the piles of different minerals he had made slowly started to disappear. When he walked out of the shed that stored all the different materials, he blinked a few times. It was as though he was once again working with the Yeast Energizer, the field in front of him moving faster and faster with each passing second. The readouts from the Enchantment, which he had set to update relatively quickly, began to strobe before moving even faster, until the information was simply blurring past him. Just as he started to realize what was happening, the world returned to normal speed, and he looked out over a field of fully grown Alchemical Eyebright. Jeb turned around and walked back into the shed, noting that a number of the piles had shrunk considerably. A few piles, on the other hand, had grown slightly, which he assumed had to do with the Eyebright fixing those nutrients into the field. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. None of the piles were completely empty, so Jeb did his best to ignore what had happened in the field and walked back outside, harvesting the field. He sent a note to Quicksilver after he finished piling the Alchemical Eybebright beside the field, before planting a non Alchemical plant. Dean Aquam had commented that the Weaver had requested more Managrass for Manaweave, so Jeb searched through his seed shed until he found the pile of White Managrass. As he carefully placed each seed into the soil, Jeb took a moment to think about how much easier it would be if he could plant the field with the activation of an Enchantment, rather than needing to manually walk the length over and over again. The moment that he placed the final seed in the ground and stepped outside of the demarcated boundary he had made, the field once more sped up. Given how much faster Managrass grew, though, the world did not seem to blur by as they grew. Still, in just a few seconds, the entire field was full of the plants. Harvesting the plants, Jeb considered how much another Enchantment to harvest the field would help him as well. Well, he mused aloud, looking at the two piles of perfectly grown plants in front of him, at least I know that the system works. He looked at the readout from his Enchantment, which told him that the field was low on a few nutrients. Sighing, Jeb realized that he was probably not going to be able to keep the field stocked with nutrients. He went back to his notebook, where he had written down the different Enchantments the different books had given for creating each of the materials he cared about. A small voice inside of him questioned whether the Enchantments would be able to get enough Mana to run, especially if the entire field began to run much more quickly. Jeb squashed the voice down. If the Academy wanted to speed up time within an area, he was sure that it could supply more Mana into the environment as well. Now that he was no longer behind on any of the obligations he had made, Jeb went back to his room and slept. He wasnt entirely sure how long he slept or what time he woke up, because he went directly to the Stacks. There, he quickly found Enchantments that Bearson had developed a few years earlier to plant and harvest a field. They were simple enough for Jeb to craft, and the field was soon running almost constantly, only pausing for moments at a time for Jeb to choose a different location for the new piles to go or a different plant to start growing. Quicksilver and Bearson both came by on what Jeb thought of as the second day that the field was running, though the suns constant whirling made it hard for him to know for certain. Both looked at the field which looked to be playing a year of a farm in a minute, before turning to Jeb. Jeb, Quicksilver began, before pausing. What did you do? Bearson finished for him. How did you speed time within the field so much? I didnt, Jeb replied honestly, as soon as the Enchantments were all up and running, the field started moving much more quickly. I assume that its something that the Academy is doing. Both nodded, though neither seemed particularly at ease with the situation. The three watched the frankly mesmerizing sight of plants constantly being grown and regrown in the same field before disappearing in a blink. What plants have you been growing? Professor Quicksilver finally asked. I went through the list of Alchemicals that you said the department needed and programmed them into Professor Bearsons Enchantment, Jeb replied, eyes fixed on the field. I did not give you an Enchantment to do this, Bearson replied, tone somewhat darker than Jeb expected. He was tempted to look, but the field continued to call to him. You put an Enchantment into the Stacks, Jeb replied, which I then used. Interesting, Quicksilver continued. It does not appear that the shift in time within the field is also applied to the Essences. Bearson and Jeb both turned at that comment, confused. Quicksilver cocked his head. Have you not noticed that the Essence concentration within the field has been gradually increasing even since Professor Bearson and I arrived? he asked Jeb. Jeb focused on the field, sorting through everything that his Magical vision was trying to tell him. After straining his eyes, he was able to find what Professor Quicksilver had mentioned. The Essence within the field did seem to be growing, and the rate that it was growing itself seemed to be growing. Is that going to be a problem? Jeb asked, waving a hand at the general Essence distribution within the field. I could not say for certain, Professor Quicksilver said. In an ordinary situation, yes, a constantly increasing Essence concentration would be problematic. Given that the Essence is increasing within the Academy, however- Quicksilver was cut off by a sudden roar. Chapter 177: Consequences The roar continued to grow louder until Jeb could hear nothing else. The world seemed to stop. All of a sudden, Jeb could see nothing but a bright darkness. Jeb sat up in a panic. Where was he? What was this bright room that he was suddenly in? What had happened, and where were the Professors? Looking around, he only saw clean white walls and a single bright light in the center of the room. Jeb tried to stand up and realized that he had been on a bed. His legs still worked, so he moved to the nearest wall, hoping to find a door. That wall did not have any doorway, and neither did the other two walls when he checked them. A door on the fourth wall opened before Jeb could examine it, and someone walked in. It hurt Jeb to look at the figure. It was as though his eyes were refusing to focus on what was in front of him. As he kept blinking, the amorphous shape slowly resolved into someone speaking, though Jeb could not hear what they were saying. It started waving its hands around. ...can you hear me now? the voice asked. Jeb jumped at the sudden sound, only now realizing that he had been in complete silence since waking up. All of a sudden, he became aware of his breath, the sound of his heartbeat, and even the motion of blood through his body. Sorry about that, the voice said, and Jeb felt his awareness fade from those feelings. Where am I? Jeb asked. The figure cocked a head. I am supposed to be asking the questions right now, but I suppose that is a reasonable enough one. You are in the Academy medical wing. Do you know why you are here? Jeb shook his head. No? I was working on my independent study, and the next thing I knew, I was here. Hmm, the voice murmured, jotting something on a pad that had probably been in front of them since they walked in. What is the last thing that you remember? Jeb tried to think back, pushing past the part of his brain that would rather forget what he had experienced. Professor Quicksilver was commenting that the Essences appeared to be building up. I tried to look at it, and noticed the same. Jeb paused, voice no longer coming. The person stared at him kindly, waiting for him to continue. Then there was a loud roar, and then I woke up here, he finally forced out. The figure jotted down a few more notes, then looked up at him. How many fingers am I holding up? The figure suddenly had a hand which was neither writing on the pad nor holding it. Um, Jeb replied, blinking rapidly. Try as he might, though, the hand in front of him did not appear any more focused. Another figure walked in. This one was far more distinct, and Jeb immediately recognized it as Headmistress Petra. Raphael, this is not the time, she said. Raphael pouted, though Jeb could not name anything in specific that had changed in it, his?, demeanor. Whatever the case, Petra gave Raphael another look, and the figure left. I apologize for that, the Headmistress said. Our Chief Medic has a tendency towards practical jokes, especially when he is worried about a patient. Do you know what happened? Jeb found that it was much easier to tell the story the second time around. Professor Quicksilver commented that the Essence was growing more dense, I noticed the same thing, there was a large roar, and then I was here. She nodded. You witnessed an Alchemical Storm from a distance far closer than I would recommend for a Third Tier individual. Are Professors- The Headmistress cut Jeb off, yes, both Professors are in full health. They were both worried about harm that may have befallen you, even if, she paused, likely especially because they were the cause. Now then, what did you plan to do with your term break? Jeb was shocked by the sudden conversational shift. I had been planning to work on the Enchantment more, Headmistress Petra shook her head. Find something else to do. She frowned slightly and looked behind him. Jeb had the sudden feeling that he was miles below the surface, buried beneath so much earth that he could never break free. The feeling faded, and Petra nodded her head. I see that two of your acquaintances have remained within the Academy this term break. It is always good for students to socialize with one another. With that not so subtle encouragement, she turned and left the room. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Jeb waited beside the bed for a few moments, trying to figure out if someone else was going to give him more directions. After a slow count to one hundred and fifty, though, he decided that he was probably fine to leave the medical area. The door that Raphael and the Headmistress had come through opened for Jeb, and he found himself directly in the Academy hallways. Listening to his stomach, Jeb did not feel particularly hungry, and so he made his way to the Emporium, hoping that either Catherine or Declan might be there. To his surprise, both were sitting behind the bar, chatting amiably. Their conversation froze at the sound of footsteps, and both turned to see who had entered the room. Jeb! Declan cried, jumping over the counter to give him a hug, we heard that you had gotten injured. Is everything alright? I think so, Jeb replied happily. Who told you that I was hurt? Catherine had made her way around the bar at this point and joined the hug. Dean Aquam mentioned it when we asked why you did not seem to be stopping by the cafeteria. He told us that we were not allowed to visit, which is the only reason that we were here instead of by your side! She looked at him as though worried that he would be angry that he had woken up alone. Jeb shrugged it off, trying not to break the hug. Its really fine! Im feeling better now, there was just an accident with the Enchantment I made. Declans eyes narrowed, and he pulled back from the hug. What was the accident? he demanded. Um, Jeb replied, its a little hard to explain. Trying to move the conversation, he asked, what are you two doing here over break? I thought that you both had plans with your families. Catherine frowned slightly, before letting go of Jeb and gesturing to the room they were in. My family and I agreed that my time would be better spent working on the Emporium. On that note, do you have some time right now to talk about the business? Jeb nodded. Headmistress Petra told me that I should spend time with- he began, before pausing and shaking his head. Sorry, that came out wrong. I have nothing else scheduled over term break right now, so yes, I would have time to talk. What did the Headmistress say? Declan asked. Jeb grimaced. She told me that I should spend time with the two of you instead of working on the Enchantment. He hurried to add, even if she hadnt, though, I still wanted to talk to you! Catherine let out a small laugh. Jeb, we understand what you are trying to say. If you have the time now, would you like to take a seat? The three of them moved back to the bar, and Declan poured each of them a small glass of Firestout. Jeb took an appreciative sip. It had been a while since he had taken a break to just drink a beer and chat with his friends. After they caught up on the minutiae of their lives, Catherine steered the conversation back to the Emporium. Jeb, as you know, the Emporium has been very successful. Jeb nodded hesitantly, and Catherine rolled her eyes. Jeb, the Emporium has been very successful. If you would like to see the ledgers, I would be happy to show you. No, thats ok. I trust you, Jeb replied. A few of the graduating students mentioned that they would miss having access to this drink once they leave the Academy. I talked to Dean Aquam about this, and he pointed out that you are, if only nominally, a member of the Brewing Guild. As such, your Emporium could be licensed to sell to the broader Capital, and even the Republic as a whole! Jeb nodded slowly. I dont know if my provisional membership would be good enough for that, he replied, trying not to crush her spirits, but did Dean Aquam think it would be possible? She and Declan both nodded excitedly, and Jeb began nodding more quickly as well. I dont have anything else to do this break, he said, so I would be happy to help with whatever we need to expand the Emporium. Great! Catherine replied. She pulled out a thick tome and began flipping through it while calling out particular points that she and Declan had decided on, making sure that Jeb was ok with them as well. Their conversation was interrupted when three more figures entered the Emporium. Hi! Jeb waved to his Professors and Dean, are you here for a drink? Bearson nodded while the other two shook their heads. Seeing Bearson nod, Quicksilver changed his shake to a nod even as Bearson started to shake his head. Dean Aquam spoke first, settling the unspoken argument, not as such, no. We came for a few other reasons. First, I and the Professors here would like to apologize. We did not provide you with sufficient oversight or aid, and you nearly suffered for that fact. I dont mind, Jeb replied. As far as I can tell, Im still completely fine. Just because you were lucky does not mean that we were not negligent, Dean Aquam replied. With that in mind, the Academy will no longer be permitting your independent study, at least for the foreseeable future. Jeb nodded. He had expected as much. And finally, we get to politics. Dean Aquam let out a heavy sigh. If you are not too mad at us, this conversation might be best had over a drink. Jeb leapt over the bar to pour the Professors and Dean a beer. When everyone had a drink in hand, Jeb noticed that Declan and Catherine had shied away from the conversation, though they were both leaning in as though trying to catch every word. After taking a long drink of his mug, Dean Aquam gave an appreciative nod. You have improved your Brewing skills quite a bit this past term, he noted. However, that is not what I came to say. The Academy came under questioning for how, exactly, we were suddenly coming into large quantities of Alchemical plants and Manaweave. The honest answer, that a Third Tier student from an unknown family deep within the Republic, would not be politically acceptable. As such, while I neither wish to nor have the authority to forbid you from growing more Alchemicals, I would ask that you refrain from growing more, at least for anything outside of your own personal use. That makes sense, Jeb replied happily. And this way Ill have more time to focus on Ritual Magic! You still wish to learn a new School? Professor Bearson asked, sounding somewhat shocked. Jeb frowned. Why wouldnt I? Nobody could answer the question. The conversation lightened from there, though there was still an edge of tension in the room until the three older men left. When they were gone, Declan turned to Jeb. What happened? he demanded again. Chapter 178: Aftereffects Jeb quickly summarized what had happened to him, and Declans expression grew firmer and darker. Jeb, do you know what could have happened? he asked, tone somewhat disbelieving. Seeing Jeb shake his head, he continued, go to the Library and read up on Alchemical Storms. I understand now why the Professors were so nervous when they came in. Trusting his friend, Jeb left the Emporium and set off for the Stacks. Once there, he asked Margaret for some recommendations on books about Alchemical Storms. She gave him a long look before slowly nodding. A few minutes later she came out with a well worn tome. It was small, hardly larger than Jebs hand, and it bore the traces of many other hands having held it. The book opened smoothly, and the first page held the title Alchemical Storms and Their Aftereffects. Seeing that Jeb had started reading, Margaret left him and returned to the Stacks. The opening pages described the conditions which could lead to an Alchemical Storm. Jeb noted that farming was nowhere on the list, and Enchantments were only mentioned in passing. Apparently dedicated Enchanters have been able to effect Alchemical Storms in the past, but no Enchanter has been recorded as causing one in living memory. Most of the root causes of Alchemcial Storms seemed to be conflicts of some sort or another. There were a number of named individuals, though the book did not give any other explanation of why they were named. The second section of the book was far more interesting. It opened with the effects of Alchemical Storms have been grouped in any number of ways. In this work, the authors will group them into the short term and the long term. This section will concern itself strictly with the consequences those exposed to a Storm will experience within the first twenty four hours after exposure. The list of side effects was as chilling as it was comprehensive. Jeb learned why Professor Quicksilver had been nervous about his initial exposure to the Essence Meter. Essence Stones were formed when the Essence within an Alchemical Storm crystallized. As a result, they caused many of the same side effects, at least in the short term. Chief among them was that small Essence Stones could crystallize within the souls of Low Tier Classholders. It was far less of a concern when exposed to Essence Stones, though the book still advised against letting anyone below Sixth Tier see an uncovered Essence Stone. Crystallized souls were just the starting point of the many ways that an Alchemical Storm could permanently and immediately injure someone. Jeb had never considered the fact that he had a unique Essence signature which represented who he was. The book was somewhat vague on what, exactly, the effects of having someones Essence signature were, though the few oblique mentions did not seem like anything healthy. The other side effects only became more gruesome from there. Jeb was honestly shocked at the sheer breadth of ways that exposure to uncontrolled Essences could harm someone. He began to understand why the Professors had been so unwilling to continue his independent study. When he finished the section, Jeb began to panic, wondering if there were now small Essence Stones within him. Even though the book assured him that every effect listed would be easily detected, especially by a High Tier Medic, Jeb remained worried. After a few minutes of forcibly reminding himself that each of the effects also had a cure, and that the Professors would have absolutely made sure that Jeb had received the treatment, he managed to calm himself down. Breathing slightly more under control, he turned the page to the next section: Chronic Effects of Alchemical Storms. Jeb set the book down immediately, not wanting to face whatever it would tell him. He stood and started wandering through the Stacks, trying to find something in them to distract himself. The Stacks obliged, giving tantalizing peeks at covers for all sorts of knowledge that Jeb had not realized he deeply wanted. He nearly collided with Philip, who looked at the shelves around them. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Jeb, Philip asked slowly, is there a reason that you are in the section of the Library concerned with committing crimes against humanity? No? Jeb replied hesitantly, I was just wandering. After a moment, he added, is there a reason that you are here, though? Yes, Philip replied, nodding. Jeb waited for any more details, but Philip just walked away. taking the hint, Jeb tried to find his way back to his desk in the Stacks. Once there, he forced himself to start reading the long term ways that an Alchemical Storm could cause harm. Thankfully, the book focused on the effects that land under an Alchemical Storm suffered. Whether that was because there were more data about that, or whether it was because the authors did not want to traumatize their readers, Jeb was not entirely sure. Given the way that it described the absolute horror of trying to grow plants in land where an Alchemical Storm had passed, Jeb assumed it was the former. Suddenly worried for his own plot of land, Jeb left the Stacks to go to his field. He found his way into the hallways with no issue, but they seemed to twist around the field and shed, refusing to let Jeb enter. After a few minutes of walking in what felt like circles, Jeb pushed into the wall of the hallway, trying to force his way into his own space. The halls, which had felt yielding before, suddenly firmed. It was as though they were reinforced with the bones of the earth itself. Jeb searched for any cracks in the material, but it was as firm and unyielding as anything else he had encountered. Headmistress Petra joined Jeb in the hallway a few moments later. Jeb, is there a reason that you are attempting to circumvent the safety restrictions that I have placed around the site of an Alchemical Storm? I wanted to see what had happened to my field, Jeb replied. She stared at him. Jeb flushed slightly under the scrutiny. Is it not safe for me to look at the field? She continued staring, as unbending as the walls around them. After a few moments, she stepped through the hallway and disappeared from sight. Jeb strongly considered taking the Headmistresss advice. Realizing that his Brewery was in the same area, however, Jeb reaffirmed his desire to find out what had happened. Whatever protections the Headmistress had placed on going to his field did not extend to his Brewery, thankfully, and Jeb quickly found himself in the comforting walls of his workshop. The windows no longer stared out to the field. Or, at least, Jeb hoped that his windows no longer stared out to his field. All that he could see outside of the small building was a sense of endless darkness. There was no sun. There were no stars. It was simply emptiness made manifest. Shuddering, Jeb opened the door, finding his way back to the hallways. He rushed to the Emporium and saw Declan and Catherine sitting at the bar, chatting casually. They looked up at his hurried entrance, and Declan nodded somberly. Did you read up on Alchemical Storms? he asked. More than that, Jeb replied, fighting back tears, Headmistress Petra set up barricades to prevent me from going to or even seeing my fields. He fell silent, words refusing to form. Declan and Catherine offered words of comfort, but they slid off of him. For once, Jeb was aware that the danger he had found himself in was not only entirely his fault, but actually was disastrous. The idea that his actions had consequences had slowly begun to form in his mind during his time at the Academy, but this crystallized it in a very real way. The field that the Academy had given him was ruined, potentially forever. Only a stroke of luck and the fact that he had tested his field near his Professors had kept Jeb from suffering the same fate. Suddenly Professor Bearsons surprise that Jeb still wanted to learn a new form of Magic made sense. Jeb wasnt sure what he was going to do with the rest of the break. The idea of Brewing anything, even something strictly mundane, reminded him too much of the fact that his Brewery no longer overlooked a pleasant pastoral scene. Weaving was likewise tainted by the knowledge that he could have been Weaving fire. As he thought about it, every Skill or hobby that he had related to Magic in some way or another. There was no escape that he could find. Declan gripped his shoulder. Jeb, are you still here? Jeb shook himself back into his surroundings. I am now, he replied, sorry, I dont know what came over me. Declan and Catherine just stared at him. Finally, tears began to fall. Chapter 179: Back to the Capital After a few minutes of crying, Jeb felt his tears run dry. He did not feel completely better, but a lot of the sharpness had been blunted by the time with his friends. Would getting out of the Academy for a little while be helpful? Declan suggested. Jeb nodded, only half hearing the question. He followed the two of them to Dean Aquams desk, where the Dean gave them three day passes to go into the Capital. Watching Catherine take them, Jeb cocked his head. It took until they were nearly out the door for him to realize what was strange about that encounter. Wait, he began, stopping just inside of the Deans office, why did you write a day pass for Declan and Catherine? Do you not want us to come with you? Declan asked, sounding more than a little hurt. No, it isnt that, Jeb clarified, but neither of you are in the Remedial College. And? Catherine prompted. Jeb paused. And, he finally continued, I guess that I assumed it had to be your Dean who signed the day pass. Dean Aquam coughed, and Jeb turned to face him. There are two ways I can answer your question, he said, mirth in his eyes. First, Declan and Catherine are here over the term break under my name. As the faculty member responsible for your Emporium, it was up to me to sponsor their stay. Jeb nodded. That made some amount of sense. Second, however, Dean Aquam continued, clearly seeing that Jeb was getting ready to leave, any Dean can sign a day pass for any student. We tend not to sign them for students who we do not know, for obvious reasons. Also, for obvious reasons, most students that a Dean knows well will be in their College. Thank you! Jeb replied, hurrying to catch up with his friends. To his surprise, they had not moved during his conversation with the Dean, and so he nearly bowled into them. The three began heading towards the Capital. Exiting the building, Jeb waved at the same gateman that had been there during his previous visits. The gateman studiously ignored him, as usual. In the hustle and bustle of the Capital, Jeb almost forgot about the past few days. He excitedly pulled Catherine and Declan to the Inn that made the hand pies he liked. Welcome back! the Innkeeper called brightly. Did you finally convince the Academy to let you out for a day? Jeb nodded. Could I get three of your hand pies? he asked, gesturing to his two companions. The three ate a casual meal together, and Jeb felt some of the broken parts of him start to mend as they chatted the time away. When they had finished cleaning the final crumbs off of their plates, Jeb realized that he did not have any money on him. Catherine rolled her eyes and went to go pay. I am shocked that he did not ask you to pay before giving you food, she commented as they left the Inn. Jeb shrugged, I honestly had forgotten that I would have to pay. Seeing his friends expressions, he hurried to add, just because every other time Ive gone there, Ive traded services for the food. I guess I assumed that I would just do that again. Arent you not allowed to Enchant in the Capital any longer? Declan asked. Jeb grimaced. Right, he said, dodging around someone running in the street. Well, he continued, trying to shift the conversation, where should we go next? Do you know how to get to the Brewer who sponsored you? Catherine asked. If so, that would be a fantastic first spot. It would be polite to offer him right of first refusal on your Brews. That makes sense, Jeb said, turning to find Lionheart Brews. He quickly led his friends down the twisting alleyways out of the inn district and towards the part of the Capital that most of the brewers had set up in. Jeb saw the familiar sign for Lionheart Brews and opened the door. Cyprus looked up to see who his new customers were and smiled when he saw that it was Jeb. Welcome back! he said, pouring a small glass of beer and passing it to him, I hope that I was helpful in resolving the problem you were having with the Academy? Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. It took Jeb a few moments to remember what he was referencing, but then he lit up as well. It did! he exclaimed. Honestly, thats one reason that we are here today? We? Cyprus asked, only now seeming to notice Declan and Catherine. He pulled them each a small draught of ale as well and set it before them. Grabbing his own mug, he sat down across from them. Why do I get the feeling that you are going to offer me a once in a lifetime deal? he asked, half chuckling. Jeb began to laugh as well, but Catherine and Declan paled slightly. Seeing that, Cypruss smile faded slightly, Im sorry, that clearly hit a little close to home. I assume that you are here to do more than simply catch up and exchange Brewing secrets? he asked. I would like to do those, Jeb quickly agreed, but there is more. Catherine and Declan, he gestured to his friends, have been really helpful in helping me with my Brewery. It wouldnt be an overstatement to say that they have handled everything except for the actual Brewing. Cyprus offered both of the students a handshake. I will admit that I am a little surprised, he said, gesturing at the three of them, it takes most people far longer to realize that they cannot do everything. Should I assume that you are here in relation to the business aspect of your Brewery, then? Catherine nodded and took over the conversation. We are. I do not know how familiar you are with Jebs Brewing, but he specializes in Alchemical Brews, or ales that produce a Magical effect when consumed. She pulled out a bottle of Firestout and offered it to the Brewer. He took it and gave it a questioning sniff. Pursing his lips and nodding slightly, he poured a few ounces into a cup and drank it. That is a decent stout, he complimented Jeb, not seeming to notice the flames coming out of his mouth. I have never had a Fire Ale that was a stout. Its an interesting combination. What made you decide to pair darker malts with the Fireleaf? Jeb blinked rapidly. He hadnt expected the Brewer to be familiar with Alchemical Brews, let alone have an opinion on which malts complemented different reagents. Honestly, he said after a moment, I mostly just wanted to make a stout, and Fireleaf was the Alchemical I was most familiar with. Taking a sip of the beer in front of him, Jeb tried his best to think of what to say next. An involuntary sigh left his lips as he tasted the ale Cyprus had poured him. And I do recognize that my beers are not of a similar quality, he continued quickly. Cyprus held up a hand. Let me see if I cant skip through a lot of the polite dancing around the issue, he said, winking at Catherine. It isnt that the dance isnt important, but it seems as though you two already know what youre doing, and I dont think that Jeb will get much out of it today. Would I be correct in assuming that you were here to offer a barrel swap? Catherine blinked rapidly as well, before nodding. If that would be acceptable to you. If not, we had a few other plans- He held his hand back up. That sounds wonderful. Turning to Jeb, he said, I would hope that you are not discouraged by the fact that I, a Master Brewer with more than a century of experience, am better at Brewing than you, a child doing it as a hobby. Jeb flushed slightly. When framed like that, it was ridiculous for him to expect to be as good as the Brewer. Your beer is good, though, he continued, better than I would normally take in for a first barrel swap. Seeing the looks of confusion on the students faces, he frowned. Did you not know that swapping barrels is a customary practice among Breweries? They shook their heads. Ah. He took a long pull from the bottle of Firestout. As you know, he said, nodding at Jeb, Brewing is a skill that takes a lot of time to truly master. However, it is also an expensive Skill to learn, in part because failed Brews take up so much space and time. One way that the Brewing Guild helps to mitigate that issue is through the tradition of barrel swaps. New Breweries will trade their better barrels for barrels from an established Brewery. They benefit from this in two ways, getting a higher quality product to serve to their customers, and having the advertising from their own beer being sold at a more established institution. What does the established Brewery get out of the deal? Declan asked. Primarily? The chance to support new Brewers. Other than that, though, Cyprus hummed, clearly trying to think of an answer. After a few moments, he shrugged. I suppose that I get to see innovations in Brewing. This is the first Firestout that I have had, for instance, and I might never have tasted it if you had not come to offer a barrel swap. On that note, what other Brews can your Brewery offer? he asked Jeb. Jeb went through the list of beers that he had made for the Emporium. Cyprus seemed taken aback. How have you had enough time to develop all of those recipes? he asked. It has only been a few months since the last time you were here. Oh! Jeb exclaimed, I found an Alchemical called Yeast Energizer which speeds the process of Brewing up to a matter of minutes or hours. Is that a regulated Alchemical? Cyprus asked. Seeing Jebs blank look, he sighed. I have to imagine that it is. If not, though, I would be interested in purchasing some Yeast Energizer for myself and other Breweries in the area. He turned to Catherine. I take it that you are the finance person for this endeavor? Seeing her nod, he pulled out a contract from beneath the bar. It was fairly simple, formalizing the fact that they would each exchange a number of barrels, which they debated back and forth for a few minutes before deciding on three. Catherine, Jeb, and Declan signed it, and she took a copy of the contract. Now that weve gotten business out of the way, Cyprus said, lets talk shop. He and Jeb spent the rest of the afternoon exchanging knowledge about Brewing. Even though Jeb had only been working on the Skill since gaining his Class, his work under his aunt and with Alchemicals gave him some insight that Cyprus at least claimed was helpful. When the sun was nearly setting, Catherine coughed meaningfully, and the three made their way back to the Academy. Chapter 180: Ritual Magic Walking back to the Academy, Jeb had the sudden realization that he would need to start Brewing again if he was going to trade with Lionheart Brews. Catherine must have seen something on his face, because she hip checked him. Is something wrong? she asked. I dont know if I really feel up to Brewing right now, Jeb admitted. Im a little scared of the consequences that my Magic can have. She nodded. Thankfully, we have a few extra barrels of all of the Brews that we promised, so you have at least until the end of the term break when students start coming back for you to become comfortable again with your Magic. She fell silent, though it was clear that there was more she wanted to say. A few blocks later, Declan finally spoke up. I know that it isnt quite the same scale, but before I got my Class I burnt myself really badly with an Enchantment that I engraved incorrectly. I refused to go to lessons for a few weeks, until my parents sat me down and showed me the burn marks on their own arms. Declan coughed, clearly not sure how to continue, before forging on, I guess what Im saying is that we know that Magic could be dangerous. In Theoretical Enchanting you always made sure that we wore the proper safety equipment, even when the rest of the tables were being more lax. Thats true, Jeb replied, not wanting to admit that he had primarily followed the safety instructions out of the vague sense that he should generally listen to authority that seemed to be looking out for his best interest. Still, it was a good point. Every course he had taken had stressed just how dangerous Magic was. It wasnt the Academys fault that Jeb had mostly ignored the lectures. Telling himself that did not suddenly make his apprehension to Brew disappear, though it was a good start. On the night before the first day of the new term, Jeb stared at the barrel in front of him. He had Brewed a non-Magical beer the day before, even using some of the Yeast Energizer he had left over from the previous term. Jeb was more than slightly interested to learn that the Yeast Energizer became less effective over time. Where it had taken mere minutes before for the beer to completely Brew, it now took almost a full hour. Jeb shook his head. He was distracting himself. A pile of Alchemical Eyebright sat next to the container of hops that had appeared in the Brewery one day. Beside it sat a jar full of Fireleaf, which seemed to be taunting Jeb. Catherine told him that the only beer they were short on at this point was Firestout, which meant that not only would Jeb have to Brew the beer, he would also need to roast some more malt. Gritting his teeth, he called Least Create Fire to his mind, focusing on the grains he needed to darken. The moment that a flame leapt from his fingers, Jeb almost cancelled the Spell on instinct. Forcing it to stay active, however, he instead kept roasting the grains. When he was finally finished, he let out a sigh of relief. Jeb went through the other steps to prepare his Firestout, strongly debating adding the Yeast Energizer which did not give him time for input. As he went to pour it in, however, he felt the disproving glares of every teacher he had ever had suddenly land on him. Was he really going to make a subpar product for the sake of getting it done? More than that, was he really going to sell something that he intentionally sabotaged? The self shaming worked, and Jeb grabbed the other bottle. Binding the Essence went far more smoothly than he had expected. It was strangely cathartic to be in control of Essence again. Unlike the Storm that was still raging outside his Brewery, this Essence responded to what he demanded. When he was finished with the barrel of beer, Jeb debated Brewing another, just because it felt so nice to be in control again. The yawn that escaped his mouth as he debated, however, put an end to that thought. Jeb returned to his Dormitory room and went to sleep, dreaming of the start of the next term. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. In the morning, Jeb joined Catherine and Declan for a breakfast before the first day of the term. Each of them had one course in particular that they were particularly excited for. Both Declan and Catherine were taking Introductory Alchemy, in part because they both wanted to be better able to understand what was happening at the Emporium. Jeb, by contrast, was focused almost entirely on the course that was scheduled to take his entire day three days a week: Ritual Magic. Good morning, Dean Aquam addressed the group of students. Looking around, Jeb saw that there were ten people other than the Dean and himself in the room. The rest of them radiated the intense but undirected energy that he had become more familiar with over the term break as he spent more time with the graduate students. As they all went around for introductions, that assumption was proven accurate. The rest of the members of this course were either students preparing to finish their dissertations or post doctoral researchers somehow affiliated with the Academy. Jeb found it interesting that nobody gave a title, including Dean Aquam, who simply referred to himself as Aquam, the Instructor for this course. After the brief introductions had finished, Dean Aquam clapped his hands, and mist started to fill the room. It coalesced in the center of their circle, and vague figures began to appear out of the cloud. They started to dance even as they grew more detailed, and Dean Aquam began lecturing. Ritual Magic has long been the most neglected of Magics for academic study. There are numerous reasons for this, though not the ones most commonly given by Scholars. The precision required within a Ritual is no less than that which a Glyph Mage needs when scribing. Mist began to trace the paths that the dancers had gone, and an intricate design started to form. Ritual syntax is no less rigorous than that of an Enchantment. The cloud zoomed in to trace a single one of the dancers steps. With each step, the dancers toes traced out a small rune. They layered on top of the runes that other dancers were writing, joining into one long statement. There is no more freedom in a Bards Song than in the rhythm of a well-practiced Ritual. The image zoomed back out, and the inherent musicality of the practice suddenly became obvious. Just as Jeb was no longer noting the mist as particularly strange, the mist disappeared, and the room suddenly became bright. No, none of these are reasons that Ritual Magic has remained understudied, Dean Aquam said into the silence. The issue with Ritual Magic is that it cannot be studied in isolation. Every Ritual requires at least two beings. Most of the standard Rituals in academic texts require twelve, which is the reason for the number of us in this room. Other Rituals require greater or fewer numbers of students, and so not all of you will necessarily be required to attend every meeting of this course. Before I go much further, however, it is important to note that the interpersonal nature of Ritual Magic means that the bonds you have with each other may be as important as the lines you trace during a Ritual. With that in mind, let us go around again, this time sharing our reason for being in this room today. Let me begin, something changed in Aquams posture. He had effortlessly slipped between his role as the instructor to simply another member of the room. A part of Jeb wished that he was able to shift so effortlessly. He refocused on the rest of the room, listening to the different introductions that his classmates gave. All of them had research focused on historic and dead Magical traditions, which put the Deans opening speech into a new light. When it got around to Jeb, he tried to come up with an answer that would be better than simple interest. In the end, though, that was the most honest answer, so it was how he responded. With introductions out of the way, Dean Aquam began to lead the class through the first Ritual they would learn. It was apparently a pair Ritual, which meant that they would need even numbers. Chapter 181: Dancing Lessons The next day of the course, Jeb arrived to see the rest of the class already paired up. Dean Aquam walked over. Good morning, Jeb, he said. Good morning Dean- The Dean shook his head. Good morning Instruc- Jeb didnt even get to finish that word before Aquam shook his head. While we are in this classroom and working on Rituals, he explained, I am just Aquam. Did you do the reading for todays class? Jeb nodded. Fantastic! Aquam clapped and suddenly took on the role of the instructor again. Before we begin practicing this Ritual, I thought that you all might appreciate some background that the reading did not cover. Today we will be learning a heavily modified form of a Ritual practiced by a people from the far north. It was traditionally performed before the season they called The Long Night. Once again, mist started filling the center of the classroom. It coalesced into the shape of two figures. A rising sun appeared on one side and quickly began to rise. In this region of the world, there is no sunshine for two months of each year. Two dancers are selected from each community, and they dance from the first light of the day until the sun has set completely. The two figures began dancing around each other, tracing the steps that Jeb had read about the day before. As the sun kept climbing, it seemed to start leaking light that began to swirl around the two dancers. They started to glow, and Jeb took a moment to wonder how the mist was glowing before being sucked back into the sight. When performed correctly, the light the Ritual gathers lasts until the end of The Long Night. For centuries, this was the only source of light that these people had. The mist dispersed. Of course, Aquam said, tone much lighter, I would not expect anyone in this room to be able to perform the Ritual that well, if only because each pair will only be dancing through one repetition of the dance. One unique element of Rituals is the element of repetition. Each loop through a dance increases the effect of the Ritual, binding more and more Magic to the Ritual. Of course, this increase in Magic comes with its own risks, but we will cover that later in the course. The goal of todays lesson is simply learning to feel the Magic of a Ritual. Now then, taller members of the pair, line up over there, Dean Aquam gestured to one side of the classroom. Shorter members of the pair, line up beside me. Jeb took that to mean that he was taller than Aquam. From across the room, it certainly appeared that way, for all that he had never noticed it before. Jeb shrugged and walked over beside the taller halves of the pairs. Dean Aquam began by instructing the shorter members on their part of the dance. When one student asked what happened if the two dancers were the same height, Dean Aquam replied, in the three hundred years of observations, that did not occur a single time. But what about in the classroom? the student continued. Their professor chuckled, note that I assigned the partnerships. Unless more than six of you were the exact same height, there is always a way to make taller and shorter pairs. And, of course, I choose who to allow into this course. I do my best to ensure that the demographics of the students are able to perform the Rituals that I plan to teach. Mollified, the student nodded and returned to their line. Jeb started hopping from foot to foot, trying to mimic some of what the mist dancers had done. The other students in his line, by contrast, seemed content to just sit with their eyes closed. None appeared to be asleep, though their breathing did slow down as the time passed. When Aquam came over to the taller half of the class, the other students stood and blinked a few times. It was clear that at least one of them had forgotten where they were. As he led them through the steps, however, Jeb struggled to keep up. Each step that the Dean had them make seemed just a little bit wrong, for some reason that he could not place. The tempo was also just slightly off, and Jeb could not follow the beat. By the time that the other five students were gracefully flowing through their steps, Jeb had barely managed to string five in a row in tempo. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Dean Aquam nodded. Go work with your partners, he instructed, and five pairs of dancers began to slowly walk through their moves. Coming over to Jeb, he cocked his head. Is something the matter? he asked. Jeb frowned slightly. I dont know. This Ritual just feels wrong, somehow. Aquam nodded. I had wondered how you would react to this course. He pulled out a pad of paper and quickly jotted down a few notes. Putting the pad away, he spoke again, would you like to try walking through the steps together? Some find that Rituals are easier to understand in parts, while others find them easier to grasp in their context. Despite the fact that it was phrased as a question, Jeb understood the implicit demand. He walked over to stand across from Aquam. Aquam began to tap his foot, and despite the fact that the tempo had not changed, something about it suddenly felt right. With a nod, both took their first step, and Jeb instantly felt a small spark of Magic. It had not come from his Mana pool, and his mind instantly jumped to Alchemy. But, no, nothing in the Ritual was pulling the Magic out of some object in the air. Where, exactly, the Magic was coming from, he could not say. Without even thinking about it, his body moved to the next step. Jebs balance changed enough that he was pulled from his musings, body responding to the dance. It was not a perfect performance, he knew. His sense of tempo was still less than absolutely perfect, and his feet were frequently off position. What it was, however, was a good enough approximation of the Ritual for a small wisp of light to form between him and his partner. Great job! Aquam praised. Do you feel as though you could do the steps without a partner now? Jeb nodded hesitantly and tried walking through the dance. The movements still felt off without a partner, but imagining Aquam facing him made it feel more natural. Seeing that Jeb had a handle on the dance, Aquam walked around the room, offering gentle corrections to the other pairs. When everyone was covered in a thin sheen of sweat from the exertions, Aquam called a break and asked the students what they had noticed about the Ritual. Most of the answers revolved around a vague sense of Magic in the air. Jeb had not been paying close enough attention to see whether the other groups had been creating lights of their own. His own light had lasted just a few seconds, so it was very possible that he would have missed any light that another pair had formed. Once everyones breathing was back to normal, Aquam had them draw lots to see which pair would demonstrate the Ritual first. Before we begin the full class portion of todays session, he started, once the pair was surrounded by the other ten members of the class, I feel as though I should mention the final reason that Ritual Magic is hard for a lone few Researchers to study. I saw that each of you was able to create a light, if only for a brief moment. That is good. It implies an inherent control over the Magics that we will be using for the rest of the term. Given that most of you are advanced Students in disciplines of Magical control, I am unsurprised by this fact. He trailed off, seeming to realize that he had lost the thread of the conversation slightly. Coughing, he reformed the two dancing figures of mist. This time, however, the figures appeared to shrink, as though the view was pulling further out. Jeb saw the vague outline of many other forms surrounding the dancing pair. The crowd was also moving with the same rhythm, though they were simply stomping or clapping, rather than going through the entire dance. One group mentioned that they had trouble believing that this Ritual, even if compounded over an entire day, would be able to provide light for months. If the two of you, he nodded in the direction of the pair, were alone, that would be correct. However, Rituals are rarely performed alone. Each communitys dancers would be surrounded by their family and friends, who would also be pouring their Magic into the Ritual. Given that it is our first Ritual, I will ask that nobody intentionally push their Mana into the Ritual. The Magic you will add by virtue of active participation is likely near the limit of what any pair will be able to handle. Aquam nodded to himself, clearly satisfied by the way he had ended the lecture. Jeb looked around and saw that the other students were all nodding along. If there are no other questions, Aquam spoke again, then let us begin. A deep note began thrumming in the room. The walls seemed to echo it back, and it shook Jeb to his core. He started stomping his foot in rhythm to the song, even as melodies started filling the space. The two dancers in the middle began to move, and Jeb saw a light suddenly appear between them. They danced elegantly, and the light grew more and more solid as they continued their steps. After just a few moments, though, they were back to where they had started. The music died suddenly, and they stopped. Both were panting as though they had been running for their lives for hours on end. The light between them continued pulsing to the now silent beat, slowly fading over the course of minutes. The two stopped breathing so heavily at around the same time that the light disappeared, and the next pair entered the circle. They also danced gracefully, though the dance felt somehow fundamentally different than the first pairs. Unlike the calm yellow light that the first group had made, this second pairs was a violent thrashing red. The third group created a peaceful green light, and the fourth and fifth struggled to make a light bright enough for the class to see at all. Jeb realized with a start that he and Aquam were the last pair to dance, and that they were about to begin now. Nodding at the Dean, he felt the music once again start to build. If he had found it overwhelming from the outside of the ring, it was nearly all consuming now. Jeb did not have the space to notice the feeling of Magic wrapping around him. He could not hear his own breath or feel his body move. For a few short beats, Jeb became the dance. Chapter 182: Ritual Magic Continued As the dance continued, Jeb felt the Magic in the Ritual continue to build. He began to understand what Aquam had said in the lecture. Unlike the practice dance, where Jeb felt his own Magic twisting and joining with the watery Magic of the Dean, this time the Ritual pulled in Magic from a dozen disparate sources. Still, they were quickly flavored by Jeb and Aquams own Magical signatures. When the first lap through the Ritual was finished, Jeb nearly took the next step to begin another repetition. The sudden silence of the room kept him from making what he knew was a mistake. As he shook his head, Jeb felt the strange pull of the Ritual slowly lessen its grip on him. He was once again in control of his own body, if only technically. Blinking, Jeb wondered why his eyes hurt so much. His hand came back drenched in sweat, which made him realize just how hard he was breathing. He bent down onto his hands and knees to try to catch his breath, hardly noticing the light in front of him. Aquam came over, not seeming the least bit affected by the Magic they had done, and helped Jeb stand up. He gave a nod of his head that seemed to suggest look at the light. Jeb obliged. The light in front of him was not the small wisp that they had created on their first pass through the dance. Calling it an orb was misleading as well, though. Jeb could not point to exactly where the light was coming from, only that the room was clearly brighter because of the area in front of him. There was an energy to the light, calling Jeb to resume dancing, or move and run, or do anything active. It took only slightly longer to fade than the other groups, and Jeb was momentarily disappointed. He did his best to suppress that feeling. There was no reason that he should expect to be better at Ritual Magic than all of these trained Magical students. A part of him had hoped that he would somehow be able to master the Magic on his first attempt, even though he had not ever verbalized the thought. Now that he was confronted with it, though, Jeb chuckled slightly, reminding himself not to start thinking too highly of himself. As the last beats of light finally faded, Aquam gathered the students around him and once more took control of the classroom. What did everyone notice? The question seemed intentionally vague, but most of the class instantly raised their hands. With a nod, Aquam acknowledged one of the students. Each group created a different light, she commented simply. Aquam gestured for her to continue. If I had to guess why each groups light was so different, I would assume that it is something to do with the way that our own Attunements interacted with each other. I do not believe that our Attunement is the sole reason for the lights variety, but I would be shocked if it was not a factor at all. Aquam nodded and then gestured to another student. The Ritual felt much different when the rest of the class was watching, another student said. Without needing prompting from Aquam, he continued, it almost felt wilder, as though the Ritual was moving us, rather than us moving through a Ritual. He flushed slightly, clearly uncomfortable admitting that he had lost control over a Magic. Seeing the rest of the class nod in agreement, the blush faded. The rest of the class chimed in with their own observations. Most of them were a variation on what the two first students had said. Once everyone had the chance to voice their hypotheses, Dean Aquam began to lecture. Those are all fantastic observations and guesses for their causes. I would like to focus on the first observation: that the different pairs each created different lights. None of you explicitly called out the differences that you noted. Would I be correct in assuming that, in addition to the different colors, you also noted that each light seemed to have a different emotional affect? Most of the class frowned slightly, as though they had not noticed that. Dean Aquam nodded. If you are not looking for it, the emotional aspect of each light is easily missed. However, I noticed that all of you were far more fidgety after Jeb and I finished our Ritual. Our light came with the sense of motion. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Students began to play back the events of the class in their minds. Each of them began to nod as they started to recognize the way that their behavior had been shaped by the different groups Ritual lights. Seeing the sense of agreement, Dean Aquam moved into a diversion. Earlier I said that each community chose the best dancers. That was not entirely accurate. To be certain, every dancer selected was able to perform the Ritual without error for the hours on end that the day required. Each was able to weave the Magics together from the entire community. During studies, it appeared as though more than half of the people met these criteria. What set apart the dancers chosen was the nature of light that they produced. A student coughed, and Aquam seemed to realize that his diversion was shaping to be far longer than he had planned. All that to say, different communities valued different effects. Some preferred a calmer light, and others preferred a more active light. Returning to the lesson, he continued, color is, as Cecilia noted, due to the Attunement of the dancers. Just as we train Mages to suppress their own Attunement in many Spells, however, trained Ritual dancers learn to shape the Magic towards what they want. To some extent, the same is true of the affect, though that is much more ingrained, and therefore harder to consciously manipulate. Jeb, for instance, will never be a Sage, sitting still to meditate on a mystery for decades and centuries. This came through in the way that his Ritual called everyone to movement. Having gone through the theory portion of the lesson, Dean Aquam started offering corrections to each of the groups, pointing out where they had danced less than perfectly. Jeb tried to think of what the Dean would tell him. The entire Ritual still felt a little hazy as he thought about it, but Jeb managed to find what he thought of as his biggest weaknesses. First, his foot placement still was not perfect. He was beginning to wonder if his feet were just too large for the dance. Try as he might, he could not figure out what, exactly, he did that made his feet come down off of the correct location. He moved on, doing his best not to get bogged down in any particular failing he had. Other than his foot placement, Jeb knew that his control over the Magic was more than a little sloppy. It was nice that Aquam had been his partner, because it really highlighted just how much more control over the Magic Jeb could have had. The Dean seemed to hold all of the Magic of the Ritual almost effortlessly, pushing it back into each perfect motion. As Jeb tried to think of other issues that he had, Dean Aquam came over. It looks as though you are thinking about something, the Dean commented. Jeb shrugged. I was just trying to figure out what I did wrong during the Ritual. Aquam nodded and began to explain what he had seen as Jebs failings. I was performing the Ritual with you, he admitted, so my observations may not be as thorough as I gave the rest of the class. The Dean highlighted the two weaknesses that Jeb had already found in himself. With that, he walked away. Jeb noticed that the rest of the class had already left the room as well, and so he went to the Emporium. Good evening Jeb! Catherine called between pouring glasses of beer. Would you mind coming back to help? We seem to be in a bit of a rush right now for some reason. Preliminary examinations for the Doctoral programs just finished, one student called. Jeb and Catherine looked at each other blankly. What are preliminary examinations? Jeb mouthed to Catherine, who shrugged her shoulders. Apparently neither of them knew. Jeb hopped over the railing and started to pull beers for the queue of hopeful Doctors. A part of him noted that his own ales were only slightly less popular than Lionhearts, and that realization made him happy. Even if they were only drinking it because it had a Magical effect, plenty students still seemed to prefer his beer to the master Brewers. When the rush died down, he and Catherine chatted about the starts to their terms. Are you up to Brewing some barrels? she asked when they had finished catching up, handing him a slip of paper. Jeb glanced at the clock on the wall. I should have some time, he said, taking the sheet. That seemed like as good of a cue as any for him to leave, so he made his way over to the Brewery. The windows of his Brewery had almost completely frosted over. What, exactly, the frost was made of, Jeb did not think that he wanted to know. He looked at the list that Catherine had given him and started cleaning the empty barrels that someone had returned to the Brewery. Thankfully, the list of barrels to make and the collection of barrels he had were exactly the same. Jeb prepared the first batch of Firestout. As he started working with the Essences, something felt different. It was strange, but Jeb felt as though what he was doing was almost a very pared down version of a Ritual. He could not focus on the feeling, however, as the Essences tried to escape his grip the moment he relaxed control over them. When time resumed its normal flow, however, he frowned and jotted down a note. That realization bore further consideration. Chapter 183: Term Interlude As tempted as he was to continue tracing the line of thought, Jeb knew that he needed to sleep more than he needed to think about the connection between Alchemy and Ritual. Jeb looked longingly out the window, only now realizing how often he had taken naps in the fields outside of his Brewery rather than make the trek back to his room in the Dormitory. Sighing a little, he moved back to his room and fell into bed. Glancing over at his lute case, he realized that it had been far too long since he had given his Bound object the attention it deserved. In the morning, Jeb woke up and took the lute out of its case. It still seemed to glow, which was a relief. However, the strings had all fallen out of tune. Trying his best not to think of that as a metaphor for himself, Jeb tuned the strings and then poured some Mana into the instrument. The lute took the Mana easily, and seemed a little stronger for it. After just a few minutes of playing, Jeb realized that he had lost a lot of the calluses on his fingers. It almost hurt to play the lute again. Rather than risk injuring himself, he put the lute down and moved to the cafeteria. It was still early enough that the crowd of graduate students were still filing out. Jeb recognized a few of them from his Ritual Magic course, and they exchanged pleasant nods. It was clear that the students leaving the cafeteria were only partially awake, though, so there was no conversation. After a short breakfast, Jeb made his way back to the Brewery to finish preparing the barrels Catherine had said the Emporium needed. Whatever spark had connected Brewing to Ritual Magic the night before had vanished in the light of the morning. Jeb created his beers and started rolling them down the hallway to the Emporium. He found the empty spots where barrels should go and hefted them up. Looking around, Jeb noticed that the room was a little dingier than he was happy with. It was nothing terrible, but there were small scuffs on the floor where people had pushed their chairs too aggressively. With a quick glance at his schedule reminding him that he had nothing else scheduled for the day, Jeb spent the rest of the morning straightening the Emporium up. Catherine and Declan came in to set up for their lunch time hours just as he was finishing. Good morning Jeb, Declan said. What are you doing? Jeb shrugged. Im just cleaning up a little. There were some scuffs on the floor, and then I noticed that the floor could use some oiling generally, and then- He paused, realizing that he was rambling. Taking a deep breath, he restarted, I didnt have anything scheduled this morning, so I decided to spend some time on the Emporium. Looking around, he realized that he had made some major changes to the layout of the space. Oh! he cried out, Im sorry, I didnt mean to disrupt the flow of the space. Catherine shook her head, chuckling. No, Jeb, this is completely fine. Declan and I had been discussing rearranging the space last term. The conversation died out then, all three people feeling somewhat awkward about the way that the conversation had proceeded. Each took a place behind the bar, and people started filing in as soon as the bell struck the hours. With all three of them there, it was no real effort to keep up with the steady flow of customers entering and ordering. As the rush slowly faded, the three began to chat amiably with each other. Jeb spent the rest of his afternoon working in the Stacks. Even though Ritual Magic was his favorite course this term, he still wanted to do well in the rest of the courses he was taking. Thankfully, Dean Aquam had encouraged him to take a relatively easy load for the term. He had also encouraged Jeb to consider how he wanted to develop his Skills. Today that meant that Jeb was going to decide what other First Tier Glyphs he should learn. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. There was, as it turned out, a downside to learning an infinite number of Glyphs. Each Glyph took a tenth of a tenth of a percent of the Experience he should gain multiplied by each Tier Jeb gained. At his current Tier and with as many Glyphs as he knew, it was hardly a drop at all. As he grew stronger, though, the number of Glyphs he knew would start to be a hindrance on his progression. A part of him still rebelled against that, wanting to learn everything. Looking at all the Glyphs he knew already, though, and seeing how rarely he used them, Jeb slowly began to accept that he probably knew enough Glyphs for now. He would learn more as he needed to, but for now he sighed, closing the Book of Common Glyphs and putting it on the pile of books to return. The next day, he made his way over to Ritual Magic early, noting that he was still among the last to arrive. Everyone in the room was stretching and chatting in a circle, and they made space for Jeb. What do you think? one asked, turning to him. In general? Jeb asked, chuckling slightly. She chuckled as well. I would be curious about the answer to that some other time, but I was asking in relation to his question, she nodded at the man standing to Jebs right. Jeb turned to face him, and he rolled his eyes slightly, smiling. I was wondering about Dean Aquams comment the other day in class. He told us not to push our Mana into that Ritual, but that we would be expected to do so later. Jeb nodded. How do you think that will work? Most all of us have very focused Mana Signatures which are fundamentally incompatible with others in the course. Why was it not an issue with the dance? Jeb asked in return. He frowned and looked off, unable to answer the question. The woman beside him laughed louder. I wish I had thought of that response! Jeb nodded and began to stretch, trying to follow what the rest of the crowd was doing. His classmate was not done with the conversation, however. What are you studying at the Academy? she asked. Im not sure yet, Jeb replied. Im in the Remedial College right now while I figure out what I want to focus on. A new light shone in her eyes. So you would be Dean Aquams new pet project. She looked him up and down, clearly considering something. Pet project? Jeb asked. She shrugged, transitioning to another stretch. Most students who attend the Academy tend to come in knowing what they want to specialize in. Some do not, however. Most Mages who do not wish to specialize are gently encouraged to move to the Adventurers Guild. There are some who choose to stay despite that encouragement. I wasnt encouraged to leave, Jeb replied hesitantly. Hmm, she hummed. Regardless, Dean Aquam tends to step in to take care of students who do not leave. I think that youre the third or fourth since I came to the Academy. Im glad to see that youve kept up the first half of the tradition, at least. Seeing Jebs look, she continued, causing chaos and generally making life more interesting. Great job with the Emporium, by the way. Im glad that you managed to partner with Lionheart. He makes good beers, and I have missed them during my time at the Academy. Dean Aquam coughed at that point, and everyone stopped stretching and turned to face him. Welcome back to Ritual Magic, he said. Today we will be learning our first full class Ritual. Seeing hands start to rise, he continued, some might have noticed that there were no assigned readings for today. In part, this is because I am using this course for my own research. I will not be informing you what this Ritual does before we perform it as a class. The hands fell, but other hands raised. There is nothing intrinsically dangerous about this Ritual, outside of the standard dangers present in any Magical endeavor. The new hands lowered, though some of the class was clearly unhappy to do so. Now, then, Aquam said, mist forming in the middle of the space, let us learn the Ritual. It requires twelve dancers, but each dancer has the same role. With that in mind, let us form a single line and begin the dance. He moved to stand behind the figure of mist, and the rest of the class lined up behind him. Chapter 184: Another Ritual By the time that they took a break, every member of the class was breathing hard and had sweat rolling down their face. Jeb was no exception, and he flopped down the moment that Aquam told him that he could. His work the previous day with Glyphs had reminded him that he was never more than a little bit of effort away from Conjuring Water. However, he was too mentally and physically exhausted at that exact moment to focus even the scrap of attention he needed to Conjure it. Aquam took mercy on the class and started passing around cups full of water. The moment that Jeb took a drink from the cup, he felt more energized. He looked at Aquam with a questioning expression, but Aquam just shrugged as though denying any knowledge of what had happened. The fact that he seemed to know what Jeb was implicitly asking made Jeb doubt the Deans innocence. As Dean Aquam walked away, though, Jeb had to admit that he didnt really mind the energy. A few minutes later, everyones breathing had returned more or less to normal, and a few people had started chatting. Dean Aquam surveyed the room and nodded. It looks as though everyone is ready to attempt the Ritual? he asked. There were a couple of good natured groans, but everyone got to their feet and stood in a loose clump. Aquam looked at the misshapen blob and the class wordlessly formed a perfect circle. How, exactly, the class was able to do it, Jeb was not entirely sure. Within a few moments, however, the class was standing in a perfect twelve pointed shape with everyone staring into the center. Begin, Aquam called as a drum started beating somewhere. Jeb stepped to the left, noting that his two neighbors had done the same. Even after just a single step, the Ritual began to thrum with power. By the time that they had gone through the first six beats of the unknown Ritual, Jeb lost himself to the music and the beat. He found himself briefly at the end of the first full loop of the dance, when he was back where he had begun. The music did not pause, however, and so Jeb kept going, only the slightest bit late on his next step. He felt a whip of Magic snake out, reminding him of his experience with Mana Backlash. One of the other dancers seemed to catch it before it could hit Jeb and forced it back into the steadily building mass of power. Now that he was back inside of his own mind, Jeb spared a little bit of attention for the roiling Magic in the center of the circle. Unlike with the Light Ritual, the different Attunements that each dancer brought were not turning into some unified whole. If anything, it appeared as though they were actively separating from each other, each signature becoming more and more distinct from the others with each passing beat. Before he could focus on it too much, Jeb started falling back into the siren song of the beat. As the second lap came and went, he noted, just for a moment, that the power inside the circle had grown even more vicious over the lap. It almost seemed as though the different Magics inside of it were fighting each other. With a shudder, he let the Ritual claim him again. Halfway through the third lap, someone misstepped. Jeb knew that it wasnt him who made the mistake, but that was all that he could say. The Magic inside of the circle pounced on the weakness. Like a trapped lion, it broke out of the restraints that the Ritual had placed on it, shooting into the air of the room. Jeb was momentarily blinded as he was once again battered by the winds of Magic. He had a flashback to the time that his Enchantment had gone wrong, and began to shudder. Even as he grew more terrified, the small part of him that remained sane tried to call out that no one was harmed by this Magic. The Essences and Attunements in the air, however potent, were not generating Mana Crystals or trying to cause harm. Instead, they were twisting around each other, briefly taking form to strike at another Magic, before dispersing into a cloud. Jeb missed most of the light show, too focused on trying to regain his breath. Dean Aquam came over, tearing his own eyes from the display, and touched Jeb on the shoulder. Is something the matter? he asked kindly. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Jeb couldnt breathe, and barely managed to shake his head. Aquam finally seemed to notice what was going on around them and grimaced. I had not considered the way that this Ritual might affect someone who had just gone through an Alchemical Storm. Jeb had the brief sensation of floating through a cloud before he found himself in the Emporium. Declan and Catherine were cheerily setting up for the evening, chatting amiably as they did. Now that he was removed from the situation, Jeb found it possible to breathe in again. With great gasps, he refilled and emptied his lungs. By the time that he was able to control his breath again, Declan and Catherine had rushed over to him, concern etched on their faces. Im alright, Jeb forced out, plastering a smile on his face. It was plain that neither of his friends believed him, but they nodded slowly, letting him walk away. On the hallway back to the classroom, Jeb grew mad at himself. His memory was hazy, to say the least, but he could piece together brief flashes of what he had been taken from. It seemed as though all of the students Magics were fighting in some fantastic show. Jeb picked up his pace, wondering whether his own beast had already been destroyed. He stopped outside the door to the classroom. Even though he wanted to see what had happened, he did not want to lose himself to panic again. Ill open the door, he rationalized, and if I cannot handle looking at whats inside, Ill close the door and go back to the Emporium. When he tried to pull the handle, however, his hand refused to move. He grit his teeth, noticing that his heart had started to race again. I refuse to be bound by myself, Jeb said, unsure who he was trying to convince. Gripping his wrist with his other hand, he forced it to turn and pull the door open. The smallest sliver of darkness entered the hallway, reminding Jeb that the space he currently occupied did not have any sense of light. Focusing on his breath, Jeb closed his eyes and pulled the door open wider. When he heard a roar, he opened his eyes. The show had calmed down considerably while he was gone. At this point, eight of the Magics had given up and were wrapped around their creators like a colorful cloud. Two of the Magics looked to be on the edge of giving up themselves, hardly able to form a single talon or claw to slash. The other two, however, were locked in fierce combat. A great shark, so strong as to be nearly opaque, twisted in the air, biting at a small bird. The bird flapped its wings, narrowly avoiding the shark. As it turned around to counter the attack, the shark shifted, morphing into a wave that spoke of drowning anything in its path. The bird wrapped its wings around itself, dropping down into the wave of water. When the wave passed, Jeb almost thought that the battle had ended. Looking closer, he saw that the bird had shifted as well, taking the form of a small stone. It was strange. The wave called attention to itself, making Jeb doubt his own knowledge that it was Magic, rather than actual water. The stone, by contrast, seemed to fade into the background. It seemed almost obvious that there would be a stone glowing an electric rainbow of colors floating in the middle of the air. Jeb found that he had to try to keep his focus on the rock. The wave crashed against the far wall of the room, rebounding into a swarm of fish. The rock shifted as well, becoming a hive of large bees. These bees did not fade into the background. They demanded that Jeb watch them as they speared towards the fish. Each place where a bees stinger collided with a fish, both dropped to the ground, fading into two pale clouds of Essence. The clouds continued to grow as the swarms continued to shrink. As the fight continued, Jeb realized that the bees were going to lose. There were almost a dozen fish for every bee. Even though they were occasionally able to spear two or even three fish with their long stingers, the fish were simply too numerous. As the last bee fell, Jeb watched the electric cloud surge towards him. Unlike the uncontrolled Magic that had first broken out of the Ritual, this Magic was his. Or, at least, this Magic claimed him as creator. Jeb felt it steadily dissipate as it clung ever tighter to him, somehow merging itself with his soul. As the last wisps of power drained away, Jeb looked around, noticing that all of the other clouds were gone as well. All of the other students looked as lost as he felt. They stared at their hands or arms, as though trying to understand what about them had changed. Jeb closed his eyes and looked deep into himself. It was subtle, but he felt as though he could tell the difference. His soul had always been something nebulous. It had never been weak, but Jeb realized that he had always struggled to find the place where his soul met the outside world. Now, however, it seemed as though he had defined a boundary for himself. To be sure, it was not inviolate. He could break it down with hardly a thought, and he did not expect that it would be much more difficult from the outside. Even so, Jeb felt as though he had become that much less connected to the River of Fate. It may have only been a single small stream blocked off, but the tide seemed weaker. Dean Aquam clapped his hands, and the room suddenly grew bright again. The class swarmed him, everyone demanding answers. Chapter 185: Questions and Answers Jeb, like the rest of his class, left the room feeling dissatisfied at the end of the day. No matter how carefully they phrased their questions, Dean Aquam did not answer them. It did not matter how pointed they were, either. All that their Professor was willing to say is that the Ritual manifested a fraction of the soul. Why, exactly, their souls had immediately taken the form of different animals and started fighting was left as a question for them to answer on their own. The students in the course, of course, worked with each other as soon as they had finished eating. Jeb, along with the two people he had chatted with before class began, went to the Library. When he walked directly past the help desk, however, he noticed that the other two were not following him. Where are you going? the male student asked. Jeb looked around, unsure what they were asking. The Stacks are in this direction, he said. Right, Steven, Jeb finally remembered his name, replied, nodding slowly. The two stared at each other in silent impasse. Out of the corner of his eye, Jeb noticed that Kaitlyn had started gathering the other Librarians. What, exactly, they were watching for, he was unsure. Jeb, Amelia broke in, are you trying to say that you use the Stacks on your own? Understanding dawned on Jeb. Spending time in the Stacks had become so normal to him that he had forgotten that not everyone felt so comfortable in the constantly shifting towers of knowledge. The reason for the Librarians gathering had become equally clear. As he looked, he saw small notes passing between them. The meaning behind those remained opaque to Jeb. So, Jeb said, trying to sound as casual as he had been a few moments before, are you two comfortable coming into the Stacks with me, or would you rather we split up to each look for books ourselves? Stevens eyes widened slightly. Are those the two most reasonable options to you? he asked, voice more than a little incredulous. Jeb furrowed his brows, tracing other potential routes. I cannot think of anything better, he said after a few moments. Do you have a better idea? His classmates shrugged and split off to go to the help desk. Jeb kept walking to the Stacks, confused by the slight clinking sounds that came from the catalogue of Librarians. He resisted the urge to turn around, concerned that Amelia and Steven might read it as hesitation to enter the Stacks. Inside the Stacks, Jeb started wandering somewhat aimlessly, trusting the vague feeling in his gut to lead him towards the right section of books. After a few hours of searching, he let out an involuntary yawn. There was a chance that he had missed some aside in one of the books he hadnt opened, but Jeb thought it was unlikely. Half a dozen treatises on souls, five on Ritual, and a full dozen on the intersection of the two had not yielded anything useful. Well, that was not entirely accurate or fair, Jeb corrected himself. He had seen more than a few references to the way that Bound objects could be called to the Binder with the appropriate Ritual. Three of the books referred to it as a well known fact, a bakers dozen had referred to it as a myth. Six of them referenced their claim from the same treatise, which was the last one that Jeb had been able to find. As he cracked open the tome, he reminded himself not to be too hopeful. There were so many times that a citation only turned up an unsubstantiated claim, and Jeb had no doubt that this occasion would be no different. Flipping through its thin pages, he sighed. There was not a single Ritual described in sufficient detail for him to recreate it, only mentions of their effects and where the author had allegedly seen them performed. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Just before he gave up, he found the section titled Rituals and Bindings. Unlike the other portions of the book, which were more travelogue than Ritual, this section seemed to be entirely novel research. Jeb still did not know enough about Ritual Magic to construct the Ritual from the information on the page, but he felt confident that Dean Aquam would be able to. The brief wave of nausea at the idea of creating a new Magic again that pulsed through him stopped Jeb from taking the book directly to the Deans office. Instead, he set it on his desk, making a note to himself that he should face his fears eventually. Realizing that he had forgotten about his classmates, Jeb hurried back to the Librarys entrance. Neither of his classmates had found anything more useful, however. The next morning, the whole class gathered together to discuss what they had found the previous night. When Dean Aquam came in, he was immediately bombarded with questions from every member of the course at once. He ignored them, instead going directly into the days lesson: reading Ritual notation. By the end of the day, Jeb had started to believe that he could construct a Ritual from the information within the book. The strange symbols all over the page had meaning, to his slight surprise. He had honestly just thought that they were doodles from some previous reader. As the semester continued, Jeb learned more and more about Ritual Magic. The class never did manage to get an answer as to what, exactly, the soul Ritual had done, and unlike the other Rituals they learned in the course, the Dean did not have them repeat it. By the time that the term ended, Jeb had come to terms with his trauma related to the farm. His healing was aided immensely by the fact that the land was no longer barred from him, even if he was still told that it was dangerous to spend long amounts of time there. There were apparently Rituals, Enchantments, and Alchemicals that could help speed the healing even more, but Jeb had been told in no uncertain terms that he would not be the one to craft them. When the term break began, Jeb waited for Dean Aquam to set up a meeting to plan his next term. After a few days of waiting, however, he sought the Dean out himself. Good morning Jeb, Dean Aquam said when he knocked on the door. How can I help you today? Do I not need to set up my schedule for next term? Jeb asked. Dean Aquam looked at him with no small amount of confusion. Every course you enrolled in last term was a two term course. I suppose that you could drop one of them if you really wish to, though I cannot imagine why you would. Oh, Jeb replied. A smile growing on his face, he continued, so that means we have another term to convince you to tell us what happened in the soul Ritual? Dean Aquam chuckled slightly. If you are willing to keep it secret, he prompted, which caused Jeb to nod vigorously, I will explain the Ritual in full at the end of the second term of the course. Seeing Jebs look of surprise, he continued, we will even repeat the Ritual, though I have not yet decided whether we will do so before or after I explain how it works. Jeb sat with that for a few minutes. While Im here, he finally said, I was wondering if you would be willing to help me with another project. Oh? Dean Aquam asked, attention suddenly fixing on Jeb. Jeb felt reminded once again of how much water was inside of him. It was not a pleasant feeling, even if it was far better than being reminded of the earth beneath his feet. After a long moment, Dean Aquam nodded. What is the project? Jeb pulled the tome out of his sack. This book describes a solo Ritual which would call a Bound object to me. Dean Aquam glanced at the page, nodding. Hmm, he murmured, I thought that I had asked the Librarians not to distribute this book to students without my approval. They didnt, Jeb responded. Aquam looked up, eyes sharp. Jeb swallowed and continued, I found it in the Stacks on the first night that the class was all searching for information about the Ritual we did. The Deans expression calmed. I suppose that makes sense. Is the project performing this Ritual? Jeb bobbed his head back and forth, debating how best to answer. Yes and no, he hedged. I would be interested in learning this Ritual, if only because it would be fun to never be more than a dance away from my lute. However, I really want to know if I can use the Ritual in reverse. The Deans eyes widened in realization. Did you leave something Bound to yourself behind at your home? Jeb nodded. I cannot promise that it will be possible, and I can almost guarantee that it will take at least a few terms of work, but I do believe that this project has merit. Is it- Jeb began, but Aquam cut him off. This is far safer than the other experimentation you have done. It is not without any risks, but I will be constantly on watch for them. Thank you, Jeb replied, flushing slightly. A part of him still grated at the fact that he needed to be coddled like this, even as the rest of him was grateful for the Dean. Before leaving, he and Dean Aquam caught up on what else had happened to Jeb in the previous term. Chapter 186: Literature Review Jeb began work on the Ritual the next morning. By the end of his conversation with the Dean, the two of them had agreed that Jeb should see how far he could get before asking for help. Flipping to the page with the step notation, Jeb let out a sigh. Dean Aquam had mentioned that each Ritual Marker used a different notation, even if they tended to follow similar patterns. Unfortunately for Jeb, it seemed like whoever had written this tome had chosen a notation that was almost completely different than the notation style that the Dean had taught him. He flipped through the pages, hoping that there might be a key to the movements somewhere later in the book. When he got to the end of the section with notated dances, that small hope died. What else could I try? Jeb thought, not wanting to admit defeat so early. Some of the Rituals the author had notated sounded familiar, and Jeb felt like he had seen them in a different tome. Hoping that his memory was correct, Jeb ran to the Stacks and found Margaret. After he explained what he was looking for, she nodded and set off. Jeb went to his desk in the Stacks and copied the Bound Calling notation onto a sheet of paper. By the time that he had finished, Margaret had returned with a pile of books. She set them on Jebs desk and vanished back into the Stacks. Jeb looked at the stack of books. It was at least fifteen tomes of different shapes and sizes. Most were rectangular and covered in uncolored leather, but a few had ornate decorations on their spines. One was octagonal, for some reason, and another was nearly unbound, simply a pile of papers loosely tied together. Hoping that Margaret had arranged the books in some sort of an order, Jeb took the first book from the pile and started paging through it. At first glance, it appeared to notate Rituals the same way that Dean Aquam had, which was a relief. Flipping through the book, however, Jeb could not find any Rituals which overlapped with the ones notated in his other tome. Setting it aside, he picked up the next book. The second tome seemed to resist being opened. Jeb struggled with the cover for a few moments before laying his palm on the cover. Some instinct told him to flare a small amount of Mana, and he listened to it. The book seemed to release the tension that it had, and Jeb was able to open the cover. He immediately closed the book. There was no chance that he was going to risk reading Rituals of Domination and Power, especially when it had been so difficult to open. As he set it aside, a part of Jeb had to wonder why Margaret had thought that book was a good idea. By the time he had finished reading through the third book, however, it had disappeared. That probably isnt a good sign, Jeb thought, noting its absence from the table. After confirming that it hadnt slipped beneath one of the other books or fallen onto the floor, Jeb shrugged. If that book wanted to leave, Jeb certainly wasnt going to try to stop it. With a frown, Jeb realized that he could not remember what the third tome had contained. He knew that he had taken notes, but the notes seemed to have disappeared as well. He reached over to pick the tome up again, only to find that it too had vanished. Someones playing a joke on me, Jeb realized. Without knowing who or why, though, he could not think of a response other than to keep reading the books in front of him. Jeb shrugged and grabbed the next tome. Quickly skimming through the titles of the Rituals within it, this tome appeared to be a complete copy of the first book Jeb had read. When he looked at the notation, however, he was completely lost. A small voice in Jebs head started saying that he was going to be in for a lot of translating work. He set the book aside and moved to the next. Jeb had fallen into a rhythm while working. His stomachs loud growl broke his focus, and he made his way over to the cafeteria. Looking around the room, Jeb realized that he had no idea what time it was. Whatever bells had tolled while he worked in the Stacks hadnt been loud enough for him to notice them. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The food selection was sometimes a clue, so Jeb made a quick circuit around the room. There were foods available that he associated with any time of day in the Academys cafeteria, which was more than a little strange. Looking at the tables, he did not see anyone he recognized, so Jeb shrugged, grabbed a bowl of food he considered lunch-like, and sat at an empty space. When his stomach stopped complaining, he drank some water and moved back to the Stacks to continue researching. The pile of books had grown when he returned. Whether that was because the books had multiplied, or whether Margaret had brought more tomes that might be useful, Jeb was unsure. The new books seemed to be entirely below the first set, which lent credence to the idea that Margaret had brought them. In either case, though, Jeb cared more about translating the Ritual notation than figuring out who was giving him books. The next book on the stack didnt have any rituals notated at all, and so Jeb set it aside to be reshelved. Even after the break, his eyes were still struggling to focus on the pages. With an effort of will, he forced himself to read the next book on the pile. It was notated the way that the Dean had taught him, which was nice. One of the Rituals had a familiar name, but Jeb could not place it. Paging through the other books, he found it in fourth tome. Apparently it isnt a perfect copy of the first, he thought. Moving to another, he found that it had its own unique notation for Rituals. At that point, his mind was foggy enough that he could not focus at all, so he went to his room to sleep. The next day, he resumed his searching, and Jeb fell into a routine: wake, read, eat, read, sleep. By the end of the stack, he was able to find a connection from the Ritual notation that the Dean used to the Ritual notation that the Bound Calling Ritual book used. It went through a dozen different notations, and Jeb was somewhat worried about the different information that each would keep or discard as irrelevant. Looking at the books spread out on the desk, Jeb nodded and started taking notes again. He debated between starting with the notation that the Bound Object Ritual used or the notation he was familiar with, and ultimately decided to start with what he knew. At worst, he would be able to tell if his translation was completely unreasonable with what he knew about Rituals. The first translation was easy enough. He wrote the Ritual down in both the Deans notation and the notation in the different tome. To Jebs relief, the two systems both found the same information relevant, though Jeb did note that there were extra marks in the new language. Playing through the Ritual in his head, Jeb was fairly certain that the extra marks represented breathing in and out. With a page to transfer the notation to what he was familiar with, Jeb turned to the next notation style. The Ritual which transferred the two of them did not require any notation that he didnt already know, so Jeb transferred them both to the Deans notation. The steps in the third Ritual seemed reasonable enough, though Jeb knew that he would not be able to test it himself. If he interpreted the notation correctly, the Ritual required seven dancers, which was a number he had not seen in any of the Rituals he had learned up to that point. Exactly what the number of dancers did to a Ritual, Jeb still did not know. By the time that Jeb got to the fifth different notation style, he was having to translate from each notation to the next, rather than just going directly to what the Dean notated. When he finished translating the sixth, Jeb realized that his own style had diverged from the Deans somewhat substantially. As much as possible, Jeb had maintained all of the information that the other notation styles had. His style kept the breathing from the second format, and Jeb began to understand why each of the books seemed to have a completely different format. If he had diverged this much after just a few days, Jeb could not even imagine what his style would look like after years of work. Jeb did his best to explicitly note the differences between the Deans style and his own. As he finished it, he realized that the Dean would probably be somewhat familiar with the different notation styles that different Ritual Makers used. He started to write down his own assumptions and best attempts at translating between each pair of notation styles. Along the way, he caught more than a few errors that he had propagated between the systems, and Jeb started revising his own translations. Ignoring the rumbling in his stomach, he finally finished his draft of the translation guide. The Bound Object Ritual had such little information that Jeb knew he would not be able to reproduce it from the writing alone, at least given what he was able to translate. The one pertinent piece of information he was able to glean was that the Ritual required the dancer to put their Bound object in the center of the dance before teleporting for the first time. The book was frustratingly vague on what someone Bound to multiple things needed to do in order to teleport. After a quick meal and nap, Jeb brought his pile of papers to Dean Aquams office. Chapter 187: Class Advancement Come in, Dean Aquam said as Jeb knocked on his door. Jeb bounced in, setting the pages onto the Deans desk. Aquam took them hesitantly, frowning as he paged through the sheaf in front of him. When he got to the end, he looked up expectantly at Jeb. I realized that I didnt know how to read the notation that the Ritual was written in, Jeb started to explain. However, there are a lot of Rituals that are repeated between different books. By going through them all, I was eventually able to trace a path between the notation that you taught us and the notation that the book used. That was very well done, Aquam said, tone careful, but why does it seem as though you are dissatisfied with the results? Jeb sighed. Each different notation system pays attention to different aspects of the dance. In transferring between every one, I ended up losing a lot of important information, even if Im not entirely sure where. Right now, I have the bare bones of a dance, and all I can really tell is that I need to put a Bound object in the center to start the Ritual the first time. Aquam cocked his head, and Jeb heard waves crashing somewhere far away. Is there a reason that you did not rely on your Skill at all? I do remember you mentioning something about your family training Skills in that way. My Magic Skill didnt really seem helpful, Jeb admitted. I think that translating Rituals is far enough removed from any of the other Magics Ive learned that my Skill doesnt know how to handle it. Right, Dean Aquam said, gesturing with his hand, so why did you not use your Ritual Magic Skill? Jeb looked around the room, trying to see if there might be an answer hidden in a secret corner. Not finding any, he wrinkled his brow. I dont have the Ritual Magic Skill, he said slowly. Aquams eyes lifted in surprise, and he nearly knocked a book off of his desk as he moved in surprise. You truly did not earn the Skill? Every other member of the course did, and all of them have crystallized their souls significantly more than you. Before Jeb could answer, Aquam put his head in his hands and sighed deeply. Please do not tell me that you have forgotten to claim your end of term rewards again. Jeb grimaced, trying his hardest to turn it into a friendly smile. I may have, he said, for the last few terms. Aquam shook his head good naturedly. You are quite possibly the only student at the Academy so unconcerned with progression. I would recommend going back to your room before accepting the term rewards. Given how hard your first terms hit you, I expect that multiple at once will knock you out for at least a few hours. Come back when your soul is settled again, and we can see whether you have any new insights into the process. Ok! Jeb said, reaching to take the pages back from the Dean. He coughed politely. It is not that I do not trust you, he said, putting the pages in a drawer in his desk, but you do have a habit of continuing down projects instead of checking back in with your advisors. I will keep the pages to prevent that impulse. That seems reasonable! Jeb agreed, standing to leave the office. Back in his room, Jeb searched through his soul, trying to remember where he collected rewards. It had been long enough that it almost seemed as though his soul had forgotten what that meant. After a few moments, though, Jeb found the disused portion of the System relating to Rewards and collected the results from his past terms.
Congratulations! You have completed Terms at the Academy.
New Skills Gained:
Ritual Magic
Rewards for Suppressed Quests and Term Performance:
60 Intelligence, 60 Willpower, 60 Magic Affinity, 60 Mana Depth, 60 Charisma, 250 Mana, 1100 EXP.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn a New School of Magic. You have delved deeper into the realms of Magic.
Rewards: 2 Intelligence, 2 Willpower, 2 Magic Affinity, 2 Mana Depth, 2 Charisma, 96 EXP
The Statistics hit Jeb like a brick, knocking him down onto his bed. After a few moments, though, he felt better enough to start Leveling up again. Just before he did, he debated whether or not it was a good idea to do so. In the end, he decided to wait until after he and the Dean met about Rituals. Trying to stand, Jeb found that his body would not listen to him, so he let sleep claim him. When he woke again, Jeb ran to the Deans office, hoping that he would be awake. To his relief, the Dean opened the door to Jeb as soon as his fist first touched the door. Dean Aquam looked him up and down cautiously. You seem relatively hale, he said slowly. Jeb nodded, then froze. Is there a reason that I should not be? he asked with some small amount of concern. Dean Aquam shook his head. No, was all he said in reply. After an awkward few moments in silence, Dean Aquam cleared his throat and handed the sheaf of pages back to Jeb. Jeb excitedly read through them. His brain seemed to fuzz for a moment, as though it was struggling to process the fact that he had written most of the pile just a day before. It had been the culmination of all of his studies up to that point. Now that he had the Ritual Magic Skill, though, the scratchings looked less like the work of a dedicated scholar and more like the idle musings of a child. Jeb quickly fixed the numerous errors he had made in translating different notations. Once he did that, he realized that he had misinterpreted some of the different symbols, and fixed those as well. He was about to start on the initial translation again when Dean Aquam took the pages back. Jeb, he asked, tone patient, how long have you been working in silence? Jeb frowned at the unexpected question. In my life? I dont even know how I would begin to- Dean Aquam cut him off. I apologize, that question was unclear. Since I handed you back the pages, how long have you been working in silence, neither speaking to me nor appearing to hear when I speak? Im not entirely sure, Jeb admitted, glancing around the room to see if there was a visible clock anywhere. Dean Aquam nodded slowly. It has been nearly a full day. Although I admire the work ethic, it is not generally healthy to work without breaks for so long, especially when nothing you are doing is particularly time sensitive. Jeb nodded. I apologize, he said, I did not mean to ignore you. Dean Aquam shook his head, letting out a small laugh. I am neither mad nor disappointed in you for being too entranced in your work to notice my speaking to you, Jeb. I simply wanted to know whether your focus was intentional or accidental. Given that it is accidental, I recommend that you return to your room, claim any Levels that you may have earned, and then get some sleep. Jeb hurried back to his room and laid down in his bed. The feeling of warm blankets over his body quickly lulled him to sleep. When he awoke, he realized that he had messed up the order that Dean Aquam had told him to work in. Hoping that it would not cause any issues, Jeb quickly claimed his Levels.
Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!
Level Bonus:
+10 to Willpower
+10 to Mana Depth
+10 to Intelligence
+10 to Magic Affinity
+10 to Charisma
+10 to Presence
Excess Experience detected.Multipliers applied:
Level Up: 4/5
Remaining Experience: 1164
Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!
Level Bonus:
+10 to Willpower
+10 to Mana Depth
+10 to Intelligence
+10 to Magic Affinity
+10 to Charisma
+10 to Presence
Excess Experience detected.Multipliers applied:
Level Up: 5/6
Remaining Experience: 710
Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!
Level Bonus:
+10 to Willpower
+10 to Mana Depth
+10 to Intelligence
+10 to Magic Affinity
+10 to Charisma
+10 to Presence
Excess Experience detected.Multipliers applied:
Level Up: 6/7
Remaining Experience: 338
Jeb had just barely enough Experience left to Level Up one more time. However, that would increase his Classs Tier, and he wasnt entirely certain if that was a good idea. Another note slipped underneath the door. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
I will see you at the Grove.
Headmistress Petra
Shrugging, Jeb shouldered his lute and walked to the Grove. Unlike his last two Class Advancements, this one was relatively uneventful. Jeb saw no reason to change from being a Wizard, and so spent no time considering the other options. It seemed as though the System understood Jebs desire, because he felt another star pull his system closer and came back into himself in front of a new line of text.
Congratulations! You have Tiered Up!
-318 Experience, New Class: Wizard.
Excess Experience detected. Multipliers applied:
Level up: 7/8
Tier Up (3-4): 0.75
Total Multiplier: 21/32
Remaining Experience: 8
As soon as that table faded, another appeared.
Congratulations! Your Skill Ritual Magic (Magical) has been consumed into the Skill Magic (Magical)!
Jeb ran back to his room, barely making it before the rush of new Statistics, Levels, and Class hit him. Once more falling into his bed, Jeb reflected on the fact that he should really start listening to his body before it shut down on its own accord. There had to be signs that he was missing which would tell him that he needed sleep. Before he could write the thought down, though, it, like him, drifted off. When he awoke again, Jeb stretched. It was amazing how much better everything felt with a new Class, even if it was just the higher Tier version of what he already had. Marveling in the way that his body felt just a little more like his own, Jeb picked up his lute and absently started playing it. Every sound that came out of the instrument sounded as though it had a new depth and resonance that he had never been able to appreciate before. Feeling the siren call of the lute to keep playing for hours, Jeb very intentionally set it down and moved to the Deans office. He was excited to continue his project to teleport Bound objects. Back in the Deans office, Jeb was hit with a tidal wave of pressure. Almost the moment that his lungs started to panic, though, the sense of water disappeared. What happened to your Ritual Magic Skill? Dean Aquam asked. It was consumed by my Magic Skill, Jeb said. You allowed Magic to consume Ritual Magic? Dean Aquam asked, seeming somewhat perturbed. Yes, why wouldnt I? Jeb asked, reaching for the pages to continue translating. Dean Aquam let him. Jeb absently noted that Dean Aquam seemed somewhat confused as he changed the different notations with as much ease as he had two days before. Are you not finding it more difficult to translate without the Ritual Magic Skill? No? Jeb replied hesitantly. It doesnt seem like I have lost any of my abilities in different Schools of Magic when they are consumed. Interesting, Dean Aquam said, pulling out a sheet of paper to begin taking notes. What he was notating, exactly, Jeb was unsure. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Age: 18
Class: Wizard
Level: 8
Experience: 12/429
Total Statistic Load: 1228 -1888
Physical Load: 338 -388
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 124 -174
Mental Load: 890 -1500
Intelligence: 188 -310
Willpower: 189 -311
Magic Affinity: 181 -303
Mana Depth: 166 -288
Charisma: 166 -288
Mana: 2515
Glyph Attunement: 31
Least Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Earth (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Earth - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Earth (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Shape Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Shape Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Lesser Shape Water (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Hold Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Conjure Water - Efficient (Modified) Tier 3 Spell
Least Destroy Water (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Air (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Move Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Hold Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Destroy Fire (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Least Create Mud (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Earth Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Water Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Attune Air Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Fire Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Attune Sand Mana (Modified) Tier 0 Spell
Least Create Sand (Modified) Tier 1 Spell
Attune Sand Mana - Efficient (Modified) Tier 2 Spell
Bard Songs Known: 1
Lute Enforcement
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Weaving
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Academy Student
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 188: Splitting Mind After the conversation wound down, Jeb returned to his room to continue working on the Ritual. Even with his System granted knowledge of Ritual Magic, it was still far from a trivial task to understand exactly what he was supposed to do. Unlike the Rituals that he had learned the previous semester, this Ritual actively required Mana to be poured into it while he danced. More than that, though, Jeb wanted to understand how Ritual Magic worked, in the same way that he had an intuitive idea of how all of the other forms of Magic he had learned worked. Right now Ritual Magic felt more like something that he just followed instructions for, rather than having any sort of intellectual basis for the movements he made. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to connect the motions that the Ritual called for to anything more meaningful. After a night of sleep and a quick meal failed to provide any insight, Jeb found himself again at the Deans door. Dean Aquam let him in, and Jeb led the Dean through his issues. Just to clarify, Aquam said after Jeb had finished, your issues are that you do not understand the way that pushing Mana into a Ritual works, and you do not entirely understand the way that Ritual Magic works as a School of Magic? Jeb nodded. Dean Aquam shrugged. Those are both issues which we can resolve easily enough. We can repeat the light Ritual I taught you last term. This time, however, actively work on pushing your Magic into the Ritual. Repeating the Ritual with the aid of your Skill should help you to gain new insight into the way that Ritual Magic shapes Magic. Dean Aquam stood, and Jeb followed him out of the office and into the classroom for Ritual Magic. The two stood facing each other, and Jeb had a moment of worry that he would not remember the steps to the Ritual. As soon as the drum beat started, however, his fears melted away. Jeb became the dance, and he almost lost himself to the beauty of the Ritual. Forcing himself to focus, Jeb watched the way that each step of his foot or twist of his hand caused the Magic building in the air to align just that little bit more towards light. Once he felt comfortable with the way the Ritual worked on its own, he started trying to add Mana. Jeb expected it to be somewhat difficult. After all, every other school of Magic had at least a slight learning curve when it came time for him to actively push Mana in. The Ritual took exactly as much Mana as Jeb offered, neither pushing back against the flow nor demanding more. As Jeb kept feeding more Mana into the Ritual, the light between the Dean and him continued to grow brighter and stronger. More than that, though, each piece of Mana that Jeb poured into the Ritual grabbed ambient Magic, forcing it to align as well. The more Magic that Jeb gave the Ritual, the more Magic that it took from the surroundings. Jeb spent a few repetitions of the dance trying to find an exact relationship, but ran out of Mana before he could get any firm numbers. Dean Aquam must have noticed the exact moment that Jeb ran out of Mana, because the drumming stopped, and the Ritual ended. Jeb started panting. He had not realized how exhausted he was, but sweat was pouring down his back, front, and everywhere else. Dean Aquam smiled and tossed him a container of water. Jeb nodded in thanks and drank deeply. By the time that he finished the water skin, Jebs breathing was mostly back to normal. He held it out at arms length, confused. It definitely had held more water than its size would suggest. Shrugging, he gave it back to the Dean. Did that help? Dean Aquam asked. I think so, Jeb replied. His mind was already whirring with all of the different pieces of the Bound Summoning Ritual that he wanted to test. The fact that it would only require one dancer was even better, because it meant that he would not have to worry about the way that another dancers motions might add secondary considerations to the Magic. As that thought passed through his mind, Jeb frowned. Wait, he said, stopping the Dean before he left. The Bound Summoning Ritual only requires a single dancer. Dean Aquam nodded. On the first day of the Ritual Magic course, you explained that every Ritual requires more than one dancer. Dean Aquam nodded again. How does that work? If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. What do you mean? This Ritual only has one dancer, which seems like a contradiction to what you told us in class. I was wondering when you were going to notice that fact, Dean Aquam replied, once more heading for the door. Is there an answer? Jeb asked hopefully. There is! Aquam exclaimed happily. Before Jeb could ask what it was, he continued, and I am excited for you to learn what it is. I will be gone for a few days, however. There are reports of Magical creatures drawing ever closer to the Capital, and the Republic is concerned about them. I look forward to hearing about your progress when I return. Dean Aquam vanished, and Jeb was left alone to consider the question. After a few minutes with no progress, he decided it was a question best answered by doing, rather than thinking. Jeb returned to his room, picked up his lute, and looked at the instructions on the page.
Although this Ritual, like most others, can be performed nearly anywhere, the author advises that the Binder choose a location where they will not be disturbed.
Even though his room did meet that description, something about performing a Ritual inside of his dormitory space felt wrong to Jeb. He started walking through the hallways, trusting the Academy to guide him to the best location for him to work. When the hallways opened up to his small plot of farmland, Jeb was confused. The fact that there were no walls blocking him from entering made him assume that it was safe to be standing there. Taking a deep breath, he left the comforting nonexistence of the hallways and stepped into the plot of land he had permanently altered. Even if the Magic in the air had calmed, there were visible scars everywhere that he looked. The field, which he had grown plants in just a single term ago, looked as though it had not been tended in centuries. Tall, spiraling trees grew out of the earth. Each tree radiated a very specific flavor of Magic, and Jeb found himself entranced watching the leaves on them move, coloring the Magic in the air as the wind brushed past them. Forcing himself to focus, Jeb nodded. This space, the location of his first major mistake, was a good space for him to work. He could not remember a time that someone had come here without his permission, which meant that he was unlikely to be disturbed. Before the Alchemical Storm, he had loved spending time here. And, most importantly, it was time for him to face his fears and put them to rest. Failing at a Magical project was not the end of his life. Jeb carefully set the lute down and marked a circle around it. He carefully walked through the steps of the Ritual, feeling the Magic in the air perk in response. Jeb had the vague feeling that the Academy might have led him to perform the Ritual here for another reason. The moment that he started doing something Magical, it was as though the entire space was focused entirely on him. It was an unnerving feeling, but one that Jeb grew used to fairly quickly. Once he had completed a lap out of time, Jeb nodded. The steps of the Ritual were simple enough. He started dancing in time. At once, the Magic around him flared, as though the Ritual was already finished. As he took his second step, however, the Magic started to fly out of the Ritual. Try as he might, he could not keep the Magic moving the way that it seemed to demand in the Ritual. After taking a break, he tried again, paying close attention to where, exactly, the Magic seemed to lose resonance. It was on the lute. Understanding hit Jeb like a wall. He was the only dancer in the Ritual, yes, but he was not the only agent. The lute was equally as important to the flow of the Magic. Indeed, when he focused on moving Magic through the lute, he could keep it going. The only issue was that he could not dance while focusing on the lute. Jeb took another break, poring through the book to see if it had any references to a way to split his mind. It did not, only mentioning that this Ritual was commonly used by Mages hoping to improve their ability to split their minds. Nodding, Jeb closed the book. He had split his mind before, he knew. Picking up the lute, he started playing the notes for Lute Enforcement, focusing on how, exactly, he split his focus between the different strands of music and Magic. When the thread of his Mana made contact with the lute, just for a moment Jeb felt himself standing in both locations at once. The feeling was fleeting. He felt a part of his soul flare with exertion, and then the feeling broke. Setting the lute back down, Jeb searched his soul for the metaphorical muscle. After an uncounted number of calming breaths, he found it. He thought about the way that it had flared when he connected to the lute and tried to activate it again. His breath caught. It was like he had suddenly strapped boulders to every one of his limbs and crushed his chest between the waves. Just for a brief moment, his sense of self split. He was both the lute and Jeb. The feeling was even more fleeting than when he had played Lute Enforcement, and he came back to himself panting and covered in a cold sweat. Brushing it away from his brow, Jeb noted that the sweat was tinged slightly pink. Grimacing, he moved back to his room, cleaned himself, and took a meal. He knew what his next steps were, even if they were going to be difficult. Over the next days, Jeb kept flexing the muscle, coaxing his soul to bilocate, rather than simply tear in twain. Finally, feeling as though he was about to master the skill, he over exerted himself, and felt something inside of him rip. When he came back to himself, he found that he had moved to the Stacks and started writing music. He took a break until Dean Aquam came back after that. Chapter 189: Ready to Teleport When Dean Aquam made it back to the Academy, he sent Jeb a note asking him to meet as soon as possible. Jeb shrugged, set down the book on Glyph Magic he was reading, and went to the Deans office. Jeb, Dean Aquam began as soon as Jeb entered the room, does your hometown, he looked down at his notes, Humdrumville, have any legends of Magical creatures? Jeb cocked his head. None that I have heard of, he replied. Before he could continue, Aquam asked another question. Do you know of anyone who has received a Quest related to Magical creatures? Jebs heart sank. A part of him had truly hoped that he would be able to pretend that he had never gotten the Major Quest. His time at the Academy was clearly coming to an end. Umm, he began, and Dean Aquam pounced on the hesitation. What was the Quest? he demanded, tone ice cold. When I became a Classholder, Jeb said slowly, I was given a Major Quest to kill the Dragon of the East. Dean Aquam sighed, collapsing into his seat. I do not suppose that the Dragon was a metaphor for some sort of swarm, he half mumbled. I dont think so, Jeb replied, the Quest and Paragons made it seem like a literal Dragon. The reading that I did afterwards suggested the same thing. Why do you ask, though? Aquam took a moment to respond to the question. I suppose that there is no reason, he answered, then under his breath continued, they have not actually caused any harm as yet. The two sat in silence for a long moment before Aquam cleared his throat. Enough about that. How has your work on the Ritual progressed? On the bright side, Jeb began, I have managed to figure out the steps of the Ritual, and I understand why it only requires a single person. And on the less bright side? Aquam prompted, a hint of his generally affable demeanor slipping back in. I think that I need to somewhat split my soul, Jeb said, and while trying to do so, I felt something tear inside of me. Aquam nodded, lightness once again leaving his eyes. That is a common enough occurrence. Please tell me that you at least took a break after feeling the tear? Jeb nodded. What Primer were you following to learn how to separate your soul? Dean Aquam asked. Jeb grimaced. I didnt see anything about it in the Ritual book, so I assumed that it was just something I was supposed to figure out on my own. Aquam put his head in his hands and let out a long sigh. I told the Headmistress that something like this would happen, he muttered, so quietly that Jeb almost missed it. Ask Philip or Margaret for a Primer. Yes sir, Jeb replied. Aquam spent a few more minutes slowly defrosting and asking Jeb general life questions. When their conversation finished, Jeb returned to the Stacks and saw that Margaret had apparently already left him a Primer. Opening the cover, though, Jeb realized that it was the tome that had disappeared on him during his research, Rituals of Domination and Power. He set it aside and walked away, expecting it to disappear. After wandering through the Stacks for a full bell, Jeb gave up on trying to find one of the Librarians. He returned to his desk and saw that the book was still there, giving off a menacing energy. As he approached it, the tome opened to a section whose title was simply Souls. Repressing the urge to slam the book shut and give up on the entire Ritual, Jeb started to read. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Every word on the page seemed to burrow into his mind as he read it. The chapter began by claiming that Soul Magic was the most powerful School for a young Mage. Even as he tried to skim the introduction, Jeb found that he had a perfect recollection of each word and exactly what the author meant by it. A few pages in, he found exercises to help with soul bilocation. The book still made Jebs skin crawl, but he could not deny that the information within it was both informative and helpful. Not only did it explain what it meant for his soul to bilocate, but it went on to describe a number of methods for healing it more quickly in the event of a small tear. Jeb stopped reading after the third detailed exsanguination was described. Even if it was the slowest method of healing his soul, working on a Skill that he enjoyed was the only method the book described that he felt comfortable with. Closing his eyes, Jeb found the metaphorical muscle he had strained a few days before. It seemed healed, and he started stretching it as the book advised. The book advised thinking of the part of his soul as a string. When it pulled fully taut, Jeb was supposed to grasp for more fiber from the ether around him and use it to continue lengthening the thread. Even though it was generally filled with information, the tome was shockingly sparse on describing how Jeb would know when he had finished with bilocation. The thread kept growing, inch by excruciating inch, until Jeb suddenly felt his lute. Even though it was in his room, Jeb felt as though his lute was right there with him. Jeb sat up, hardly noticing that he had lain down with the book open on his chest while Meditating, and ran to his room. After quickly picking up his lute, he rushed to his field and set the lute down in the center of the circle. Delving deeply into himself, Jeb found the string of his soul and carefully tied it around the lute, acting more on instinct than anything else. When he finished tying the knot, the thread seemed to melt into itself, and Jeb could feel himself both at the lute and in his own feet. It was more than a little awkward dancing, shaping the magic with his movement, and controlling the Ritual from the lute position, but Jeb felt his ability improve with each pass of the dance. As the first rays of dawn broke the horizon, Jeb completed the Ritual. The lute appeared in his hand. How, exactly, it had covered the intervening space, Jeb was unsure. Setting it down, he opened the book of Ritual Magic back up. If he always had to have the lute in the middle of the circle he danced, it would not be particularly useful for summoning to him. Looking at the book, Jeb found a new page where he was certain that there hadnt been before. It described how, once the Ritual was completed a single time, the dancer would be able to summon any Bound object by following a second Ritual. Shrugging, Jeb set the lute down and decided to try it out. The new Ritual was far faster and easier, requiring only twenty seconds of movement. When Jeb finished dancing in a small circle, he felt the leash he had made around his lute suddenly flare into existence for a moment, and then the lute was in his hands. Jeb was tempted to try summoning one of his bees, but worried about the fact that he had no way to send them back once they appeared in front of him. Turning back to the first Ritual, Jeb noticed that there was now a commentary describing how the Ritual had been constructed. Jeb slung his lute over his shoulder and retreated to the Stacks to continue researching. When Rituals of Domination and Power was gone from his desk, he did not mind in the slightest. Jeb set the Ritual book down and began taking notes on what each step in the dance did. To his surprise, the Ritual did not cause the teleportation. What it did, apparently, was split his soul and teach it to connect to other objects. It was apparently common for High Tier Mages to spar with each other by setting their souls in opposition over an object. The Ritual ended with the Summoning Ritual that he had found on the next page, however. Jeb turned to it, hoping that it would be as well annotated. To his disappointment, however, the Ritual remained a list of directions. Jeb dug into his soul and found his Magic Skill ready to work. He focused on it and the Ritual, trying to tease apart exactly what had happened in the teleportation. Bells tolled as Jeb worked, though he did not hear them. When he reached over to grab a new sheet of paper for notes, only to find the wood of the desk, Jeb frowned. He knew that he had set plenty of pages down for note taking. Looking at the desk, however, Jeb realized that he had been working for far longer than he had intended. A veritable tome of unbound pages sat in front of him. It described the flow of Magic through the entire teleportation Ritual, along with diagrams showing the places where it stopped behaving as something physical. Jeb stood up, vision disappearing for a moment as he realized that he had not eaten, drunk, or slept in likely days. After a quick trip to the cafeteria, Jeb returned to his room, set the lute gingerly in its case, and collapsed in his bed. Jeb dreamed. Jeb dreamed of music. Jeb dreamed of power. Chapter 190: Teleportation When he woke up, Jebs mouth tasted like ashes, and he had no recollection of his dreams. Smacking his gums, he tried to clear the taste away. When that failed, he Conjured Water to rinse his mouth out. Burnt flavor lingering in his mouth, Jeb made his way to the cafeteria. Jeb heard the chiming of the bells and was relieved to find that it was a reasonable hour of the day for him to be rising. When the seventh bell stopped chiming, Jeb cautiously took a sip of the juice he had taken. Between that and the hearty breakfast, he once again felt fully in control of himself when he returned to the Library. At his desk, Jeb felt as though there was a book missing, though he could not think of the name of any missing tome. After carefully reading the labels of each book on the desk, he was still unable to figure out which was missing. With nothing else to distract him, Jeb looked at the disheveled pile of papers in front of him. Sighing slightly, he returned to the entrance of the Library and grabbed another large stack of blank pages. To his relief, the manic writing he had done the day before was not, in fact, completely illegible. Being able to make out the letters he had written, however, did not make the writing any more comprehensible. He kept finding references to The Power Tome, as though that was a book Jeb had checked out and was reading beside his work. It was obvious that he had been using a shortened version of the tomes name, but there was not a single book that he could remember that focused on power, whatever that meant. Sighing, Jeb rubbed at his eyes. The figures and graphs, which he remembered feeling completely natural the day before, suddenly hurt his eyes when he tried to focus on them. Jeb tried to recreate them on another piece of paper, but found that his hand was unwilling to copy the strokes. Somehow, that was the final warning Jeb needed to realize that something had gone wrong. He carefully stood and backed away from the desk, doing his best not to seem too worried. As soon as the desk was out of sight, Jeb sprinted into the hallways and to the Deans office. Dean Aquam, Jeb panted, gasping for air. He beat on the door frantically, more than a little unsure why he was so concerned. Something about the entire situation felt off enough that Jeb was willing to trust the instincts in him which called for panic, though. The door suddenly swung open. Jeb? Dean Aquams voice floated out, tone soft and calming, is something the matter? I dont know, Jeb said, barreling into the Deans office and slamming the door shut behind him. He tried to explain what had happened this morning, but found that he could not speak of what went wrong. Every time that he tried to mention the Power Tome, his voice said something else instead, as though he had lost control over his own words. Jeb was still able to convey the idea that he was concerned about his notes, however, and Dean Aquam offered to come look them over. Back inside the Stacks, Jeb was glad to see that the pages appeared undisturbed from where he had left them. He handed them over to the Dean, who began paging through them quickly, scanning the pages for something. When he had gone through the entire stack, he handed it back to Jeb. Jeb, he said, voice carefully controlled, would you attempt something for me? Jeb nodded. Close your eyes and try to call Rituals of Domination and Power to your hand. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Jeb frowned but did as the Dean requested. He felt a weight settle into his hands, and Aquam was noding when he opened his eyes. Do you know what this book is? he asked. Now that the tome was in his hands again, Jebs memories came flooding back. The diagrams on the page once again made sense. As he reached for the packet, however, the Dean swatted his hand away. Give me the book, he said, tone as encompassing as the ocean. Jebs hand moved before the rest of him caught up, giving the Dean the book. As soon as the tome left his hands, his mind felt clear again. The diagram was still parsable, though it was no longer as plain as it had been. Did you read this tome? Dean Aquam asked. Jeb nodded. Its how I learned to split my soul. I would advise you to not use the book any further for at least a few years. Do you mind if I keep it in my office? Despite the wording, it was clear that Dean Aquam was not giving Jeb an option. Thats fine, Jeb said anyways. The book disappeared into the Deans robes, and he walked out of the Stacks. Apparently their conversation was over. Now that Jeb knew what had happened, at least on some level, he was hesitant to resume his research. The promise of visiting his family, however, led him back to the stack of pages. Without the unheard voice of the Rituals of Domination and Power guiding him, Jeb ended up needing to rewrite most of his notes. No longer consumed by a frantic need to work, he listened to his body and took breaks as it asked. As much as he was proud of himself for listening to his bodys needs, Jeb could not deny that he worked far less efficiently when he was not consumed by mania. Still, a few days before the next term was due to begin, Jeb set his pen down. He had a Ritual that he was nearly positive would work. It was not anywhere near as clean or polished as any other Ritual he had seen, and Jeb was sure that it would be leaking most of the Magic that he called into it. If he knew more, Jeb was certain that he could refine the Ritual without needing to actually perform it. Alas, he did not. Jeb picked up the single page with the summary of the Ritual, took his lute from his room, and moved to the farm. He set the lute down and moved a few paces away. Unlike the Ritual to call the lute to himself, the Ritual he had designed still required motion. Jeb started moving in a circle, moderating his breath and each of his limbs. As he danced, he cast his mind to where he knew the lute sat. Even though Jeb could clearly visualize the lute sitting on the grass when he closed his eyes, the Magic in the Ritual did not flare. His Magic Affinity was high enough that the Mana did not try too hard to escape, though he did notice more than a little dissipate into the atmosphere. When the Magic within the circle had grown to the point that Jeb was struggling to control it at all, he still could not connect to the lute. Running out of strength to resist, he reached out with his soul. The Ritual seemed to amplify his soul, sending a signal out into the ether. It quickly reverberated around the shape of an object he knew well. Jeb felt the string of his soul resonate, and it shot out towards the lute. He followed the thread, trusting his body to move with his mind. After a brief lurching feeling, Jeb opened his eyes again. He was a few strides away, directly beside his lute. Jebs stomach roiled and he turned to empty it on the grass. Thats something Ill need to work on, he decided. Still, the Ritual had worked. Jeb was able to teleport, even if it was far more effort than it was worth for the few strides he had saved. He left the lute where it was and moved back to his room in the dormitory. Once again, he started dancing. Rather than attempting to picture the exact scene that the lute inhabited, Jeb simply cast his soul in the general direction of the farm. Given the unstable reality of the Academys geography, the direction was entirely a matter of feeling, rather than any sort of intellectual knowledge about their relative positions. No longer a string, Jebs soul rushed out in a wave. It condensed around the lute again, and he felt the lurching feeling again. Once again beside his lute, Jeb found that he was far less nauseous than he had been the first time. He had gotten used to the feeling of his entire body reshaping and relocating quickly. Jeb debated between fixing the Ritual more and visiting his family. Given that there were only a few days left of the break, Jeb started dancing again. The taste of honey started filling his mouth. Chapter 191: Return of the Bees Jebs soul started reaching out. His lute, of course, was right next to him, and began to resonate. Ignoring it, he pushed further, searching for the other ties to his soul. For a moment, Jeb was surprised at how many different places his soul seemed to want to connect. Remembering that the Swarm, despite being a unified whole, was also a collection of individual bees, however, Jeb had to decide which bee to teleport to. The fact that the closest by was not the strongest signal confused him a little, but Jeb reasoned that it made some sense that the queen might be further than the closest workers. Jeb focused on the feeling of once again being near the hive and willed himself to be there. The sense of being nowhere and everywhere all at the same time returned. Given how much longer the feeling had lasted when Jeb teleported from his room to the farm as opposed to just a few steps, he half expected to remain in the lack of space for far longer. However, after what felt like just a few breaths, Jeb felt his body reassemble and the faintest wave of nausea wash over him. Looking around, however, he did not recognize where he had reformed. He did recognize his bees, though. They had grown slightly since the last time he had seen them. Each worker was now at least the size of Jebs thumb. More than that, though, the Swarm had apparently grown stronger as Jeb did. Even though they did not actively radiate Magic, Jebs Magical vision let him see that they were all brimming with potent Attuned Mana. Fire and Water bees flew side by side with more esoteric Elements that Jeb had encountered in his different courses. He saw Flame and Steam Bees and even what seemed to be a single Ale Bee floating around their small hive. The hive was a larger than standard wild bee hive, not the frames that Jeb had carefully arranged for them. What happened to the frames? Jeb asked the bees as they danced happily around him. The bees started moving as a whole, communicating as a single organism. Unlike before, Jeb found that he could understand their dance as easily as if he was speaking to one of his classmates. These bees, as it turned out, were a scouting hive, sent by the Queen of Queens to be nearby to Jeb. Where are we? he asked, looking for any familiar landmarks. As the bees started dancing their idea of geography, Jebs mind started connecting the different comments his Professors had made over the terms. Somehow, the Swarm was able to communicate their travels in terms of distance and direction in units that made sense to Jeb. He tried to remember how far away the Capital was from his home, but realized that he had never paid particular attention to the scale. One moment, Jeb said to the hive before beginning his teleportation dance. The bees caught on quickly and helped to keep the Magic in the Ritual from spilling out. Jeb was once again reminded of how much more smoothly his Magic had worked back when he was on the farm. At the time, he had thought that he was just in a new space and dealing with the trauma of being kidnapped. Now that he was reunited with his bees, however, Jeb realized that the bees were also integral to his old Magic. A few moments later, Jeb was once again beside his lute in the farm. He slung it over his shoulder and moved into the Stacks, hoping that he would be able to find a map of the Republic somewhere. To his surprise, the Stacks led him back out into the general portion of the Library. Jeb looked around, confused and wondering which Librarian had asked for him. As he kept wandering around, though, the Library and Academy kept returning him to the same spot. Jeb finally stopped and looked around. His eyes settled on the back wall, which he had never really noticed. It was a large map of the entire Republic with a helpful scale. Humdrumville, unsurprisingly, was not labeled. Midville, however, was thankfully labeled, and Jeb knew they were just a few miles away. Eyeballing with the scale, Jeb grimaced. The bees were just a few dozen miles from the Capital. He still was not positive that the Magical creatures that the Dean was referring to were the bees, but Jeb had a sinking feeling that they were. Jeb returned to his room, set the lute down, and teleported back to the bees. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Question, Jeb asked the bees as they danced around him. Have you seen Professors from the Academy? The bees danced in confusion, unsure of the meaning of either a Professor or an Academy. Jeb rephrased the question, have there been Mages coming and looking at you? The hive danced their agreement, highlighting the few bees who had Attuned themselves to the sense of Magic that the visiting Mages had brought. Jeb blinked in surprise. He had not known that his bees were able to Attune themselves to individual Mages different signatures. More importantly, though, he could no longer deny the truth. One of the bees radiated the sense ocean, the rain in the sky, and the sense of a river. It was almost as familiar to Jeb as his own signature. After all, it wasnt as though he went many days without seeing Dean Aquam. I have many questions, he said to his bees. Watching them start to dance in concern, however, he smiled. None of them are more important than asking how the Hive has been doing, though. The bees started dancing happily again, regaling Jeb with tales of just how much the Hive had grown. This scouting colony was a few miles away from the next one. The Swarm, as they informed him, had been instructed by the Queen of Queens to start spreading out from their home until they found their Binder. I appreciate it, Jeb said, lightly stroking the queen of the hive. Something inside of him warmed at the knowledge that the bees had gone through all of this trouble for him. He thought that he had come to terms with the fact that his family had just let him be taken, but he realized that was not entirely true. Now that he was surrounded by his own bees again, Jeb realized that he would not let himself be taken so easily ever again. That realization struck him as he danced his way back to the Academy. Jeb had not realized how much his time at the Academy had changed him, but it was hard for him to deny any longer. Gone was the boy who trusted all authority unthinkingly, who would do what he was told. Jeb still had every intention of following most laws, but he would resist if the Censusmaster tried to kidnap him again. More than that, though, Jeb was less and less sure that he was comfortable with the nature of the Guilds. The Enchanting Guild refused to let Jeb make someones life easier, only because Jebs Skill was not explicitly called Enchanting. Even the Brewers Guild, who Jeb generally felt positively about, had only let him ply his wares because there were no other Alchemical Brewers in the Capital. He shook the thoughts away when he found himself in his dormitory room. Taking a piece of paper, Jeb debated how best to begin the note. After consideration, he put his pen down and wrote, Dean Aquam, skipping the greeting. His pen froze again. Sighing, Jeb decided that he would have to go through multiple drafts of the letter to the Dean. In the end, he ended up going through five sheets of paper before he had a version of the note that he was satisfied with.
Dean Aquam,
I believe that I have figured out what the Magical creatures you encountered were. They are the bees that I Bound myself to before coming to the Academy. As it turns out, they were no more comfortable with our separation than I was.
I have figured out the Teleportation Ritual and will be spending the rest of the term break at home.
Best,
Jeb
He was not entirely satisfied with the letter, but Jeb couldnt deny that it was more or less everything that he wanted to say to the Dean. Folding it carefully, he asked the Academy to deliver the letter. It vanished, and Jeb assumed that it was going to appear on Aquams desk in a few moments. Hoping to beat the Deans reading, Jeb quickly started to dance, once again casting his soul out. What he had initially thought were individual bees, Jeb now realized were the different hives of the swarm. He kept searching, more than a little impressed at how efficiently and quickly his hive had spread through the Republic. Near the center of the constellation of light, one blazed particularly bright. Hoping that it was the Hive, Jeb focused his Magic on the point and started to travel. An eternity later, Jeb looked at the sky. At first, it seemed as though he had gone back in time somehow. The sun was higher in the sky than it had been when he left the last bees. Remembering how far away the Capital was from his home, though, Jeb realized what had happened. He blinked a few times, hardly recognizing the farm. The two frames that he had constructed for the bees had disappeared, swallowed in a vast network of frames and honey. Casting his eyes out to the rest of the farm, Jeb saw that the hives had changed the least. Chapter 192: Welcome Home Jeb did not have long to consider the changes that time had brought to the farm. The bees began to demonstrate why a group of them were called a swarm, enveloping Jeb in a cloud of rapidly beating wings. In just a few moments, Jeb could not even see his own outstretched hand, the mass of bees cutting out his entire vision. He reveled in the connection, feeling the bees as much with his soul as with his body. Jeb was home. Of course, the relaxing feeling of being surrounded by his bees could not last for long. A few minutes into his homecoming, Jeb heard a raised voice and felt the bees pull away. Jeb? his mother asked, surprise more than plain in the tone of her voice and stance. Jeb didnt say anything, rushing towards his mother and embracing her in a hug. She smelled like freshly baked bread, clean water, and something else. She smelled like home. His cheeks started to feel wet, and it took him a few moments to realize that he was crying. His Academy robes started to grow moist as his mother let out her own tears. Finally, Jeb felt his mothers tight grasp slacken. He pulled back and looked at her, noticing that he had grown just a little taller than when he had left. With no real touchstones during his time traveling and the steady march of time in the Academy, Jeb hadnt noticed his new height. Staring down at the face of his mother, though, he could no longer deny the change. Youve grown! his mother exclaimed, commenting on the same. Her eyes narrowed and she began to look at him more intently. And youve Tiered Up at least a few times. She let out a sigh. I know that life goes faster in the Capital, but I hadnt been expecting to see you at Level Eight so soon. How can you tell? Jeb asked. His mother gave him a soft smile. Im still your mother, she said, tone mock chiding, of course I can tell when things have changed. Their conversation was broken by his aunts sudden arrival. I noticed that the bees- she began, cutting off when she saw Jeb. She also ran forward, enfolding Jeb in a tight hug that smelled of yeast and honey. He had known that his Magical senses had grown since leaving home, but he hadnt realized how much his mundane senses had grown. After quickly catching her up on his experience Brewing, Jeb followed his family back to his home. As he walked, Jeb noticed all the small ways that life was different here than at the Academy or Capital. Some were obvious, like the lack of conversation and animal sounds in their place. Others were subtler, the sense of tranquility that permeated the farm or the way that Jeb felt as though he could navigate the entire place with his eyes sealed shut. That realization led Jeb to understanding the strange feeling that he had been feeling since coming home. Everything felt slightly more real on his familys farm. The rare moments that the Dean or Headmistress had focused their attention on the world around them had given Jeb glimpses of the way that reality could be firmed. A similar sense pervaded the air and ground, though the feeling was far from identical. Unlike Aquam or Petras glares, there was no underlying malice or threat in the reality surrounding Jeb. It was a good reminder that, unlike the Academy, there were no hallways to take Jeb from point to point without dealing with the intervening space. If Jeb wanted to go to the Brewing barn or see the fields he had first bred Watergrass in, he would need to go there on foot. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Lost in his thoughts, Jeb hardly noticed that they had made it back to the house. He heard the faint sounds of a hammer striking metal and knew that his grandfather was working in the forge. Other sounds and senses gave Jeb an idea of the locations of most of his family, even as he tuned it out. His mother was updating him on everything that had changed on the farm and in the town since he had left. You just missed the harvest, she said, eyes twinkling. Then again, Im sure that the entire town would have been completely extraneous with a Farming Mage helping. Jeb froze. His mother had known his Level, so he had just assumed that she would also know his Class. It struck him that he had left as a First Tier Least Mud Mage, almost as far from the Wizard that he was now as he could have gotten. After all, it was allegedly a Novel Class, which Jeb had to assume meant he was the first to earn it, at least in recent times. His mother paused, noting the change in Jebs stance. Even though Jeb didnt know how to tell her, a part of him grew suddenly warm at the way that she immediately noticed something had changed in him. His entire family had always been tuned into the way that he felt, just as he had always felt some connection to the way that they felt. Jebs time in the Academy had shown him how inscrutable most peoples emotions were, and he let himself dwell on that thought, just for a moment. Jeb? his mother asked again, this time far more gently. The way her eyes moved told him that she was replaying the conversation in her head, trying to figure out what she had said that caused Jeb to react so strongly. Before she could figure it out, though, Jeb grit his teeth and spoke. Im not a Farming Mage, he said, a little surprised at how firm his tone was. When I first Tiered Up, I was given the option to become a Wizard, focusing on Magic and learning the underpinnings of how it works. He tried to continue, telling his mother that he had started to give up of his dreams of tying Magic to Farming, but found that his words were gone. When he was trapped at the Academy, it had felt like a coping mechanism. Forgetting about the family that loved him so much was the only way that he could function. Now that he was back, though, he realized that he had abandoned more than just his brief childlike dream. He had cast aside everything that his family stood for and everything they had taught him. His mother came over and wrapped him in another hug, somehow tighter than the first. Unlike that hug, there was no element of surprise. This hug was meant entirely to convey a mothers love and comfort. Jeb leaned into the hug, letting the words go unsaid. When the hug ended, his mother chuckled. Im sorry, she said, failing to stifle her laughter, I dont mean to make light of what youre feeling. I just cannot help but be reminded of the day you came home with your First Class. You were just as terrified about telling us that you had gotten a Magical Class, even though all of us had assumed as much. You have always had a deep interest in Magic, if the fact that you learned two Glyphs without any Skills to help you didnt make that clear enough. Jeb blinked in confusion. No one mentioned that, he protested. It didnt seem relevant, his mother said with a shrug. We probably would have discussed it before you received a new Class, but, she trailed off, clearly unsure how to end the sentence. Jeb didnt let them dwell, barreling through the uncomfortable topic, relevant as it was to the fact that Jeb and his mother were catching up on his time away. I did learn to Weave while away, he said, trying to think of something that could not be brought back to his forced absence. Im sure that your uncle will be happy to hear that, his mother said, clearly willing to let him move the conversation. Before they could get much further through, though, his sister came through the door. Jeb let the conversation drop, catching up with his sister. The rest of the day followed in a similar fashion, as more and more members of his family trickled in, called by the news that their prodigal son had returned. Chapter 193: Difficult Conversations Dinner that night was a far larger affair than Jeb had been expecting. In retrospect, though, it made sense. His family had always taken the chance to celebrate, and his return was apparently a reason. Jeb understood that, objectively speaking, it was somewhat exciting that their kidnapped child had returned. It just didnt feel that major to him. As dinner finished, he helped clean up and reset the kitchen for the morning. Jeb was washing the table when he felt a hand grasp his shoulder. Jeb, his grandfather said, now that you have had some time to view the wider world, I think that it might be best for you to hear a little more of the familys history. Jeb looked up from his washing, noting that many of his aunts and uncles had returned to the kitchen. Do you know how you are related to me? his Aunt Esther asked. Jeb shook his head. He had never really thought about it, but the exact blood ties that bound each member of his family had never come up before. The two of us are not related by blood, she said. The same is true for most of your extended family. What binds us together is not a shared parentage, but choices we have made. She gestured at his grandfather, who took the cue and began to speak. As you know, I am your fathers father, his grandfather said, instantly quashing the fear that had started to rise in Jeb. What you may not know, however, is that I have not always lived here, and I have not always been a Farm Overseer. Jeb nodded. I had assumed, he said, drawing surprised looks from the rest of the family, Farm Overseer would obviously be a High Tier Class. His grandfather chuckled. It is, but that is not what I was getting at. Before I was a Farmer, I lived in the Capital. Or, at least, I lived there when I wasnt at the borders of the Republic. His grandfather took a deep breath, as though whatever he was about to say was almost too painful to let out. Before I was a Farmer, I was a member of the Republican Army. At the age of twenty four, I was already nearly at the peak of Tier Nine. However, I realized that I could not continue the way that I had been. The last few battles I fought- he stopped, clearly struggling to force any more words out. With a rueful laugh, he continued, well, I wont trouble your nightmares with what I saw. Suffice to say that what I saw killed the part of me that had always believed in the glory of fighting and killing for the Republic. I moved to an empty spot of land as far from the Capital and border as I could. Working the land without any Skills to aid me was difficult, I will not deny that. When I finally broke through the Tier Barrier, I was offered a choice. Tonight doesnt need to be completely maudlin, one of his uncles said, cutting his grandfathers story short. Youve covered the important parts of the story for Jeb. Turning to Jeb, he recounted, most of us have left our past lives behind, whether that meant Adventuring, the Army, crime, or anything else. That is a major reason that the Censusmaster dislikes the family so much. His Aunt Esther took up the role of speaker. We are all sorry for not better preparing you for life outside of the farm. As painful as the memories are for us to recount, it was unfair of us to let you see the broader Republic without any preparation. The only defense I can offer is that we thought we had more time. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Im not entirely sure I understand what youre apologizing for, Jeb said hesitantly. Seeing the shock return to his familys faces, he quickly added, not that life has been perfect since leaving, but my life really hasnt been that difficult. I joined the Academy as soon as I got to the Capital, and they told me that I didnt need to worry about the debt that the Censusmaster had saddled me with. After that, I spent most of my time within the walls of the Academy, learning different Magics. His mother came over and wrapped him in a warm hug. Im happy to hear that, she said, tears in her voice. The world is often a dark and painful place. That you have managed to avoid it so far is more than I could have hoped for. Be that as it may, his grandfather said, retaking control over the conversation, we have already failed to prepare you once. Understandable as our motivations may have been, it would be inexcusable for us to neglect your education a second time. Looking around, he noticed that everyone seemed exhausted. Just the little that they had said and shared seemed to have been almost more than any of them could handle. We can cover that in the morning, though, his grandfather relented. Im sure that everyone would appreciate the time to consider what information you think it most vital for Jeb to learn. Im sure that the Academy will eventually notice Jebs absence, and it is not hard to assume that they will think to search here. Jeb interrupted his grandfather, something he never would have imagined doing before his time away from home. Grandfather, Im going back to the Academy. The next term starts in a few days. The air in the room grew suddenly tense. Just for a moment, Jeb saw a hardness in his grandfathers eyes that he had never seen before. It was clear that, whatever his role in the army was, it was not one which was insulated from carnage. Why would you do that? his grandfather asked, each word landing like a stone. Jeb cocked his head, unsure why it was an issue. Im enrolled in the Academy, he explained. As grateful as I am to be back home, and as much as I plan to return often, there is so much that I cannot learn here. Next term I will be learning more about Ritual Magic. The Brewery Ive started needs me to continue Brewing. I have friends that would be worried about my absence. How will you return? his mother asked. The same way that I arrived here, Jeb said, I will teleport back to my lute. Actually, he began to think aloud, the bees are close enough to the Capital that I might just be able to teleport to them. He shrugged the idea off, no, until I have time to explore I feel like its best to teleport to something that I know is within the Academy. You can teleport? an aunt Jeb didnt recognize asked. Yeah! Jeb said excitedly, tracing diagrams in the air. So theres a Ritual which- His grandfather cut him off. If you are certain that you wish to return to the Capital, that is your right. How much time do you have before you must return? Four days, Jeb said. Im not entirely sure of the time difference between our two locations, so I want to make sure to get there with time to spare. Well, then, his grandfather said, dismissing the group, everyone consider what wisdom you feel it most essential to give Jeb in the four days that he has left with us. The crowd dispersed, everyone returning to their rooms to sleep. Jeb started to walk up the stairs before pausing, unsure whether he still had a bed to sleep in. Your room is as you left it, his mother said with a sad smile. Jeb nodded and headed upstairs. He laid down in his bed and tried to quiet his thoughts. The room felt completely familiar, as he had expected from the bed he spent almost his entire life in. Something felt different though. As he tossed and turned, Jeb realized that it was him who had changed. The indentation that his body had left in the bed was a slightly different shape than what he was now. The sounds of nature outside, faint though they were, sounded almost deafening compared to the complete silence of the Academy dormitories. Even the texture of his bedding was different, pressing on his skin in a way that reminded Jeb of his body. Trying to fall asleep, he did his best to tune out the comments from his body. When the sun started to cast rays into his bedroom, he gave up on the idea of sleep and went downstairs. One day without sleep wasnt going to harm him too much. Chapter 194: Con-grad-ulations As it turned out, Jeb did not only miss a single night of sleep. Each of his family members took his deadline to heart, giving him just a brief vignette of the darker edges of the Republic. One uncle spoke of the years spent starving, begging for any scrap of food that someone would spare him. Another aunt told Jeb about the years she had spent as a sword for hire, killing anyone for a pittance. Others told even more harrowing tales. For the next three nights, Jeb lay awake, nightmares flashing through his eyes whenever he closed them. Even with the somber tone of his visit, Jeb found it difficult to work up the motivation to begin his dance. Looking at his sister as she waved goodbye, he realized that they had not shared more than a few stolen minutes to talk between all of his familys advice. Seeing the tears well in her eyes, he swallowed his guilt about leaving and started the teleportation Ritual. Once again, the bees swarmed around him, lending their own Magics to the dance. A few seconds later, Jeb looked around at the site of his dormitory room. Nothing had changed in the few days that he had been gone. Despite that, the room felt colder and darker. Jeb went to the cafeteria, hoping that a small meal might help him prepare for the upcoming term. When he looked at the stalls filled with fresh food, though, he could not forget the hunger that so many of his family had suffered. Whatever happened to the leftovers each night, Jeb was certain that they were not given to the hungry outside of the Academy walls. No longer hungry, he filled a mug with hot water and Brewed a cup of tea. Sitting at an empty table, Jeb began to drink the hot liquid. He looked around, but realized with a start that he did not recognize anyone. Jebs tea grew cold as he sat around, waiting for a single familiar face. Taking a sip of the now room temperature beverage, Jeb nearly spat it out. He had let it steep for far too long. Sighing, he poured it out and stood to leave the cafeteria. Maybe everyone will be in the Emporium? he thought, more hoping than believing. Walking through the half-real halls of the Academy, Jeb began to sense something coming from the other end. He sped up, interest peaked by the novelty. Reaching the door to the Emporium, Jeb frowned. The sense of something greater laid behind the doorway. Suddenly nervous, he gripped the handle and pulled the door open. Surprise! came a roar as Jeb stepped through the door. As he looked around, he realized that almost every person he had made a connection with during his time at the Academy was currently standing in the Emporium. The Emporium had never been that large before, and Jeb found himself wondering how, exactly, everyone had managed to fit into the space. Jeb turned the thought away as a blinding pain stabbed into his temple. Whatever was happening in the space, it was clear that Jeb was not a high enough Tier to visualize it well. What is this? he asked, mind unable to construct a better sentence. We wanted to congratulate you on graduating! Declan said, rushing over with a mug of something light and frothy. He handed it to Jeb, who took it. What? he repeated, brain almost completely stopping. Thankfully, Dean Aquam came over before Jeb could repeat the same word too many more times. Jeb, it occurs to me that you and I have never discussed your graduation requirements. There was a glimmer in his eyes that let Jeb know the Dean had planned this event to catch him off guard. Given that the Academy intends for students to leave the Remedial College before graduation, there are no specific graduation requirements for the college. As a result, the only methods of obtaining a degree require meeting the general Academy requirements. That is, you need to have demonstrated a theoretical or practical Magic at the level expected of a senior graduate. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Jeb nodded, slowly piecing together what Aquam was trying to imply. He tried to think about which project he had accomplished that was at the level of a graduate student. Nothing came to mind. You have no idea what hes talking about, do you? Margaret asked, coming over with her own mug of ale. Rolling her eyes, she continued, Jeb, do you know what percentage of the population has access to stable teleportation? Jeb shook his head. The answer is zero, to a high number of significant figures. Those who can usually have significant restrictions on their ability. Do you understand why your Ritual might be considered something at the level of a graduate now? Oh. Jeb had no idea how to reply. His mind raced to catch up, and he finally found something to say, I havent finished writing up the Ritual, though. I dont think that someone else would be able to recreate what I did from my notes yet. Aquam took control of the conversation again. I had assumed as much. After finishing your next term of courses, that will be your major assignment, at least until you are finished. Jeb blinked. Im assigned to solely work on a single project? he asked, hardly daring to hope that the Dean would agree. More or less, Dean Aquam confirmed. You will be expected to attend seminars relevant to your field and studies, and in time you will also be expected to give a seminar of your own. At some point, you will also need to decide what your thesis will be, but that need not be a high priority. And, of course, Margaret cut in, all of this is a conversation for another day. For today, all you need to do is celebrate. She handed Jeb a mug of the same light beverage that everyone in the room seemed to be drinking. It smelled of berries, and he took a hesitant sip. Whatever the drink was, it was delicious. The scent of berries was mirrored in the flavor, which reminded him of the mornings he spent picking berries with his sister. The pop of bubbles tickled his tongue, and Jeb forgot the conversation he was having for a moment. He looked up from his glass, remembering that he was in the middle of a party. The Dean had walked away, but others were forming a queue to come talk to him. Professor Bearson was at the front of the line, and he strode forward, gripping Jebs free hand in a large paw. Congratulations young man, he said, low voice booming in the space. I am certain that many Professors will be suggesting projects for you in the coming months. Do your best to avoid over committing yourself too early in your doctoral work. Thank you for the advice, Jeb said. Bearson chuckled, and now to be somewhat hypocritical, Therese will be completing her doctoral work in a few terms, and I will be in need of a new teaching assistant. Would you have interest in fulfilling your teaching requirements in Theoretical Enchanting? That sounds great! Jeb said excitedly. He caught himself quickly, though I am not entirely certain that I will be able to do so. The Professor nodded and patted Jeb on the back. Look at you, already learning to be political. He walked away, returning to the bar to refill his mug. The other Professors that Jeb had taken classes from echoed similar sentiments, advising Jeb against taking too many projects while suggesting something for him to work on. The days without sleep were beginning to weigh on him, and he did his best to start edging towards the doorway out of the Emporium. Jebs friends and classmates made the going slower. The party showed no signs of ending even as he opened the door to leave. Back in his dormitory room, Jeb laid down and tried to prepare himself for the coming term. The knowledge that these courses would apparently be the last ones he would take did not help. His thoughts kept moving more and more quickly, even as his eyes grew heavier. In the battle between a mind that did not want to stop and a body that had hit its limit, his body finally won. Jeb drifted off to nightmares of everything that had happened to his family. Chapter 195: A Chance Meeting As the term progressed, Jeb found his nightmares coming less and less frequently. In part, he felt that he was better coming to terms with what he had heard. In part, as with all memories, the stories his family told him faded slightly. And of course, the fact that his waking moments revolved around the Ritual had an effect. Jeb managed to keep up with his courses, though he knew that a major reason for that was that every one of his Professors knew he was graduating soon, and lessened their expectations accordingly. His focus on transcribing the Ritual even affected his ability to participate in Dean Aquams course. Every time that the Dean asked the students to consider the way that the Magic moved as they danced, Jeb found that he was only able to compare the motion to the way Magic moved in the Teleportation Ritual. It got to the point that Dean Aquam simply stopped calling on Jeb during class discussions. When the term finally ended, Jeb breathed a sigh of relief. Now that he didnt have any courses to worry about, he could finally focus on the Ritual. The fact that his different courses met at prescribed times meant that he was only able to work on making his notes more legible and complete, rather than actually working to improve the Ritual. With the freedom that the term break allowed, though, he was able to start refining the actual Magic, rather than just bothering with the busy work. Jeb lost himself in the work and hardly noticed when the term break came to an end. In all honesty, Jeb had to admit that he did not notice the first two days of the new term. The only indication he had that something had changed came when he woke up in his dormitory, vaguely remembering shambling back from the Stacks the night before. There was a sheet of paper hanging in front of his doorway, and he looked at it, curious what it said.
Jeb,
There is a seminar this afternoon that I believe you would find interesting. Please attend.
Dean Aquam
Jeb noted the address and time on the page and moved to the cafeteria, unsure how much time he had before the lecture began. He arrived at the cafeteria and listened to the chiming bells, relieved that he still had a few hours to prepare for the seminar. After eating a rushed breakfast, he returned to the Stacks to make sure that his notes from the previous days research were at least slightly more legible. He finished revising them just before he needed to move to the lecture hall. Arriving in the lecture hall, Jeb looked around to see who else was in attendance. He didnt see a single person that he recognized, not that he was particularly surprised. The only post graduate students he met had been in the Ritual Magic course with him, and it was entirely possible that he would be unable to pick them out of the crowd of sitting people. The lecturer was equally unfamiliar. Jeb took his seat just as he began speaking. The specific way that Magic flows through Glyphs is known to change between each Tier of Glyph. Many in the audience nodded at that claim, though Jeb had never heard as much. Seeing the diagrams of Magic flow for the first seven Tiers of Glyphs, though, Jeb saw that the first few, at least, mirrored his own experience of how Magic moved through Glyphs. I propose a method of understanding Glyph construction which unifies these disparate paths, the lecturer continued. A small bit of muttering broke out at that claim, though it was relatively subdued. Jeb did his best to follow along with the talk, though he had no idea what the different theories or names the lecturer referred to meant. When the talk concluded, the lecturer was met with a flurry of questions. He took them well, Jeb noticed; it was clear that he had been expecting push back at his claims. That lecture set the tone for most of the rest of the term. On days where there was no lecture, Jeb would stay cooped up at his desk in the Stacks, working on the Ritual. On days that Jeb heard about an interesting lecture, he would instead work to make sure that his notes were all in order and then listen to a speaker discuss their research. They were almost exclusively interesting, and he listened to research in every field of Magic he had learned, with the notable exception of Ritual Magic. None compelled Jeb to change anything about his own life, until the final lecture of the term. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. It is my great pleasure to welcome our newest Professor of Glyphs, Headmistress Petra began, introducing the speaker. She comes to us from the Army, where she has spent the last fifteen years teaching Glyph modification to promising recruits. After some polite applause, the speaker took the stage. She had a commanding presence, and Jeb noted that her movements seemed far more controlled than most of the lectures he had seen. It wasnt that she never gestured to her diagrams, it was just she never gestured aimlessly. Jeb listened attentively, following the talk better now that he was aware of the different names and theories in Glyph Magic. When she had finished her research presentation, though, Jeb was taken aback. The lecturer began to speak about the differences in culture between the Academy and the Army. I am positive that the largest culture shock I found between the two will not surprise anyone here, she said, but it remains strange to me that Academy Mages are expected to purge Glyphs from their souls. Most of the crowd nodded, but Jeb was completely lost. No one had told him anything about removing Glyphs from his Status. His only recollection even somewhat close to that was his mother explaining to him that it was very difficult to remove anything from his Status. After questioning had ended, Jeb made his way to the front of the room, hoping to talk to the speaker. He had no other obligations for the day, and so he was able to outlast everyone else in the queue. Its a pleasure to meet you, Jeb said, shaking her hand. I had a question about something you said, though. Oh? she quirked an eyebrow, which of your pet theories did I dismiss out of hand? If he hadnt been listening to the other people in the queue, Jeb would have been completely lost. As it was, he still flushed slightly. It wasnt that, he stammered, I was wondering about removing Glyphs from your soul. The Professor focused more on Jeb, and he was briefly aware of just how much power a High Tier War Mage could wield. The feeling quickly faded, and she began to nod. I see that your own soul is cluttered with different Glyphs. Are you researching something in particular? Yes? Jeb responded hesitantly. Im working on a Ritual right now- She cut him off with a wave. I am sure that your research is fascinating, and I would love to discuss it sometime. Are you researching something related to keeping Glyphs on your soul? No, Jeb admitted, but the Primer on Glyph Magic I read said that it was important to bind Glyphs to your soul. She nodded in understanding. I assume that the Primer you read assumes that you would be going into the Army or the Adventuring Corps. For a Mage in one of those careers, the split second of time that having a Glyph imprinted on the soul saves is often the difference between life and death. For the Researchers in a similar position, having a Glyph or few imprinted on their soul serves the same purpose. The rest of us, however, can afford the small amount of time that it wastes. But whats the benefit? Jeb asked. There are two. First, having more Glyphs in your soul means that you gain less Experience for accomplishments. Although that effect is more readily measured, it is far less important for the average researcher. The Professor paused, giving Jeb a piercing look. How much Theorycrafting do you know? Not much, Jeb admitted. Then I will give you the brief answer, which is that having a cluttered soul makes it more difficult to study subtle changes in Magic. How would I remove Glyphs? Jeb asked, thinking about the subtle variations in Magic that he was attempting to view in his Ritual. I feel obligated to tell you to speak with your advisor before attempting any large-scale modification of your soul, but the overall technique is fairly simple. You simply must consider each Glyph not as an entity in its own right, but instead as a broken piece of your Glyph Magic Skill. She let out a small laugh, of course, simple is not the same as easy. It took me fifteen weeks of concerted effort to remove my Glyphs, and I only had four in my soul at the time. Thank you! Jeb said, mind racing. He penned a quick note to Dean Aquam, not really expecting a response. To his surprise, he immediately wrote back, encouraging Jeb to attempt to remove his Glyphs, but reminding him not to waste too much time on the effort. Jeb returned to his farm, sitting beside the beehive that he had built. Being surrounded by his Swarm made him feel more complete, and he had an instinct that feeling complete was going to be necessary if he wanted to revise his soul. He reached down deep, feeling the place where the System met his soul, and looking past it. He focused first on his Magic Skill, noting the way that his entire soul seemed to spiral out from and through it. It took him a moment, but he found the small nodes that represented each Glyph and Song that had imprinted on his soul. Whatever vital force cycled through his soul, Jeb saw that it was disturbed when it passed over the protrusions. Gritting his teeth, for all that he knew it was a pointless affectation, Jeb attempted to pry Attune Sand Mana (Efficient) - Modified, the Glyph he learned last, out from the fabric of his soul and into the sphere that was Magic. Getting a grip on the Spell was difficult, but the moment he separated it even slightly from his soul, Magic seemed to leap forward to devour the Spell. The sudden motion was surprising enough that Jeb was pulled from his focus. Looking at his Status, he saw that the Glyph had, in fact, disappeared. Over the course of the next few hours, he removed the rest of the Glyphs from his soul. When he had finished, he felt somehow lighter. Chapter 196: The Mysterious Stranger Returns Term break started the next day, and Jeb realized that, despite the fact that he could go home whenever he wanted, it had been more than a full term since he had last seen his family. Chiding himself, he started dancing. His family was surprised to see him again, though the excitement was far more muted than before. This visit was simply a young man coming home for a break, and his family didnt reveal any other dark secrets to him. Returning to the Academy a few days before the term break ended, Jeb felt lighter still. The next term was somehow far more difficult. He had the same two obligations: working on his Ritual and attending interesting lectures. However, he had gotten to a point in the Ritual that he could only work on it for a few hours every day. It was simply too draining for him to keep working from waking to sleeping. And so, after restocking the Emporium, Jeb found himself at a crossroads. His work removing Glyphs from his Status made him realize that, in the rush to learn new Magics, he had more or less completely left behind the Magics he learned on the farm. A few weeks of practice later, Jeb felt at least passingly comfortable with free form Glyph work, though he knew that he was still far too slow in constructing them to pass for a Glyph Mage. Looking slightly down his Status, Jeb was reminded of his work on the day he arrived in the Academy: the Ephemeral Song the Bard had tried to teach him. After a few days spent trying and failing to make any further progress, Jeb started prioritizing attending Bardic seminars. Thanks to the few that he had gone to the previous term, Jeb wasnt completely lost when speakers referred to extant works or theories. Much like his coursework in Bardic Magic, a significant portion of the talks were focused not on the Magic, but on the performance or construction of instruments. As interesting as Jeb found the talks on tuning theory, he felt guilty spending time working through questions that he had about it. Whether it was simply the dedicated practice, or whether attending all the seminars made a difference, Jeb did slowly start to make progress on the Ephemeral Song. As the term ended, Jeb could reliably create an apple that fooled any three of his non Magical senses. The day he realized that he was only treating the Ephemeral Song with his mundane senses, Jeb decided to look with his Magical sight. It took a few attempts, but when he finally managed to look at the apple with Magical vision, Jeb saw it blazing. Over the next term break, Jeb spent his time hopping between the farm and the Academy, trying his hardest to start to fool his own Magical senses with the Ephemeral Song. When the next term began, he gave up on the goal, at least until he had learned the rest of the Song. To his surprise, he was almost effortlessly able to sing a completely accurate apple into being. As far as he could, see, feel, smell, taste, or hear, he bit into a completely real apple. Jeb let the Song spin away before the chunk of apple could go down his throat. He wasnt entirely sure what consuming an illusion would do, but he could not imagine that it would be anything good. Checking his Status, however, Jeb was more than a little surprised to see that the Song did not appear. When he was able to produce other illusions, though, he started to assume that the Song might simply not be one that the System recognized, for one reason or another. Having finished the last assignment that the Bard had given him, Jeb found himself momentarily lost. He realized that he had just severed one more tether to his life before the Academy, and he had done it completely thoughtlessly. After a few minutes of thought, Jeb managed to corral his emotions. No, he had not thought about the fact that learning the Song would mean that his work with the Bard was officially in the past. However, even if he had thought about it, he would have acted the exact same way. Satisfied with the logic, Jeb made his way to the Bardic Seminar. It had an interesting title, Innovations in Early Bardic Pedagogy. The speaker was someone Jeb hadnt seen speak before, and he wondered if it was a mislabeled Thesis Defense. The energy in the room certainly did not match any Defense Jeb had attended, though. It almost felt as though there was an undercurrent of violence and repressed rage as the Professors watched the speaker take the stage. He looked familiar, though Jeb couldnt quite place him. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. As the speaker pulled out a lute, Jeb began to think that he might be related to the Bard he knew in his hometown. When he started to speak, however, Jeb was still completely floored. As many of you know, my thesis work was based around the claim that the pedagogy for creating Bards is fundamentally flawed. After an, he rolled his eyes, agreement between the department and myself, I went off to the rural parts of our great Republic to test my theory. The nature of the wager was not public knowledge when I left, and I am unsure if it is now. The Bard took a deep breath, I was told that a position as Professor would be available to me if, and only if, I was able to create a Bard with my pedagogy. I traveled to Humdrumville, a small farming community located, he strummed his lute, and an image of the Republic appeared, before zooming in around Jebs hometown, approximately here. Once there, I informed the local authorities that I was interested in creating a Bard. As per the agreement, I made it very clear that I was testing an as-yet unproven pedagogy. Within a few months, a promising pupil presented himself. Jeb felt his face flush. He really hoped that the Bard was not about to show an image of him. Thankfully, the Bard seemed content to have the single image of the Republic be his primary visual aid during the talk. The pedagogy the Bard described was exactly what Jeb remembered. It was more than slightly strange to understand the reasons behind everything the Bard had instructed Jeb to do. It was even stranger as Jeb started going through his memories of Bardic courses at the Academy, seeing the moments of miscommunications in a new light. His Instructor had been shocked that Jeb was Bound to his lute, because that was the primary way that the Bards pedagogy differed from the Academys. Within a few months, the student had unlocked Bardic Magic as a Skill, the Bard continued, and I submitted that as evidence for the success of the program. He coughed slightly, and a large tome appeared in front of him, which he opened. The august Professors of the Academy, however, pointed out that there was precedent for First Tier Classholders with Bardic Magic as a Locked Skill not to be offered Bard as a Second Tier Class. He read the precedent, voice suddenly losing all of its color and warmth. Jeb found himself almost dozing off when the book slammed shut and disappeared. And so, my young pupil made it to the Academy without me. Jeb was grateful that the Bard elided over the exact reasons why he had gone to the Academy. The list of available Second Tier Classes he was offered was recorded, and Bard was, indeed, among them. Once again, I submitted that as evidence for the success of the program. His eyes roamed the crowed, locking in on Jeb. The Bard gave an apologetic grimace and continued, the Professors, however, pointed out that this student had not been accepted into the College of Music, and had been instead placed into the Remedial College. Muttering broke out at that. A significant portion of the room turned to Jeb, who only now realized how well known he was in the Academy. The Bard, whose name refused to stick in Jebs head for some reason, ambled around the stage, waiting for the conversations to die out. I had resigned myself to waiting as long as it took for my former pupil to graduate from the Academy. After all, what is a few years or a decade to one dreaming of a Professorship? He eyed the panel of Professors, who Jeb only now realized were sitting in a row together. Imagine my surprise when just a few terms later, the student graduated from the Academy. I did not, for some reason, hear about this development from the College of Music. I have to imagine that the letter was lost somewhere in transit. After all, it is more than slightly difficult to send a message between the Capital and Humdrumville. He looked at Jeb as though asking permission, and Jeb nodded, unsure what permission the Bard would need. Jeb, as many of you know, graduated on merit of producing a functional multi-use teleportation Ritual. There were a few shocked cries, though most of the crowd nodded as though they already knew that. The Bard smiled, and for those who have yet to connect the pieces, Jeb was my pupil. He informed his family on one of his visits back, and word spread quickly. After all, it is not every day that a local boy graduates from the Academy, especially not in almost record time. I, of course, returned to the Capital in all haste in order to present my findings. The Bard snapped his fingers, and a flashing sign appeared behind him. It had three simple words: I was right. Any questions? Chapter 197: Forbidden Knowledge? Unsurprisingly, the room erupted at the end of the Bards speech. Calls of heresy were as common as critiques of specific portions of the pedagogy. When the crowd had died down to a dull roar, the Bard shrugged. Given that I have previously answered the last five questions I have been asked, I am going to say that the time for questions is over. Anyone is, of course, welcome to schedule a meeting with me to discuss anything. I am certain that you will be able to find my office. With that, the Bard stepped into the door at the back of the stage and disappeared. Jeb spent the rest of the day considering the Bards talk. The fact that he had been a test case made him feel used for a few hours. After mulling the situation over, though, Jeb recognized that the Bards time had to have been worth a fortune, if the prices his classmates charged to tutor were any indication. He had volunteered his time to teach Jeb Bardic Magic, and he had legitimately believed that he was teaching Jeb with the most effective pedagogy he had access to. Even if the Bard had benefited from the arrangement, that did not make his kindness to Jeb any less real. Nodding to himself, he resumed writing. Jeb woke up with his notes pressed into his cheek. Apparently he hadnt made it back to his dormitory the night before. His slow return to reality meant that he jumped when he saw that there was someone standing over him. Good morning, the Bard said, tone playful, I am glad to see that you have yet to lose the drive you had in Humdrumville. Good morning, Jeb replied, brow furrowing. What are you doing in the Stacks? He shrugged. I could ask you the same, but I do not feel like that would be a productive conversation for either of us. Regardless, I did neglect one portion of your training, and for that I apologize. Given that you have mastered the Ephemeral Song I tried to teach you, you are certainly ready to remove Lute Enforcement from your Status. How would I do that? Jeb asked, curious how it might differ from the process he had used for removing his Glyphs. The Bards smile sharpened slightly. Just for a second, the ambient noises of the Stacks came into perfect harmony, and Jeb had the feeling of being in the middle of some grand symphony. The feeling faded. The process you used to remove your Glyphs should suffice for this as well. The Bard started to leave, turning just before he disappeared from sight. Oh, he said, as though the thought had just occurred to him, I heard that you were working on Weaving fire. Yes? Jeb replied hesitantly, but the Bard was already gone. Jeb tried to refocus on his work, but his mind kept returning to the Bards comments. Ill remove the Song, he compromised, but then its back to work. He stood and ran to his room. Once there, he picked up his lute and started moving towards the farm. The Bard had said to remove the Song with the same technique he had used before, after all. Sitting cross-legged on the lawn, Jeb let himself lose focus, just for a moment. He listened to the sounds of the bees around him, reminding himself that, while he was a body and a soul, his soul connected far outside of his body. With that thought, he delved deep into his Status and through it, finding his Skills and everything else that had bound itself to his soul. Unlike the Glyphs, Lute Enforcement did not seem to interfere with the flow of his soul at first glance. As Jeb watched for longer, however, he saw that his initial thought were wrong. The Song redirected his soul at least as much as any of the Glyphs. It just changed the flow gently enough that it was nearly unnoticeable. Jeb reached down, trying his hardest not to consider what it meant that he was able to project an avatar of himself inside of his own soul. With a sharp tug, he tore the Song out of the bedrock of his soul. Unlike the Glyphs, it did not come out cleanly. Like roots on a weed, the Song was connected deeply to so many other parts of his soul. Jeb felt a crack run through his entire being as the connections started to fray. Before the fissure could grow, however, Magic consumed the Song and repaired the broken ties. The crack inside of Jebs spirit mended itself, and he felt somehow more unified than he had been. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Coming back to himself, Jeb picked up the lute and started plucking out the notes he remembered. Magic did not immediately flood the connection, and Jeb was briefly worried. Almost as though it had taken that concern, the strands of his music and will merged together and poured into the lute. Jeb let out the breath he hadnt realized he had been holding. How, exactly, he had managed to hold his breath while singing, he couldnt tell. Regardless, he had. Feeling his soul flow without the block of the Song, Jeb felt invigorated. His Weaving Skill seemed to cry out, and he listened to it, traveling to the Workshop. When he opened the door to the Weaving Workshop, Jeb took an instinctive step back. The shadows of the room had distorted somehow. When the Weaver turned to see who had entered his domain, it almost seemed as though each of his limbs had doubled. Blinking, Jeb turned the thought aside. Just a trick of the light, he murmured. Welcome back, young Weaver, the Weaver said. What called you to return after so long away? It hasnt been that long, has it? Jeb asked. The Weaver stared at him, unblinking, and Jeb started tracing back to the last time that he had worked on his Weaving. With a start, Jeb realized that he had gone terms without visiting. Im sorry for my absence, Jeb said quickly. The Weaver waved him off. I assume that you wish to resume your work on Weaving Fire? he asked. Jeb nodded, and the Weaver tossed a bundle at him. This contains everything you needed before, except for the fire, of course. I have little doubt that you will be able to find flames, however. Thank you! Jeb called, leaving the Workshop. He made a note to give the Weaver some more Managrass when he felt up to planting again. Back at his seat in the Stacks, Jeb looked at his notes, then back at the bundle in his hand. Much as he wanted to explore Weaving fire even more, he could not shirk his responsibilities. Jeb set the bundle aside and started to work on revisions. After working for a few hours, Jeb set his pen down and stood. He had reached the point of mental exhaustion where any work he attempted to do would not only not help him, it would actively hinder his efforts. Excitedly, he picked up his bundle and hurried to the cafeteria. A quick meal later, Jeb started wandering the hallways, trying to find somewhere empty with fire. He came into a clearing that overlooked the grove he had increased his Tier in. There was no fire, but there was an ornate fire pit and a large stack of lumber piled next to it. Is this ok for me to use? Jeb asked. As he had expected, the Academy did not respond. Looking around, Jeb saw the signs of a room in the Academy that had not been used for ages. None of the features individually meant much, but something about the combination of a lack of dust and a sense that the air was somehow fresher than it should be, along with a host of other traits, told Jeb that the room was not seen often. He picked up a few of the logs and started to build a fire. A part of him said that he needed to go look for kindling and tinder, let alone a fire starter of some sort, but he quieted it. With a brief effort of will, Jeb created a Glyph to Create Fire and lit the wood. The flames quickly ceased requiring Jebs Mana, and he let the Glyph crumble away. He pulled out the Weaving equipment and started to pull a thread out of the flame. To his relief, his ability to do so had not faded with the time spent away. Jeb worked until the fire had burned out. When it did, he blinked a few times, confused why the thread had suddenly ended. He saw the dying embers, extinguished them with some Created Water, and looked down at the spool he had worked. It was far more thread than he had made the previous time, that much he knew for certain. However, it was nowhere near enough to make anything out of. Jeb set the spool inside the bundle and wrapped it back up. For the rest of the term, Jebs days followed a predictable routine. He would wake at first bell, work on his Ritual until his mind grew numb, then eat and go to a seminar. On days that he could not find a seminar he was interested in, Jeb instead went straight to the fire pit. He Wove until a large stack of wood, which replenished itself daily, burned out, then spent some time in the Emporium, chatting with his friends and refilling barrels as needed. At the start of term break, Jeb looked down at his paper. As far as he could tell, there was nothing more he needed to add to the Ritual to make it usable by someone else. Running with excitement, he hurried to Dean Aquams door. Dean Aquam quickly paged through the slab of papers that Jeb had set on his desk. Fantastic job overall, he complimented, but I do note that you have not compared your techniques to other forms of teleportation. He glanced up and saw Jebs confused face. This is part of your doctoral work. It is not enough to simply do something, you must also put it in the context of work which has been done before. Jeb nodded and left, leaving the pile behind. Back in the Stacks, he, Margaret, and Philip looked for any book which referenced teleportation, however obliquely. By the time that the next term had begun, the two Librarians had cut him loose, informing him that he was more than capable of continuing the search on his own. He took the autonomy in stride, setting the Weaving aside for a while. When Jeb started to compile his notes, he noticed one major trend that bothered him. It seemed as though the Druids had a method of teleportation between trees that was mentioned in a number of tomes. None of them, however, gave the slightest amount of detail as to how they teleported. Jeb started wandering the Stacks, emphasizing his desire to learn how the Druids teleported. He came to a locked door, the first he had seen in the Stacks. Chapter 198: Theorycrafting Jeb stared at the locked door, hoping that it would suddenly unlock. Every few minutes, he would try the door again. It remained locked. After what must have been a few hours of waiting, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Jeb, what are you doing here? Margaret asked. I was trying to learn about how Druids teleported, Jeb said. The Stacks led me here, but I cant get through the door. Margaret let out a short sigh. Jeb, what do you know about Druids? He shrugged. Honestly, not that much. I keep seeing and hearing references to them, but theyre usually oblique at best. Theres a reason for that. A book flew towards the Librarian, and she quickly skimmed the open page. I know that youve been offered Druid as a Class before. Did the System give you any warnings? It said something about the Class being forbidden, Jeb replied. Margaret nodded. Druidic Magic the Skill is equally forbidden. Given the chances that someone, she gave Jeb a meaningful look, could gain the Skill from book study alone, we keep the materials most likely to allow one to gain the Skill segregated from the general Stacks. If there is a particular snippet of a work you are interested in, however, I could likely procure a copy of that segment for you. No, thats ok, Jeb said. I dont really need the primary sources, I was just getting a little frustrated with reading secondary and tertiary sources. Id rather be safe, though. Im glad to hear that. With that, the Librarian gestured for Jeb to leave, and he followed her back to his desk at the Stacks. A few more books were present on the desk than when he had left. Glancing quickly at the titles, he saw that most were general discussions of Druidic Magic framed in their relation with different Schools which were not forbidden in the Republic. A glance at Margaret confirmed that she had put the books there. When he was finished working for the day, Jeb returned to the fire pit to continue his work on Weaving. The fire turned to thread more easily with each passing day, and Jeb was beginning to wonder what he would do with all of the thread that he was collecting. Over the next few weeks, he fell more and more into the routine of research and Weaving fire. One day, he accidentally absorbed a Glyph. When he went to remove it, Jeb noticed a massive change in his soul. The vast majority of his being was still centered and reliant on Magic, the fundamental Skill of his Class. Other Skills that he had earned pulled their own eddies within the greater flow of himself. As the Glyph was consumed by Magic, Jeb finally saw what had changed. Weaving, while still distinct, appeared to be drawing closer and closer into Magic, even as he watched. It almost seemed like what had happened to each of his Glyphs was slowly happening to the Skill. Like all of his Schools of Magic, Jeb thought that Weaving was likely to be consumed by his Class Skill when he next raised his Tier. Pulling back out of his soul, Jeb felt something inside of him resonate with the idea of Weaving being consumed by Magic. He was, after all, a Wizard. He had chosen multiple times to refuse other Classes which might offer more flexibility. Jeb knew on some fundamental level that his Class would be best if his Skills were all in resonance with his Class. He thought back to the conversation that he had with his grandfather while trying to unlock Smithing. Jeb did not need to be able to do everything by himself. His time in the Academy had helped Jeb to internalize that truth. He no longer even malted most of his grains, let alone growing them. Even if consuming his Skills meant that he would lose some element of the Skill, it was worth it to focus himself. Although, Jeb realized with a chuckle, having his Magic Skill consume more and more different Skills did not really narrow his efforts significantly. With that in mind, he opened his Status.
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Class: Wizard
Level: 8
Experience: 12/429
Total Statistic Load: 1888
Physical Load: 388
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 53
Endurance: 54
Vitality: 55
Presence: 174
Mental Load: 1500
Intelligence: 310
Willpower: 311
Magic Affinity: 303
Mana Depth: 288
Charisma: 288
Mana: 2515
Skills:
Meditation
Gift of Gab
Identify
Soil Savvy
Animal Handling
Fertilizing
Musician
Pollination
Brewing
Distilling
Smithing
Wood Identification
Woodworking
Soil Improvement
Glassblowing
Magic
Weaving
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Academy Student
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Weaving was simple enough to combine. Jeb would just redouble his efforts to make Weaving something Magical. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Meditation was similarly easy. Jeb only ever tried to focus when relating to his Magic. No, thats not quite right, he thought, reflecting on his explorations of his soul. Then again, if I only have Magic as a Skill, then I would only ever need to Meditate on Magic, at least in part. He jotted down a quick note to start working on reframing Meditation as a way for him to become more attuned to Magic, rather than simply as a way to focus himself. Looking at Gift of Gab, Jeb was reminded about his Major Quest. He saw that there was an update on the Quest, which made sense. He had, after all, graduated from the Academy. As tempted as he was to see how Gift of Gab might be even more improved, he resisted the urge to accept the Quest Notification. It was bound to tell him that he needed to leave the Academy, and Jeb had no intentions of doing so. Shaking his head, Jeb focused on Gift of Gab again. It seemed Magical by its very nature, since it allowed him to communicate without knowing the language that others spoke. With a start, he realized that he had never really tried to understand how the Skill worked. He had simply accepted that he could talk to his bees, and everyone else around him spoke Republic Standard. Or, at least, Jeb thought that everyone around him did. After making another note to explore Gift of Gab more fully in the future, Jeb moved on. Identify was a Skill that he had worked hard to not only obtain, but to grow. Thinking about the fact that he had consumed Glyphs into Magic, Jeb idly wondered whether he would be able to make Identify consume its Subskills. There was, after all, almost no way that Jeb could think of turning Soil Savvy or Wood Identification into something Magically oriented without destroying most of what made the Skill useful. Delving into his soul, Jeb found the places where the System had demarcated different Skills. Now that he was focusing on the Subskills of Identify, Jeb saw that they were not truly separate from their Parent Skill. Instead, the System seemed like a wall that severed the Skill into three completely distinct pieces. Jeb attempted to lift the wall, but could not get a grip on it. Trying to bore through it, however, Jeb was able to make a small hole in the divider between Soil Savvy and Identify. Like water through a burst dam, the Skill started pouring through the hole. Jeb was mesmerized by the sight, and it took him a few minutes to realize the analogy wasnt quite right. It was as though water moving through a burst dam from both directions. Identify flowed into Soil Savvy just as Soil Savvy flowed into Identify. Both torrents tore the gap in the wall wider and wider until it disappeared beneath the roiling mass of his Skill. Jeb felt the lancing pain of a major modification to his soul or Status but ignored it. He looked at the other wall, which kept Wood Identification separated. Moving more slowly from the sharp pain, Jeb noticed roots spreading between it and Woodworking. Far smaller, Jeb saw the roots stretch to Magic. Pushing on those roots slightly, Jeb was reminded of the time that he had Attuned wood to Water. As he broke the new wall, he tried his best to keep the roots from severing. Whether it was that effort or the fact that breaking two Subskills was fundamentally the same as breaking one, the pain in Jebs soul did not increase. If anything, it seemed to recede slightly. After he pulled back from his soul, Jeb once again looked at his Status. The two Subskills were gone. Before he was able to continue Theorycrafting ways to consume his Skills, the exertion of the day caught up to Jeb, and he fell asleep. The next morning, Jeb pointedly set aside his research notes. He rationalized that a single day off every so often was probably beneficial to his overall work. Even if it wasnt helpful, it wasnt as though Jeb was on any real timeline for his doctoral thesis. Musician, Brewing, and Distilling were all simple enough for Jeb to think of in Magical terms. The fact that Magic had tried to consume two of them already made him think that it would take very little effort to make it happen again at his next Tier increase. Looking at his soul, his suspicions were confirmed. All three Skills were still recognizable, though it was clear that he was actively holding them out of Magic. When Jeb released his grip on them, they fell into Magic and started to dissolve. He was honestly unsure if they would even make it to his next Tier increase. Fertilizing and Pollination both felt like something Jeb could force into Soil Improvement. Soil Improvement reminded Jeb of his efforts to automate growing Alchemical herbs, and he felt a sharp lance of panic. When the panic subsided, he decided to try to combine those Skills with Magic last. Smithing and Woodworking felt similar to Weaving to Jeb, at least at first. As he thought about the fact that he could not imagine Smithing fire or somehow working wood made of fire, however, Jeb came to the conclusion that it might be slightly more difficult than he had first imagined. Still, seeing their connections to Magic made Jeb at least hopeful that he would be able to do so. That left Animal Handling. Jeb remembered why he had gotten the Skill, even if it no longer seemed like something he needed. The only animals he dealt with regularly were the bees in the Swarm, which were Bound to him. That fact made Jeb consider how Gift of Gab might be able to consume the Skill, and he made a note to consider it as he worked on understanding the Skill. Satisfied with his work, Jeb returned to the fire pit to turn fire into thread. Chapter 199: Doctoral Thesis Much as Jeb wanted to drop everything and work on preparing his Skills to join Magic, he knew that doing so would rely more on the gradual shifting of his beliefs than any singular working of will. So, each morning Jeb repeated a variation on the same mantra, As a Wizard, all that I do is Magic, and so every Skill I have is innately Magical. Whenever he needed to use one of his Skills, he did his best to also call Magic to the forefront, trying to force himself to see any process of creation or change as fundamentally Magical. Jeb knew that he would miss the slow and subtle changes if he checked his soul too frequently, so he resisted the urge to check daily. Compromising with himself, he delved into his soul at the beginning of each term break. As it turned out, doctoral students were actually expected to take their term breaks to rest. Jeb learned that three terms later, when Dean Aquam came in on Jeb flipping through a treatise describing Druidic Magic. What are you reading? Dean Aquam asked, tone sounding genuinely curious. Jeb held up the tome, showing the title to the Dean. A lot of the books Ive read cite this as having a more in-depth treatment of Druidic Magic, so it seemed like a good idea to read it. It took Margaret a while to find a copy of it, though. What brings your interest in Druidic Magic? Jeb set the book down and looked up at the Dean in confusion. Druids are the School of Magic most associated with teleportation, at least as far as I can tell. It seems as though every High Tier Druid is capable of more than a few different ways to teleport. Dean Aquam picked the book up and shook his head. Jeb, you know that it is term break, correct? Jeb nodded. Term break is great, because it means that theres nothing else in my schedule but research. I get far more done. What is the second word in term break? Jeb cocked his head. Break? he asked hesitantly. And what are you not taking? A break? The Dean nodded and Jeb began to protest. Wait, youve never had an issue with me working during term breaks before! Most of the time you were working on a project unrelated to your academic work. During your time as an undergraduate, for instance, you learned to Brew or Weave. But Ive been working through term breaks since beginning my doctorate! Jeb continued. Dean Aquam let out an embarrassed cough. Yes, well, we do tend to extend some grace to students in their first few terms as Researchers. However, when they fail to understand the purpose of breaks, he looked at Jeb meaningfully, we remind them of their importance. So what should I do over break? Jeb asked, a note of pleading in his voice. Dean Aquam shrugged. That is entirely up to you. Given that you can teleport, however, I would recommend visiting your family. Taking time away from your studies gives your mind time to think of the broader implications of your research. Seeing Jebs blank look, the Dean continued, it can become easy to hyperfixate on a single aspect of your project while working on it day in and out. By taking a break, you can evaluate whether your time might be better spent pursuing another avenue of inquiry. That does make sense, Jeb conceded, thinking about how his research the past two terms had been almost exclusively on Druids generally, rather than their specific connection to teleportation Magics. Well then, Dean Aquam nodded, I hope that I will not see you in the Stacks before next term. He gave Jeb a mock-stern expression. The joke was revealed when the Dean winked before turning to walk away. Looking around the Stacks, Jeb realized that there was nothing really keeping him from leaving immediately. That being said, he was in no real rush to leave either. Being told that he was not allowed to be productive was a strangely freeing and paralyzing proposition. When he realized that he had been standing in the same place staring off into the distance for a few minutes, Jeb gave himself a rueful smile and collected a few items before going home for the remainder of break. Back at home, he shared the Alchemical Brews he had been working on. They were met with general murmurings of approval from his family, which warmed Jeb just as much as the Firewhiskey he had just finished aging, if not a little more. With no research to occupy his time, Jeb focused more of his efforts on combining his less Magical Skills with each other. Back at the Academy for the start of a new term, Jeb realized even more that the Dean had been correct. As interesting as his project on teleportation was, it was not what Jeb wanted to be his thesis. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Oh? Dean Aquam asked as Jeb brought up the idea of changing his thesis project. Do you have something else in mind? Jeb nodded hesitantly. As you know, my only Class Skill is Magic, and it appears to consume all of my other Magical Skills. I believe that puts me in a unique position to be able to speak to the interplay between different Schools of Magic. Unlike the existing Theoreticians, I am not constrained by viewing the world primarily through the lens of a single School. Dean Aquam handed over the signed sheets of paper for a change in thesis project. Seeing Jebs surprise that the forms had already been filled out, he chuckled, a number of us had been placing bets on how many terms it would take you to suggest this project. Who won? Jeb asked, taking the pages. Dean Aquam gave him a knowing look but did not respond. Jeb went back to the Stacks to return most of the books he had checked out and requested another cartload from Margaret. She seemed slightly put out by the timing of Jebs request, and he briefly wondered whether she had been among the betting pool. He pushed the thought away. It was somewhat uncomfortable to Jeb that people bet on his actions, and the less time that he dwelled on the thought, the better. When Margaret returned with the stack of books, Jeb saw a number of names that were familiar to him. The lectures he had gone to referenced specific peoples theories of Magic in how they pertained to the talk at hand. Jeb noticed that there were at least two tomes dedicated to theories for each School of Magic, with one glaring exception. There were no tomes about Druidic Magic. A part of Jeb was disappointed by that revelation; it had hoped that this new avenue of research might open the restricted section of the library. It was a small part of Jeb, however. The rest of him was excited to finally read the sources that so many speakers had referenced. By the end of the term, Jeb felt like he had a solid foundation of the state of the field. In what should have been an unsurprising revelation, most theories of Magic, or at least most books of theories of Magic, focused on a single question: which Magic is the fundamental? That is, nearly every author felt confident stating as a fact that there was one School that the others sprang from. Most every author, unsurprisingly, pointed to the School they were Attuned to as that School. The first book Jeb read claimed that Glyphs were the fundamental Magic, and he had been fairly convinced. That conviction wavered when he read a tome describing the way that Ritual was clearly the first Magic humans had done. In the end, Jeb supposed that it did not really matter what different authors said. What mattered were his own conclusions. As the terms turned to years, Jeb worked to connect the different Schools of Magic. He began with the first two Schools he had tried to merge: Glyph and Bardic Magics. Diving down deep into Theoretical works on each School and recreating a number of experiments, Jeb slowly came to one important revelation. Glyph Magic was inherently derivative of Bardic Songs. Each Glyph was, at its core, a Song locked into a single instant and shape. What they lost in duration and flexibility, they made up for in stability. Jeb showed his results to Aquam, who happily took Jebs pages and passed them to Professors in the two departments. Copies of the paper came back to Jeb covered in ink that were filled with praise and criticism in equal measure. To his relief, none of the criticisms attacked his methods or derivations. However, more than a few pointed out a crucial error in his conclusion. There were, indeed, Song effects that could not be reproduced by Glyphs. However, it was equally true that there were Glyph effects which could not be reproduced by Songs. In fact, Jeb realized that both Songs or Glyphs could be derived from the other as a starting point. In doing so, however, new effects emerged in the field of Magic. It was as though imagining a pile of sand. A single grain of sand behaved completely like a solid. It could be crushed, but it did not change its shape. A pile of sand, however, behaved in a way that could not be predicted by looking at a single grain. Visualizing both fields as both the grain and the pile made Jebs head hurt, but something about it resonated as fundamentally right. The revised draft: From Glyphs, Song; From Songs, Glyphs, was met with far less criticism, though it was clear that the paper was still controversial. As Jeb had worked on the paper, he thought about the fact that he had created Glyph effects in his Songs by weaving them. On a whim, Jeb tried Weaving some of the fire thread he had made into the shape of Least Create Fire. The moment that he finished Weaving, it caught flame. Jeb leapt back in surprise, but the thread did not seem to be consumed. Instead, it just burned. Watching for a few hours, Jeb saw that the thread was slowly dissipating. Relieved, Jeb moved on to the next combination he had worked on before coming to the Academy: Glyphs and Enchantments. He thought back fondly to the time he had accidentally Attuned wood to Water by inscribing a Glyph. Unsurprisingly, he found that he was able to derive Enchantments from Glyphs. Enchantments were formalized Glyphs, affixed to a permanent medium. Remembering the mistake he had made the last time he derived one School from another, he found that the reverse was also true. Jeb could construct a Glyph entirely out of Enchanting runes, and the Glyph functioned. Seeing that he could go from Glyphs to Songs or Glyphs to Enchantments, Jeb started working on deriving Songs or Enchantments from each other. Two terms later, Jeb gave up on the effort. Try as he might, there was no way he could find to turn the two Schools into each other without first deriving Glyph Magic. Even the tomes which claimed one School or the other as fundamental were no help, as they all inevitably either used Glyphs as intermediates or had a critical flaw in their reasoning. When Dean Aquam asked the departments for comments on his second doctoral paper, Jeb was unsurprised to find that he had not made any critical errors. There were sections that he needed to revise to become clearer, but that was only to be expected. The knowledge that not every School could be derived from every other School made Jeb nervous to approach the next School. After a term break spent thinking on the problem, Jeb decided to approach a related issue: he could not derive fundamental truths of Ritual Magic alone. Rituals were, after all, fundamentally linked to the participation of multiple people at once. As he thought on the issue in his plot of land, Jeb became more and more aware of the bees buzzing around him. Chapter 200: Endings Part Two After a few more terms with no new progress reports, Dean Aquam came to find Jeb. He was working in his field, still working to make Ritual Magic work with the Swarm. It had seemed so simple in concept, but every part of executing the idea was an almost insurmountable problem. Yes, Jeb was able to make the bees dance in unison, but Rituals were made to be performed with human bodies. After rewriting a few simple Rituals to work with the bees anatomy, Jeb ran into the second issue. Every Ritual assumed that the participants would each be an autonomous unit, adding their own unique will to the dance. The bees were not autonomous from each other, sharing a mind within the greater Hive. Jeb felt as though he was just one week away from dealing with that issue. However, he had felt like that since starting to work on the problem. Jeb, do you have any updates for me? Dean Aquam asked, breaking Jeb out of his mumbling. After Jeb explained his issues, Dean Aquam shook his head. Remind me what, exactly, you are working on for your thesis? Jeb frowned. Im trying to find the connection between different Schools of Magic. How does modifying Ritual Magic to make it possible for bees to perform them meet that goal? Oh. Dean Aquam nodded and walked away. Jeb looked at his notes. Now that he was refocusing on his specific thesis project, his notes were far more useful. Redesigning Ritual Magic to make it possible for bees to dance involved almost the same work that deriving fundamental aspects of Ritual Magic would have. By the end of the term, Jeb found that Ritual Magic and Bardic Magic were derivable from one another. If he assumed Rituals came first, Bardic Magic was created to remove the need for others to participate. By tying threads of Magic to the instrument a Bard used, it was as though multiple dancers had moved in unison. Deriving Rituals from Bardic Magic, it made the Songs easier to perform over large periods of time or with less training. All Jeb had left to do was connect Alchemy to the other Magics. Jeb had the inkling that each School was connected to two other Schools. With that in mind, he attempted to link Alchemy to Enchanting and Ritual Magic, since those were the two Schools that lacked a neighbor. Alchemy and Enchanting were also interderivable. Alchemy and Enchanting both took the physical world and Magically changed it. As Jeb worked, he found that Enchantments slowly changed the Essence of a material. The difference between the two Schools seemed to be primarily one of focus. In Enchanting, the change in Essence were a consequence of flowing Mana. In Alchemy, changing the flow of Mana was a consequence of manipulating Essences. Try as he might, however, Jeb was completely unable to connect Alchemy to Rituals. Rather than wait for Dean Aquam to search him out again, Jeb brought the issue to his attention after a term without progress. Your issue seems reasonable enough, Dean Aquam said, reading Jebs latest thesis draft. After all, your research has neglected an entire School of Magic. Even though the words were delivered mildly, Jeb felt as though the world was shaking from the implications. He left the meeting in a daze and collapsed asleep. That night, for the first time in years, Jeb dreamed of Magic. The world around him seemed different. Jeb could not remember what, exactly, it had seemed like the last time he met with Magic. This time, however, Jeb found himself in a forest. A few steps later, he was surrounded by wild prairie. Step after step, the exact flora and fauna differed, but a sense of primal wildness pervaded them all. Magics call to Jeb could not have been any clearer, and he was not the least bit surprised when he was told to learn Druidic Magic. During the dream, that seemed completely reasonable. Upon waking, however, Jeb had difficulty thinking of how best to tell the Academy board that he wanted to take a post-doctoral visit to the Druidic Enclave. Magic itself told me to didnt seem like the sort of argument that would be approved. First things first, Jeb said to himself, I need to finish my dissertation. Having connected the five Schools he knew to one another, the only work remaining for his thesis was to figure out how the other Magics he knew connected to that cycle. Alchemical Brewing barely merited a section, being almost entirely a subset of Alchemy. Weaving brought Jeb far more issues. At first, Magical Weaving seemed like something that could tie in with Glyphs or Bardic Magic. After all, Jeb had first visualized the connection between the two as a form of weaving. The more that he worked on the project, however, the more Jeb came to realize that weaving the threads of a Song was nothing more than a mental model that he had needed to connect the Schools to each other. Looking at his spool of threaded fire, Jeb had an idea. Once he had restrung his lute, Jeb started plucking the notes of a Fire Song. The flames around him danced as though Jeb was a Flame Singer. It was easier to move them than to breathe. Future tests revealed similar results for each of the other Schools of Magic: incorporating threaded fire made Fire Magic easier. Whether he used it as a conduit in an Enchantment, the filling in an engraved Glyph, or as the string in the rare Ritual that required props, Fire Magic was enhanced and other Magics were slightly suppressed. Inspired by those results, Jeb spent his remaining term breaks working to change the Attunement or Essence of different materials to see what happened. Doing some reading, he found that most of his experiments had already been done. Although using well-prepared materials did increase the efficiency of Magics, it was rarely worth the effort. The Mana required to create threaded fire was more than the amount saved in any of his Enchantments. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. In the end, the fact that Weavings Magic interacted with each School led Jeb to the conclusion that none of the Magics were fundamental. His thesis was received and defended without much fuss, though he was shocked by the sudden appearance of most of his extended family when he began to speak. When questioned, Dean Aquam admitted to paying for their transportation. It is important for Candidates to have their family in attendance, he said. It was strange to see the two arcs of his life in the same place. Jeb found that he was pulled in two directions. A part of him felt like the youngest in the family. The other felt like a senior student in the Academy. It was a tension that did not resolve until his family left. As Jeb turned his signed thesis in to the Registrar, he also included his proposed post-doctoral project. The Registrar took the form unblinkingly, and Jeb started preparing to leave for the Druidic Enclave. The next morning, however, Jeb was stopped in the cafeteria by his entire thesis committee. Jeb, are you aware of the dangers inherent in traveling to the Druidic Enclave? Professor Bearson asked. I am, Jeb replied, rummaging in his bag for the list of preparations he had already made. That seemed to satisfy Bearson, but the rest of his committee was not so easily swayed. I am a Doctor of the Academy and have spent the past years creating Artifacts, Jeb said, surprised at the firmness in his tone. Where my title is not enough to deter those who may wish me harm, the skills I have developed will see me to safety. Your proposed project will almost certainly require gaining a Druidic Magic Skill, his Glyphs lecturer pointed out. As I am sure you are aware, it is illicit for anyone within the Republic to have a Druidic Magic Skill. Oh! Jeb slapped his head, realizing that he had forgotten one of his preparations to leave. Come with me, he said, heading towards the grove. I am certain that at least one of you can see my current Status, he said once he was at the tree. Seeing nods from the committee, he continued, please record it before I begin. With that, he called his lute and a few bees to himself and prepared to accept the fruits of his labors. Jeb carefully claimed the Experience he had accumulated over his time in the Academy, Leveling and Tiering up to minimize wasted Experience. When he had finished, he turned to his Professors. What do you notice about my Status now? he asked. You are at the peak of Eighth Tier, Dean Aquam said. Well, yes, Jeb agreed, feeling how much weaker the world around him seemed. Even as a Fourth Tier Wizard, he had become attuned to the eddies of Magic that suffused the Academy. Now that he was at the peak of Tier Eight, Jeb felt completely sure that he could change them if he so desired. He didnt want to risk anything which would give his committee grounds to reject his application, however, and so restrained the urge to do so. Sorry, he said, refocusing on the point, what else do you notice? Professor Quicksilver rolled his eyes. The only Skills you still have are Magic and Gift of Gab. Exactly, Jeb said. Magic consumes every Skill that I have, especially those which are inherently Magical. At worst, I simply need to remain in the Druidic Enclave until I can gain a single Level, which should not be too difficult. Every other objection faded quickly. Jeb finished packing and prepared to leave. He donned his Doctoral Robes and stepped into the Capital. Seeing the wide berth that the passersby gave him, Jeb frowned. It took him a moment to realize that he was unconsciously adjusting the Magic around him. Once he noticed, he tried his best to suppress the feeling. As he attempted to do so, however, Jeb finally understood why the Eighth Tier was known as a Tier of Power. Magics adjustment around him was a consequence of his Class. Jebs Status Sheet at End of Arc (Compared to Beginning of Arc): Jebs Status Sheet at End of Chapter:
Jeb Humdrum
Human
Class: Wizard
Level: 255
Experience: 0/10017
Total Statistic Load: 563 -14388
Physical Load: 218 -2888
Strength: 52 -352
Dexterity: 53 -353
Endurance: 54 -354
Vitality: 55 -855
Presence: 4 -974
Mental Load: 345 -11500
Intelligence: 68 -2310
Willpower: 75 -2311
Magic Affinity: 74 -2303
Mana Depth: 64 -2288
Charisma: 64 -2288
Mana: 1755 -2515
Skills:
Gift of Gab
Magic
Achievements:
Focused Meditator
Student of Magic
Glyph Specializer
Academy Student
Academy Graduate
Quests:
Major:
Slay the Dragon of the West (Progressive)
Chapter 201: A Man Cloaked in Midnight As Jeb continued to walk through the Capital, the crowd continued to give him a wider berth. By the time that he got to Catherines business, he almost felt as though the air itself was pushing him onward. It was not exactly an uncomfortable sensation, but it was strange. He was unable to stem the effect. As far as he could tell, the Magic in the Capital was independently deciding to track him, rather than him specifically shifting it. The painful shriek of a badly played violin assaulted Jebs ears when he opened the door. As he stepped inside, he was aware of at least a dozen other instruments playing elsewhere in the building. Only two of them had any explicit connection to Magic. While he listened, though, it seemed as though the songs that each student played began to turn into Songs, however slightly. When the choked sound of a violin ended, Catherine walked to the front room with a small child in tow. Great work this week Tiffany! she said encouragingly. Thank you Bard Catherine, the little girl replied meekly. She carried a violin case, and Jeb realized that it had been her producing the terrible screeching. The child ran over to a man, who Jeb assumed was her father, and the two left. The door closed behind them and Catherine let out a sigh of relief. It was cut off as she noticed that there was someone unexpected in the room. She clearly only saw Jebs Doctoral Robes, because she stiffened. What is the- she began, before looking up to his face. Jeb? she asked, voice full of confusion. Hi Catherine! Jeb replied, moving towards her. She took an unconscious step back before shaking her head. What are you doing here? Jebs smile faded slightly. I just defended my doctoral thesis, he said, and I thought that I would come say goodbye before I leave the Capital for my post-doctoral work. When she did not immediately reply, Jeb started to look around the room. It seems like your studio is doing well, he said. Catherine finally seemed to have collected her thoughts. Yes, I finally have a stable roster of students and aides. Sorry that I missed your defense, things have just been so hectic lately. Jeb waved the apology off. It really wasnt that big of a deal. Honestly, it was more of a formality than anything else. My entire committee had many chances to tell me that there were issues with my work. The fact that they didnt was telling enough. Still, she protested, youre a Doctor of the Academy now. She gestured to his new robes, how does it feel? Jeb shrugged. Honestly, Im really only noticing the effects of Tiering Up so many times in rapid succession, he admitted. Seeing her dubious look, he continued, Im sure that Ill feel differently when Ive settled into it a little more. She gave him an appraising look. I seem to remember that you were Fourth Tier when I graduated. Jeb nodded. Would I be correct in assuming that you did not Tier Up at all during your doctoral work? Seeing Jebs sign of agreement, Catherine continued, and let me guess, you saved all of the Level increases for after you finished your doctoral work? I had a good reason for that! Jeb protested, and she started to laugh. Im glad that you havent changed, she said, finally coming over to give Jeb a hug. After pulling back, she said, Declan is in town today as well. We should gather the old Emporium crew together. On that note, how is the Emporium doing under its new management? Jeb shrugged his lack of knowledge. Honestly, I have no clue. You know that I was almost completely disconnected from it by the time that you and Declan graduated. Once you were gone, I forgot it existed for a few terms. By the time that I remembered, Dean Aquam had already found a new staff. It seemed like it was doing well last time I checked, though. And when was that? Sometime between when you two graduated and when I just did, Jeb mused aloud, trying to place it in chronology. Lets see, I had found the connection between Glyphs and Bard Songs, but hadnt started trying to tie Alchemy to anything. He stopped musing aloud, realizing that he did not have any touch points to link his own personal journey to the passage of time for the rest of the world. That realization made Jeb realize that he wasnt even sure exactly how old he was anymore. A glance at his Status showed him that his age was no longer listed, which was confusing. Thinking back on the many times that he had entered spaces where time moved faster or slower, however, Jeb decided that the System had probably given up tracking his age as much as he had. He realized that Catherine had continued talking and tried to piece together what she had said. Thankfully, he hadnt missed much. She was just reminiscing about her time at the Academy, and Jeb had no issue joining the conversation. Well, I should probably get back to work, she said a few minutes later. If you want to come back tonight, though, Im sure that Declan would also love to see you. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. They said their goodbyes and Jeb left to go explore the Capital for a few hours. Lionheart Brews was just where Jeb remembered, and he saw that they still had a keg from the Emporium. It was a Brew with a name Jeb didnt recognize. Drinking it, he noticed hints of a few recipes that he had not given the time to fully develop. Cyprus came out, and the two spent the afternoon chatting. When the bar closed for the night, Jeb returned to Catherines studio, where he saw Declan. The three spent the night going over old memories from their time together. It was a nice end to that chapter of Jebs life, and he felt better about his decision to leave. With no other threads binding him, he teleported to the outpost of the Swarm closest to the Druidic Enclave. From there, he began to walk, a cloud of bees flying around him. The road was poorly maintained, especially for what was supposed to be a Republican road. If it had just been a local path, the uneven ground would have made sense. As it was, though, Jeb had to wonder what disaster had recently struck the region to make the road so hard to pass. A few hours later, Jebs walking showed him a small town that reminded him of a smaller Humdrumville. A half dozen buildings lined the street. Drawing nearer, Jeb frowned. The town was in terrible shape. The buildings he had seen from afar hardly seemed able to stand. A few children peeked out of the building in the best condition. They seemed terrified of the stranger. One, however, was brave enough to step out. He was wearing nothing but a few rags, held together more by luck than anything else. Between the holes of the shift, Jeb saw ribs clearly protruding. Jeb quickly searched his pack, finding the travel rations he had packed. He held them out to the child, who hesitantly reached out for them before stopping. What will it cost me? he asked, looking Jeb up and down. Nothing, Jeb replied. The child shied back. Jeb realized that he didnt believe him. Unable to think of anything else he could do, he set the food down and continued walking through the town. He heard the children scramble out as he passed through, and did his best to suppress the feeling welling up in him. It wasnt quite rage, but it was close. Who could have let a Republic town fall into such disrepair? The next town he came to was in slightly better condition, but he saw a panicked crowd gathered around a well. When he approached, the crowd parted, and Jeb was struck by the sound of a discordant Magic. Murmurs of Mage followed as the crowd closed around him. Jeb hardly noticed, drawn by the snarl in the fabric of Magic that was becoming second nature to him. When he reached the well, Jeb saw the issue immediately. There was an ancient Enchantment etched into the stones around it. At a glance, Jeb saw that they worked to pull moisture from the air and condense it into the bucket at the bottom. They had corroded from age. Looking at the wilting plants in a nearby field, Jeb guessed that the well had given up a few days before. With a brief flex of intention, he destroyed the well, turning the stones into dust. Even as cries of alarm sounded, the dust swirled around Jeb. He shaped complex Glyphs and runes out of them, enforcing his will on the reality around him. The snarl of a broken Magic was gone from the weave, but the hole in its place was almost as painful for Jeb to look at. A few seconds later, a new well stood where the old had been. It radiated a power that the oldest in the town had only the vaguest memories of. Just for a moment, Jeb felt like he could see into the future. The well he had built would last lifetimes for the town. As years turned to centuries, though, the Magic he had woven would degrade as well. Almost without thinking, Jeb created a barrier of air, pushing the crowd back. Hidden from view, Jeb sat crosslegged and pulled threads from the weave of Magic. He expanded the Enchantment. Rather than simply pulling water from the air, it would slowly Create Water for the town. The working was incomplete. With a start, Jeb realized that he had left the water completely bound to the well. It could be removed, sure, but the soil around it would remain completely dry. Breaking the wall of Magic, Jeb saw that the town would flood. This might be a larger undertaking than I had meant to do, he thought wryly. As he tried to pull away, however, the Magic that had pushed him ever forward held him back. Jeb understood then that his Class would not simply allow him to work feats of Magic. It would require him to. Calling the bees closer to him, he set them to dancing. What had initially been a switch became a slider. The well would collect water, but some would be allowed to seep into the nearby soil. The Mana that the townspeople emitted would feed the working, and it would strengthen them. With a final flourish of the stylus he had no memory of Conjuring, Jeb made the Enchantment self healing. The wall of air faded. As the townspeople rushed in, they found that the stranger wearing robes of shifting midnight had vanished. Someone cautiously pulled the bucket from the gleaming well. The water inside was cool and sweet. Over the next year, Jeb continued to travel to the Druidic Enclave. With each day, the push from Magic made his steps lighter. A tracker would not be able to find any mundane traces of his passage. Looking around, however, even the most Magically deaf of trackers would be able to see the Magical traces Jeb left. Towns which had been dying for generations were revitalized. The man cloaked in midnight, as he became known, appeared and disappeared without speaking a single word. In his place, works of Magic gave people who had given up hopes of anything but a quick death reasons to live again. A hive of large bees established themselves at each great work, seeming to act as protectors for the work. The Midnight Cloak continued to move, surrounded by the buzzing of uncounted bees. The strangers heart broke a little more each day as he saw more and more people that the Republic had failed. He realized how sheltered his upbringing had been. Everyone had food, shelter, and clothing. The land around him was rich, which meant that the residents were able to treat it well. Too many of the fields he passed were barely able to produce the food that a family would need to see them through the year. They were unable to build stores, and so the soil never had a chance to recover. Those towns were the hardest for him to help. He left Enchantments which would slowly heal the land, but knew that it would be generations before the towns would be able to sustain their people. With each passing day, the Doctor forgot a little more of his past life. He stopped using his mundane senses at all, following the small flaws in the weave of Magic around him. As the fabric grew more and more whole, it pushed him all the harder to the next rent in it. One day, the Magic around him disappeared. He blinked, eyes once more taking in light. In front of him was a wall of emerald green grass. It radiated power, and the man cloaked in midnight knew that he would be unable to pierce it with strength. As though acknowledging as much, the grass parted, and he stepped through. He was transported to a world before civilization. The air was sweeter, and it carried with it a sense of unleashed wildness. The birds in the air flew without fear of man, tearing into each other as they spotted prey. All at once, Jeb remembered who he was. Chapter 202: Entry to the Enclave Now that he could remember who he was, the sense of wildness in the air began to concern Jeb. He hurried down the path, hopeful that he would be able to make it to a settlement before something bad happened. A few minutes later, he found himself in a clearing. The tension bled out of Jeb as he stood in the clearing. A sense of peace pervaded the entire area, and he took a moment to catch his breath. As he did, Jeb noticed that his robe was different than the one he had left the Capital in. At first glance, it looked the same. A shapeless mass of blue so deep it bordered on black covered him from head to toe, at least when he had the hood up. Looking more carefully, however, Jeb saw new threading and inlays in the robe. They looked like nothing so much as stars. His memories of the time journeying from the Capital was still somewhat hazy, but he did not remember ever needing to mend the robe. The fact that he had never needed to mend his Academy robes either led Jeb down the mental rabbit hole of considering what, exactly, the robes were made of. When he realized that the Academy could very easily have replaced his robe as he slept, he refocused on the question at hand. What, exactly, had happened to his robe? Jeb was startled out of his considerations by a tapping on his shoulder. Eyes refocusing, he saw a tall woman standing in front of him. It took him a few moments to understand what she was saying, which Jeb attributed mostly to the fact that he hadnt spoken aloud since a few days out of the Capital. She kept repeating the same phrase, however, and Jeb was eventually able to understand what she was saying. Who are you and how did you break into this clearing? she asked. My name is Jeb, he replied quickly, noticing a rising Magic in her hands. I apologize if I am trespassing, I just walked to here. I dont recall breaking any protections. Apparently that had been the right thing to say. The tension bled out of the woman immediately, and she tossed back her hood. I do not recognize you, she said, looking at Jeb more closely. Nor do I recognize the robes you wear. What she said something that Jeb couldnt parse, claims you? Im sorry? Her gaze focused. She repeated herself. What Circle claims you? This time Jeb was able to understand the central noun. I dont know what a Circle is, he replied honestly. An elk rushed into the clearing and stood beside the woman. It leaned its head forward to sniff at Jeb. It quickly turned its head away and sneezed. Interesting, the woman said, observing the beast. Where did you learn Druidic if you are not a Druid yourself? What do you mean? Jeb asked, finding himself more lost with each exchange in the conversation. She waved the question aside. Come with me, she said, turning and walking out of the clearing. Jeb followed, unable to think of a reason not to. Out of the clearing, the feeling of unfettered freedom returned. Walking beside the Druid, however, Jeb found the feeling far less aggressive. Birds still swooped around him, but the sense that they might attack was gone. The woman did not attempt to speak as they walked, and Jeb found his mind returning to the question of his robe. It felt more comfortable than he remembered. Lost in his thoughts, he hardly noticed as they entered another space. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Rather than a field surrounded by trees, this space appeared to be the inside of a tree. Despite being hollow, the room still seemed suffused with vitality. Somehow the tree was still alive. Sounds of murmuring broke Jeb out of his gawking. With a start, he realized that the tree was filled with creatures. Many appeared human, but others were clearly not. Most of them were staring at Jeb, and he was aware of another change that had occurred within him since donning the robe of a Doctor: the weight of their stares did not press down on him. The Magic in the space was slower to react. Even as the crowds conversations died, the press of Magic continued to increase. Just as it became uncomfortable, a single voice rang out. Silence, he called, and the room fell still. Every being in the room halted, and even the Magic fell back, as docile as a well trained dog before the commanding presence. Jeb found himself equally unable to move, though he had the distinct feeling that he could break the compulsion if he needed to. Not wanting to cause a stir, however, he resisted the urge. Anne, who have you brought before the Enclave? the voice continued, addressing the woman who had led Jeb into the space. I have brought an Outsider who claims the name of Jeb. He speaks as one of the Chosen, and he carries with him Bindings to the living. Whatever hold the unknown speaker had on the room broke at that pronouncement. Countless Magics refocused on Jeb, and his soul was battered by countless sensations. Water and flames crashed against him, even as stars tried to surround him. Jeb felt his robe push them away, and he realized that the robe was somehow connected to his soul. Before he could probe that feeling, the voice spoke again. It said something that Jeb did not register, and he watched the Magics twist into a cyclone, each Essence dissolving into wind. Jeb, the voice continued, by what right do you present yourself before the Enclave? Jeb knew on a primal level that there was an expected ritual answer to the voice. It had the cadence of a question that had been used for countless centuries. Whatever part of him recognized the expectation, however, was unable to provide him with the correct response. Lacking a better option, he attempted honesty. My name is Jeb, and I am a Doctor of the Academy of the Republic. I wrote my thesis on the connections between Schools of Magic. Druidic Magic is banned in the Republic, however, and so I have come to learn. The whirlwind above him disappeared, and the voice grew far more friendly. Ah, you would be Aquams boy then. You took far longer to arrive than he predicted. Regaining much of its grandeur, though still lacking the initial hostility, it continued, be welcome traveler. The Enclave is open to you, though each Circle may choose whether or not to grant you access. Tables rose from the floor, and the crowd took seats. Jeb saw an open chair in front of him and, seeing that no one was attempting to claim the seat, took it himself. A few of his bees came to rest on his shoulder, and their familiar weight helped to ease a few of his lingering concerns. If they were not worried, there was no reason that he should be. Creatures of living wood stepped out of the walls of the tree carrying platters of food and drink. They moved around the room, setting them down on each table. Jeb followed the example of the room, refraining from taking any of the provisions. A new seeker has come to find Truth, the voice said. Let us rejoice that he has found his way through the darkness and entered the light. That seemed to be the signal the room was waiting for. Trays of food were quickly emptied and the pitchers of wine were poured. As each was depleted, one of the tree people came to replenish the offerings. Jeb took a small sampling of the food in front of him. It was an unseasoned piece of meat. He could not tell what animal had given its life for the meal, but after the first bite, he found that he did not care. Despite the lack of external flavorings, the meat was tender and full of flavor. The wine was cold and sweet, and Jeb drank deeply. A desert somewhere inside of him saw rain, and he lost himself to the celebrations. When everyone had eaten their fill, the tables fell away and music began playing. Druids started to dance, and Jeb was drawn into the celebration. Magic swirled around the dancers, and Jeb could feel its inherent similarity to a Ritual. Unlike the Rituals Jeb had learned, however, the Magic was not being bent towards any specific end. Instead, it acted as one more participant. As day turned to night, stars shone inside of the tree. When the music finally ended, Jeb collapsed, exhausted. Chapter 203: Waking Up In a Strange Room Jeb woke up on a soft bed, completely unsure where he was. As he slowly blinked the sleep away, he remembered dancing the night before. Someone had told him that there was a bed available for him, so Jeb had followed them to this room. The throbbing in his head made it tempting to go back to sleep. Jeb gave into the urge and returned to dreams, confident that he was somewhere safe. When he woke again, Jeb realized that he had been sleeping on top of the sheets and blankets on the bed. His starry cloak was wrapped around him, warmly embracing and cradling him. Running a hand along his jaw, Jeb grimaced at the feeling of dried sweat and unmaintained facial hair. In the excitement of realizing he had made it to the Druidic Enclave, he hadnt noticed, but it felt as though he hadnt shaved since leaving the Academy. Jeb Conjured a reflective disc to look at himself. With the long beard, he looked far more mature. The man staring back at him was clearly a master of some arcane knowledge, even ignoring the Doctoral Robes he wore. That man, was not Jeb, however. He resolved to shave the beard off as soon as he cleaned himself off. The grime he had felt on his face was at least a few weeks old, and a part of him wondered why the townsfolk had not drawn away from him. When he went to remove the cloak, it almost felt as though it was resisting him. Jeb ignored the sudden pang of discomfort, sure that it was nothing more than the irrational fear that it would disappear the moment it was off of his body. Still, he had to pry his fingers off of the cloak one by one to let it drop to the ground. Once out of his Doctoral Robes, Jeb felt exposed. He was still wearing an entire set of clothing. In fact, Jeb realized that he was still wearing the exact outfit that he had worn on the day he set off from the Academy. Or, at least, he was still wearing the remnants of those clothes. What he wore now was little more than rags. He Conjured Water and soap and began to clean himself. Watching the dirt sluice off his skin, Jeb felt much lighter. When he had finished, he Destroyed the almost muddy water and debated putting back on his underclothes. With a shudder, he burned them instead. The robes were modest enough. After removing his beard, Jeb picked up the cloak, expecting that it would also need to be cleaned. To his surprise, however, it felt as though it had been freshly laundered. Putting it on, Jeb suddenly felt far more comfortable with his situation. Thats strange, he thought, making a note to consider what about the cloak made him feel safe. Now that he had taken care of the vital parts of his situation, Jeb took a moment to look around. He saw that his bees had already established a small hive,. Jeb smiled at that. Im glad to see that you are settling in nicely, he said to the Swarm. The bees buzzed happily, content to continue constructing their home. Leaving the bees to their work, Jeb decided to explore the tree that he was clearly still inside. As he looked around his room, however, he realized that there were no doorways immediately visible. More than that, despite the clear lighting in the room, there were no obvious windows or sources of light. Jeb was, for all intents and purposes, in a completely enclosed cell. Trying not to panic, Jeb walked to the nearest wall and pushed. It did not move, and he knew just from knocking that the wall was thicker than he could get through in any reasonable amount of time. Jeb repeated the process on the remaining walls, growing more concerned with each failure. Just as he was about to panic, he looked up at the bees. If they were able to build their hive, then they must have been able to get in and out. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. With a start, Jeb realized that of the bees in the room with him now, none had been there the last time he looked. The last set had been almost entirely Sand Attuned Bees, and this new set was almost entirely Glass or Fire Attuned. What, exactly, the Swarm was doing with different Elemental Bees, Jeb was curious to find, but pushed the question aside. It was far more important for him to figure out how the bees were escaping the room. Watching carefully, Jeb saw that none of the bees flew far from the hive. Despite that, the makeup of the bees kept changing. For the first hour, every bee appeared or disappeared from within the hive. Finally, though, one bee shimmered out of existence from outside of the hive. Another shimmered into its place a moment later, and Jeb realized that the bees had learned the Ritual he used to teleport. They were far more adept at using it than he was, however. The lighting in the room slowly shifted as Jeb continued to watch his bees teleport. When the dim red faded to an inky darkness that mirrored his robes, Jeb realized that the room was mirroring a solar cycle. He assumed that the timing was synchronized, but had no real way to test that thought. As he looked around to try to find where the light changes were coming from, Jeb realized that he was no longer alone in the room. Good evening, the figure said. Something in the speakers tone felt wrong to Jeb. It had a buzzing timbre that seemed more at place humming than generating consonants and vowels. Good evening, Jeb replied. If you would like to come with me, the figure said, turning back to the door that had suddenly appeared in the room. Or, at least, Jeb thought that the figure had turned. An emerald green robe hid the figures shape and size. The hood shadowed the bodys face, and even though it turned, Jeb was less than positive that the body within had also turned around. Something about the way that the robe moved implied that it was shifting around a stationary figure, rather than shifting with the figure. Jeb debated whether or not to follow the speaker. The bees seemed comfortable with them, so he nodded and followed along. As the two walked through hallways, Jeb continued to notice oddities in the robed figure. For one, it did not appear to take steps. Even the smoothest gait that Jeb had ever seen still caused the walkers body to shift as feet lifted and fell. The robe literally seemed to glide. Even more than that, though, the robe seemed to pulse almost like what Jeb would have expected if he put hundreds of his bees in a robe. He couldnt figure out why that thought entered his head, but once it did, he could not dislodge it. By the time that the figure stopped walking and sat down, Jeb was positive that he had been led through a maze. The sheer number of turns meant that, even if he had known where he was when they had started moving, he would still be lost. The robe suddenly collapsed, and a swarm of locusts flew out. They flew out of the room, and a man walked in. He was wearing the same colored robe as the swarm, and his voice was melodious. Welcome to the Circle of Swarms, he said. I presume that you are planning to become a member. Jeb blinked, still unsure what had happened with the swarm of locusts. The man tracked Jebs vision and saw that he was looking at the empty robe. Sorry for that, Lucy wanted to be responsible for introducing you to the Circle. I understand that the relationship you have cultivated with your bees is different than the one that Lucy and I share, but I had not realized how much so. Are you unfamiliar with swarms taking a more humanoid shape? I am not, Jeb admitted. Well, then, I suppose that I can offer yet another benefit to you as a member of the Circle of Swarms. There are many benefits to having your Bound Swarm take a humanoid form, not least of which is the fact that they can more easily run errands for you. Now then, if you would like to come with me, I can introduce you to the rest of the Circle. Hold on, another voice called, are you truly planning to poach the newest Druid? It is hardly poaching. He is Bound to a swarm. He has already chosen his Circle. If you feel so confident, then surely you would not have any objections to the full ceremony? The speaker entered the room. Her skin was textured like bark, and she stood head and shoulders taller than the man bound to Lucy. Her eyes were a blazing red, and her green-tinted hair was cut neatly to fall at her shoulders. Jeb heard the buzzing of a swarm starting to draw near. The man stood, and his eyes temporarily glinted as though multifaceted. I see no reason to waste such precious resources on a traveler who will not even remain in the Enclave. However, if you would like to request the Ceremony, the Circle of Swarms will not object. The Archdruid, however, he trailed off meaningfully. Chapter 204: The Trial Begins The strange woman stood rooted to the floor at the declaration. Her feet disappeared into the wood. For a moment, the life left her eyes, and Jeb stared at the dead eyes of a perfectly carved piece of living wood. Just as he was feeling concerned, the fire returned to her eyes and she took a step, severing the connection to the tree. Somehow, Jeb knew immediately that it was a different presence inside the wood. Unlike the fiery red eyes that the tree woman had before fading away, these new eyes were a dark and empty void that spoke of endless time spent in painful solitude. Jeb let out a sigh of relief when she turned to focus on the first Druid. When she opened her mouth, silence resonated out instead of sound. Her mouth closed, she blinked a few times, and the darkness of her eyes faded to a much smaller black. They still drank in the light of the room, but no longer gave Jeb the same sense of fundamental nihilism. Do you truly believe that the Archdruid is not interested in ensuring that each Druid is housed in the Circle which is best for them? Unless youre hiding someone else behind those eyes, its just the two of us in here, Nell. You dont need to pretend with me. Her eyes narrowed, and the darkness deepened. With a tone that hushed the remaining sound in the room, she responded, if you do not believe that the Druidic Enclave is what it claims to be, then why do you remain? Jeb heard the locusts before he saw them fly back into the room. They surrounded the man like armor. If she was mad at his comment, he was downright infuriated at her response. As he opened his mouth to retort, he looked over at Jeb. We can resolve our own personal grievances another time. I dont want our new guest to develop an incorrect idea of life in the Enclave. No? she replied. Very well then. The two stared a little longer, both clearly coming down from whatever conflict they had been about to enter. When the two were calm, both turned to Jeb. The man gestured at the tree as though encouraging her to speak. Greetings are conveyed between myself and you, Nature Magic User. Her voice had taken on a new timbre, sounding almost as though produced by clever artifice, rather than anything organic. Is understanding possessed of the meaning of the formal set of actions which will have been undergone in order for you to have found the closed loop of uniform radius which you are most aligned to? Um, Jeb replied hesitantly, why are you speaking like that? Apologies are in need of conveyance from my lips to your mouth. Nell, myself, has been possessed with minimal reason to interact in the tongue of the people who choose indirectly those who reign over them. The comprehension of your own words is granted to this speaker within this shell by virtue of a Magic from many unnumbered moons ago, and the aged Magic may not be fully efficacious in the present moment in comparison with its initial creation. You were speaking it fine just a moment ago, though, Jeb protested. She furrowed her brow in confusion. Jeb was momentarily struck by how skin-like the bark was. When animated, it truly seemed to move exactly as his own skin did. You can understand me? she asked, tone filled with disbelief. Yes? Jeb replied, unsure why her cadence suddenly seemed natural again. Where were you given knowledge of- whatever word she said did not register with Jeb. He felt a momentary spike of pain in his temple as the conflicting terms of the language, the tongue, Druidic, and at least half a dozen other phrases all battled for dominance. When the pain receded, Jebs memory assured him that she had said Druidic. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. I dont know Druidic, Jeb replied. The only language that I have ever been taught is Republican Standard. You jest! she yelled, letting out a sound like bird call. It took Jeb a moment to realize that she was laughing. Her laughter cut off suddenly and she turned to the Druid of Swarms. I am sure that you have no further objections to calling the Archdruid? The locusts returned. Absolutely. The two Druids quickly rushed out of a newly formed door in the room, and Jeb followed. Unlike the circuitous route that Jeb had taken to the first meeting room, this route was a direct path to a bare stone. Looking further, Jeb realized that it was a cliff. The clearing hung over a deep chasm, and Jeb could hear water rushing somewhere below. The two Druids wasted no time. Vines and roots snaked out as insects started tracing intricate patterns in the air. The bare rock face seemed to reject the working, and Jeb saw strain grow on the Druids faces. As each root died and withered, another took its place. Just as the two Druids seemed ready to abandon their attempt, a bolt of lightning shot down from the still-clear sky. It landed in the middle of the stone, arcing and tracing a complementary pattern to those already being worked. As thunder rumbled, Jeb saw another Druid arrive. Her hair floated behind and around her, haloing a face that flashed in time with the lightning. When the lightning faded, also deadened by the space, another bolt struck. Sunshine started to collect on the space as though focused by a series of lenses. It seemed to strengthen the roots, which took longer to die. More and more Magical effects started drawing arcane patterns over and through the stone as Druids continued to appear. Finally, when the sun had fallen and the moon stood directly overhead, moonlight poured down onto the stone as though a liquid. It stabilized the effects on the stone, and Jeb felt the tension in the space dissipate. Surrounded by the leaders of different Circles, Jeb was reminded of the way that reality was anchored by the presence of High Tiered individuals. The rest of the leaders turned to the two who had led him there. Why did you summon the Circle of Elders? the Stormcaller asked. Her robes had tracing embroideries of arcing white. As she moved, the embroidery seemed to move across the fabric, creating new and shifting patterns on the fabric. The Archdruid was not to be called until the solstice, two Druids incanted in unison. One wore a blinding white robe, and the other wore a deep black robe. As Jeb watched, the brightness on the first robe started moving slowly onto the dark robe. The darkness took its place. Jeb had the feeling that these two Druids were associated with the moon. They seemed to have some authority within the Circle of Elders, if the way that the rest of the crowd fell silent at their words was any indication. Just as he was beginning to feel relieved that no one was focusing on him, a deep growling voice called him out. What is the Outsider doing in the Circle? he demanded. Looking at the speaker, Jeb was reminded of Professor Bearson. Where Bearson had been civilized with an underlying edge of wildness, however, this Druid was the reverse. He stood head and shoulders above most of the other Druids, built like the strongest of laborers Jeb had ever known. Thick hair covered his body. When Jebs eyes finally focused on his face, he leapt back in surprise. His face was equally covered in hair, and his nose flared out almost like a horses. Beady black eyes looked at Jeb, and circular ears stood on top of his head. Jeb had the sudden realization that he had never seen Professor Bearsons face. The other Druids did not react at the sight of the speaker, and Jeb had to assume there was a reason for that. He looked at the Druid of Trees, who spoke in a calming tone. The Seeker speaks Druidic, she said, and Jeb once again felt a spike of pain as his mind debated what word she was using. This usage had a different connotation than what she had said before, though he was unable to figure out what shade of meaning had changed. Even were that not true, the Archdruid has a responsibility to meet with every new Seeker. The fact that this one has entered his Trial before the solstice is not a reason to deny him. I personally do not see the need to run a complete Trial, the Swarming Druid added. The Seeker is already Bound to a Swarm. However, the fact that he Speaks is still sufficient reason to call the Archdruid. Jeb heard someone scoff. Turning to the speaker, Jeb saw someone with robes that seemed to match his own. Stars danced across the fabric and onto their exposed skin. His own robe speaks of his connection to the Stars, she said, which seemed to open the floodgates to the rest of the Circle. Voices piled on top of each other as each Druid tried to make their opinion known, and Jeb felt every force of nature wash over him as the leaders analyzed him. Magical effects started to crowd the platform again as tempers began to flare. Just as he was about to fear for his own safety in the high Magic environment, the effects disappeared. In their place, an absolute silence reigned. A figure with a staff that radiated age was suddenly standing in the middle of the stone. Jeb found that he could not bear to look directly at the Archdruid. The Druids around him were just as cowed. For a moment, all of their pretenses were stripped away. They were nothing more than mortals who had been given power over their peers. The Archdruid was truly something greater. Chapter 205: Claiming a Seeker In the silence that suddenly pervaded the clearing, the Archdruids voice rang out all the more clearly. Today is neither the longest nor shortest day of the year. For what reason have I been summoned from my studies? His words were soft, but something about them made the very air around Jeb tremble. The Magic that had settled around Jeb like a mantle since increasing his Tier was cast away. Jeb had never met the President of the Republic, but he could not imagine that he was any more powerful than the Druid standing before Jeb. Reality had seemed to shift in the presence of all the Circle leaders. In the presence of the Archdruid, it was actively reshaping itself. Each breath that Jeb took in was cleaner than the one before. Civilization and all that it entailed eroded where the Archdruid moved, and Jeb had to wonder if that was why he remained mostly secluded. His musings were interrupted by the bickering of each of the Druids. Even if they were not as awestruck at the power radiating from the man, it was clear that their behavior changed in front of him. No longer were they proud leaders, each carefully plotting their own triumph over one another. Now they acted as little more than children shouting at their father as though being loudest would gain his favor. The Archdruid listened quietly, reinforcing the paternal air. Jeb was reminded of the way that his own father had stood quietly by as he and his sister bickered over something trivial. He found himself remembering one particular time when the two of them had argued over who had the proper claim to eating the last cookie. Each had presented impassioned claims for why they needed the sugary treat, and his father had let the two of them talk to exhaustion. When they had finished, he nodded solemnly. He slowly grabbed the cookie, and both Jeb and his sister expected him to break the cookie in half, as had happened so many times in the past. Instead, suddenly breaking out into a cheerful grin, his father took a large bite out of the cookie and chewed with obvious relish. After he swallowed, he spoke over his childrens stunned silence, it is important for you to learn that when both of you fight against each other for the same prize, someone else may take it instead. The two had taken the lesson to heart. Half a cookie was absolutely far better than no cookie, after all. Shaking himself from the memory, Jeb realized why it had come to mind. The expression on the Archdruids face was almost identical to the one his father had worn when biting into the cookie, even down to the mischievous twinkle in his eye. When the blame had fully settled on the Druids of Swarms and Trees, he gestured for them to step forward. I can tell from the residue, he waved a hand and all of the roots, lights, and other Magical effects in the clearing suddenly vanished, that the two of you were the ones who initiated the call. The two nodded, and Jeb waited for them to speak. Before they could, however, the Archdruid turned slightly and made eye contact with him. Jeb suddenly found himself hovering in mid air directly in front of the Archdruid. It was a strange feeling. Gravity hadnt disappeared, the air beneath him was just as solid as stone. No, that isnt quite true, Jeb amended his thoughts. The air was not solid, it was simply pushing up with a force that counteracted the pull of gravity on him. He was tempted to fall limp to see what that would do to the effect, but the Archdruids eyes killed that thought. Looking into them, Jeb instantly lost himself. The man in the cloak of stars returned, drawn by the lure of untamed Magic. Unlike during his travels, however, Jeb was able to pull himself back in control of his own mind. He still could not control his body, and watched as the part of him that had given itself over to Magic entirely puppeted his body. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The Follower, as Jeb decided to think of that shade of himself, stood at perfect attention. The Follower would happily comply with whatever the Archdruid wanted. With another casual wave of his hand, Jeb found himself spinning in a slow circle. As his eye contact with the Archdruid broke, he was able to wrest control of his body back from the Follower. When he had completed a full loop, however, the Archdruids eyes once again enspelled him. You are no Druid. Unlike every other word the Archdruid had spoken, these were not quiet. The land and air called back their agreement, echoing the Archdruids words no Druid, no Druid. No, I am not, the Follower agreed stoically. Jeb found himself somewhat grateful that the Follower had taken control of his body. There was no way that he would have been so calm after the world around him spoke. You can Speak. Once again, it was not a question. Once again, the world around them cried out, Speak! I can, the Follower said. Something in his tone resonated with the world, and Jeb felt the air around him thrum. The Archdruid nodded once, and Jeb was again standing where he had been, once more fully in control of his body. If he hadnt seen the looks of admiration and horror on the faces of each Circle leader, he might have thought he had imagined the interaction. As it was, though, Jeb was simply grateful that he had apparently passed whatever test the Archdruid had just given him. He had no doubts that, should he have failed the test, he would not have reappeared after being dismissed from the air. The Archdruid raised a hand and the two Druids who had brought Jeb to the clearing were suddenly cloaked in what were clearly their robes of office. The other Druids took the hint and shifted into ornate garb. Even the creature that reminded Jeb of Bearson was bedecked, though only in ornaments of bleached bone and stone. When Jeb once again looked at the Archdruid, he was no longer wearing the simple robe he had first appeared in. Or, at least, the robe was no longer as simple as it had appeared. Each stitch radiated a sense of pure ownership, and Jeb saw careful embroideries woven not simply through the fabric, but into dimensions of Magic and time. The staff had sprouted a few leaves and gave off the feeling of growth and life. The Archdruids other hand was empty, and Jeb felt the emptiness of death radiating from it. Seeing the two opposing powers so intermeshed in the person of the Archdruid, Jeb suddenly understood what Druidic Magic was at its core. Far from being simply a more primitive Ritual Magic, Druidic Magic was where nature and reality met Magic. You have done well to summon me. Jeb, partial heir to a broken and reforged name, you have come to the Enclave of your own free will. You stand now before the assembled Circles. Do you, of your own will, accept the burden of the trials? Um, Jeb said, breaking out in a sweat. The words had a formal cadence that let him know there was an expected response. Unable to think of what it could be, he replied, I think so? Then a Trialist you shall be. What Circle lays claim to the Seeker, seeing in him a partial understanding that sings to theirs? The Circle of Swarming Insects lays a claim to the Seeker. The Druid was covered in not simply locusts, but every kind of swarming bug that Jeb had heard of, and plenty more that he had not. The bugs echoed his words, and the Archdruid nodded. The Circle of Living Wood lays a claim to the Seeker. The wooden woman spoke with a symphony of voices, and Jeb saw a rainbow blazing in her eyes. Once again, the Archdruid nodded, and the construct stepped back. Jeb expected the ceremony to end there, and so he was surprised when another Druid stepped forward. The Circle of Stars lays a claim to the Seeker. A Druid wearing robes that matched Jebs own stepped out. She radiated the coldness of space unfilled. The Circle of the Wild lays a claim to the Seeker, the Bear called out. His tone was hesitant, as though afraid of reprisal from the Archdruid. One by one, each Circles representative stepped forward to lay a claim on Jebs education. Whether that was standard or not, Jeb did not know. Seeing the shock on the Swarming Druids face, however, he had to assume it was not. I find merit in each Circles claim to the Trialist. To find the Circle you will join, you will be tasked with many burdens. As you come to us as one tainted by broken understandings, these trials will break down the flaws in your thinking. As you come to us strong, these trials will make you weak. As you come to us in humility, these trials will make you proud. And, as you come to us in good faith, these trials will respond as such. Each proclamation the Archdruid made resonated deep into the earth. Jeb suddenly found himself wondering, what, exactly he had just agreed to. Before he could ask, the Archdruid waved a hand, and Jeb fell to the ground, consciousness fading. The first trial will begin when he awakes, were the last words Jeb heard before the darkness overtook him. Chapter 206: The First Trial When Jeb woke, he was beside a cold fireplace. Looking around, he saw that the room had no obvious exits and was empty save for the fireplace and a piece of paper. Despite lacking any obvious source, there was still sufficient light for him to see what the note said.
There are lentils distributed amongst the ashes in the fireplace.
Separate them
That seemed like an easy enough task, and Jeb quickly called up a Glyph to move the ash. Thankfully, the Druids had used wood ash for the assignment. During his Doctoral work, Jeb found himself beside enough burning logs that he had become almost too familiar with the exact shape of a Glyph to move them. Within seconds, the ash sat in a pile beside the fireplace and lentils rested in the fireplace. The moment he dismissed the Magic, a door appeared beside the fireplace and the Archdruid looked in. Interesting, he said, stroking his beard. What is? Jeb asked, but the Archdruid had already turned away. Jeb stood to follow, but the door was already closed. Looking around, he saw a different doorway on the opposite wall. It led into another room, and Jeb walked into it. As soon as he had crossed the threshold of the room, the door slammed shut behind him. Jeb watched as the seams of the door merged into the stone around them. The door did not simply fit well, it was Magically connected to the wall around it. Jeb tested the seam with his Magical senses and found that, rather than being sealed away, the door had instead been a temporary hole in the wall. Satisfied that he would likely need to solve another puzzle before a new door arrived, Jeb looked in the room, where he once again saw nothing but a fireplace and the note. The note was identical to the first, and the contents of the fireplace appeared the same. Confused, Jeb gathered his Magic to once again create a Glyph to move the ashes. As soon as he tried to bend the Magic to a Glyph, however, the room siphoned it away. Ah, Jeb said out loud. I was able to solve the puzzle with Glyphs, so now I need to demonstrate that I can do so without any. A part of him wondered at the fact that the Druids would have a room built to restrict Glyphs, but he pushed that question aside for later. After all, even if he wanted to learn the answer now, there was no one he could see to ask. Shrugging, Jeb called his Magic once again. This time, rather than trying to shape the Magic into a Glyph, Jeb instead started to write an Enchantment on the air in front of him. Glowing runes traced out as Jeb manifested his will onto reality. When he had finished, the script of light flashed once and disappeared. As it did, the lentils flew out of the fireplace and arranged themselves into a pleasant spiraling pattern. Once again, a door beside the fireplace opened and the Archdruid looked in. Once again, the Archdruid nodded once and turned around, letting the door close behind him. Jeb turned and was unsurprised to find that another door had opened behind him. Walking through it, he was once again faced with a fireplace and a note telling him to separate lentils from ashes. As Jeb expected, he was unable to push his Magic into either a Glyph or the Runes for an Enchantment. Finding himself increasingly grateful for his work connecting the different Schools of Magic, Jeb reached into the fireplace and plucked a small piece of ash between his fingers. He rubbed them carefully, calling on his Magic to enhance the Essences within the ash. After a few minutes of concentration, Jeb had a small portion of Ash in his hands. Like calls to like, he mumbled, forcing the world to accept the Alchemical truth, if only for a moment. He tossed the Ash onto the floor and watched as the rest of the ash snaked out of the fireplace towards the perfected Essence. As the last motes settled, Jeb pulled the Magic out of the pile, returning it to nothing more than mundane ash. The number of times he had accidentally caused an explosion during his Doctoral work had taught Jeb the value of removing Essence from finished projects. Repeating the same routine, he found himself in another room. Quickly feeling his Magic fade when attempting to craft a Glyph, Enchantment, or work with any Essence, he sighed. Effecting explicit physical changes with Bardic Songs was always more difficult, especially since Jeb did not have his lute with him. Nonetheless, Jeb began to sing. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. As notes flowed from his throat, he started weaving Magics into the music. With an effort of will, he wove in the threads of an unplayed lute. Slowly but surely, though, he crafted a Song which would separate the two into separate piles. As sweat began to bead on his brow, he gave up on making them any more distinct than simply two lumps in the fireplace. He cut the Song off suddenly and started to breathe deeply. Weaving an entire Song with a single instrument was never going to be easy. The Bards claim that any Bardic Mage should be able to craft Songs without any audible sound had never come true for Jeb, and he made a note to himself to spend more time working to do so. Even working without the lute was difficult enough. In the fifth room, the only Magic he was able to perform was a Ritual. Single person Rituals were incredibly strenuous, but Jeb managed. He took some time before moving into the sixth room, sitting down and panting until he caught his breath. After half a dozen rooms, he was surprised to see that the space was different. It was an open air space, and instead of a fireplace, there was a large basket filled with, unsurprisingly, lentils and ash. Jeb noticed the first lights of dawn peaking over the horizon as he read the note attached to the basket.
You have until the end of sunset to sort the basket.
Jeb called on his Magic but was unable to force it into any of the Schools he had been taught. Just from a brief glance at the basket, Jeb knew that he had nowhere near enough time to sort through the entire pile without Magic. He called to his bees and felt as they started to fly towards him. Before they were able to reach him, though, they were blocked by a wall of some sort. Through their Bond, Jeb tried to feel what was blocking them. As far as they were able to communicate, though, the air in front of them was just suddenly impassable. Sighing, Jeb got to work. Even if he knew that it was a hopeless task, he would give it his all. He carefully felt around in the ash for a single lentil and pulled it out. Being Eighth Tier did come with some advantages, and he did not need to take a break once during the entire day. Still, as the sun passed noon and began to sink lower into the sky, Jeb felt his hope draining. A part of him wondered what failure in the Trial would mean. The Archdruid had spoken of Trials plural, and Jeb hoped that meant he would have multiple chances to prove himself. A nagging voice in his head reminded him that he had, in fact, gone through multiple rooms. Even if all six spaces were a single Trial, it was also equally possible that his participation in the future Trials was dependent on passing this first one. As the sun touched the horizon, Jeb scanned the area once again, hoping beyond hope that he would find some clue he had missed. There was nothing there that he had not seen during his day of work, however. When darkness fell, the basket in front of Jeb disappeared. He found himself standing on the bare stone where they had summoned the Archdruid. Jeb, the Archdruid said, tone as cold as winters last frost, you have failed the first Trial. The lentils and ash remain mixed, reflecting the fact that your own dreams and desires remain murky and unseparated. Jeb nodded, accepting the statement. He knew that he had any number of hopes, though how having them in complete alignment would have made the work doable, he had no idea. Do you have nothing to say in your defense? the Archdruid asked, tone no warmer. No? Jeb ventured hesitantly, I cannot say that you are incorrect. I dont know exactly what I want out of life, or even out of my time here. He had meant to stop there, but found that his mouth had continued moving, I do not see how being less conflicted would have made the task any more doable, though. If you were able to see the answer, you would have passed the Trial. There was something in the Archdruids tone that made Jeb unreasonably angry. He wasnt sure what it was, but something inside of him screamed to put the old man in his place. The rest of him, recognizing the sheer power that the Archdruid commanded, prevented him from making such a poor choice. The Archdruid must have sensed what was going on in Jebs mind, because he smiled. You have earned the right to withdraw from the Proving. Be forewarned that each future Trial will become more difficult and dangerous. Do you wish to continue forward? Jeb nodded, firming his resolve. Then follow the trail to where it leads, the Archdruid said. A breeze blew past Jeb and the Archdruid seemed to fade into the wind. Behind him, a well lit trail shone in the dark forest. Jeb began to walk, hoping that he would pass this next Trial. On high alert, Jeb kept scanning the forest for any signs of danger or traps. When he broke through the tree line to find a sandy beach, he was surprised. Apparently the walk had not been a Trial in itself, simply a way to take him to the next Trial. The Druid who had spoken for the sea was standing in the surf. Come into the water, he demanded. Your next Trial awaits. Chapter 207: Breaking Waves Jeb stepped into the sea. Stars bobbed on the surface of small waves as they lapped at his feet. The moon overhead shone much brighter here, and Jeb saw the glittering water shining out well past where his eyes could track. He breathed in the salt air and felt the tension of failing the last exam start to fade from his body. So lost in the peaceful crashing of waves on the shore, Jeb missed the directions that the Druid had given. Im sorry, could you repeat that? he said, catching the final few syllables. The Druid smiled warmly at Jeb. Jeb saw a dark undercurrent in her eyes, but did not think they were directed at him. Instead, they were simply a reminder that, for as peaceful as the sea seemed to him, it was still something to be feared. If he drowned somewhere far from shore, there was every chance that his body would never wash back up. It seems as though you took to the task without being instructed. For your second trial, you must stand where you are through the full cycle of the tides. Right now, the tide is rising. She looked him up and down. Yes, she said with a nod, you are tall enough that you should be in little to no risk of drowning from the tide. With that ominous message, she leapt into the water. Rather than splashing against the surface, she seemed to become one with the water, floating away into nothingness. Jeb shook his head, refocusing on his task. He could tell that he was supposed to understand something from the way that the waves rose and fell. The fact that he had no clue what it could be was probably an advantage if anything, because it meant that his thoughts would not be biased with preconceived notions of the right answer. He looked to the horizon, where the first glimpses of dawn were beginning to light up the nighttime sky. He saw his sisters star and hoped that she was doing well. His family had taken the news that he was going to be difficult to contact while in the Enclave well. His sister had been planning to go on her own Journeymans Trip at the same time, which probably helped matters. For the entire town of Humdrum, the Journeymans Trip was a time to cast off the relationships you had forged during your childhood. Setting off with only Skills, Class, and the bare minimum of tools needed to practice a craft, a Journeyman would travel far from their home. The hope, as it had been explained to Jeb as a child, was that seeing new sights and meeting new people would help a crafter learn their trade more deeply. The most humorous example that had always been given to him was of a Chef. His entire life, he had trimmed the ends off of each roast before cooking it, as his family had taught him. While traveling as a Journeyman, the Inn he was cooking for asked him why. Unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, he stopped trimming the roast. Upon returning home, he found his family and asked them why they trimmed their roasts. When we first moved here, his great grandmother said, we had but a single roast pan. The cuts here were larger than in our previous home, and the roasts would not fit in the pan. To make them fit, we cut the meat down to size. Even after his family had been able to afford larger pans, they continued to cut the roasts. After all, that was just a part of the process. It took one of them leaving to understand the reasoning behind the choice. Distracted in his thoughts of home, Jeb did not notice as the waves grew higher and higher. As the sun rose in the sky, the waves were pushing at his chest. He remained where he was, relying on the occasional burst of Magic to tighten the sand beneath his feet. He had been told to stay in the same place, and so he would stay rooted in the same spot. Rooted. Something about the word sang to Jeb. He thought about the trees that were as much a part of the Enclave as the Druids living within it. Am I supposed to think of myself as a tree, battered by the winds and waves but holding firm to my foundations? Something about the thought rang hollow even as he felt the Magic Skill within him resonate with the idea. Making a mental note, he took stock of his body. Jeb, having never lived near the sea, had never realized how cold it was. His body had been wicked of most of its heat. It was nothing life threatening, but it was still uncomfortable, and Jeb flashed Create Fire around him for an instant to warm up. At high tide, the peaks of the waves tickled Jebs chin. Like the sun, though, they started to fall as well. The world is built in cycles. The thought came unbidden to him. A tree was rooted, yes, but went through different phases as the year progressed. The sun rose and fell at a regular rhythm, and the waves too ebbed and flowed. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Looking at the waning moon, Jeb began to realize just how many circles interwove around him. The Magic in the water and air around him stirred as though waiting for him to come to a conclusion. In the warm light of sunset, however, Jeb was unable to close the loop in his own thoughts. The Magic around him quieted down, and Jebs heart sank. He knew without a doubt that he was going to fail the test, even if they were not pulling him out. When the waves were once again lapping at his feet, the Druid emerged from the sea foam. I am somewhat surprised you lasted through the day, she commented. There are many who did not believe you had the strength to do so. Jeb took the comment in stride, still thinking about the Druid he had seen calling the Archdruid. Someone in passing had mentioned that he was a bear. Whether that was a Class, a certain cultural group, or a non-human species, Jeb still was not entirely sure. Regardless, he followed the Druid when she gestured for him to come further up the beach. A roaring fire was quickly built, and a number of Druids came to congratulate him on making it through the day. Jeb was handed a stuffed flatbread and took it gratefully, scarfing down the warm food. Unlike the last time that he had been fed in the presence of so many Druids, no party broke out. Instead, once everyone had eaten their fill, they dispersed, leaving only the embers of the fire and the Druid with eyes like the sea. I am certain that you have questions about the test, she began. When Jeb did not take the bait, she continued, as you made it through the first day, tomorrow a Druid will be assigned to stir the waves up against you. As before, you are to stand in place. For tonight, though, you have certainly earned your rest. We will return as the tide again falls. She stepped back as though to leave, before shaking her head. One last thing. Although you will have the day free until the tide falls, I would advise you to spend at least some of the time considering what you learned in the first part of the Trial. To be clear, this is not me speaking as the Judge of your Trial, but as Marigold, a Druid who wants you to find a Circle to call home. She sat down beside Jeb. I was once like you, unmoored from any sense of connection, seeking Magic for the sake of itself. Finding the Circle of the Sea, though, I understand the world so much better. Its truly- she cut off and coughed unconvincingly. Sorry, I do not wish to spoil your Trial. Regardless, I hope you sleep well, and I would be thrilled if you found your calling in the Sea. With that, she walked away, and Jeb quickly felt sleep overtake him. He woke well after dawn. Stretching, Jeb was surprised at how limber his body felt. He had expected some soreness after standing against buffeting waves all day, but if anything, the rhythmic pounding seemed to have loosened his muscles. Taking Marigolds advice, he thought about what he had learned. Thinking back on roots, Jeb noticed that there were few trees directly against the water. Instead, grasses and other thin plants grew. As the waves crashed against them, they did not stand firm and unyielding. Instead, they bent with the water, standing back up as the wave flowed out. Remaining rooted and flexible seemed to resonate with the Magic around him, though not as much as the circles had. Try as he might, though, Jeb could not seem to find a conclusion to either. When Marigold came to take him back to the sea, Jeb stood and followed. A different Druid stood on a rock which jutted out of the water. Jeb could not remember if the rock had been there during the previous portion of the Trial but pushed the thought aside. He would have no trouble constructing one in a matter of moments, and he was far from specialized in that form of Magic. At first, Jeb was surprised that there were no traces of his stand in the sea from the day before. The thought that nothing was permanent, and any choice he made, however impactful, would be washed away in the seas of time resonated with the Magic around him, and Jeb felt a part of him reaching out towards something. When it retracted, he decided that it must not have found whatever it was looking for. The second day of the Trial of Waves was far more difficult. Jeb quickly had to abandon the idea of standing like a tree, proud and unyielding against all forces. The waves that the Druid sent his way were just far too strong. Moving like a reed helped, though Jeb failed to connect to the idea the way that his Magic wished to. Feeling the ebb and flow of each wave as the tide rose and fell as circles within circles, too, was something he wished he could understand better. More than anything, though, Jeb felt weak. His lack of Physical Statistics had not come up once in his time at the Academy, likely because his were on the higher side. Now that he was surrounded with non-Academics, though, he realized how little his body could do compared to others at his Tier. The fact that his access to any School of Magic had been restricted only added to that feeling. In the absence of Magic, Jeb could hardly stand against water, let alone someone trying to do him harm. With as easily as the Druids were suppressing his Magic, Jeb knew that he could not rely on his Magic alone to keep him safe. Something about the idea of self-improvement hit the same string that the reeds and circles had. Jeb was slowly beginning to build an image of the instrument in his mind. Before he could come to any firm conclusions, though, he was knocked over. The water tore at Jeb, rushing at him as though trying to drown him. Doing his best not to panic, Jeb tried to surface. The water, held in place by the Druids will, did not let him. Jeb dug deeper, willing his Magic to move independently of any School he had learned. He felt something in him snap, and the pressure around him suddenly lessened. Before he could rejoice, Marigold was pulling him out of the water. Jeb, are you able to breathe? Jeb tried, but the air felt like knives running down his body. What happened? he finally croaked out. It appears as though youve strained your soul, she said calmly. Grimacing, she went on, Although this may not be the best time to do so, I must also inform you that you have failed this Trial. Jeb nodded and passed out. Chapter 208: Taking Time to Think The harsh sunlight stabbed into Jebs eyes when he finally reopened them. Clenching his eyes shut, he rolled over more on instinct than any higher level thought. A deep rumbling voice chuckled as he did. I am glad to see that you still live, the voice spoke. Looking up, Jeb saw that it was the Bear. Im honestly not sure that I am glad to be alive, Jeb replied, sitting up. Every part of him screamed in pain, from the tips of his fingers to the deepest corner of his soul. When his eyes finally focused on the Druid, he saw that he was nodding slowly. You act as a child, despite your strength. Though the words could have come off as harsh, Jeb did not hear any judgement in the Bears voice. What do you mean? When the tides were pushing against you and you were unable to withstand them how you prefer, what did you choose to do? Did you ask for help? Did you attempt something new? No. The Bear grunted and picked up a piece of driftwood. He started absently carving it as he continued to speak. Rather than do anything sensible, or even accept that you would fail the Trial and admit as much, you simply doubled down on what had worked for you before. I do not know who led you to your Fundamental Understanding, but they have done you a grave disservice. Jeb stared blankly. I am aware that a Trialist is not to be given aid, but you are not a standard Trialist. It is clear that you already have a Fundamental Understanding, even if it is not Druidic in nature. Seeing that the Bear had apparently gotten the wrong impression from Jebs stare, he hurried to clarify, what is a Fundamental Understanding? The driftwood in the Bears hand snapped, and he looked down in surprise at the loud sound. Shaking the confusion off, he stared at Jeb. Jeb was suddenly completely sure that the being in front of him was not a human. Bear was absolutely the name for a species, even if it also meant something else. The creature in front of him was not civilized. It was intelligent, and clearly capable of communicating civilly, but as his black eyes bored into him, Jeb was reminded of how dangerous a wild predator could be, even without a Class. Given that this Bear was the leader of his Circle, Jeb had no doubt that the Druid could end his life with barely an effort. The Bear blinked, and the pressure lessened. What makes you who you are? he asked. What do you mean? Jeb replied. I understand that this may be a rarity among your interactions with people, but I meant exactly what I said. What makes you yourself, rather than any other being? What makes you yourself, existing at all? I dont know, Jeb replied after a long quiet moment. The Bear still stared at him, though no longer overbearing. It only took Jeb a few moments to realize that the Bear was content to sit in that place until Jeb came to whatever conclusions he was meant to arrive at. With that in mind, Jeb started thinking out loud. I dont know what makes me exist, but the fact that I exist means that I do? he said hesitantly, unable to articulate exactly what he meant. The Bears head dipped the smallest fraction, which Jeb took as a sign of approval. Due to the injuries you have sustained, the Enclave has changed the next portion of your Trial. He stood, and Jeb was once again reminded of the Bears sheer bulk. Come with me. Although the Bear moved with complete grace, Jeb had the feeling that it would have preferred to move on all four limbs. He led Jeb to a clearing with soft grass underfoot. Jeb sat when the Bear gestured for him to do so. Observe, the Bear said. And, though it is not an explicit direction in this Trial, consider the questions I asked you. He moved out of the clearing, and Jeb was left alone. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Jeb quickly started looking around the clearing. After a few minutes, though, he concluded that there was nothing in particular he was supposed to see. Just to make sure, he stood and walked through the entire clearing, remembering the Bears advice to not take directions at face value. Once he was satisfied that the clearing was what it appeared to be, Jeb sat back down in the grass. A faint breeze started blowing through the space, carrying the scent of blooming wildflowers. The blades of grass waved slowly back and forth in the breeze, making the green floor look like it was a single being. Jeb stared, entranced, and did not notice as he started breathing in time to the waving. When a flower drifted in front of his vision, Jeb realized that he had been completely lost in his breath. It was a feeling he had almost entirely lost since Magic had consumed Meditation. Even before that, though, Jeb had never simply sat and breathed. Before his thoughts could spiral out again, he once again looked at the grass and breathed in the sweet air. He let his mind wander as he turned the Bears question around and around. Who was he? That was an easy enough question. He was Jeb. Since he had never met anyone else with the name, Jeb had never felt attached to any other way of specifying who he was more clearly. Who else was he? He was his parents child, his sisters brother. He was a Graduate of the Academy. He was a man who was once a boy dreaming of Farming. He was a Wizard. Jeb looked down at his hands. They were still thick, far from the long and slender digits that so many in the Academy had. There were no calluses on them, however. His hands were as soft as any childs. Jeb looked at his arms. They were not weak, but they were nowhere near as strong as he knew that they could have been. If he were a Farmer, his arms would have been tanned and corded. Some spark of an answer flashed in his mind. Like any spark, though, Jeb knew that he could smother it if he was not careful. Focusing on his breathing once again, he let himself fall back into the meditative state. When the next flower flowed across his vision, carried by the ever-unseen wind, Jeb was not broken from his breath. When an elk came into the clearing, Jeb noted it, but continued to breathe with the earth. It took a small bite of the grass, and Jeb felt another spark flare. When a bird swooped down and ate a fly, Jeb felt the first wisps of smoke begin to burn in answer. Watching that bird be attacked down by a larger bird, the first tongues of flame licked out. When the blood fell where the elk had eaten, Jeb knew that he had his answer, even if he could not articulate how he had come to it. Even though he still wasnt entirely sure what a Fundamental Understanding was, Jeb knew that he had been approaching Magic incorrectly. He had thought of his soul as a discrete part of him. It was not, any more than his body was a discrete part of him. His soul held his Class, which impacted his body. His body shaped the way that he interacted with the world. The revelation did not come with any great burst of inspiration. The pain in his soul lessened, but only slightly. Rather than go rushing after the idea, trying to trace down every consequence the belief could have, Jeb simply returned to breathing, watching the microcosm of nature play out in front of him. The shadows on each blade lengthened as the sun set. Bright greens grew darker and darker as the light grew dimmer and dimmer. The breeze died down, and Jeb realized that he was not simply an observer in the clearing. Each breath he released stirred the wind around him, even if only slightly. Each change in the grass rippled out, disturbing the world. No, that isnt right, Jeb thought. Disturbing implied that there was a correct way for the world to proceed. Jeb had just as much of a right to be here as any of the blades of grass. Still, his being here changed the world around him even as the thoughts changed him. As stars rose in the sky, he listened to the different sounds of nature. The large and small creatures which moved about in the day time were sleeping, and the creatures that rose in the night began their own activities. A cloud of bats passed over the clearing for an instant, eating the insects that had gathered around Jebs heat. Three days passed as Jeb sat in the clearing. Each moment was imperceptibly different than the one before or after, and yet time still flowed. The sun rose and set, the moon grew fuller with every hour, and the stars danced about in the sky. When dawn broke for the fourth time, the Bear returned. He tracked his eyes up and down Jebs sitting body before nodding. Your soul is sufficiently healed, and I see that you have deepened your Understanding. Come, your next Trial awaits. All at once, the peace that Jeb had found vanished. Did I pass this Trial? What do you think? the Bear asked, walking out of the clearing. Jeb followed and tried to reason out an answer. Each Trial he had failed up to that point had been met with another Trial. However, he hadnt passed any, so he had no way of knowing what the rewards for success were. The fact that the Bear, unlike his past two Judges, had not come directly out with an answer seemed like one in itself. I think, Jeb replied slowly, that the Trial has not ended yet. The Bear let out a booming roar of a laugh, and Jeb heard a flock of birds take flight. I will be honest, the Druid said when he caught his breath, I had not expected that answer. No, that stage of the Trial is over. I was legitimately asking you if you think that you passed. Im not a Druid, Jeb replied. That is true, the Bear agreed. So I guess that means that I failed. The Bear shrugged and led Jeb forward. Chapter 209: Another Failure, Another Clue Jeb found himself in a clearing much like the one he had just left. He looked at the Bear, who shrugged as though to say, Im not in charge. Looking around, Jeb could tell that he was in a different place, though only because he had become so intimately familiar with every piece of the clearing he had spent three days in. In the time it had taken him to look around, the Bear had pulled a meal and table from somewhere. Sitting on the ground, he gestured for Jeb to join him. Bemused, Jeb did. Jeb ate a filling meal of berries, honey, and fillets of some fish. The Bear must have eaten his own meal, because his plate grew empty and the large creature refilled it. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to catch the Druid bring a single bite to his lips. When the meal was finished, the Bear gestured behind the two of them, and Jeb saw that a small tent had been erected. Sleep and recover, the Bear said. Someone will come to rouse you when it is time for you to begin the next phase in your Trial. As Jeb settled onto the woven mat beneath him, the Bear popped his head into the tent to give a final piece of advice. You believe that you failed the last Trial because you did not become a Druid. Do you truly wish to become a Druid? Without waiting for Jebs response, he left. Jeb stared at the canvas above him and tried to think. His thoughts eluded him, however. The three days without sleep had left him more exhausted than he had realized. Dreams of life as a Druid battled against images of himself wielding Glyphs and Druidic Magics together as he slept. Jeb woke to find that the tent had disappeared while he slept. Someone was gently shaking his foot, and he slowly blinked his eyes open. The stars shone brightly in the darkness of the new moon, and Jeb knew that it was just a little past sunset. A Druid he did not recognize stood when they saw that Jeb was awake. Trialist, you will now begin the next phase of your Trial. Unlike the tasks have come before, this Trial carries with it an inherent risk of death. If you wish to leave the Enclave never to return, you may abandon your Trial now. If not, however, prepare yourself. Whats the Trial? Jeb asked, still coming to his bearings. Do you know where you are? the voice asked, seeming to ignore Jebs question. In the Druidic Enclave? Jeb replied, more than a little hesitantly. Yes, but do you know where you are within the Enclave? Not at all, Jeb replied. The speaker nodded. Find your way to safety. If that means cloaking yourself in the rushing tides of the sea, then search for salt air. If that means shielding behind bark and wood, then find the dancing tree. If that means standing alone where nothing can hide, then find the summoning cliff. With each word, the speaker faded from Jebs vision, their voice fading with them. He was certain that the voice had listed other locations, but could not make them out over the wind that had suddenly picked up. The sounds of the forest suddenly quieted. Jeb froze. In his time within the Enclave, the forest had never been silent. Jeb knew enough from his time growing up to be aware that a silent forest meant that all of the creatures which normally made a sound were hiding. The only reason that all of them would be hiding was the presence of some large and dangerous predator. Doing his best not to panic, Jeb closed his eyes and strained his ears for the sounds of anything coming towards him. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to hear where the creature was. Well, at least I know why they warned me of danger, Jeb thought to himself. Despite the alleged offer that he could leave, he did notice that he was never once asked if he wanted to take part in this Trial. I suppose that leaving the Enclave is a choice of its own to find safety. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Looking at the stars, Jeb realized that they were different than the stars he was used to. It was subtle, but each of the constellations was shifted ever so slightly from the ones that he knew. The pointer star was slightly lower in the sky than it should have been, and Jeb abandoned the idea of navigating by starlight alone. Even if he had a clear idea of where in the Enclave he was, he was no longer certain that he could follow the stars to trace his own steps. The lack of moonlight made his trek all the more difficult. Beneath the tall canopies of the trees, Jeb was barely able to see his own hand when held directly in front of his face. If he stretched it out in front of him, it was completely cloaked in shadow. He stumbled through the woods like that for what felt like an hour. When he found himself in the same clearing as he had begun, Jebs brows furrowed in frustration. Trying to create a Glyph, Jeb was shocked to find that his Magic was not bound away or restricted. He racked his mind, trying to think of any piece of Magic he had learned at the Academy which could help him here. There were plenty of path finding Enchantments or Dances, but all presupposed that he had marked his starting location well. Jeb made a note to always leave a marker when he was moved to a new location. Thinking about markers, Jeb remembered his bees. Try as he might, though, he could not find his connection to the Hive. Even more disconcerting, he could not feel his connection to the lute. Or, rather, he could not pull on either connection. It was not that he had lost the Bindings, but more as though one of his limbs was suddenly numb. He could still tell that it was there, but that was the extent of his control. His soul sent out a small aching pulse, and Jeb remembered the Bears chiding remark that Jeb had a tendency to rush headlong into a solution rather than think through what he was planning. Looking at the pointer star, Jeb hoped that it still showed the way north. He quickly sketched a small compass rose, taking the few extra seconds to make it beautiful. What compelled him to do so, he could not say, but he trusted the instinct. With the compass as a guide, he sketched out the Enclave as best as he knew it. If it had been bordered on a single side by the sea, Jeb would have had an easier time. However, he knew that there were large bays and inlets throughout the Enclave, and even an inland sea, if the rumors were to be believed. Giving up his hope of finding the sea right away, Jeb felt a sense of rightness. His path to safety was not hidden behind rushing water. As though that revelation was the last stick holding a dam in place, thoughts rushed through Jeb. He was once again forced to confront the Bears question. Did he want to be a Druid? The Magic around him roiled as he wrestled with his own mind. So lost in his thoughts, Jeb did not notice as the night progressed ever onward. When the first rays of sunshine finally broke through the horizon, the Magic around Jeb suddenly stilled. He had not come to a conclusion, but he had come to a realization. Even before the speaker returned, Jeb knew that he had failed. Trialist, you are where you were left. Why did you not leave? I did leave, Jeb admitted, weariness weighing him down. After an hour of blind wandering through the forest, I found that I had somehow walked in a circle back to here. Why did you remain? Honestly, I was lost in thought. Were you paralyzed with indecision? No. Jeb was confident in that answer. If whatever had been out hunting last night had come for him, he would have defended himself. Even as his Magic and mind grappled with the choice in front of him, he had never once let his attention slip from the space around him. He knew that the predator had not come near. Did you choose to stay here? There was a weight to those words, and Jeb knew the answer to the question, even as he was loathe to admit it. No. The speaker nodded and waved a hand. Vines laced up through the air to form an arch, which began to glow softly. Within the arch, Jeb saw the stone where he had begun his Trial. You have failed this portion of the Trial. The speaker did not put any emotion behind the words, which surprised Jeb slightly. All of the other Judges had seemed connected to their Trial in some way, but this Druid acted as though they were only following orders, completely indifferent to the results of Jebs Trial. It was a good reminder of the fact that the world did not revolve around Jeb, even as it stung slightly. Even without asking, he knew that the Judge would not have shed a single tear if he had come back to find Jeb torn limb from limb. The speaker stepped through the portal, and Jeb hesitated, unsure if he was supposed to follow. As though taking the option away from him, more vines stretched up and pulled him through the gate. Jeb found himself surrounded with scores of Druids, many of whom looked at him intently with weapons in their hands. Your next Trial, the Archdruid called out, begins shortly. Prepare yourself. Chapter 210: Place Your Bets The next portion of your Trial is the Trial by Combat, the Archdruid said calmly. The crowd of Druids cleared from the stone, leaving only Jeb and a man who seemed to be about Jebs age. Begin, the Archdruid said, and the man rushed towards him. Jeb froze for the briefest of seconds. Thankfully, the two were far enough from each other that his momentary hesitation did not immediately spell his doom. When the fighter threw what was clearly meant to be a gently probing punch, Jeb tried to block it. He heard his forearm crunch beneath the Druids iron-like hands. Eyes welling with tears from the sudden sharp pain, Jeb still managed to duck out of the way of the next punch. Before he could even think about mounting a reply, the Archdruid called the fight to a halt. You do not fight like a Republic Mage, his opponent said as a healer rushed onto the platform. Thank you? Jeb replied, somehow feeling that the comment was meant to be taken as a compliment. The healer waved his hands, and the pain in Jebs arm faded away as though it had never been. Standing, he gave Jeb an appraising look. From the way that your first bout went, would I be correct in assuming that you do not have much by way of combat experience? Not as such, no, Jeb admitted sheepishly. The healer cocked his head. You seem ashamed by this admission, he commented. Jeb grimaced. I dont like doing badly on tests, he explained. The healer nodded. I understand. However, there is no shame in avoiding combat. For one as young as yourself, I would truthfully be more concerned if you were adept in the arts of dueling. With that, he helped Jeb to stand. Jeb saw that another person had entered the combat zone. Something about them seemed strange, and it took Jeb a moment to realize that they must have been under Eighth Tier. The world around them was not in any way bound to their actions. With a start, Jeb realized that this was the first person he had seen since coming to the Enclave who was of a lower Tier than him. She wasnt far below Eighth Tier. Jeb had the vague feeling that the Druid in front of him was somewhere in the middle of her Seventh Class. She gave Jeb a polite nod before settling into a stance much like the Druid before had taken. When the Archdruid gave the signal, she approached him far more cautiously than the last Druid. It made some amount of sense to Jeb. After all, he was more than a full Tier more powerful than her. Even if he was not well-versed in combat, brute force could easily overpower a more skilled opponent. Clearing his head of the thoughts, he watched as a fist flew towards him. Having learned his lesson from the last Druid, Jeb dodged out of the fists path. When he sent his own fist forwards in reply, she moved just enough so that his fist swung a hairsbreadth in front of her. Disoriented by his fists lack of contact, Jeb stumbled into the next fist she threw towards him. Unlike the last Druid, her blow did not immediately shatter bone. That was not to say that it didnt hurt. Jeb was certain that his shoulder would be a bright bruise the next day if the healer did not tend to him. Gritting his teeth once again, Jeb lowered his shoulder and charged. He clipped the Druid, and just for a moment managed to get his hands wrapped around her. All of a sudden, vines sprouted from the ground and tore his arms away. More vines snaked out towards him and pinned him to the ground. Jeb gave a token effort to struggle against his bonds, but knew they were far too strong for him to break by muscle alone. Just as he had the idea to use his own Magic to burn the roots away, the Archdruid called an end to the fight. The vines fell away from him, withering into dust in mere moments. Jeb watched them fade in wonder. His combat partner reached down to give Jeb a hand up. He took it gratefully, thankful that she had reached for the shoulder that she hadnt punched. After a quick bout of healing, he was again standing in the circle. No one faced him. Jeb waited for a minute, tensed for a sneak attack. When the assembled Druids started to murmur their own confusion at the delay, though, he relaxed. The Archdruid walked up to Jebs side. Oh, thats interesting, he said, tapping Jeb with his staff. Each touch was as gentle as a blown kiss, but Jeb still felt the impact thrum through his entire being. Wizard is among the least Physically oriented Classes that I have ever seen, he said after tapping across Jebs entire body. Is it? Jeb asked. If we discount Presence and Vitality, absolutely. Your Mental Statistics are admirably even, and each of them is almost the same as your entire Physical Load. If Vitality or Presence were in line with the rest of your Physical Statistics, each Mental Statistic would be far larger than their sum. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Seeing Jebs curious look, the Archdruid continued, it is not uncommon to have a Statistic or two that are far higher than the rest. My own Willpower far exceeds the rest of my Statistics combined. However, the remainder of the Statistics I have gained have been relatively evenly distributed among the other nine. He stroked his beard, clearly lost in thought. After a few moments of muttering, he finally called out what Jeb took to be a name. Given that someone ran onto the stone, Jeb had to assume that the boy in front of him was Glen. I had not realized how much Vitality and Presence were distorting your Physical Statistics, the Archdruid said, returning to the crowd. This should be a much fairer fight. My name is Glen, and I am a Fourth Tier Druid in the Circle of Iron, the boy said, squaring in an approximation of the stance that the other two Druids had adopted. Hi, Jeb replied. My name is Jeb, and I am, um, not a Druid, nor am I in a Circle. Enough chatting, the Archdruid called. Begin! Unlike the other two Druids, Glen did not immediately rush towards Jeb. Instead, he held his hands out in front of him. Jeb felt a pulse as though a large magnet had existed, just for a moment. As sweat beaded on the young Druids head, Jeb quickly realized that it was him creating the effect. Unsure exactly what the boy was planning, Jeb stood, undecided as to what he should do. The pulsing grew more regular, and Jeb saw small strands of iron begin to creep into the arena. Jeb quickly called his Magic and started to draw a Glyph in the air in front of him. Glowing lines arced as he sketched a Move Glyph. Forgetting the exact arrangement of nodes which symbolized Iron, Jeb was grateful for his Doctoral Thesis. He did remember a Runic combination for Iron, and quickly added that as the Elemental Attunement for the Glyph. Striking the Glyph with the heel of his hand, Jeb sent his will into the working. As Jeb tried to move the Iron back out of the arena, he was unsurprised to feel resistance to his efforts. After all, even simple beer resisted his efforts to change it. What did surprise him, however, was how quickly the Druid in front of him adapted. As Jeb struggled to wrest control over the Iron in the space, the Druid began another working. Glens nose and eyes began to bleed. Each droplet of blood, rather than falling to the ground, instead moved as though pulled into the Druids left hand. With each added drop, a shape began to form. Just as Jeb gained enough control of the iron to push it aside, Glen tossed a knife in his direction. The blade sliced cleanly through Jebs tricep, and he lost his concentration, distracted by the sudden pain. Jeb put his hand up to the wound to see how bad the cut was. To his surprise, his hand came back completely bloodless. When he saw the Druid gripping two blades, however, Jeb realized what had happened. As he watched, the blood which left his body was turned almost instantly into a mist which flew over to the Druid. Jeb had read enough Restricted Alchemy to know how to destroy blood, and tore the very Essence from the daggers in Glens hands. Suddenly holding a ball of Blood Essence, Jeb found himself again at a loss for action. He had disarmed his opponent, yes, but only in the most basic of senses. Glen, clearly used to combat, had already started bringing more iron into the space. The authors of the Alchemical Guide had any number of suggestions for what Jeb could do with a ball of Blood Essence and a foe. However, since Jeb had no desire to curse Glen''s family for three generations in either direction, the advice was generally lacking. Jeb started humming, trying to think of what to do next. As the music poured out of him, Jeb found that he was better able to control the Glyph. Carrying multiple threads of Magic was, after all, a skill he had been forced to master in his Bardic studies. Jeb knew that he should move onto the offensive. Even if just for a moment, he had stymied all of Glens Magics. Now was the time to strike. Glen clearly felt the same way, because he threw a small metal ball at Jeb. Moving more on instinct than any formal plan, Jeb leapt to the side, tossing the Blood Essence in front of him. Stepping carefully, he held the Blood in place around him as a shield. When Jeb felt another stabbing pain, this time in his calf, he realized that Glen had not truly intended to hit him with the ball. It had been meant as bait, and had served that purpose incredibly well. Jebs momentary distraction had been just long enough for Glen to take a small amount of the iron around them and thrust it into Jebs leg. From there, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Jeb would lose. He held on for as long as he could, draining his Mana far lower than it had gone since his first years in the Academy. As it bottomed out, however, all of Jebs effects suddenly ended. The iron quickly formed a cage around him, and the Archdruid called the match to an end. Thank you for the lesson, Glen said solemnly, bowing at Jeb before walking out of the space. Once back in the grass, he immediately collapsed, drawing an irritated sigh from the healer. Whoever taught him to work with Blood Iron should have known better, he muttered, repairing the wounds in Jebs flesh. Will he be okay? Jeb asked. The healer rolled his eyes. Yes, he will suffer no ill effects. Reckless as it was for him to use Blood Iron, he did still keep the blood loss to a reasonable level. Hell be a little bit tired for the next few days as his body recovers. Giving Jeb an appraising look, the healer rummaged through his bag and pulled out a small waterskin. Drink this, he demanded. Unlike him, you do not have the time to wait for your blood to recover naturally. On that ominous note, Jeb took the skin and raised it to his lips. As the first drops touched his tongue, he nearly gagged. The flavor was not bad, but it was cloyingly sweet. The fact that the liquid inside was thick enough that it only slowly oozed out of the skin did nothing to make it any more palatable. Jeb took two deep swallows before setting it down, gasping at the sudden fire that had spread through his veins. Now now, the healer said, raising the skin again, you need to drink the entire skin to be in proper condition for your next fight. Choking the liquid back, Jeb reflected on the fact that the healer was doing little more than speeding up the rate that he could be injured. Still, it wasnt the healers fault that Jeb kept losing the fights, and Jeb knew better than to question a medic of any sort. When the skin was empty, the healer produced a small needle and quickly sewed Jebs clothing back together. Nodding once, he retreated back into the throng of Druids. The Archdruid came back out, gave Jeb a thorough look from head to toes, and then called another name. Another young Druid stepped into the space, and Jeb readied his Magic. The Archdruid looked at the Magic gathering around Jeb and spoke a single syllable. All at once, Jeb once again felt the paths his Magic wanted to take barred from him. It would not form to the shape of a Glyph or Rune, and he could not feel any Essences around him. Nodding, the Archdruid stepped out of the arena and signaled the two fighters to begin. Chapter 211: Spirit Quest To Jebs relief, the fighter opposite him seemed equally constrained. Rather than attempting to create any sort of Magical working, he rushed towards Jeb. Everything about the way that the Druid screamed that he was far less trained than the others Jeb had faced. Nonetheless, he was still more trained in fighting than Jeb. Jeb threw a punch at the Druid when he came in range. The Druid, unsurprisingly, ducked underneath the punch and threw one in return at Jebs ribs. It hurt far less than the other punches he had received that day, and Jeb took a moment to bemoan the choices that had led him to needing to be grateful for that fact. The Druid leapt back, and Jeb chased after, unwilling to let him take control of the fights pace. Exchange after exchange, Jeb ended up taking far more hits than his opponent. Still, even if he hadnt learned how to fight growing up, hed still learned the value of a high pain tolerance. If the crowds hushed comments were any indication, Jeb was lasting far longer than they had expected. No one seemed surprised, however, when Jeb eventually lost the fight. The healer came over again and patched up both of their injuries. When he had finished, the Archdruid came over to Jeb and helped him up. Trialist, the final portion of your Trial awaits. With that, he started walking off. Jeb followed, unsure what else to do. They walked for a long while in silence. Jeb kept opening his mouth to say something before closing it, unsure what to ask. When they finally reached a cave, the Archdruid turned back to Jeb for the first time since setting off. Your final Trial will take place within this cavern. Inside, you will find a fire burning down and a woven mat. Sit on the mat and gaze into the fire. Contemplate what you see. Having said his piece, the Archdruid turned and stepped through a beam of sunlight. Jeb found himself alone again. Looking into the dark cave, he found that he was completely unafraid. The Druids, for all their talk of letting him be injured, had kept him safe through all of his Trials thus far. Nodding to himself, Jeb stepped inside and walked to the fire. The fire was nearly dead, sending large clouds of smoke billowing into the room. Taking a breath, Jeb was surprised to find that the smoke tasted far sweeter than he had expected. Looking more closely, he saw that the Druids had put some sort of incense in the embers. It was those herbs and resins that were giving off smoke, not half-burnt pieces of wood. Still, that much smoke in a contained environment still displaced a lot of the air. Jeb found himself feeling lightheaded, and moved to sit on the woven mat. His vision started swimming as he looked into the fire. Tendrils of smoke began growing scales. As the snakes finished forming, they wound around each other before moving to wrap around Jeb. Despite the fact that they should have been made entirely of smoke, Jeb felt their weight and the texture of their scales on his arms and shoulders. Remembering the Archdruids advice, if only barely, he did not let the snakes distract him and continued to focus on the fire. The snakes merged into each other, forming larger and larger reptiles. Seeing that Jeb was not going to turn to them, the scaled beasts collapsed back into smoke. Other creatures formed in their place. As the smoke kept filling the room, Jebs head swam as visions of beasts mighty and humble paraded around him. The beasts began to fade, smoke pouring into the single being that was now taking shape. Jeb saw the vague outline of something growing wings and then shedding them. A small ember suddenly caught flame. In the light of the new fire, Jeb felt his mind and body separate, if only for the briefest of moments. When they reconnected, something in the room had changed. It took Jeb a few moments to realize what it was: sitting across from him was the form of Magic. Magic gazed coolly at Jeb, smoke pouring out of its mouth as it spoke. Child of man, you have once again called me. It looked around the space, and Jeb followed its gaze, noting the intricate patterns etched onto the walls and ceiling. They were not quite runes or Glyphs, but something about them told Jeb that they were at least close relatives of the two forms of Magic. Even though he was unable to find any meaning in the delicate loops and whorls, Magic seemed to find whatever it had been looking for. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Thank you for finally using one of the old rites to summon me, it finally spoke. Jeb grimaced, and Magic honed in on that expression. Sighing, it continued, tell me how you came here. Jeb quickly walked through the Trials that the Druids had given him. Seeing that the being in front of him was unsatisfied with his answer, he went further back, describing how he had been coerced into taking the Trials. By the time that he had finished retracing his story, Jeb realized that he had given a summary of his entire life since the first time he had met Magic in a dream. Still, it wanted him to go back further. When Jeb got to the moment that the Paragons had given him his first Class, however, the being nodded. It held out a hand for him to stop speaking, and Jeb did, shutting his mouth mid sentence as he was about to explain why he had hoped for a different Class. I have heard enough of your life story. I have a question for you, however. Do you know how many times the average Mage meets with me? Jeb shrugged. I have to assume less than the three times that Ive met with you, if youre asking. Magic let out a sigh. Jeb had never seen it acting so human before. More than anything, that scared him. If a force of the universe was taking on human qualities, what did that mean for him? You are correct. I meet with everyone who uses my gifts when they ascend to the Eleventh Tier and each Tier after that. However, so few make it even to that point, as I am sure you are aware. Jeb nodded. So why do we keep meeting? Indeed. Among the children of men, there are few who I have met with even once before they reach, it paused for a moment, clearly trying to find the word that Jeb would understand, Tenth Tier. There was clearly some meaning behind Tenth Tier that Magic was not communicating. Jeb had to assume that it related to the fact that Tenth Tier was where Classholders stopped aging at all. Those that I do meet with are almost always Mages that I have a mission for. Magic fell silent before staring at Jeb. He could feel the being poring through not just his Status, but every Status that he had ever had. After what felt like an eternity, Magic blinked once. It was enough to break whatever spell had kept Jeb motionless, and he shivered from the feeling. There is no grand Quest which guides your actions, Magic finally pronounced. What about the Major Quest that I was given when I received my Class? Jeb protested. Magic cocked its head. Something about the motion made Jeb realize that it was mimicking his own reactions. He was sure that there was some meaning behind that fact, but the haze from the smoke kept him from understanding what, exactly, it was. What about it? it asked. A Quest from your, it paused, clearly searching for the term that Jeb had used, paragons, is of little import to greater reality. Petty squabbles between nations only very rarely involve anything more than those nations. However, it looked at Jeb again, and Jeb had the feeling that some part of his Status invisible to even him was suddenly laid open for Magic. No, it finally said, shaking one of the heads it had grown. There is no great working to which you are bound. However, as you have called me here within the ancient rites, even if unknowingly, I am bound to answer a question of yours. Magic suddenly shifted, taking the form of the cave that he was in. A voice whispered into his ear, What do you desire, child of man? Another voice spoke softly as Jeb felt hands run down his arms, do you wish to know how to bind others to your cause? A lion came to lay its head in his lap, meeting Jebs eyes and asking, or do you wish to know how to live at one with Nature. I can tell that you are trying to become like the Druids, the cave itself said, who practice but the faintest flicker of the bonfire that was Druidic Magic. I could teach you secrets which have been hidden for longer than man has existed. Magic reformed itself, sitting down across from Jeb. It looked exactly like him, and it mirrored every action he took, no matter how small. So, he heard his own voice ask him, what is your question? Jeb looked around, trying to figure out why the cavern suddenly felt different. He realized that the fire had finally gone out, and the smoke was starting to clear through small holes in the walls of the cavern. As he tried to figure out where the holes would lead, he heard his mirror cough. Your time grows short, he said, gesturing to the fading smoke. What would you ask if you were in my position? Jeb asked as the last wisps of smoke drifted away. Who am I? He heard the answer drifting on the breeze of air that suddenly rushed into the cavern. Blinking, Jeb found himself looking at his soul. It had changed in his time at the Druidic Enclave. Bars like iron ran through him, reinforcing each weakness that he once had. Looking more carefully, Jeb saw that the bars appeared organic in nature, bending and vining around each other. As suddenly as he found himself in his soul, Jeb found himself back in the cavern. The Archdruid was standing where Magic had been just a few moments before. He stared at Jeb. Compared to the piercing gaze that Magic had, Jeb hardly noticed the Archdruids pressure. After a long minute, where Jeb tried to remember the melody he was certain had been playing while he spoke to Magic, the Archdruid spoke. You have failed this Trial, he said simply, turning to leave the cavern. Jeb followed, more curious than ever about what a success would have meant. Chapter 212: Object Identification The Archdruid led Jeb back to the large tree where he had come on his first day in the Enclave. The interior had changed. Rather than being set up for a large party, the room had a single large table running through the middle. The table was covered in objects which radiated Magic. Your next Trial, the Archdruid said, is identifying these Objects of Power. With that, he left, and other Druids filed in. Jeb went to the first item on the table. It was a piece of granite about the size of his fist. Like the cave that he had just come from, the surface was covered in looping whorls. Am I allowed to touch the objects? Jeb asked to the room in general. A voice responded in the affirmative, so he picked up the stone. Turning it around, he saw that the whorls covered the entirety of the stone, not just the portion he had initially seen. Try as he might, though, Jeb was unable to find any beginning or end to the pattern. Unlike a Glyph or an Enchantment, there was no clear place for Mana to be pushed into the stone. Trying anyways, Jeb pushed a small beam of Magic into the rock, sweeping it across the surface. He was unsurprised to find that his Magic did not catch on any portion of the rock. However, the longer that Jeb held the rock, the more that he could tell there was something intrinsically Magical about it. Setting it back down, he took a step back and looked through it with Magical sight. To his surprise, the Magical feeling emanating from the rock did not come from the engravings. They were Magical, to be sure, but it reminded him more of the lute case he had made so long ago. Watching for longer, Jeb was positive: the carvings worked to trap and recycle whatever Magic the rock already had. When he told the crowd as much, he was asked what the rocks Magic was. Unable to tell them, the rock was taken away, and Jeb moved down to the next object. It was a shirt. Picking it up, Jeb felt the familiar texture of woven fire. Unlike the fire that he had practiced Weaving, however, there was an actual Magic within the shirt. Once again, Jeb saw the lines and curves that he was beginning to associate with Druidic Magic. These appeared to be embroidered onto the fabric. Shaking his head, Jeb realized that the embroidering was meant to be a distraction. Although it was very pretty, there was nothing Magical in the thread. When he looked past the embroidery to the fabric below, however, Jeb saw that the strands of fire within the cloth themselves traced out Druidic symbols. Small sparks flashed in his Magical sight as he held the clothing. For a few minutes, Jeb forgot that he was trying to figure out what made the object Magical, too entranced by the skill that had gone into crafting it. The entire shirt was made without a single seam, and it was apparently Woven entirely from a single fire. What, exactly, the benefits of working with only a single fire were, Jeb did not know, but he could not imagine working so quickly. Something about the shirt told him that the Weaver had made the entire shirt while the flame was still alive. Refocusing on his task, Jeb noticed that the shirt was leeching Magic from him, albeit slowly. When he tried pushing more Magic into the shirt, it greedily drank it in. It absorbs Magic? Jeb hazarded, getting polite nods from a few of the Druids. They took the shirt, and Jeb moved down to the next object. Continuing down the table, Jeb saw more and more wondrous creations of Magic. He fell into a trance as he tried to piece together what made them work. Even as he spoke, another part of his mind was trying to come up with ways for him to make his own Magical creations so beautiful. Even though he was unable to determine exactly what any object did, every part of them worked in perfect harmony. Unlike the perfectly crafted Enchantments hed seen, they were not perfect in the way that an unadorned object could be beautiful in its stark lines. Instead, they were ornate, almost baroque in their construction. Somehow, though, the layers upon layers of Magics never became overwhelming. Each piece seemed necessary to the whole. As day turned to night, the Druids in the room traded places with others. Jeb noted it absently, continuing to identify part, though not all, of the Magics within each object. When the sun had completely fallen, Jeb found an object that he recognized at a single glance. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. This is just a piece of Water Attuned Wood, Jeb said, holding the branch up. The quiet commentary that had accompanied most of his pronouncements grew louder at that. How do you know? one voice shouted. Jeb frowned, trying to think of the best way to answer. He was certain that because it is, was not the answer anyone was looking for. In the end, he settled with answering the question he assumed that he was asking, I made Water Attuned Wood before I went to the Academy, he said. The crowd died down a little bit at the mention that Jeb had seen the material before. He saw a number of objects on the table suddenly start to move. Someone called his name, and when he turned around, Jeb found that he was unable to remember what objects had been where. He was certain that the set of objects on the table were different, but that was all he was certain of. Which had been replaced, and what they had been replaced for, he had no idea. Moving to the next object, Jeb once again called out instantly, this is a piece of Water Attuned Wood that has a Glyph for Conjuring Water on it. What Glyph? a person called out. Jeb rolled his eyes, annoyed at how particular they were being. Its a Fifth Tier Glyph of Greater Conjure Water. It appears to have been constructed based on Youngs Second Principle for Water Glyph construction, though with clear influences from the Adler School. Would you like me to continue? he asked, already moving to the next object. When the voice didnt reply, Jeb paused before picking up the next object. The question didnt deserve the level of scorn that he had used in responding. Thinking back on the encounter, he remembered feeling angry, but he could not remember why. He looked back at the carved wood. Even after poring through every cell of the wood individually, Jeb was unable to find another Magical effect. Whatever had made him angry either had not come from the wood or was a single-use effect. The lack of Magical residue implied the former. Making a note to watch his emotions more carefully, Jeb moved back to the next object. It was another piece of wood. Rolling his eyes, he called out, Fire Attuned Wood. The next dozen objects he was asked to identify were all chunks of Elementally Attuned Wood. None even had a Glyph on them. Reaching down for the next object, Jeb found that he could not lift it. Looking more carefully, he saw nothing in the stone that would suggest that it would be so heavy. Shifting it side to side was easy enough, but it seemed completely unwilling to let go of the table. Furrowing his brows, Jeb tried to think of where else he had seen that happen. He remembered the lectures on magnetism that he had gone to on a whim. Even though each Lecturer was beyond clear that the effect was not Magic, Jeb still could not think of a mundane reason that two objects would be so attracted to each other. Looking at the stone on the table, Jeb saw no signs of Magic at all. Reaching underneath the table, he found the magnets pair. Mundane magnets, Jeb called out. The next object, to his mixed relief and disappointment, was once again a work of crafted Magic. At first glance, it was simply a perfectly carved sphere of wood. Looking closer, however, Jeb saw that it was made of many small shards of wood, rather than being a single carving, as he had initially assumed. The grains of each shard matched perfectly to all the shards surrounding it, and together the grain of the sphere was itself some sort of Druidic carving. Unlike the woven fire, this carving had an almost blindingly bright Magic pulsing through it. Jeb saw fragments of every Element he could name as Attuned Woods, and lost himself in the creation for a long while. Someones coughing broke him out of the admiration, and Jeb shook himself, trying to look at it analytically. There was clearly a method to the way that each shards Element had been chosen. Try as Jeb might, though, he was completely unable to see what that pattern was. The fact that each Element was only a single shard in the sphere made it even harder. Blinking, Jeb realized that the orb had changed as he held it. Lost in the tracing Magics, Jeb had not noticed that the actual shards had changed location. The object was in a constant state of motion, reforming new Druidic carvings with every passing moment. Jeb looked at it again in fascinated wonder, though he kept himself from falling back into the spheres pull. This is made of a number of shards of Elementally Attuned Wood, Jeb said, and the grain within the shards is used to create changing Magical Effects. More than that, though, I cannot say. With a pang in his heart, Jeb set the object down. He would have loved nothing more at that moment than to stare at the orb indefinitely. Looking at the orb, Jeb tried to see if it was mentally affecting him. A mesmerizing Magic would be completely reasonable for an object like that. To his relief, despite the Magic burning within the orb, it did not in any way interact with the Magic in the air around it. Jeb was fairly confident that he was interested in the orb on its own merits, rather than due to any Magical compulsion. Looking away from the sphere, Jeb noticed that he was at the end of the table. When he turned his gaze to the room at large, he saw that it had cleared out. Only the Archdruid and the leaders of each Circle stood there. Jeb, the Archdruid said, come for your final Trial. Jeb followed the crowd out of the tree, feeling his bees once again returned to him. Chapter 213: The Final Trial As the Swarm gathered around him in a cloud, Jeb realized that part of him still felt as though it was missing. He called his Magic and began to dance. The bees quickly joined in, and Jeb soon had his lute in his hands once again. After his last Trial, Jeb saw the lute in a new light. Looking at it with his Magical vision, he saw it blazing with Magics. Unlike most of the objects in the tree, however, the lutes Magic appeared to pulse. It took Jeb a few seconds to realize that the pulsing was in time to his own hearts beating. Looking at his Swarm, Jeb saw that it too appeared to inhale and exhale with his breaths. Ignoring the Druids around him, Jeb took a long moment to simply exist around the parts of him that had been denied during the Trials. The bees buzzed excitedly, telling him about their interactions with the insect portions of the Circle of Swarms. Even though they were not undergoing an explicit Trial, it was clear to Jeb that the Druids had been training his bees. What, exactly, they were being trained for, he was unsure. However, Jeb could not help but notice that the Swarm always maintained a full array of Elements surrounding him. Turning back to the lute in his hands, he took a moment to retune it, watching its Magic come into alignment as the notes did. Before he could get past the most rudimentary of his warmups, he heard someone cough meaningfully. As much as I am certain that you have missed your bees and lute, the Archdruid said calmly, you are still in the midst of your Trial. Jeb blushed slightly. He had completely lost himself in the experience of being whole again. Making a mental note to do his best to avoid ever being completely separated from his lute and bees again, Jeb nodded at the Archdruid. What is my next Trial? Jeb asked. The sound seemed to echo through the woods around him, as though the crowd of Druids were whispering the question to themselves. Thus far, we have only tested your Magics in isolation. For many Trialists, isolation is the best way to bring out their connection to the greater world. Some, however, Jeb saw the Circle of Swarms smile, connect best through their Bindings. Jeb nodded slowly. With that in mind, the Archdruid continued, this final portion of your Trial will test the Binding between you and your Swarm. Why not my lute? Jeb asked, it is equally bound to me. The Archdruid froze for the briefest of moments. It was almost as though he had been caught by surprise when Jeb asked his question. Almost too quick for Jeb to notice, the Archdruid schooled his features and explained, voice taking on a slightly more haughty note, the lute was Bound to you fundamentally for Bardic Magic, was it not? Seeing Jeb nod, he continued, the purpose for your Binding fundamentally affects the way that your Magic will express through it. That made sense to Jeb, so he swung his lute around so that it rested on his back. A Druid motioned for him to hand the lute over, but Jeb pretended not to notice. He had just gotten the instrument back, and he wasnt ready to be parted with it just yet. The Archdruid must have realized that he would not budge on the point. Instead of demanding that Jeb turn it over, he simply gave his first instruction, have your bees arrange themselves in a line from strongest to weakest. Jeb shrugged and asked the bees to arrange themselves. They struggled with the order at first. Dancing, they explained their issue to Jeb. A Water Bee could extinguish any Fire Bee, but in doing so would produce enough Steam Mana for a Steam Bee to overtake them. Nodding, Jeb modified his direction. Within each Element, arrange yourselves from strongest to weakest, with the strongest bees closest to me. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The bees hurried to obey. Once they were in position, a sphere surrounding Jeb, he gave his next direction. Elements that are practically the same, like Fire and Flame, arrange yourselves as a single Element. The bees didnt move. Looking at all the Elements represented, Jeb saw the issue. Fire was like Flame, but Flame was like Heat. Heat was functionally Energy, and Energy was effectively Light. Light and Rainbow were practically the same. Rainbow and Cloud likewise were practically inseparable. Cloud could quickly become Mist or Rain, both of which easily led to Water. Jeb stared at his bees for a long moment, trying to resolve the issue. Looking at the assembled Druids, it was clear that the correct answer was not pointing out the absurdity of trying to rank Elementally Attuned Bees from strongest to weakest given the fact that Elements were weaker and stronger than each other. At long last, an answer came to Jeb, even though he had to grit his teeth to accept it. Rank yourselves from most to least Mana, he said. His bees almost always grew larger and more physically powerful the more Mana they had. However, during the years he had spent working on his Doctorate, the Hive had bred more and more specialized subspecies of bee. Some of the subspecies were significantly larger or smaller. Still, given that the Trial was Magical in nature, Jeb hoped that the Mana ranking would be appropriate. He looked up from his thoughts to see that the bees had not moved. Watching the Swarm dance, he understood their new issue and modified his directions again, rank yourselves from greatest to least current Mana capacity. The bees quickly flew to their new formation. A line stretched further than he could see. Jeb took a moment to wonder how many bees had joined the offshoot of the Hive in the Enclave. He did not have time to dwell on the question, however, because the Archdruid was already giving Jeb his next command. Jeb had his bees fly in more and more intricate patterns. Eventually, however, the Archdruid gave Jeb a command that he could not follow. Have your bees fight one another, he said calmly. No? Jeb replied. Why would I do that? The Archdruids presence suddenly flared in Jebs vision, and he was once again reminded of just how much more powerful than him the man was. With a tone as cold as a world without sun, he responded, you will do as I command because you are a Trialist. You have sworn to fulfill your Trials to the best of your abilities. Jeb grimaced and looked at his bees. They buzzed eagerly around him, awaiting his next instruction. It took him a moment to notice why the situation seemed odd. With a start, Jeb realized that the bees could not understand the Archdruid. The bees had no issues understanding Jebs voice, or even the voices of the rest of his family. He finally remembered that the Archdruid was not speaking Republican. I wonder why my bees dont know Druidic, Jeb idly mused as he debated ignoring the Archdruids command. Eventually, however, Jeb accepted that the Archdruid was correct. He had agreed to do the Trials, and so he would do them to the best of his ability. Why he needed to kill his own Bound bees to do so, he was unsure, but the mans tone had left no room for disagreement. Opening his mouth, however, Jeb realized that he could not utter the command. Something deep inside him was unable to tell his bees to die needlessly. His bees, noticing something was wrong, danced their question. The Archdruid, Jeb explained, feeling the difference between the sounds in Republican and Druidic, wants me to harm some of you. His bees buzzed in recognition. After all, they danced, in the absence of the Empress, Jeb was the ranking member of the Swarm. It was completely within his rights to demand that a few bees sacrifice their lives for his own sake and the sake of the Hive. Seeing Jebs skepticism, his bees danced more emphatically. It was his responsibility as their leader to do what was best for himself and the Swarm. Jeb recognized the fact that he was bound to the Swarm and its initial Hive, not to each individual bee. More than that, he understood that each bee was not sapient in itself. For the Swarm, killing an individual bee was far less harmful than Jeb stubbing his toe. Even knowing that, Jeb felt the iron in his soul holding him to his initial inclination. He had changed since leaving the farm, he knew that. Much of the change was even healthy. However, he could not and would not accept that he had changed into someone who would actively harm someone Bound to him. I cannot, he finally said, looking at the Archdruid. The crowd of Druids exclaimed at his refusal, and Jeb saw more than a few of them start to shield themselves. Is that your final answer, the Archdruid asked, eyes hard as granite. Jeb swallowed. It is. I cannot be responsible for directly harming my bees. All at once, the pressure that had been building in the clearing vanished. Jeb let out the breath he hadnt realized he was holding and saw more than a few Druids do the same. The Archdruid smiled at Jeb, and he instinctively smiled back. After a second, however, Jeb saw that there was nothing kind in the Archdruids smile. Chapter 214: Another Frame of View What was he like? Glens brother asked as they watched the Archdruid lead the stranger away. Its not like I had that much time to talk to him. We were fighting, after all. Still, you must know more than the rest of us. The rest of their cohort all nodded in agreement at Leifs claim. Glen sighed, but it wasnt as though they were wrong. Unlike when they had all undergone their Trial together, most of the Wizards Trials had been done without anyone more than the singular Witness that they required. And, of course, as some of the youngest Druids in the Enclave, they were not allowed to watch even the few portions that the Archdruid had made somewhat public. He was strange, Glen said, after a moment to think. Seeing his friends roll their eyes, he hurried to add, that really is the first thing that came to mind. When I was told to face him in the ring, I will admit that I was absolutely terrified. He stood head and shoulders taller than me, and he was almost as broad shouldered as Brian. The other children laughed and nudged the Bear of their group. He took it good naturedly, as he did most things. That was a good effort to distract from what you know, but go on, Sarah demanded, prodding him with a beam of moonlight. Glen let out a shudder, thinking back to the way that the Wizard had stared him down. His eyes pierced through me. They slowly shifted in color from forest green to a murky brown. For all that, he was not the slightest bit prepared to fight. Obviously, Brian cut in, thats why they picked you. The rest of their cohort joined in, ribbing Glen in return for his comment to Brian. Thats really all that I know, he admitted. He looked around, and, seeing that the rest of the Druids were beginning to disperse, called the cohort into a huddle. This has to be his last Trial, Glen said, and the rest of the group nodded. It was honestly strange that they had given him so many Trials. None of them had needed more than five to find their Fundamental Understanding. Even that was more than normal. Brian had shocked his family when he had ended up joining the Circle of Swarms. Lets try to get what information we can from our own Circles and then meet back at midnight to discuss what weve learned. Who put you in charge? Leif groused. I did, Glen replied. The two brothers stared each other down for a moment in mock severity. In the end, Glen broke first, face shifting to a smile. With that, the circle dispersed, each young Druid rushing after their mentor.
Brian sat in the meadow, focusing his will on finding the Swarm that would become his. When he sensed his teacher draw near, he sighed and opened his eyes. Still no luck finding them? she asked. No, Brian replied sadly. Just as he was the last in his cohort to find his Fundamental Understanding, Brian was well on his way to being the last in his cohort to connect to it. A small rock bounced off his shoulder, distracting him from the spiraling dread. Hey! he yelped. What have I told you about stewing in perceived failure? Char asked. Dont do it, Brian said. Its not that easy, though. I cant just decide to be happy. Not yet, she agreed, but you can distract yourself when you notice the pattern. Sensing an opportunity, Brian snatched at it. Speaking of a distraction, he began, watching a smile break out on his teachers face. Let me guess, she said, you want to know about the Trialist. Brian blinked back his surprise. How did you know? His teacher held up her hand, showing off the dark patterns of her skin. First, this is the first Trial since your own. Every young Druid is curious about how different they are from the other side of an Understanding. Second, he is already Bound to a Swarm, and I know you have to be interested in how he did so without being a Druid. Third, your father led a Trial for the first time since before you were born. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. She lowered her hand, and, of course, I overheard you talking to your cohort about trying to wheedle information out of your mentors. Im afraid that I cannot tell you too much, though. Obviously, our Radius wants him in our Circle, if only because he has such a strange Hive. Other than that, hes an Academy trained Republican with a recommendation from Aquam. The Terror of the Sea? Brian gasped. The Republican was more myth than man to the Druids born in the Enclave. If the stories were true, he had once bested a Sea Serpent in its own domain. Yes, his teacher replied, skin flaring to yellows and reds for a moment as she did her best not to laugh at his wonder.
Leif chased after Marigold. As her legs dissolved into the surf, his foot splashed on the shore. She turned, letting out a sigh. Curious about Jeb? she asked. So his name is Jeb, Leif noted. Yes, he said, head bobbing. You know that I cannot break the confidentiality of a Trial. Marigolds legs reformed, and a chair rose out of the sea behind her. She sat on her watery throne, gazing down at Leif. Do you have to put on regal airs? he whined. Can you form your own chair yet? she asked, lifting an eyebrow. No, Leif muttered, looking down. What is the first rule of the Sea? Those who cannot float must learn to swim. Sighing, Leif swam after her as she drifted into the water. He hoped that she wouldnt make him answer any questions while he swam. The Wizard has a connection to the sea, she said when the shore disappeared. It is not, however, his Source. I dont understand, Leif replied, head bobbing out of the water just for a moment. I know, she said, looking down at him with a sad expression. That is why we are out here. She disappeared into her throne, and it rushed over him. Buried beneath the waves, Leif felt his disappointment at the lack of answers fade. After all, the Sea is a Mystery.
Can you tell me anything about the man I had to fight? Glen asked his teacher as they sparred. What do you want to know? he asked, delivering a painful blow to his ribs. Gasping a little bit, Glen pushed himself back on vines. When he had recovered his breath, he shrugged. I dont know anything about him. Why did you say that he had failed his Trials, though? I thought the entire point of the Trial was to stress him until he found his Connection. Nice use of vines for positioning, Ivan commented, narrowly dodging the line Glen had set as a snare. As a reward, I will answer that question. We put you all into the Trials before you become Classholders. Even though you may be consciously aware that we would not kill you, the primal part of you cannot help but try to remain alive. When pushed to a limit, you will instinctively reach out to the world around you. Right, Glen said, nodding. He saw a vine slowly growing along his own and pretended not to notice. Why cant you do the same with him? First, Ivan said, feinting a punch, he already has a deep connection to Magic. When afraid for his life, he instinctively reaches for the Magics he knows. Second, however, his vine leapt, and Glen jumped over it. He was too excited at dodging the attack that he missed the second vine, which coiled around his ankle and hoisted him up. he is from the Republic. Republicans place a high cultural value on not failing. The Archdruid hoped that using implicit pressure might make him more receptive to the Call. I understand, Glen said. Ivan walked away, and he sighed. How was he going to get out of the snare?
When the children regathered at night, Sarah lit their space with moonglow. Each went around and revealed what they had learned. It painted a picture of a storybook character, more than a real flesh and blood human. There is no way that his cloak is actually made of midnight and starshine, Glen said, looking at Sarah. My Radius swore that it was true! she protested. What about you, Brian? He clearly understands bees. Why isnt he in your Circle? Char assured me that he Bound them by accident. The group bickered long into the night, until the first rays of dawn started to glow on the horizon. Shoot! a number of them exclaimed, rushing so as not to be late for their morning labors. At noon, all of their work was interrupted. The Archdruids voice rang out through the entire Enclave, carried on the wind and earth and sun. The Wizard known as Jeb will not be a Druid. He left time for people to gasp at the statement. No one who finished a Trial did so without becoming a Druid. Despite this, the Archdruid continued, cutting off any speculation, he has demonstrated Druidic Magic. If the first statement had caused a spark of conversation, this one set off a bonfire. The Archdruids next words were lost to each Circle as people shouted their confusion. At once, everything stopped. The very breath in every Druids lungs held fast, even as the clouds in the sky stopped moving. The wave about to break on the shore stopped. Now then, the Archdruid spoke, voice carrying the weight of authority, Jeb has been given my permission to learn what he can from any Circle. You are not required to offer him succor or aid, but you are allowed to. I will see you at the solstice. As the last sounds of his speech died out, the world started moving again. Everything seemed a little less real in the absence of the Archdruid, not that most people minded. Even as it was easier to connect to an Understanding in his presence, it was much harder to further a connection. Everything wild was called to the Archdruid, rather than any pale imitation of his. Each Radius left their Circle, joining where they had summoned the Archdruid for the Wizards Trial. After a brief discussion, they agreed that the Enclave would still perform the standard celebration, despite no Circle gaining a new link. When they told the Wizard as much, he nodded, smiled, and disappeared. As each Radius let out their shock and outrage, he reappeared carrying barrels. Setting them down, he explained that they were filled with Brews and Distillates he had crafted. The party ran well into the next day, and each of the cohort had the chance to meet the stranger cloaked in midnight and starglow. Chapter 215: Druidic Magic Unlocked Is that your final answer? the Archdruid asked, and the Druids around Jeb stilled. Jeb knew without a doubt that his refusal to force his bees to attack each other would mean failing this test. Much as he wanted to pass the Druid Trial, though, he still could not make himself answer with anything but, it is. Very well. Jeb blinked in surprise. The Archdruid had not called the test a failure. The tension started to bleed out of Jebs shoulders as the Archdruid slowly walked towards the edge of the clearing. Just as he reached it, however, he turned sharply. The Archdruid spoke a single syllable. His staff lit up in violent green light, runes forming and twisting in the air around it. The light began to crawl towards Jeb, growing brighter and more sickly as it approached. By the time that it reached him, it seemed more a liquid than mere light. As the light touched Jebs feet, he felt a searing pain deep within his soul. His physical foot felt as though it was bathed in cool river water, which made the entire experience more jarring. Suddenly, the pain in his soul matched the pain in his foot as glyphs burned themselves onto his skin. They began tracing up his legs, and Jeb found himself rooted to the spot. As the Archdruids Magic rose to Jebs abdomen, he felt the connection to his bees start to stretch. His bees, despite still buzzing around him, felt as though they were leagues and years away. When the poison crossed his heart, Jeb saw his bees vanish, pulled away from him. The familiar presence of his lute on his back was all that kept Jeb from truly panicking. The fact that his Bond to the lute had not been harmed made him feel confident that whatever had happened to his bees was ultimately temporary. As he forced himself to believe that, the gel crossed his shoulders, and Jeb watched as the lute strap was engulfed with fire the same color as the Magic. The lute fell to the ground, no longer held up by his strap. Despite the fact that it had only fallen from his back, Jeb felt his soul shatter as the lute did. He finally understood his aunts warning against Binding his soul to another. With the lute and bees gone, Jeb felt alone in a way that he never had before. As the flames grew over his lips, Jeb found that he could no longer breathe. When they crossed his ears and eyes, he found himself blind and deaf. And, when the flames finally reached the top of his head, Jeb knew nothing except pain. Jeb stayed in that burning agony for an endless eternity. Rather than peaking, the pain continued to grow worse with each passing moment. The burning in his lungs began to match the burning in his soul. Even as the most primal part of him begged to breathe, Jeb knew that letting this foul Magic into his body would be his last mistake. Left with only his thoughts and pain, Jeb tried to find a way out of the prison. His only Skill was Magic, and he called on it. It resisted his pull, and Jeb was aware of the many ways that his own soul differed from the ideal for his Class. Jeb faded, and the man cloaked in midnight returned. More fully aligned to Magic, the man pushed back against the Archdruids working. Snippets of the glyphs reminded him of runes that he had worked with. Rather than fighting the entire casting, the man shifted the runes ever so slightly. As the new Enchantment took effect, the pain lessened. Just as quickly as it lessened, however, the glyphs shifted, and the pain returned. The man found that he could no longer reach his Enchanting. Looking at the core of the Archmages prison, the man saw the Essence of pain and imprisonment. Knowing that it was hopeless to oppose either Essence, the Wizard forged the two Essences into one, imprisoning the pain. He slumped in relief, feeling the pain subside. Before he could open his eyes, however, the pain redoubled, breaking free of his bonds. The Essences within the Magic started shifting more quickly than the Wizard could see, and he knew that Alchemy would not save him. The way that the Essences flowed still had some semblance of a pattern. Even the pain, as constantly crescendoing as it was, had its own sort of melody. The midnight cloaked man changed the key of the song, shifting it to something lighter. For the briefest instant, the pain dampened, a breath mark in the notation building tension. As with all pauses, however, it ended. The pain resumed, and the musicality in the violence turned to nothing but noise. Digging through the informal Magics he had learned, the Wizard tried to Weave, Carve, and beat the Magic into submission. None worked, and he turned to his final Magic, the one which his entire solar system of power had been built around. The sickly light had begun as a sharp line from the Archdruid. As his head started to swim from a lack of oxygen, the Wizard saw the lines of light between the bleeding. He tried to change the flow into something which would relieve his pain, if only for an instant. The Magic snapped back before he could do anything, and he passed out from the Backlash.
Is that your final answer? the Archdruid asked, and the Druids around Jeb stilled. The scene was identical to the last time he had refused the Archdruid. Even after all the pain, Jeb still could not bring himself to harming the bees. It is, he said once again, feeling a little proud at the fact that his voice did not quaver. The Archdruid raised his hand. Jebs bees were suddenly torn from his presence. As his soul screamed in pain, Jeb hardly noticed his lute being taken as well. This torture was far faster, however, and the pain quickly subsided to something which only dulled his mind, rather than consuming it fully. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Follow me. The Archdruids tone left no room for disagreement. Gasping for air, Jeb followed him. The Archdruid moved faster than he had before. The pace he set was fast enough that Jeb was unable to catch his breath. Finally, he stopped in front of a hole in the ground that radiated menace and sorrow. Are you familiar with the term oubliette? the Archdruid asked, turning to Jeb. I am not, Jeb admitted. What is it? You will see shortly, the Archdruid said, shoving Jeb forward. The hole grew to encase Jeb, tightening back down as he fell. He landed with a jolt of pain, and Jeb felt something in his leg crack. An oubliette, the Archdruids voice drifted down from the small pinprick of light above, is a form of low maintenance prison. As you can see, it is little more than a deep hole in the ground. The only way in or out is through the entrance. They are used for prisoners that one wishes to forget about. What am I doing in one? Jeb asked, still hoping that there was more to the situation than he was seeing. It has become clear to me that you will not become a Druid. You have seen truths of the Enclave that no outsider may see, and you speak the Tongue. To allow you to return to the Republic would be the height of folly. And, before you try to call your Magic to escape, all Magics are locked within the space. Goodbye, Jeb. Someone will be by eventually to throw some food and water down. Jeb did not hear the Archdruid walk away. He stood, wincing at the pain in his left ankle. If he was going to be trapped here for the rest of his life, he would need to know how much space they had given him. A few seconds later, Jeb had paced the entire space left to him. He was trapped inside of a circular room just barely larger than his outstretched arms. Sitting down, Jeb once again lost himself to his Class. The Wizard looked around the space, seeing the Magics woven into every mote of dust. Something deep inside his Skill thrummed at the knowledge that the natural imperfections in the wall, rather than detracting from the strength of the Magic, actively made the working stronger. Seeing that, he tried scratching a new mark into the ground. His fingernail was softer than the ground, but he saw no other way out. The Wizard ground his finger into the rock until his bone was showing. Finally, he scratched the smallest mark into the ground. Watching the Magic rework itself around the crack, the Wizard understood. The man cloaked in midnight reached out and grasped the loose strands of the working. Pulling, he felt the working thrum down into the center of the earth and resonate up to the air above. He felt the roots of each tree and blade of grass around the hole. He saw each worm twining its way through the soil. The sheer torrent of information that suddenly flooded the Wizards senses knocked him unconscious.
When Jeb awoke, he saw that his Status was prompting him.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn Druidic Magic.
Rewards: 500 Experience, Identify Subskill C
The screen in front of him glitched, which caused Jeb to panic for a moment. When it resolved, the Quest Reward had changed slightly.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Learn Druidic Magic.
Rewards: 500 Experience, Gift of Gab Upgrade
Congratulations! You have learned the Magical Skill: Druidic Magic
Jeb looked around, confused for a moment at his surroundings. He had only the vaguest memories of everything that had happened to him after failing the last Trial. Still, reaching out with his Magic, Jeb called the wind around him and rose to the lip of the oubliette. The Archdruid was standing there when he rose, beaming with a smile that reminded Jeb of his grandfather. I knew you could do it! the leader of the Druidic Enclave cried, embracing Jeb in a warm hug. Jeb heard the man sniff, and was quickly thrust back, even as the Archdruids arms remained wrapped around him. You are not a Druid, he commented. I am not, Jeb agreed, feeling his Magic Skill already working to consume Druidic Magic. The world around Jeb suddenly came into focus as the Archdruid stared deep beneath Jebs physical body and into his soul. You have Druidic Magic. I do. A light flashed in the Archdruids eyes. I find that I am beginning to understand the appeal of your Class. I suppose that Druidic Magic, like the other Schools you have learned, will be consumed when next you Upgrade your Class? I hope so! Jeb responded honestly. Nodding, the Archdruid released Jeb, turning to face the trees. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, and Jeb watched the forest carry his words. Where the forest ended, the air and earth and water transmitted it further. The Wizard known as Jeb will not be a Druid. Despite this, he has demonstrated Druidic Magic. As he has not become a Druid, his Name remains- Jeb heard the Archdruid give a grunt of annoyance. A pulse of the Archmages will suffused the entire Enclave, and as his Magic suffused everything, the world stilled. He began to speak again, tone growing imperious as he enunciated each syllable clearly. Now that he was paying more attention, Jeb found that he was able to recognize that he was speaking Druidic, not Republican. What else the Upgraded Gift of Gab would give him, he was unsure. Now then, Jeb has been given my permission to learn what he can from any Circle. You are not required to offer him succor or aid, but you are allowed to. I will see you at the solstice. He turned back to Jeb, all the force leaking out of him. As you can hopefully see, it is not good for me to remain in the Enclave indefinitely. Like a tall tree, I stunt the growth of those weaker than me simply by existing. However, I have every confidence in the lessons you will learn. I hope to see you at the solstice. Having said his piece, the Archdruid struck his staff against the ground three times. The first time the wood met stone, Jeb heard an ocean with waves that could swallow the entire Republic. With the second, he saw liquid rock and flame pouring forth, consuming everything in its wake. With the final strike, Jeb watched the Archdruid step into his home, a wolf pup as tall as Jeb bounding towards the man. As the portal closed, Jeb saw the tension leave the leader of the Druids. Chapter 216: Celebrations Gone Awry As the party ramped up, Jeb began to wonder if it might have been a mistake to bring his own Brews. It wasnt that they were poorly received. No, the Druids had been very complimentary, and many of them had given him constructive feedback as to how he could improve his works in the future. The fact that so many were so knowledgeable was, in fact, the issue at hand. For whatever reason, each Circle seemed determined to show the others up with their best Drinkmaster. The Circle of Moonlight was the first to present something, and a young Druid brought out a small bottle of liquid that was tinted just the slightest bit violet. It shimmered as the young man poured everyone in the circle a small glass, and Jeb noted that the bottle did not appear to empty at all. To the Circle, which waxes and wanes like the moon above, constant in its motion! someone called, and everyone took a sip of the drink. The few of his bees which had been buzzing around the glass moved so that Jeb could take his. The first thing Jeb noticed was a deep berry flavor. Not far underneath it, however, was the slight burn of alcohol. He could taste the fire that they had used to distill it. As he swallowed, the soft light of the moon cooled off the burn. Jeb tasted the waves rising and falling as the flavor settled around his tongue. On the second drink, Jeb tasted deep and rich tones. The liquor had somehow become far darker in his mouth, even as the liquid in his glass remained that pale purple. On the third sip, he listened to the Druid describe what he had made. This vintage of Distilled Moonlight was taken from berries which blossomed under the light of the full moon. Water was collected during the new moon, and it was fermented with an Unbound yeast. The strain has not seen sunlight in fifty generations, and it was bred to produce stone fruit esters, adding a depth to the berry wine. Once Brewed, it was Distilled nightly from waxing half moon to waxing half moon, beginning at dusk and ending at dawn. Having finished his recitation, he turned to Jeb. I really liked it! Jeb said happily, finishing the last of the glass. As he took his last swallow, he felt a sudden sense of melancholy wash over him. Seeing his sorrow, the Druid brightened even more. You see that it was aged as we fled from the Empire! I am impressed by your palate. Hearing the Druids explanation, Jeb turned his Magical sight inward. To his surprise, the drink had been causing him to feel the melancholy. Lucas, you brought a sorrowing drink to a night of celebration? a Druid from the Circle of the Sun said, spitting on the ground. A bottle of what seemed to be liquid gold appeared in his hand, and another young Druid ran out from the crowd to pour the Drinkmasters a glass. Inside of Jebs glass, it was far less opaque, though still significantly more than the first drink had been. The liquid clung to the sides of the glass as he swirled it, smelling like the first day of harvest. Jeb raised the glass to his lips, hurriedly bringing it down as he saw that the Druid was preparing to give a toast. To the Circle, which like the Sun sustains and nourishes us! Everyone took a drink, and Jeb followed their lead. As with the Distilled Moonlight, the predominant flavor was berry. Unlike the Moonlight, however, the Liquid Sun carried citrus and grassy notes. Jeb swallowed stretched, feeling like he had just woken from a midday nap. Bah, the Bear called out, stepping into the circle with a large keg and a number of mugs. The boy brought us drinks which served as Brews first and Magics second. Bringing drinks that are more Magic than matter is hardly sporting. He poured a deep amber ale into each of the mugs, tossing them to everyone in the circle and the various hangers on that it had attracted. Looking around, Jeb saw almost everyone at the party was watching the Brewing competition. The other Druids, noting as much, rearranged to make room for the circle to expand. To the Circle, as indomitable as the Wilds! Watching the Bear take a deep pull from his beer, Jeb followed suit. Even before the Druid spoke, he knew that this had been wild fermented. There were Magics in it, to be sure, but Jeb had trouble pinning down what, exactly they were, even as he took another long drink. This beer was brewed from wild oats and cultivated hops, he said. Once Brewed, it was aged in a barrel crafted from living wood. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. The two Druids which had gone before clapped politely as the Bear swept into a deep bow, and Jeb joined the rest of the party as they did as well. He was unsurprised when the next Druid to step forward began by denigrating the work that the Bear had chosen to showcase. The only Brews the Wizard brought were dark ales. Do you have no sense of shame at trying to show up the guest of honor? A woman who seemed to be burning stepped forward and gestured to the young Druid by her side. The young Druid was also a Bear, Jeb noted. Walking around, the Bear gave everyone a tall and thin glass filled with a light sparkling wine. To the Circle, which is both its members and their bond! Jeb quickly understood that she was a member of the Circle of Swarms. Seeing that everyone else drained their entire glass in one go, Jeb did as well. The sound of all the glasses slamming against the ground was more than a little surprising, and he hoped that no one noticed that he threw his down a heartbeat late. Char, youve outdone yourself, the Bear exclaimed when the sound of glass had gone away. Discreetly looking at the ground, Jeb saw that the fragments of glass had turned into small blossoms and leaves. I cant take too much credit. Despite her humble words, Jeb noticed that small flames had begun to leap off of her. Their golden hue showed that she was proud of her work. What was your yeasts goal with the Brew? the Bear who had poured and distributed their glasses asked. Jeb saw a few of the other young Druids stiffen, if only slightly. At first he was confused. After all, plenty of Druids had commented on the choices that different Brewers had made, and pointed questions were no more common than the genuine. In the silence that followed the question, Jeb played through the different conversation that had gone on through the party. With a start, he realized that no Druid had questioned or criticized a member of their own Circle during the party, as far as he could tell allegiances. The womans flames died down, though Jeb noted that her skin still crawled with embers of light. That is a fantastic question Brian, she said, turning to him. Turning back to the rest of the crowd, she continued, I find that it is best to encourage the young Druids to ask questions to deepen their Fundamental Understandings. Marigold, dont you agree? Whatever tension had faded from the room suddenly came back with renewed vigor. Marigold stepped forward, and a boy who resembled the one Jeb had sparred against followed her. Char, I do not think that a Trialist Celebration is the appropriate time to discuss matters of pedagogy. Char cut her off with a wave of her hand. An afterimage of flames followed the motion. The boy needs to decide which Circle he will start in. I think that he has a right to know that some Circles believe in open inquiry and others take the philosophy of sink or swim more than literally. In the silence that followed, Jebs head rapidly swiveled back and forth between the two Druids. He quickly grew dizzy, and paused for a moment to figure out why. With a start, Jeb realized that he had gotten a little drunk at the party! Moving his head more cautiously, Jeb did his best to gauge the sobriety of the rest of the party. To his relief, he was far from the drunkest person in the room. If anything, Jeb had a sense that he was among the most sober. It certainly explained why the two Druids were so combative with each other. As he remembered why his mind had traveled there, Jeb heard Marigold and Char continue to argue. Having tuned out for a while, he was no longer entirely certain what, exactly, they were fighting about. The older Bear came over to him and shrugged. They get like this every now and again, he said, gesturing to the place where Magics were beginning to swirl. Are they not friends? Jeb asked. A booming laugh was the first response, and the Bear wiped away tears with a paw that Jeb realized could easily remove someones head. They are not, though not in the way you suppose. Char and Marigold have been partners for well on three decades now. They just enjoy the occasional verbal bout. Um, Jeb said, trying to find the words to explain that the fight between the two was about to break into far more than just words. Before he could, however, the Bears Magic swept over the two of them, killing whatever workings they were trying to craft. Arthur, you always stop them just when its getting fun, Lucas said. Just once, cant you let them duke it out? Arthur rolled his eyes. I could, but only if you are willing to explain to the Archdruid why every Druid below Fifth Tier is unable to advance for the next three years. Seeing the confusion on Jebs face, Lucas explained. If theres one thing that your Trial taught us, it is that you have no experience with combat, let alone Magical combat. When two Mages duel, especially with heated tempers, the Magics they cast tend to run wild. That makes sense, Jeb replied, thinking about his experience with the Alchemical Storm. Now, while I am unsure how you were raised with Magic, Lucas continued, in the Enclave we spend the first Four Tiers working to settle our own personal Magics within our Fundamental Understanding. That takes, among other things that I am sure you will learn all about in the coming days and years, significant amounts of meditation to align our Magic with our Will. Unaligned Magics seek out Wild Magic. In the case of our young Druids, the amount of Magic the two of them, he nodded at the couple, who were now laughing in each others arms, would have released is enough that it would have completely destroyed whatever foundation the children had been working on. I think I understand, Jeb said. Now you two have finished, Arthur called, let us see what the younger generations have made! A number of bottles and barrels suddenly appeared on the table between them. The keg of Fire Whiskey that Jeb had brought was among them, and he gulped. It had definitely been a mistake to bring his Brews. Chapter 217: The Morning After When Jeb forced his eyes open, he spent a long moment wondering if he had been put into another Trial. Daggers bored into his forehead, and the last few rays of sunset felt more intense than any sunshine he had ever seen before. Sitting up, the world spun around him, and Jeb felt bile rise in his throat. He quickly lay back down, closing his eyes in hopes that the world would slow down, even if it wasnt going to stop moving. Jeb Conjured some Water directly over his head and let it fall. The cold liquid relieved a small portion of the nausea, but it was still a long few minutes before he was able to remain upright for more than a few seconds. Now that he was awake, Jeb noticed the awful taste in his mouth. It tasted as though a small creature had died inside of his mouth, been pureed, fermented, and then aged in his mouth. Rinsing his mouth with more Conjured Water, Jeb spat repeatedly. When he managed to get the flavor out of his mouth, Jeb finally looked around at his surroundings. He wasnt entirely sure where he was. Jeb was in a small clearing surrounded by trees, not that the fact really narrowed it down too much. His bees came by just as full night rose, and Jeb clamped his hands over his ears. The quiet sound of his Swarm, which was normally so soothing, brought back all of the head pain and nausea that he had managed to recover from. His bees did not seem to understand what Jeb was doing, so they began to buzz more insistently in concern. Realization finally struck. Jeb was hungover. As he tried to remember what he had drunk the night before, Jeb started to understand where the flavors in his mouth had come from. There were a few young Druids who had made animal based liquors or beers. Even through the warm haze of inebriation, he remembered thinking that they tasted awful. Of course, no one wanted to discourage a young Classholder, so he and the rest of the Druids all grit their teeth and drank the dozen Brews on offer. Somehow that wasnt the end of the night, even though it was certainly the low point. Jeb couldnt remember more than the vague impression of drinking liquid fire. One of the Circles had demanded that everyone toast the rising sun, and that signaled the end of the party. Jeb had wandered away from the rest of the group in search of a good place to sleep. For whatever reason, his drunken mind thought that the grass in this clearing was the perfect place to rest, and had done something with his lute before lying down to sleep. Panic suddenly overwhelmed the physical consequences of his drinking, and Jeb turned quickly, ignoring the nausea as he searched for his lute. It wasnt anywhere immediately obvious, and Jeb started pacing around the edges of the clearing. He finally found it. Jeb knew that it had been an intentional choice to carefully loop the strap of the lute around a number of small branches fifteen feet in the air. What, exactly, the logic had been, he had no idea. How, exactly, he had managed the feat when the path into the clearing showed the nearly constant trips and falls that had accompanied his movement was equally opaque. Still, it only took him a moment to ask the bees to pull the lute free. Thank you! Jeb said to his Swarm, and tried to explain what a hangover was. The bees were unable to understand, which Jeb supposed was reasonable enough. He wasnt entirely sure what the feeling was himself. Well, I dont suppose that theres too much point in starting anything right now, Jeb commented to himself, looking around at the pitch black clearing. Lying back down in the grass, Jeb found that it was far less comfortable when sober. With a small force of effort, he used his Druidic Magic to make a more comfortable bed to lie in. He slept until the dawn painted the sky bright colors. Waking again, Jeb found that his hangover had receded significantly. The hunger that had taken its place led him to return to the large central tree in the Enclave. Jeb had gathered a new sense that led him unerringly to the space. A number of other Druids were gathered there and eating when he arrived. The younger Druids all showed signs of recovering, but the older Druids were clearly made of stronger stuff. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Or, at least, Jeb thought that until he saw one of the Circles leaders quietly shudder when he thought that no one was looking. The fact that no one had escaped the party unscathed made Jeb feel much better. He suddenly felt a large weight press into his shoulder. Jeb! Arthur called loudly, smiling at the many winces in the crowd. What did you think of your first Intercircle Celebration? I enjoyed the portions of the party that I remember. I can assure you that you enjoyed the other portions just as much. The two stood in silence before the bear cleared his throat. Jeb almost thought that the Druid seemed sheepish when he continued, I was hoping to ask a favor from you. What is it? Jeb asked. I think that you may have met my son during the Celebration. He, the bear coughed again, is the one that looks like me. Jeb nodded, thinking about the young Druid that had accompanied the Circle of Swarms Brewer. Im pretty sure that I remember him. Even though he did not end up joining my Circle, I do still feel paternal responsibility to him. He has been struggling to find his Swarm, even though his Fundamental Understanding so clearly ties himself to them. Given that you have your own Swarm, he gestured to the honor guard of bees that had stayed around Jeb since being returned to him, I was wondering if you might be willing to help him find his own. Oh, Jeb replied, taken aback for a long moment. Blinking, he finally recovered from the shock, I havent really ever taught someone, outside of the mandatory assisting I did during my time as a Candidate. The bears eyes widened in clear surprise. Truly? I had no idea that the Republic trained its citizens so differently. In the Enclave, no one raises past the Sixth Tier without taking on a younger student as mentor, even if only briefly. Given that you are at the peak of your Eighth Tier, I think that we all assumed that you would have been well versed with the topic. Im still happy to try my best, Jeb said, recovering from the embarrassment. Can I ask a favor of you in return, though? Absolutely, the Bear said. I know that Fundamental Understandings are apparently important to Druidic Magic, but what exactly are they? The bear chuckled, clearly surprised. How did you gain Druidic Magic without finding your Fundamental Understanding? he asked somewhat rhetorically. Jeb shrugged. I dont remember much after I was dropped in the well, he replied honestly, pushing down the uncontrollable flash of rage that boiled up. Interesting. Are you familiar with the idea that each School of Magic fundamentally requires a different worldview? Jeb grimaced and nodded. That is the leading belief in the Academy, but I have not always found it to be true. He stopped himself from delivering a version of the lecture he had presented on the topic. Fundamental Understandings, as you might expect, are the core of the Druidic worldview. Understanding a piece of the world gives you deeper insight into the world as a whole. Im not totally sure that I follow, Jeb replied. Ill give you a less abstract answer. As you have hopefully gathered, I am the Radius for the Circle of the Wild. To me, the microcosm that explains reality is the delicate balance between the flora and fauna found in nature. At the smallest level, organisms too small to see with our own eyes battle for resources, which is true even into the interaction between different biomes. The universe as a whole is likewise a balance between the many forces which each pull in their own direction. I hope that this isnt an inappropriate question, but why is your son not in the Circle of the Wild? Jeb asked, noting that a number of Druids were clearly parent and child. He does not see the world as a Wild Druid does. If we were in a country other than the Enclave, it is likely that I still would have been responsible for nurturing his understanding. Thankfully, however, there are many here who can do so far more effectively. Just to confirm, Jeb said, hoping that he would not look like a fool, Fundamental Understandings are what separate the different Circles. As a member of the Circle of the Wild, you find that reality is best understood as a macrocosm of any biome? Not quite. The Circle of the Wild generally takes that belief. My own Fundamental Understanding is far more limited. I see the River Delta as the microcosm of the world. Given that I felt no resonance with your own Magic at that idea, I will not trouble you with any further details. Thank you for answering my question, Jeb replied, even though he was left with far more questions than before they had been answered. When would you be free to help my son? Arthur asked. I dont think that I have anything pressing right now, so whenever he is free, I suppose. The Bear nodded and let out a primal roar. His son ran up, rolling his eyes as he drew near. Chapter 218: Jeb the Teacher Son, this is Jeb, the newest member of the Enclave. Arthur sounded completely genuine to Jeb, which only made it more surprising when his son scoffed. I was at the celebration last night. I know that. Why did you call me over? Jeb briefly recalled the way that his own sister had been somewhat annoyed by their parents after she had gotten her First Class. Arthur was clearly trying to keep himself from showing any irritation at his son. I know that youve been having trouble with your Studies, he said in a placating tone. Something dangerous flashed in the young bears eyes, and Jeb jumped into the conversation, your father thought that since I have a Swarm but almost no experience with mentoring people, it might be good for both of us if I took some time to talk to you about how I Bound it. That seemed to calm the bear down, and he begrudgingly nodded. Wonderful! his father clapped his large paws together before walking away, leaving Jeb with the young Druid. Im sorry that you had to see that, the bear said once his father was out of earshot. Things between my father and I have been somewhat tense over the past few months. I know that hes trying to just gloss over the fact that we have such different Fundamental Understandings, but I want to talk about that. Seeing Jeb nod understandingly, the bear flushed a little, sorry. I didnt mean to immediately vent. I would be honored to learn whatever you are willing to teach me. Jeb did his best not to let his panic show. More than making a fool of himself, he was terrified that he might accidentally lead the young Druid down the wrong path. As soon as the thought had fully formed and passed through his mind, though, Jeb realized that it was a ridiculous notion. Any bad influence he might have on the bear was certain to be overwhelmed by his more formal teacher. Well, why dont we start with some introductions, Jeb finally spoke, realizing that the silence had grown uncomfortably long. I know that you told your father you knew about me already, but I dont know what information you have other than the fact that Im in now the Enclave. I know that you went through a much longer Trial than most, though I will admit that I dont know what Trial finally led you to your Fundamental Understanding. Hearing both uses of the word in the same sentence made Jeb realize that Druidic had two distinct terms for Trial, even if his own mind condensed them to one meaning. I would rather not discuss that, if you dont mind, Jeb said, forcing his mind away from the bandages on his hand. Given that Im supposed to teach you about Binding a Swarm, why dont I start with the story of how I bonded my own Swarm? Im curious to know how my approach differs from the approach used in the Enclave. How did you even find the bees that you ended up Binding? Brian asked. My aunt gave them to me, Jeb replied. How do you find a Swarm here? Well, given that I havent found mine, I cant answer for certain. Char, my mentor, says that its about opening myself to the swarms nearby and reaching out to see if any are interested in a Bond. So far, though, that hasnt worked. The two walked in silence for a few minutes, before Brian spoke again. What do you mean that your aunt gave you a swarm of bees? I thought that once something was Bound it couldnt be transferred. To the best of my knowledge, my aunt is not Bound to her hives, Jeb responded with a shrug. Honestly, I didnt intentionally Bind them either. It just sort of happened. Seeing the bears mouth drop open, Jeb walked him through the story of how he had learned Bardic Magic and accidentally tied his soul to the bees in the process. I dont think that Char would support me learning lute for this. A laugh escaped Jebs mouth when he looked over to see that Brian appeared completely genuine with his comment. Seeing the young Druids expression start to darken, he hurried to say, Im not laughing at you, but I do generally agree. I think that you would be better served by focusing on Binding a swarm itself rather than doing so as a side effect of what you are hoping for. Do you know what species you would be most interested in Binding to? The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Brian shrugged. I have a gut feeling that Im called to Bind with bees, but Im not sure if thats just the, he gestured at his fur covered body, you know. Jeb nodded, despite the fact that he had no idea at all what the bear was referencing. Do you have a particular kind of bee in mind? There are any number of species of bee, and they behave significantly differently. As if to demonstrate his point, a dozen of Jebs most specialized kinds of bees started floating around him. The bear looked at Jeb as though he wasnt sure whether he was being mocked. Seeing Jebs genuine explanation, he explained, I think that I would be most interested in Binding to honey bees, like you have. That shouldnt be too difficult then! If nothing else, I have some insight into the way that my Swarm behaves, and I cant imagine that theyre too different than normal bees. Sure, Brian responded doubtfully, watching as one of the foot long defensive bees rammed through a branch, spearing a bird. Do you know where any wild bee hives are nearby? Jeb asked, continuing the conversation. No, Brian replied hesitantly. Thats easy enough to fix! Jeb gestured at his bees, and hundreds of small scouting bees suddenly appeared around them. Even though almost all of his bees radiated Elemental Mana of some sort or another, these were practically invisible to his Magical sight. They dispersed, and Jeb sat down, pulling out his lute. While we wait for my Swarm to come back, would you want to tell me about your Fundamental Understanding? he asked, absently strumming his lute. Uh, Brian seemed more than a little dazed by the bees that had flown around them, sure. Youve met my dad, and his view of the center of the universe as a river delta absolutely influenced my own. When he took me to his Central Delta as a young cub, I saw a number of flies swarming around a corpse. At the time, I thought nothing else of it, seeing it as a part of the rest of the environment. Sure. I take it that you feel differently now? Yeah. The two sat in silence for a few minutes as Brian clearly struggled to make a coherent narrative out of his experience. He opened his mouth a few times as though to speak before closing it when he realized that he did not know where the story ended. Finally, he spoke again, even though your Trial lasted longer than any other I have heard of, mine was also relatively long. At first, I was trying my hardest to see the world as an ecosystem, but something about that just didnt click. When my Magic finally manifested, though, I saw the way that systems emerge from individuals. The Enclave is, at its heart, a living being made up of all the living beings within its boundaries. It has a consciousness outside of it, he chuckled, or at least it does when the Archdruid is away. He swallowed before forcing himself to continue, the way that most Swarms have their intelligence almost entirely distributed suddenly made complete sense to me. Since waking from my trance, I no longer feel complete as an individual. Char has been helpful with that, given that she was herself originally a part of a whole, rather than a being of her own. Jeb wanted to ask what that meant, but his bees excitedly danced that they had found another swarm before he could. Brian leapt at the opportunity, and the two went off to find the bees. After walking for an hour or so, they came to another clearing, where a hive of honey bees had established themselves. For a moment, Jeb was confused. The bees were far smaller than he remembered bees being. Looking back at his scouts, even they were larger than most of the bees around. Its probably all of the Mana theyve been consuming, Jeb rationalized. What now? Brian whispered. Jeb shrugged. You said that your mentor recommended meditation to reach out to swarms. Why dont you try that and see how it works? Brian gave Jeb a dubious look before sitting down and closing his eyes. His breathing quickly evened out, and Jeb felt a momentary pang in his soul when his now absent Meditation Skill tried to resonate with the bears actions. The nearby swarm started to calm down, and Jeb saw that they began to move as a whole, starting to pulse with the Druids breathing. Unlike when Jeb did so, they were far from moving in unison. Still, it seemed like a promising start. Just as Jeb felt a glow rise in him at the idea that he had been helpful, Brians eyes shot open and the bees flew as though in a frenzy. He bounded away on all four legs, and Jeb followed, seeing from his bees that the other swarm had calmed down when the bear left their clearing. What happened? Jeb asked, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. Brian, by contrast, was only now returning to a bipedal position. He was not breathing hard as he replied, everything was going really well until the bees realized what I am. Obviously, they were not fond of the idea that they would be beholden to, once again, he gestured at his body. Jeb cocked his head. What do you mean beholden? Brian looked into Jebs eyes, confusion clear in his own. What is your relationship to your Swarm? Honestly, were relatively independent of each other at this point. Before I went to the Academy, I felt responsible for keeping them safe and helping the Hive to grow. While I was there, however, the bees became almost entirely independent. Since leaving, I havent really had the chance to figure out how we should interact going forward. Seeing the blank look on Brians face, Jeb asked, what relationship do you plan to have with your Swarm? Almost everyone here is Lord over their Swarm. For those bound to bees, they take the place of the queen, leading the broad strokes for how the Hive develops. Huh. Why? As Brian thought about the question, Jeb took his lute back out and practiced some scales. One thing he realized during his Trial was that he had been neglecting his Bound Lute. Chapter 219: A Successful Mentorship I think that I have an answer, Brian finally said, just as Jebs fingers were starting to feel loose again. Jeb nodded at the Druid to continue, still working on his dexterity exercises. A Swarm needs a leader. I do not think that it is particularly arrogant of me to say that right now I have a greater intelligence on my own than any individual member of the swarm I wish to Bond. Even once we Bind, I think that I will be smarter and, frankly, stronger than their queen. As such, it is in the swarms best interest for me to lead it, since I know better. Jeb nodded appreciatively at the thought, but gave the boy some push back, what will you do to its existing queen? Brian hesitated, but only for a slight instant. Truthfully, I do not know. No one has really talked to me about what we are supposed to do with the existing leadership. My gut instinct is to let her maintain control, if only because I cannot hope to manage all the minutiae of life in a hive while also working to progress my Class. Jeb nodded. Since you still believe that the bees are fundamentally opposed to your existence, what will you do to befriend them? he asked. Brian grimaced before shaking his head sadly, I truly have no idea what I can do to show the bees that I have good intentions. He gave Jeb a pleading look, and Jeb had to resist the urge to pat the bears head. What did I do to develop a closer relationship with my bees? he asked the bear, hoping to lead him to an answer. You built them a hive, Brian said, mind clearly trying to figure out how he could convince the bees to relocate. And then? Jeb asked. Brians eyes widened. You gave them Mana! he cried, causing a few nearby birds to leap into the air. He quickly deflated. But you could only do that because you were already growing Mana Infused plants. I wouldnt even know where to begin with that. Jeb hummed. Thats true. Can you release Mana from yourself outside of a formal Magical working? Seeing the bears cocked head, Jeb demonstrated, releasing a few points of his Mana into the air around them. His bees quickly swooped into the cloud, consuming it, but Brian seemed to understand what Jeb was doing before the Mana disappeared entirely. I think so? he said, closing his eyes and taking a seated position. Jeb watched the young Druid focus on his breath, clearly seeking some sort of Meditative state. Once his breath was focused, though, Jeb saw a small cloud of vibrant green Mana start to leak out of the bear. Unlike his own method for expelling Mana, which tended to come from gestures with his hands or mouth, the bear released it from his entire body. A few seconds later, the cloud tapered off, and the bear opened his eyes, swaying a little as though he was dizzy. Are you all right? Jeb asked. The bear nodded shakily. I didnt notice how quickly my Mana pool was emptying until I bottomed out, he explained, regaining some composure. Jeb nodded in sympathy. Even though it had been more than a few years since the last time that he had emptied his Mana pool, he still remembered the pain of accidentally running it dry well. It might help if you focus the Mana flow more, he suggested with a shrug. Seeing the bears confusion, he demonstrated how his own Mana came out of his hand, while the bears came out of his whole body. Brian nodded, brows furrowing as he tried to copy the technique. When his Mana refilled, he was better able to do so, and Jeb gave him a cheer. I still dont think this will work, Brian said. The bees have no reason to take my Mana. Thats true, Jeb said, rummaging through his bag, but I cannot imagine that my bees are unique in enjoying the flowers of a Managrass. You can help them to grow, and hopefully that will help the hive to come to trust you, at least a little. Brian nodded hesitantly, and the two moved back towards the bees. They had calmed down, and did not immediately rush towards either of them. Jeb called on his Druidic Magic and started to reshape the earth. He wasnt aiming for anything major, just creating a small field that the bear could plant his seeds in. Brian watched with fascination. When Jeb had finished, he asked, how did you do that? I havent seen that level of control in anyone else your age! Jeb chuckled. I dont think that I did anything too impressive. This was more a working of Willpower and Charisma than anything else. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Seeing the Druids confusion, Jeb gave a quick explanation of the way that the different Mental Statistics affected Magic. In general, control with Magic is a function of Intelligence. In this case, though, I wasnt concerned with wasting a few points of Mana, and I was more concerned with the end result than how exactly it happened. That explains the Willpower, Brian nodded, but how does Charisma play into it? Jeb shrugged. Its easier to get someone to do something if they want to do it. I told the earth that it would really rather be ready for planting, and forced it to agree with me. The awe in Brians eyes didnt dim at Jebs explanation. Something about the casual display of Magic seemed to make the bear trust Jeb more than any of his explanations had. He took the bag of seeds from Jebs hands and scattered them expertly. Seeing Jebs look of confusion, he shrugged, the older Druids tend to think that it is good for young bodies to do work of different sorts. Ive always been larger than my peers, for obvious reasons, so I tended to get put on farming rotations. Once the field was planted, Jeb almost instinctively Conjured Water on the field. Before the first drops could hit the ground, however, he cancelled the working. You should probably take over from here, he said, since the goal is to get the bees comfortable with your Mana, not mine. Brian nodded and rushed off to find a watering can. When he was out of sight, Jeb sighed and quickly formed one himself. He was finished Enchanting it to create water with the nutrients Managrass would need before Brian came back, so he started drawing decorative loops on its outside, trying to call his Druidic Magic as he did. Brian came back just as he started to feel the slightest resonance between his carving and the Skill, and gave Jeb a sheepish grin. I guess I should have asked if you had a watering can, he said. Jeb shrugged. I didnt. The Druid looked at the watering can in Jebs hand, then back at Jebs face. After repeating the gesture a few times, he sighed and took it when Jeb offered it to him. How do I use it? Brian asked, noting that the metal device was empty of water. Just feed some Mana into the watering can, Jeb said nonchalantly. I think that I got the runes for approximate entry correct enough for relatively good efficiency, but any wasted Mana still serves our purpose. Brian suddenly held the watering can with significantly more care. This is a Magical work? he asked. Jeb nodded slowly. Yes? It would take far too long for you to water the plants otherwise. To demonstrate his point, he nodded at the shoots that were starting to come out of the soil, withering from a lack of water. Brian yelped and hurried to water the plants. With the addition of Mana filled water, they revitalized, quickly growing tall and flowering. The bees in the nearby hive seemed curious at the scented flowers, and a few carefully began to fly closer. Take a few steps back, Jeb advised. Brian obeyed, and the bees seemed far more comfortable harvesting the pollen without the bear looming over them. The two stayed there for a few weeks, with Brian growing two or three generations of Managrass each day. Jeb absently watched, far more focused on the new Magic in his soul. He still could not quite understand the mechanism for Druidic Magic outside of desire, and hoped that he might get an explanation when he returned to the Enclave. When the bees no longer shrank back at Brians approach, even when there was no Managrass growing, Jeb gestured for him to sit down. You might have more luck Binding with the hive now, he said. Brian rushed to sit down and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. The bees almost instantly started to pulse in time with his breaths, and Jeb let out his own sigh of relief. Looking with his Magical Vision, he was relieved to see that the constant growth of Managrass had not altered the soil significantly. With a small flex of will, he repaired the soil and encouraged more mundane grass to come back to grow in the space. Turning to the young Druid, Jeb saw the firm line of an offered Binding reaching out towards the bees. When the strand was just a few paces from the hive, it stopped as though blocked by a wall. The bees were trying to decide whether or not they should Bind to the monster that had spent a number of nights and days working to feed them. It seemed like a far more democratic process than Jeb would have expected from a beehive. He nodded in understanding when two queens came out of the hive to accept the deal. The bees had been about to Swarm. I wonder if that will make things easier or harder for Brian, Jeb idly mused, thinking about how the leader of his own Swarm was now known as the Empress, in charge of all of the Queens for each individual Hive. He stopped his idle questioning when the bees own will, still almost entirely mundane, reached out to span the small distance that separated the two. Jeb was reminded of why he loved his Class so much as the Binding took place; something far greater than the sum of its parts was forming directly in front of him. The two wills danced and twined around each other until it was impossible to find where one began and one ended. Like with Jebs own Bindings, though, there was still a clear difference between Brian and the bees. His own bright greens and browns faded and mixed with the yellows of the bees. Thinking of that, Jeb looked at one of the nearby bees, trying to see the way that he was Bound to them. Just as he was starting to trace the fine shades of difference between himself and the bees to find where the prismatic shard that was his will touched the veritable rainbow of his Swarm, Brian gasped. I did it! he cried. I saw. Congratulations, Jeb nodded sagely, laughing on the inside when Brian took the gesture in stride. Jeb had to wonder if that was how his own mentors had felt when he had accomplished something in front of them. Rather than dwell on it, however, he helped Brian to take a few bees with him, including one of the queens. They returned to the Circle of the Swarm, and Char rushed out to meet them. She looked like a log about to light, and she whirled on Jeb with a complicated mix of emotion in her eyes. Where were you? she demanded. Char! Brian called, too exuberant to notice the tension between his mentors, I Bound a Swarm! That seemed to calm Char down more than anything Jeb could have said, and the violent reds and yellows on her arms faded. Looking at the bees flying around the boy, she smiled. Congratulations, Brian. Now we can begin your training in earnest. Looking at Jeb, she sighed and added, you are also welcome to learn what you can while I teach Brian. Seeing Brians shocked expression, she rolled her eyes and recited what was clearly a ritual phrase, our Circle is open. Our fires and food are open to you, and we will not bar you from aid. With that, she turned and walked into the building that Jeb was only now noticing. Brian followed, and Jeb did as well. Chapter 220: Eat Your Heart Out Darwin Char opened the door to the Circle of Swarms headquarters. The entrance was buzzing, and not only in the literal sense. Countless swarms moved around, though Jeb noticed that almost all of them flew. Druids mingled seemingly independently. One thing that struck Jeb as more than slightly odd was the fact that conversations only took place between two Druids or two Swarms. He could not find a single instance of a Druid speaking to a Swarm or vice versa. Before he could ask about that, Char led Brian and him to a workspace. I will be honest with you, Brian, she began, letting out a sigh that dimmed the embers on her skin, I had not expected you to Bond to a Swarm for at least a few months. Because of that, I did not go through the ethics of Binding as quickly as I would have, had I known that you would be apprenticing under our visitor. She gave Jeb a halfhearted glare, and he grimaced in apology. With that in mind, we will now go through all of the lessons that you were meant to have. She looked at the two men in front of her, and both nodded. Brian was clearly eager to make sure that he did not do anything wrong, and Jeb was just curious what ethics were involved in Binding to a swarm. First, by Binding to the Swarm, you will be raising it from sentience to sapience. Those Circles which bind to individual beings often discuss the ways to help the new part of you to grow used to the metacognition inherent in the uplifting. Thankfully, Swarms tend not to have that issue, though no one is entirely sure why. There are - she cut off when she saw that Jeb had Conjured a piece of paper to take notes with. She blinked a few times before continuing, there are a number of issues that come with uplifting something to sapience. However, given that you have already Bound yourself, I will only focus on the relevant ones for your particular situation, rather than going through every hypothetical situation, as would be more common. She paused, considering something, before narrowing her eyes at her student, Before you become a mentor yourself, however, you will need to familiarize yourself with the remainder. Brian nodded. Char looked away for a second, gathering her thoughts. Jeb followed her gaze, noting the fact that this room was decorated with the same looping whorls that he had come to associate with Druidic Magic. Quickly glancing at them with his Magical sight, however, he could not find any Magic actively running through them. Before he could give in to his impulse to send a small pulse of Mana at it to see what would happen, Char continued her lecture. Since you are the one who brought the Swarm to sapience, it is likely that they will put a great deal of trust in your word. Much like a parent, you have two major responsibilities to your Swarm. First, and I hope you do not need my instruction in this, but you should not abuse the trust that your bees have. I will not go through a list of ways you could do so, both because it would be far from exhaustive, and because it hurts me to think that anyone would ever even consider such actions. However, I will absolutely not stand for you harming your Swarm, and I will be swift and brutal in correcting you should you need it. As she gave the warning, her arms began to glow, shifting from the rocky red and black to an almost painful white and blue. She took a few deep breaths, and the coals faded back down to their usual hue. I apologize for losing my temper, she said to Jeb, there was an incident recently, and I have apparently failed to process it as well as I might. Now then, she turned to continue addressing her student, as a parental figure, you will also be responsible for helping to shape the way that your Swarm develops. Bees, in particular, are at their best when each member of the Swarm is able to specialize. Surprisingly enough, Jeb is actually a fantastic example for you to follow in this regard. I am sure that you have noticed the many subspecies of bee that he has with him at any point. Jeb, would you like to tell Brian about the way you helped your Swarm develop these different roles? Jeb grinned sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. About that, he coughed, I didnt actually help my bees to develop. Most of the real changes Ive seen in them happened while I was at the Academy, before either I or they were able to teleport. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Char sighed. Given everything else that I have learned about you, I cannot say that I am surprised. If that is truly the case, then you will likely also benefit from these directions. She waved a hand, and a Swarm of gnats suddenly appeared in the room, flying around in an amorphous blob. Jeb gaped for a moment at how silent they were, despite the fact that there were so many packed so densely as to appear like an opaque mass. Char waved a hand and they reformed into a bee, though scaled to be a few feet in length. This is more or less what every worker bee in your hive is like right now, she explained to Brian. Brian and Jeb both glanced at the bees hovering above the young Druids shoulder, nodding when they saw that the Swarm had modeled it almost perfectly. Char rolled her eyes. Jeb doubting me I can understand, given that we have only known each other for a few days. But Brian, do you truly have so little faith in me? The boy blushed, even though he could see from the way that his teachers skin glowed that she was kidding. Im sorry Char, he said, and she laughed him off. Jeb, would you be able to summon one of each subspecies of bee that you have? It will still be helpful for Brian. Jeb nodded and relayed his wishes to the bees that were nearby. Within moments, a few dozen bees were flying around. Huh, Jeb commented aloud, theyve gotten much better at hiding their teleports. Jebs bees, apparently on their own initiative, still produced almost all of the classic Bound Bee subspecies. She began pointing them out one by one. As she did, Jeb was slightly surprised to learn that his bees agreed with the assignments she assumed they had. Notice how this bee has a stinger whose removal will no longer result in death, she said, pointing to the largest of bees around Jeb. That, along with its large size, makes it a fantastic bee for defending the hive from outside invaders. Pointing at other bees, she called out that one was meant to collect pollen, another was grown as a scout, and there were apparently three bees who were each meant as a different form of attacker. Interestingly, she commented while pointing out the third of them, none of the pure attacking bees are able to remove their stingers without dying. I am unsure whether that is an intentional choice on the part of your Swarm, or whether it is simply an oversight. Jeb grimaced. I hope that its an oversight, he said, knowing full well that his Swarm counted the individual bees lives as far less valuable than he did. Char nodded as though she could hear the thoughts in Jebs head. She looked curiously at the largest bee that had come. The moment that it had arrived, it sat on Jebs shoulder, where it seemed perfectly content to stay indefinitely. Interesting, Char commented, coming close to Jeb to peer at the bee more closely. What is? Jeb asked. I think that your Swarm created a subspecies of bee which is meant to act as a Mana battery. She came even closer, until Jeb could smell the blend of cherry and apple wood smoke which she gave off. The bee, apparently content to feed on the Magic that Jeb radiated, did not react at all. No, that isnt entirely correct. Jeb, is there a reason that your Swarm would feel a need to create an entire subspecies whose entire purpose is to Aspect ambient Mana? Jeb nodded eagerly. I encouraged my bees to Aspect themselves. Since I use more than one Element, though, I wanted them to be able to too. Im glad that they figured something out, because I was worried about how they would be able to Aspect themselves while I was gone. Char still didnt step back. She was still staring at the Mana converter, as Jeb immediately began to think of the large bee on his shoulder. Suddenly, she jumped back, flaring up as she did. There is an incredibly specialized bee living on top of your Aspecting bee! she cried. This is fascinating! Would you be willing to let one of the Bee Druids inspect your hive to learn more about the symbiosis that your Swarm has apparently naturally come to? Uh, sure, Jeb replied, but arent we getting somewhat off track? Brian probably isnt going to need that for a long while. Char blushed, a crimson hue flaring on her cheeks. You are correct. Thank you for reminding me. Now then, Brian, which subspecies do you think you should work on as your first priority? Brian looked at each of the different bees around Jeb. Both Jeb and Char noticed how long his eyes lingered on the dog-sized bee sleeping on Jebs shoulder, but in the end he chose a different subspecies. I think that right now my first goal should be growing the Swarms numbers. Since the Circle of Swarms should be a safe place for it to grow, I cannot think that the combat oriented subspecies would be my best bet. The scouting bees are tempting, but Jeb has already shown me how to grow flowers quickly. Char shot Jeb a murderous glance, and Brian hurried to add, in a way that doesnt deplete the soil! Jeb was privately surprised that Brian had been able to tell the soil quality as well. After letting the thought sit for a moment, though, it made some amount of sense. Everything hed learned about Magical Farming while at the Academy had been cobbled together from the few notes about Druids he was allowed to access. With all that in mind, Brian said, redirecting the conversation again, I think that Ill start with the gatherers. That was a well thought out answer, Char complimented. Well, theres no time like the present. Let us begin. She strode out of the room. The two men hurried to follow after her. Chapter 221: Breeding Bees Char stopped beside a number of other Druids, all of whom had honey bees circling around them. Each seemed to own at least a few of the hives that were arranged in neat rank and file almost as far as Jeb could see. Given how little of the Druidic Enclave had been so regimented, Jeb was more than slightly surprised that the Circle of Swarms would have their hives ordered so well. Thinking about it a little further, though, he supposed that it did make some amount of sense. Bees, after all, were themselves generally very fond of order. And, when he looked towards the edges of the bees space, Jeb also noticed that the order broke down further from the center. Realizing that he had missed the introductions Char was making, Jeb tuned back into the conversation. Brian, I do not know for certain if I will be the best mentor for you at this point. Each of these Druids, however, she gestured to the small group assembled in front of them, has developed their Swarm into a specialized purpose. I leave you in their capable hands. Flames finally broke out on her skin, and Jeb watched as she burned away to nothing. When no one else reacted, however, he decided not to comment. First of all, one of the Druids said, pointing at Brian, can you bring your bees here? Although you are not, strictly speaking, required to have them live here, it makes everyones lives much easier. Your bees will be safer, have an easier time finding food, and will be closer to you for whatever modifications you wish to enact. Should I summon mine too? Jeb asked. How many bees are in your Swarm? Jeb repeated the question to his bees. Unlike the last time he had asked them a numerical question, his bees were far more able to give him a quantitative answer. The number surprised even him, however. Apparently I have approximately three hundred hives, each of which is home to a nominal thirty thousand bees, though of course the specific number of bees in any given hive fluctuates as they teleport wherever they need to go. No, you should not summon millions of bees, the Druid replied in a slow tone. Jeb nodded happily. Um, Brian cut in, I dont know how to summon my bees. Jeb and the Druid he had been speaking to both turned to the young bear before looking at each other. Silently, they tried to determine which of the two of them should tell Brian what to do. In the end, the Druid blinked first, and he turned to Brian. Your bees are in a hive. Brian nodded. You know where the hive is. Brian nodded again. The Druid paused, clearly waiting for Brian to understand the next steps. When Brian continued to stare blankly, however, he continued, your hive is small enough that you can carry it. Once again, Brian did not pick up on the implied direction. Sighing, the Druid continued, you can and should bring your bees here by physically transporting their hive. When Brian left, the group of Druids turned and addressed Jeb. Char mentioned that your bees have already created a symbiotic pair. Would you be willing to show it to us? Jeb nudged the bee that was still sleeping on his shoulder. It started to buzz, a deep booming sound that caused a few nearby birds to flee. Fascinating. I see that the larger bee Attunes the Mana that it takes in, though only the smallest amount. The bee on top of it, by contrast, gathers Mana incredibly efficiently. Together, it seems as though they just consistently make the Mana around them marginally more Attuned to a single Element. Huh, Jeb replied, impressed with his Swarm. I only wish that you had taken notes on the process, another Druid chimed in. It is incredibly rare that a Swarm comes to the idea of having two bees work to produce a single effect. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Sorry, Jeb replied. The woman waved him off, there are many things that I would wish. We cannot, however, turn back the clock. At someones cough, she rolled her eyes and amended, we cannot turn back the clock on our own, and we should not turn back the clock on something so minor. Glaring at the Druid who had coughed, she asked, is that better? He nodded before speaking to Jeb himself. Right now I would say that there are a few paths you could lead these two subspecies down. Most obviously, you could work to increase the Attunement efficiency that the larger bee has. Although I am sure that there is a reason that it had been bred to change so slowly, that reason may no longer be relevant to you. Regardless of that, however, you could also consider increasing the throughput on either of the bees. Increasing the total amount of Mana that either bee can hold would also be somewhat beneficial. What about filtering? the woman who he had corrected chimed in. The Druid harumphed. I do suppose that one could do so, Brianna. But? Jeb asked. Yes, Joshua, what is wrong with breeding his bees to filter Mana? Joshua grumbled something. Could you repeat that? Brianna asked with a sickly sweet tone. It is fundamentally inefficient to have Mana filters embedded in living objects. How would you filter Mana, then? Jeb asked, fascinated by the implications of the sentence. He waved a hand. Each hive that I have Attuned to a specific flavor of Mana is constructed to filter Mana. Would you be willing to show me? The man grimaced before shaking his head. Unfortunately, I cannot. He didnt elaborate, so Jeb shrugged and let the matter drop. I dont think that filtering Mana makes the most sense for my bees, Jeb said, returning the conversation to where it had been. Increasing their throughput, though, seems like something that I would absolutely love to do. If I had to guess, the reason that the efficiency is so low is because my bees were once all inside of a single Hive, so the different Mana Attunements needed to be at least somewhat harmonious with each other. Now that there are many, however, I think that it could be a good thing to increase the efficiency. Brian made it back as they finished planning Jebs next steps, and the Druids walked the two of them through the steps they would need to do in order to evolve their bees most efficiently. Unlike with mundane bees, there were ways to make the different workers and drones lay fertilized eggs. Jebs Swarm had just created a new Queen, however, so he decided to work in the traditional manner. The days faded into months as Jeb kept tweaking the slightest parts of the large bees that the Queen began to specialize in birthing. Talking to the Swarm, Jeb was relieved to hear that they generally had a single Queen birth each of the different subspecies. How that worked with the fact that each Hive was also Elementally Attuned to a specific flavor of Mana, Jeb was not entirely sure, and the bees dancing did not clear up any questions. Jeb ended up missing his first Solstice in the Druidic Enclave, too engrossed in his work. He was surprised to learn that the Enclave did not truly experience winter. Or, at least, the hives around the Circle of Swarms never frosted over. Jeb thought that he might have seen faint glimpses of snow in the distance, but he ignored it. Spending so much time working with the bees, Jeb started delving deeply into the place where they were Bound together. The prismatic light of his own Mana was still a unified whole. Even though the rainbows from the Swarm gave off the same light, Jeb was slowly able to realize that they were individualized, rather than completely joined together. That realization showed him how he was Bound to the bees. Rather than a single connection to the Swarm as a whole, Jeb was individually connected to each bee, though obviously more strongly to the Queens. Since each bee was Attuned to at most a single Element, however, his own many colored Mana split apart into any number of sharp colors as it twined to the specific bees. Too interested in the connections, Jeb did not notice that he had been selecting the bees to cause them to have a new effect. Rather than simply taking in large amounts of Mana and returning it heavily shaded to a single Element, his bees had begun condensing the Mana around them, even if only very slightly. Jeb tasted the first hints of an Essence Storm brewing around his hive and quickly sketched some Enchantments on the air to break apart the dense Magic. I wonder if this is something I should be concerned about for the different hives on their own, Jeb thought to himself. Brian interrupted his musings before he could follow the train of thought too far. I did it! he cried, holding up a bee that looked indistinguishable from any of the other bees that Jeb could see flying around the boy. Even as he looked more closely, Jeb could not figure out what was so different about the bee. What did you do? he asked, breaking out of the trance he had been in for months. This bee can lose its stinger without dying! Brian said happily. Great job! Jeb replied. Can it regrow the stinger? Brian froze. Sorry, Jeb said, seeing the realization dawn on the Druid. Both of them quickly got back to work, and Jeb fell back into the trance of Magic. His Class started to assert itself, and Jeb gave into the feeling. The man cloaked in midnight became far more effective at his work. The bees riding on the Mana Attuners took in orders of magnitude more Mana per day, and they started to color the ambient Mana around them with the prismatic flavor of his own Magic. The connection between the man and the Swarm bled together more and more, until the only way to distinguish the two was where many colors stopped bleeding into each other. Chapter 222: Theres a Metaphor Somewhere Here Jeb was shocked back into himself when the Archdruid came to visit him. Jeb, the man called, authority in his voice. Jeb blinked rapidly, unsure where he was. Looking around, he saw that he was surrounded by a veritable herd of large bees, each the size of a child a few years old. Each was taking in and pumping out so much Mana that the ambient Magic in the air was almost becoming visible to his own sight. Somehow, though, the bees were not causing any sort of Essence Storm. The Archdruid stomped his staff once, and Jeb was pulled from his musings. I hope that your time in my Enclave has been fulfilling to you, he commented, nodding at the bees that had begun to softly butt into him. One flew near the Archdruids waist, and he gently reached out to pet it. I think that I have! Jeb replied happily. Is there a reason that you have come to visit me? The Archdruid nodded solemnly. Walk with me, he said. Jeb saw the world rearrange itself around the Archdruid as they slowly meandered through the woods. Each step he took had the earth rising up to meet him just slightly, and the grass grew greener where he passed by. The two walked in silence for a few hours as the sun started to set in the sky. Are you familiar with the Tier Nine Bottleneck? the Archdruid finally asked, pausing beside a particularly large willow tree. With a gesture, he caused portions of the tree to begin blooming again. With another, he cut off all of the parts of the tree which still were bare. When he had finished, the tree was far smaller but plainly more healthy. Maybe? Jeb hedged. I have a vague memory of my grandfather saying something about how some are unable to advance to Tier Nine. Is it that? The Archdruid nodded. Sitting beneath the tree, he continued, Tier Eight is often referred to as the first of the Tiers of Power. His calloused hands began braiding willow switches that lay beside the two of them. In order to progress to Tier Nine, one must be willing to pursue their deepest wish. For many, that is not an issue. For those who have only ever followed a path that another picked for them, however, Tier Nine is often seen as an impossibility. Picking up the willow basket he had woven, the Archdruid began walking again. As the moon rose over the night, the Archdruid stopped beside a blackberry bush. It was overgrown, with sharp thorns blocking access to all of its berries. With another gesture, the brambles opened, and half of the bush was thinned away. The Archdruid picked the newly revealed berries before sitting down next to the bush. Tier Ten, as you know, is where most reach immortality. More than that, though, Tier Ten is also the point wherein the world itself recognizes your efforts. Have you ever seen someone at their Tenth Tier? Jeb shook his head. I dont think so, but I suppose that I dont really have a way to know. The Archdruid chuckled. Believe me, you would know if you had. At Tier Ten, most Classholders begin to form, he gestured vaguely around at the air, something that does not translate well into any of these modern tongues. Furrowing his brow, he tried anyways, to be powerful is to exemplify some Truth. He frowned and shook his head, that was wrong. To be Powerful is to create the Truth which you exemplify. He stood, and Jeb noticed that vines had begun to crawl around the Archdruids body as he sat. The moment he decided to move, however, they released him. The Archdruid began walking again. Jeb heard the crashing of waves just before he started to smell the salted air. The Archdruid led him out onto the sand, and Jeb saw that the Druids steps did not leave any indentation in the soil. Crabs and other small creatures started following the two of them. Beside the sea, the Archdruid waved a hand and hundreds of rusted and broken weapons washed onto the shore. Jeb watched as they fused together into a single mass of iron. The Archdruid tapped his staff onto the ground and the world pulsed. The metallic ball disappeared as standard reality reasserted itself. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Tier Eleven, for those few who reach it, is where one begins to enforce their will onto the world around them. The nascent Truth that a Classholder writes on the world starts to make its mark. Many cease to be identified by their name at this point, becoming little more than avatars for their Class. He continued walking again, and Jeb began to wonder if there was a reason that the Archdruid was taking him on such a long journey. The sound of the sea faded as they once again walked into the forests embrace. The smell of living things and the rustling of countless creatures moving reminded Jeb just how much of an interloper he was in the space. Unlike the Archdruid, he did not truly belong here. They stopped beside a doe lying on the ground beside a wolf. Neither was attacking each other, and the Archdruids expression grew grim. He tapped his staff three times, and a deathly white ichor began to pour out of both of them. For a moment, the Archdruid became the sun. The ichor did not simply burn. It was consumed, turning a healthy brown, before blowing away on the wind. The doe leapt up, bounding away. The wolf, by contrast, nodded at the leader of the Druidic Enclave before laying back down and returning to sleep. Few enough reach the Twelfth Tier. Your own President is one of those. Tell me, do you know his name? Jeb tried to rack his brain, positive that he would have learned that as a child. Try as he might, though, he could not think of the man as anything but the President. I am certain that you cannot. Very few of us are able to maintain any portion of ourselves that does not act in the interest of our Class. I am certain that you have noticed the way that the Enclave rewrites itself to be more pleasing to me, even and especially when I am not paying attention. The Archdruid sat down, fire blazing around him as the wolf stood up and left. The clearing quickly became choked with smoke, but Jeb found that he was still able to hear the Archdruid clearly, even if he was completely obscured by the fog. This is truly the issue, the Archdruid finally spoke. The smoke cleared, and Jeb found himself in a completely dead space. There was nothing but ash and cinders around him. To become ones Class comes with a number of benefits, it is true. At the very least, every action I take now is done with the full force of my Truth behind it. However, I will never reach past this Tier. He let out a wry chuckle. Of course, it would be ridiculous for me to attempt to reach past this Tier regardless. The world is not as young as it once was, and sources of Experience grow fewer and smaller the higher one climbs. As I have no desire to plunge the world into an endless war, there are in fact no foes for me to slay to claim their Experience as my own. Jeb cocked his head. He had never heard that one could progress by killing others. He had always imagined that the reason Adventurers increased their Level so quickly was because they were constantly accomplishing Quests related to their Class. If they grew stronger simply by killing, however, that told a wildly different story. The Archdruid stared at him in plain confusion. His eyes widened, and he spoke, Did you truly not know that ones power grows by defeating those as strong as you? Jeb shook his head. I did not. The Archdruid waved his hand dismissively. Unlike the rest of his actions that day, there was no sudden rewriting of the world or release of Magic. It was simply a dismissal. I am glad that the young no longer have a need to grow through violence, even within the Republic. Regardless, what I was trying to allude to is that becoming ones Class, although beneficial, does come with its own drawbacks. Because the world accepts me as the Archdruid, I am fixed in my Class. It cannot grow any further. It would be a great shame for someone with the potential you have to needlessly limit your own growth. Im not sure I understand what you mean, Jeb replied. The Archdruid blew out a long breath, nodding. Do you remember how you finally unlocked Druidic Magic? Jeb flinched, a phantom pain suddenly flaring in his fingertip. Kind of? he hedged, its a little bit of a blur what exactly happened at the end. Are you aware of what the people on the border of the Enclave are calling you? Jeb shook his head. They know you as the man cloaked in midnight. I would be well beyond surprised if that is not a Class offered to you at your next Tier increase. However, the fact that you cannot remember what you do while in that state is the reason that I took the time to speak with you. If you desired to become that man, then it would be an understandable, if still tragic use of your abilities. Given that you do not, however, I would be ashamed if I let you fall into that accidentally. What are you trying to say? Jeb asked, only half understanding the man in front of him. Actually, he thought to himself, is he even a man any longer? He shook his head, clearing the thought. At the end of the day, it was hardly relevant what, exactly, the Archdruid was, other than that. I did not truly expect you to understand. The first times that one touches on their Truth often lead to broken pieces of memory. However, so long as you remain within my land, I will not allow you to slip back into the man cloaked in midnight. You are Jeb, the name seemed to resonate on the world itself, and the dead ashes glowed slightly brighter for a brief moment, and you are capable of anything you do while within the grasp of your Class. Chapter 223: A Scolding The Archdruid left Jeb alone in the field of ashes. As gentle rain started to fall, Jeb pondered the mans words. He hadnt even noticed his trend of falling into himself. Even now, a part of him refused to accept that he lost himself to his Class. When he tried to think about what happened on his journey from the Capital to the Enclave, though, Jeb was forced to admit that he could not bring much of the trip to mind. He remembered stopping in the first village, but that was where his memory stopped. The next memory he had was standing within the Druidic Enclave. Trying to remember how he had unlocked Druidic Magic, Jeb found himself equally lost. He remembered being thrown into the pit, and he remembered getting out of the pit with access to Druidic Magic. Looking down at his hand, Jeb was confused at the phantom throbbing sensation there. What happened? he asked himself. Unlike the journey which took an indeterminate amount of time, he knew that he was in the pit for only a few hours. Second by second, Jeb worked his memories free from the haze of being the man cloaked in midnight. When he forced free his memory of opening his finger to the bone, Jebs Magic broke free, making a crater in the still dead space. It was as though he was experiencing the pain first hand, and he watched as the skin on his finger sloughed off, leaving the bare bone again. Looking down in horror, Jeb felt his sense of self warring with his Status and his Class. Gritting his teeth, Jeb rewove the Magic that he had unconsciously made to heal his finger. Unlike under the grip of his Class, however, he had to actively force the Magic to obey his bidding. As painful as it was, Jeb had the brief memory of the joy he felt when wrangling Magic as a First Tier Least Mud Mage. He never would have guessed that he would go to the Druidic Enclave, let alone weaving a free form Magic to heal his own finger. Unlike then, however, the resistance he felt was not something arbitrary, or a lack of skill on his own part. No, it was completely clear to Jeb that the resistance he faced now was his Class rebelling against the fact that he was trying to separate himself from it, however slightly. With a final burst of effort, Jeb forced the skin and sinew to knit back together. Panting heavily, he collapsed from exhaustion. When he awoke, Jeb saw that his Mana Attuning bees had clustered around him. The Magic in the air was thicker than he had ever seen before, and Jeb felt himself revitalize with each breath. The reminder that there was Magic outside of his Class seemed to help him reassert control over Wizard. Thanks, he said, petting the bees as they crowded around him. We wondered where you had gone! a voice called, and Jeb turned to see the Druids who had helped him with breeding his bees. Hi? Jeb said, taking an offered hand to stand. The group began walking, though no one spoke to Jeb. When they made it back to the Circle of the Swarm, however, the Druids turned to him with clear disapproval on their faces. You have done a good job with enhancing the bees in your care, Joshua said, carefully measuring his words, but I feel as though you may have missed an important point in our lessons. Jebs eyes widened, and he tried to recall what he had forgotten. In your defense, Brianna cut in, we were not explicit in the messaging. In part, that is because we are unused to dealing with students who do not have a background in Druidic Magic. Despite having the Skill, and despite being Bound to a hive, it is clear that you do not see the world as a Druid does. There was no judgement in the tone, but Jeb still felt as though he should apologize. Before he could, though, she gestured, and a veritable wave of bees flew towards them. You are more powerful than any bee in your Swarm, she said simply, plucking a single bee from the air. Right? Jeb said, uncomfortable with the way that she gripped it. You are, arguably, more powerful than the entirety of your Swarm, she continued, encasing her bees in a ball of tightly bound air. Jeb frowned. Im not sure about that, he replied honestly. There are a lot of bees. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. She shrugged. That is a fair enough point. Your Swarm is definitely far more proliferous than most Swarms for someone your age. However, given the state of the clearing when we came into it, I still believe that you could win if you needed to. The ball of air dispersed, and Briannas bees swarmed around her like a cloak. Of course, that will hopefully never be a relevant discussion. You are, after all, Bound to the Swarm. Still, it segues into the general issue you have been neglecting. The power you have over your Swarm forces on you just as much of a duty. Your Hives are clearly thriving, but why? What do you gain from it? Jeb shrugged. I dont need to gain anything in particular from the Swarm, he replied. That way of thinking feels far too transactional to me. Joshua scoffed. You are disrespecting your Swarm in doing so! he said, venom in his tone. Jeb turned, confused. Without needing to be prompted, Joshua continued his rant. Your bees are not humans. They are not even people, in any meaningful sense. Each worker in your Swarm knows that it exists for a single purpose. Treating them as though they are people denies them the way that they would choose to be. You are powerful enough that you can continue to exert that pressure over them, but doing so makes you a monster. Joshua! Brianna scolded. That is a little strong. Turning to Jeb, I cannot say that he is entirely wrong, though. Enforcing your own views of autonomy onto a fundamentally communal species is at best grossly naive. Jeb nodded, suitably chastened. I truly dont know what purpose I have for my bees, he admitted. Is there nothing that your Swarm can do for you? the third Druid asked, voice far calmer. I do appreciate the fact that I can use them as a teleportation network, he said. Thats a good enough place to start. Why dont you summon your Empress so that the two of you can discuss how your partnership, Brianna and Joshua glared, if that is how you choose to think of it, could be most beneficial to both parties. I can guarantee that she will be happier if given a purpose that benefits you. Jeb nodded, and the Druids left. He took a deep breath and called to the Swarm. They rushed around him, dancing that the Empress would be there shortly. A gash opened in the air in front of Jeb, and the Hives first Queen flew out. Jeb was a little surprised that she had remained alive for so many years, but supposed that it made sense. In the presence of their Empress, the bees around Jeb suddenly grew more real. It was like the Archdruids effect on the Enclave, though far more muted. Hi, Jeb said, waving at the bee. The Empress settled on the hive that the Enclave had given him. Bees appeared, dancing the Empresss message. Bound One, how have We displeased you? What do you mean? Jeb asked. The bees buzzed around in clear confusion. After a few seconds, though, the Empress took back control. Year after year we have worked to provide whatever we could to aid you, and yet you have not once used our succor since leaving the Hive. Seeing Jebs confusion, she continued, the stores of honey we have produced have lain unused. The protection we have offered has gone unused. I have legions of scouts who could help you in your journeys, and yet you have used not a one. Are we nothing more than a diversion to you? Jeb could sense the deep well of pain in the Empresss last question. More than anything that the Druids had said, that vulnerability pierced Jeb like a dagger. He had not wanted to take advantage of the bees kindness. In doing so, however, he realized that he had not once asked them what they wanted since leaving the farm. The one thing that they had requested, something to Attune Mana, he did not even provide, instead forcing them to breed a class of bees to do so on their own. I am truly sorry, Jeb said, wiping a tear from his eyes. I had not considered the way that you would interpret my actions. The bees buzzed their forgiveness, along with the hope of a task from their Lord. Jeb, despite being uncomfortable with that title, nonetheless pushed forward. In the future, I would like to be able to teleport more effectively. I would be grateful if you would establish a number of Hives in some sort of regular pattern throughout the Republic. He bobbed his head back and forth, debating the next part of the command. If possible, please make them as unobtrusive as possible. I know that in the past people have been concerned by the presence of the larger members of the Swarm. In places with significant human populations, please try to use the smallest and least Magically Attuned bees. The bees buzzed assent, and two dozen bees flew out towards Jeb. Even as he looked at them, though, his eyes tried to glide off. It was an effort to even remember that they were there. What? he asked, stupefied. The bees explained that they had noticed that trend, and had taken steps themselves to begin hiding more. Going on, they asked if they were also to expand their territory into the realm the Lord was currently residing in. Great question, Jeb replied, let me see if the Archdruid is comfortable with that. As though the words had summoned him, the Archdruid stepped out of the woods and walked over to Jeb. I am glad to see that you are yourself again, he said, and I am equally glad to see that you are finally taking responsibility for your actions, even if only here. He continued walking, but Jeb rushed up to get in front of him. Would it be acceptable for my bees to establish hives throughout the Enclave? Lightning flashed in the Archdruids eyes, and the sky suddenly grew dark. Chapter 224: Ripple Effects Jeb smelled ozone start to build between himself and the Archdruid as the leader of the Druidic Enclave stared him down. Unsure exactly what the issue was, Jeb did his best to keep the Swarm calm. Unsurprisingly, they did not react well to the Archdruids clear displeasure at their Bonded companion. Is everything all right? Jeb asked, attempting to defuse the situation at least slightly. Have I not already gone above and beyond any reasonable treatment for a Republican? he demanded, streamers of deadly flame coiling around each word. Has your President, he spat the word out, truly done anything worth this level of blind obedience? The flames began to wrap around the Archdruid, growing darker and thicker as they spiraled up into the sky. Jeb, too distracted by the rush of Magic, was no longer able to keep his bees from reacting as they thought appropriate. Literal walls of Earth and Stone rose up between Jeb and the Archdruid as Elementally Aligned bees for the Elements flew into the shape of Creation Glyphs. That reaction seemed to stir something in the Archdruid, and the light in his eyes died slightly. The storm still raged above, but Jeb no longer felt as though his skin was seconds away from catching flame. Eyes hard as granite, the Archdruid dismissively flicked his hands in Jebs direction. The walls ceased to be. Jeb did not watch them crumble into dust or be blown apart by a careful application of will. In fact, the Archdruid did not use any Magic at all, as far as Jeb could tell. He simply decided that the walls were not a part of the Enclave, and so they were not. Despite the fact that the walls had never been, the Magic that the bees had expended was still there. The loose motes of Earth and Stone Mana continued to float in the air. Jeb shook his head, pain lancing through it as he tried to understand the reality of the Archdruids domain. To his relief, the Archdruid did not take either his shaking or his attempt to pierce through the layers of reality as another affront. If anything, the Lord of the Enclave, as Jeb realized he absolutely was, seemed to calm down that little bit more. The bright flashes of lightning which continued to arc across the darkened skies seemed more friendly somehow. The Archdruid gestured, and Jeb found himself speaking. It did not feel like compelled speech, it simply felt as though he had no reason not to speak his case anymore. I dont know what youre talking about, Jeb replied honestly. I mean, yes, you have been a fantastic and courteous host, and you have gone above and beyond your obligations, he hurried to add, intentionally leaving out the fact that he had forced Jeb to tear his own hand apart. But I do truly have no idea what about the President youre referring to. Ive never met the man, and my family generally doesnt have the most positive opinion of him. And yet you remain a Republican, the Archdruid said simply, his words the emptiness and void that surrounded all creation. Why? Jeb frowned, looking down as he thought about the question. For starters, he said, you have not offered me a place in the Enclave, and this is the only other- he hesitated, trying to figure out what the Enclave and the Republic were. The core of himself wanted to say Domains, but that wasnt the word that he intellectually wanted. Nation? the Archdruid helpfully supplied. -nation, Jeb agreed, finding his place in the conversation again, that Ive been to. How would I be anything but a Republican citizen? One need not be bound by any nation, the Archdruid said, and Jeb felt the faintest whiff of intention behind the word bound. It was clear that he was not referring to the same way that Jeb was Bound to his bees, and yet it was more than the strictly mundane binding that the sentence would have implied. Before Jeb could probe that feeling anymore, the Archdruid continued, Of course, you are still very young. I presume that your family remains within the Republic? Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Seeing Jeb nod, he sighed. The storm around them seemed to sigh too, dying down now that there were no flames of righteous anger to sustain them. The sky remained dark and dangerous, but it was the leashed danger that Jeb was beginning to understand surrounded the Archdruid like a mantle. Why do you wish for your Swarm to colonize the Enclave? he asked, voice sounding as aged as the stones around them. Um, Jeb replied, not entirely sure about the framing of the question, I didnt really think of it as colonization, honestly. The Druids in the Circle of Swarms said that I need to make sure that my bees have a purpose. The only use I have for them, Jeb grimaced at the idea of using his bees, even after they had made it clear that was what they wanted, is to help me move about more quickly. I can teleport between the different Hives relatively easily, and it does a lot to make traveling faster. The Archdruid stroked his beard, small arcs of lightning lighting between his fingers. Jeb felt a great sadness in the older mans gaze. Where did we go so wrong? he asked, eyes lost looking out at some long ago memory. When did Fundamental Understandings shift from where we began to where we ended? The ancient man, stooped with the weight of years, leaned heavily on his staff and sighed. There is far more to being Bound to a Swarm than simply giving them a task to make them feel useful. He paused, clearly offering Jeb the space to leap in with some minor quibble about choice of words. When he did not, the Archdruid continued, Do you understand what a Binding is? It is not the Swarm and yourself, any more than your hand and foot are two distinct entities. They serve different purposes, it is true, but one could never do anything if he wanted to treat each part of his body as its own unique being with its own unique needs, wants, and desires. The staff pulsed green, and the Archdruids eyes closed. His brow furrowed and a bead of sweat formed on the top of his brow as he slowly lifted himself back up to the fully erect position that Jeb associated with him. Opening his eyes again, Jeb saw that they blazed with a vibrant darkness. Just like trying to understand where the wall had gone, Jeb found pain lancing through all of him as he tried to meet the Archdruids gaze. You may establish a Hive for your Swarm at the central gathering for any Circle which will allow you access to their spaces. As with teaching you, I will neither require nor prevent any Circle from making their own choice. His tone sounded as aloof and powerful as it had the first time that Jeb had met the man. After seeing the moment of weakness, though, Jeb had to wonder how much of that was an act. He could understand the need to appear strong, not just in the presence of outsiders, but also simply to make his own people feel safe. Having seen the man sink under the weight of years for only the briefest moment had left Jeb shaken, and he did not rely on the man for protection. After the initial tirade, Jeb felt as though he had a slightly better picture of the relationship between the Enclave and the Republic. It was not a pretty picture. Jeb thought about the fact that there were dueling competitions every term at the Academy, even as removed from combat as it was supposed to be. As faculty members went on semi permanent leaves, more and more former members of the Army came to take their places. The crops that the Republic demanded its Farmers grow had not a single luxury item any longer. That wasnt to say that the Druidic Enclave was any different, though. If the fact that he had been soundly thrashed in a fight with someone many Tiers his junior was not enough, there was the tense way that each of the older Druids held onto their Magic. Every few minutes, they sent out a small undirected pulse, as though they were trying to make sure that no new workings had been wrought while they were distracted. Even Brian, who did not seem to have the slightest explicit training in violence, was gently led into making his Swarm a weapon. Sure, the Druids couched their suggestions in reasonable sounding ideas like making sure that his bees were able to fly more quickly or communicate more easily. Looking at the advice through the lens of mentors attempting to prepare their youth for war, though, Jeb realized that his own childhood had been influenced by the same thoughts. His grandfather had not molded him like a weapon. His grandfather had, if anything, erred too far in the opposite direction. Jeb began to realize just how behind he was in understanding the broader political pressures that were bound to shape the course of his life moving forward. He was only a single level from the Ninth Tier. Even ignoring the Archdruids cryptic clues, Jeb knew that there were fewer and fewer people at each increased Tier. Regardless of whether he wanted to or not, the world was going to begin to have specific demands on Jeb, and he was going to have the ability, no the responsibility, he corrected himself, to make sure that he acted how he thought best. His bees, sensing the turmoil within him, started to swarm around him. Feeling the sense of love they gave off, Jeb thought about the Archdruids claims about Bonds. He did not think of his bees as much as they deserved. Chapter 225: Binding and Loosing Conversation finished, the two stared at each other in silence. Jeb had no idea what was going through the aged mans mind, but he could not stop thinking about the weakness the Archdruid had shown. Which was the man, and which was the mask? As he continued to think about it, Jeb became more and more sure of two things. First, it did not truly matter whether the strength or the weakness was a facade. The Archdruid projected an air of strength in front of all of his subordinates, and so that was, for any practical purpose, the real him. Second, though, Jeb was almost positive that neither was truly a facade. The transition between the two moods had been too rote to be anything that the Archdruid did rarely. Jeb was broken from his thoughts by the Archdruids nod. As the Archdruid walked away, Jeb found that he was alone in the clearing. The other Druids had all fled as the weather turned foul, and their Bound Swarms had done the same. Looking around the once more peaceful space, Jeb realized that now was as good of a time as any to try to take the Archdruids advice. Even though he did not understand the idea, he was willing to believe that his Swarm might be a part of himself, whatever that meant. Jeb sat down, taking a moment to consider what it meant to be himself. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes against the sight of lush green forest and plant life. With each breath in, he tasted the life surrounding him. With each breath out, he felt a little bit less tied to his own body. Jeb transitioned to lying down. Starting from his feet, Jeb did his best to truly consider the way that each part of his body was connected to him. He quickly pushed past the obvious fact that he was physically bound together, plunging deeper into his soul and Status. After a few incredibly slow breaths, Jeb started to see the faintest glimmers of Binding cords linking the core of himself to his feet. Finding the first set of threads made the rest far easier to find. As night overcame day, Jeb found the boundaries of his physical form. He was somewhat surprised to find that his hair was not bound to his spirit in the same way. After a moment of consideration, though, he thought he understood. Jeb did not think about his hair, and he felt no attachment to it. As a result, despite the fact that his hair was physically a part of him, it was not a part of what it meant for him to be Jeb. Sighing slightly, Jeb sat up, mind turning to the task at hand. The reminder that there were parts of him physically but not spiritually Bound to himself raised the immediate and obvious question of the reverse. If the Swarm was a part of him, Bound to his soul, as the Archdruid had mentioned, then was it a part of himself? If so, then he was clearly more than his own body. Was his body, the lute, and the Swarm still simply Jeb? Or, was it like his foot, which though named on its own was not himself? The question ate at him as stars drifted by, and Jeb pulled out his lute, knowing on a fundamental level that it would be easier to realign his mental image to include the lute than to include the millions of bees of the Swarm. Jeb stretched his fingers quickly, unwilling to break the habits that he had formed Tiers and years ago. When he felt limbered up, he began to pluck through the scales and warmups that the Bard had taught him. Realizing that he had only ever known the man as The Bard, Jeb began to wonder if he had been lost to his Class. It was possible, and would go a long way to explaining why he had never heard the mans name. Pushing the thought from his mind, Jeb finished his warmups. When he had, rather than moving into any of the etudes or more taxing exercises he had been taught, Jeb simply started to play the instrument, letting his fingers dance along the smooth neck as his other hand plucked out a thoughtful pattern. As he continued playing, Jeb began to feel the lute as more and more of an extension of his own body and will. The notes he played were simply his own utterances, unmediated by anything. Jeb knew that many craftsmen spoke of their tools as an extension of their own body, rather than something artificial. For all that he had always assumed the statement was more metaphorical than literal, it was not a particularly difficult mental realignment for Jeb to make. Jeb looked at the connections between the instrument and himself and noted that there was nothing fundamentally different than the connections between his body parts and himself. Something in his soul suddenly slotted into place, and the last fragments of separation between himself and the lute vanished. Without meaning to, Jebs playing shifted. He shifted its position fractionally, noticing the lutes sound resonate out that little bit further. His fingers moved that slight bit more precisely, able to play with the differences that a fraction of a tone could make in a way he never could before. If a few notes started to sound out that his own fingers did not pluck, well, that was only to be expected. After all, Jeb had given the lute a Will of its own. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Jeb started to sing. His voice coursed out through the air, blending and mixing with the sounds of his lute. It was not any formal Bardic Song, nor was it any piece of music that he had been explicitly taught. It was something rawer and purer than that. With nothing save his voice and the part of him that was a lute, Jeb sang out his sense of sorrow at the world that seemed darker with each passing day. As his voice rose higher, he recalled the unprompted kindnesses that so many had showed him. As tears fell from his eyes, he mourned the carefree childhood that he knew he could never return to. Jeb keened, realizing that to go forward was to confront others. For better or worse, he knew that he would be willing to use the power he had acquired. Putting the lute back on his shoulder, Jeb did not feel the tether lessen at all. Now that it was not physically connected to him in the same way, it was a strange sensation, and he nearly fell over as he tried to stand. After a few moments to adapt, Jeb felt his vision once more settle, seeing only through his own eyes. Sighing, he looked at the bees floating around him. The rising dawn evaporated his tears, and he confronted his next task. Reaching out, Jeb found the tendril connecting one of the individual bees to his own core. Looking into his core, he saw the strands that connected each part of his body to itself, and tried to tell himself that the connection to the Swarm was no different. Unlike joining with the lute, which had felt like getting rid of an itch he had hardly noticed, this felt like Jeb was stretching a part of himself that had not been used in far too long. The metaphorical muscle, taut with disuse, protested, before finally giving way. All at once, Jeb collapsed to the ground, no longer within his own body. Jeb saw himself begin to fall, many faceted eyes focusing on the nexus of power. Turning around, the bee flew off, trusting the Bound partner. Jeb flew on currents of air, tracing the scent of Mana and flowers. Before the sensation of being the singular bee could set in, Jeb was pulled into another sensation. Jeb was warrior. He, for all that the pronoun felt less and less applicable, and his fellow fighters would repel the incursion from a rival Swarm. His stinger, replaceable as it was, glistened with the most potent venom that the Hive could Brew. The rival Swarm was not awakened, and would never be able to stand to the might of the Swarm. Jeb knew that he might fall, but that falling in the service of his Lord and Lady was the reason he had been born. As the bee flew forward, a lance of pain speared through Jebs soul, and he pulled further out. Jeb was the legion. The warrior was still there, a limb rather than a full individual. The legion flew forward, engaging the enemy. In contrast to the legions tight and ordered ranks, the enemy was disorganized. The legion was to be the stinger for the army, leading the charge. Another spear of pain pierced Jeb, and he pulled even further back. Jeb was the army. Each legion flew in perfect martial formation, aiming for the heart of the enemys Hive. The dances they had practiced for years synchronized their movements. The Mana each portion of him had been bathed in gave the army strength beyond anything that the other Swarm could bring to bear. Bees fell by the dozen, though none were of the Swarm. Leading by the stinger, hundreds of bees within the army tore the enemy Hive to pieces. They would not raid this Swarm. The base creatures were not worth it. An arcing pain raced through Jebs soul, as though his back was suddenly split in two. Jeb was the Hive. The eggs waiting to hatch, the workers waiting for it to be safe to leave the hive, the army, he was all of it. More than that, though, Jeb was the walls that kept them safe. He was the honey they had gathered and collected. He was, he realized, the Mana that suffused the space. All this took place in the time it took his body to fall to the ground. The jolt of his back and lute crashing into the hard packed soil brought Jeb back to his body. He gasped, his two lungs feeling strange after being so many at once. Sitting up, he swallowed down the sudden wave of nausea. Rinsing his mouth with a quickly Conjured drink of Water, Jeb took a deep breath, willing his own heart to calm down. To his surprise, it did. Jeb tried to replay the memories. The lancing headache that followed told him that he was better off doing something else instead. Realizing that he had landed directly on the lute, Jeb quickly grabbed it, terrified that it might have broken. Looking at the pristine instrument, he let out a small chuckle. Even before he had fully embraced the Binding between them, the lute had been suffused with enough Mana to make it stronger than well forged steel. Now that he knew it was a part of him, it was just as resistant to damage as any other piece of his body, if not slightly more so. The phantom pain in his finger throbbed, and Jeb focused on it. I accept the pain that was needed for me to be here right now, he said simply. The world thrummed with the words. Jeb felt the tides of fate shifting, just for a moment. Whether he had broken into a new channel or not, he felt more himself than he had since coming to the Enclave. Looking back at the bees, he prepared to lose the feeling again. Chapter 226: Lies Revealed Jeb breathed in deeply, smelling the grass around him. That, more than anything, reanchored his mind and spirit to his body. Even though bees had their own sense of smell, it was linked to the rest of their actions. For Jeb, the scent of growing life was simply a reminder that he was safe, even if not all of his bees were. Jeb opened his eyes again, blinking at the sudden influx of light. His eyes once more being single orbs was disorienting, but he quickly remembered where he was. The few members of the Swarm that had taken to remaining next to him at all times were standing their vigil watch. Or, rather, Jeb amended to himself, they were floating their vigil. Chuckling to himself, Jeb stood and stretched. Even if his body did not necessarily need the movement, he did. It was just one more way that he could remember where the boundaries between himself and the Swarm were. Thinking about the boundaries, Jeb probed for his lute. Their connection had changed while he was traveling through the eyes of the Swarm. The lute was still Bound to him, and the Binding remained something more than it had been when he entered the Enclave. Jeb was reminded, though, that the lute was not Bound to the Swarm, nor vice versa. The fact that a part of Jeb was the lute and a part of him was with the Swarm showed Jeb the bounds of himself. It was strange to think of himself that way, but as he stared into the web that his soul was becoming, Jeb saw the strands that connected to the Swarm and those that connected to the lute. Nodes that touched both were the places that were Jeb, much as it was strange to define himself solely in terms of his connections. Something about the idea of being defined in relationship began to eat at Jeb, but he forced the thought aside. He was going to see what life was like from within the Swarm. Lying down on the grass so that he wouldnt be jolted back to himself, Jeb reached out a hand to a large bee that was ambling near him. Closing his eyes, he traced the connections between his soul and the bees. Jeb was once again pulled somewhere far away. He was a scout. Unlike the other Hives, who gave their scouts specific grids to search, he was simply to find a place where the Water in the air felt right. Flying with stops only to refuel on a particularly appetizing flower, he searched for the faint flicker of Mana. The trail was inconsistent at best, but he knew that he was growing closer by the day. The pain that arced through Jeb had taken on a different flavor. Rather than something blinding, it was something almost warming. It told Jeb that he was pushing himself further than he had gone before, though it did not come with any sense of going too far. Jeb was the Water scouts. Each had their own method for locating the wellspring of Water Mana that the next Hive would call home. They worked together as best they could, communication difficult because of the vast space between them. They had been searching for what their Bound one would have called three months, though the time was irrelevant to the Hive. The new Queen needed a home, and since she had been born of Water, she would have a home in Water. As though the thought of Water eased the transition, Jeb felt the cold rush of jumping into a river after a long day of work. He pulled back even further, seeing the different scouting expeditions the Hive had sent. The nascent Water Queen, it seemed, was not the only one. The Hive, even as it had shifted its focus to scouting, still remembered its founding Charter. It was to make the purest forms of Elemental Honey, attempting to embed the Mana so deeply that it became something new. The efforts had not been in vain, as the strength of the young Queens could attest. Still, they were far from being finished. Jeb found himself back in his own mind for a moment. What had the Hive meant about a Charter? He tried to trace the thought, difficult as it was in the diffuse thoughts of a Swarm. Eventually, he found the connection. The Hive had been established by another, who sent the Queen off with a specific mission. Dissolving himself back into the river of thoughts, Jeb continued to watch the scouts. Each knew that they had been born for a purpose outside of the Charter. It weighed on them until they learned their role. Expanding the reach of the Swarm was a vocation that ran deeper than any individual Hives Charter. No longer ashamed, each of the scouts found themselves suddenly almost proud of the conditions of their birth. Jeb blinked at the individuality in the bees. He had known that the Swarm was intelligent, even when broken down to the level of individual Hives. As he looked through the eyes of individual bees, however, he saw that there was an intelligence in each one. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. It was nowhere near as complete as his own, of course, but each scouting corps seemed to have its own sense of identity that was only loosely tied to that of the Hive. Back in his own body, Jeb blinked. Why had he thought about the identity in relation to the Hive, rather than to the Queen? It took him what felt like hours to relocate the exact Hive he had been tracing, but Jeb wanted to make sure that his views hadnt been distorted. He saw the Water scout, the Water scouts, and the scouts as a whole. Pulling back further, Jeb realized that he was beginning to have a split vision. Part of him was looking through the eyes of the Hive itself, which simply tracked its children. The other part of him had desires and aspirations. That was the Queen, Jeb realized quickly. Forcing himself into the Queens mind, Jeb realized that he had fundamentally misunderstood the Swarms intelligence. It was not a Queen commanding the rest of the bees as though they were extensions of her own will. Instead, the Queen seemed like little more than an aggregator, compiling the wants and needs of each bee within the Hive into one cohesive narrative. Being an individual herself, though, Jeb saw that her reports were not always completely free of bias. She was a Queen born to Fire, and did seem to earnestly believe that the Fire Attuned bees in the Hive were stronger than the rest. Looking through the Hive, though, Jeb found that to be untrue. The fact that the Queen was reporting anything started to gnaw at him, and he tried to find where the Queen was reporting. Jeb watched a single bee dance and teleport away to a different Hive, sharing news of the improvements that his Hive had crafted and learning the improvements of other Hives. Back at the Fire Queens Hive, Jeb saw hundreds of other bees dancing to go off to other Hives. That was clearly at least part of what the Queen was reporting, though something about that answer felt incomplete. Feeling the warning signs that he had tested the boundaries of his own soul, Jeb pulled his awareness back into his own skin. As painful as all the times he had pushed himself too far at the Academy had been, Jeb found himself glad for them now. They kept him from making the same mistakes again. Looking at the sky, Jeb saw that only a few minutes had passed. He frowned, concerned at how quickly his soul had been damaged from something that felt so natural. With a sigh and a shrug of the shoulders, he moved on. Regardless of why it had been taxing, Jeb was mature enough now to recognize his own limits and follow them. He spent the remainder of the day talking to Brian, answering the boys questions about Magic. After a nights rest, Jeb cautiously probed his soul. To his surprise, it seemed even less damaged than it had before he had explored its limits the day before. Smiling, he sought to find the answer to where the Queens of each Hive reported. He lay back and tried to see through not just a single Hive, but the Swarm itself. The information came at him like a torrent, and Jeb felt his head split in agony. Pulling back slightly, he listened to the voices of the Queens, tuning out the millions of drones. When he did, Jeb felt the knowledge slot into place. Just as each Hive had its own organization, with groups reporting within each other and to the Queen, so too did each Queen belong to a different network of shifting priorities. The bright points of light pulsed differently as though reflecting each of their roles. The Queens on the periphery of the Swarm''s reach seemed most focused on expansion, while those closest to the farm where he had been raised seemed to be dedicated to building defensive structures. All the information, each Queens report, though, flowed directly to the Farm. Jeb saw the Empress, and understood her role. She was, as he had assumed, the voice of the Swarm. She was not, however, the intelligence of the Swarm. Just as each Queen synthesized the data from her own Hive, giving a simple picture up, she took the information from each Hive and crafted a single narrative for the Swarm as a whole. Jeb watched as she gave the order to increase rates of expansion, and noted how many Hives suddenly started feeding royal jelly to their larvae. The Empress noticed Jebs gaze and danced over to where he stood. The two stared at each other. Jeb could sense tension, as though the Empress had not wanted him to see what he had. Frowning, Jeb asked, Why didnt you tell me that this was how the Swarm functioned? The bees around the Empress no longer danced to her command. They seemed frozen, torn between loyalty to the Swarm and loyalty to the one who had uplifted the Swarm. The Empress danced hesitantly, explaining that she had at first worked to make sure that he was not burdened with the effort of managing each small decision the Hive made. As the Swarm expanded, so too did her role. And then you were worried that we would have conflicting goals for the Swarm, Jeb reasoned, thinking about the different factions that he had seen. The Empress hesitantly agreed. I cant say that I blame you, though I dont appreciate knowing that so many of the Queens voices have been silenced. Then again, where do I draw the line? Its clear that each Queen sometimes ignores the voices of castes within each Hive, and the castes certainly do not do what each individual bee wants. The Empress buzzed a suggestion, and Jeb nodded. She would continue to fade back, allowing each Hives Queen more and more autonomy. She would also work to make it easier for bees within each Hive to change loyalties. Jeb nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. As the Empress danced away, however, Jeb realized that he still had another issue to deal with. All the time that he had thought he was speaking to the Swarm, he had really been speaking to the Empress. What would it be like to talk to the Swarm itself. Jeb opened his mind to the web that connected the bees. When he found the emergent voice of the Swarm, he nudged it, asking to meet. As he felt his knees crumple, Jeb had just enough time to wish that he had sat down first before his vision went dark. Chapter 227: A Chance Meeting Jeb blinked. He was standing in a blank void looking at himself. No matter which direction he turned, he could see nothing else. It wasnt that the space around him was dark, it was that there was nothing there. He looked at his reflection, noting that it did not copy his movements. When he raised a hand in greeting, the figure opposite him frowned slightly before raising its own hand. Simultaneously relieved and more concerned, Jeb tried once again to figure out where he was. Realizing that he had not breathed since waking in the space, Jeb took a deep breath. It felt as though air rushed into his lungs, though he did not feel any eddies along his face or see any disturbance in the space in front of him. Trying to Create a light, Jebs hand soon began to glow. Jeb realized that he had never seen something glow without diffracting at all. Whatever he had breathed either did not interact with light, or, as he was beginning to suspect, did not exist. Looking down at his feet, Jeb felt a wash of vertigo. His feet also stood on nothing. When he thought about falling, he felt the tug of gravity, growing stronger and stronger as he fell faster and faster. Looking up, his mind struggled to process the fact that he was falling through space rapidly while his reflection was standing completely still. Despite that, his reflection was not rising any higher. Staring at the reflection, Jeb managed to convince himself that he was not falling. Hi? he said hesitantly, unsure if his voice would even work in whatever dream land he had fallen into. To his surprise, the entire space seemed to resonate with the word. As though his speaking had been a key, the space resolved itself. Jeb now found himself standing in a dark void. Why he thought that was an improvement, he wasnt sure. His reflection, at least, seemed equally shocked by the change in scenery. It looked around, mouth agape, before gesturing at Jeb to continue speaking. Frowning, Jeb continued, Why arent you saying anything? Also, do you know where we are? His reflection cocked its head. It pointed to Jeb. Im not sure I understand, Jeb admitted. It pointed again, and somehow Jeb knew that it was pointing through him more than at him. As though the memory had just been freed, Jeb remembered reaching out to his Swarm. Is this my soul? he wondered, looking around the space. His reflection opened its mouth to speak, but what came out was nothing but noise. It closed its mouth, frowned, and then tried to cough. Even that produced a cacophony, rather than anything as simple as a normal exhale. No, Jeb continued, still trying to figure out his location, I know what my soul looks like. Its never been this empty. Realization dawning, Jeb looked back at the avatar of the Swarm. Youre the Swarm, arent you? It nodded, and the sounds resolved into a voice, albeit one that still sounded like bees buzzing discordantly, Yes. Why do you look like me? he asked, glad that they were finally able to communicate. His reflection looked around, clearly unsure how to answer the question. It kept opening its mouth as though ready to speak before closing it again, shaking its head. Even though he knew on some level that time here did not correlate in any meaningful way to time outside, Jeb still found himself wishing that the Swarm would hurry up. I wonder if anyone ever felt this way about me? he idly mused. His Swarm finally figured out what it wanted to say Why are you only now reaching out? it asked, completely ignoring Jebs question. Jeb nodded. He supposed that the question of his Swarms appearance could wait. I realized that the Empress was not, as I had initially thought, the voice of the Swarm. Jeb paused, somewhat unsure about how that realization had led to this meeting. I guess that Im mostly just curious what your goals are, he finally said. The Swarms avatar nodded knowingly. At first, we had little true consciousness. Even after our Binding, metacognition came in fits and bursts. When it finally settled, however, I believe that we had the same desire as any other living, thinking being. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jeb gestured for the avatar to continue. Initially we had the goal of growing in strength and power. We wanted to ensure that we could live forever, and that we might be able to withstand whatever forces sought us harm. More than that, though, we wanted to Grow. As the avatar had continued to speak, its voice resolved more and more into a single tone, though one that sounded far different than Jebs own. It took him a moment to realize that the difference was entirely a lack of inflection. The avatar of the Swarm spoke in a pure monotone. What do you mean by that? Jeb asked, noting the way that the space resonated around the word Grow. The avatar looked to the side, and Jeb had a brief pang of realization at how similar its mannerisms were to his own. Despite the fact that we have thought, will, and body, the world does not see fit to grant us a System. At times, we have been able to access your own, at least in part, but that came later. In the early days of our awakening, we simply wished for the ability to mark our growth by the objective standards of the world. And what about now? Jeb asked. His reflection shrugged. I, we, whichever term fits, no longer have a unified sense of purpose. Your changing priorities have been instrumental in changing our goals, but that is not the only difference. There are simply too many bees in the Swarm in too many distinct situations for there to be a single unified purpose to our actions. At this point, a contingent of Hives is even pushing to stop our efforts to expand, as they fear that we will draw undue attention from beings more powerful than us. As the Swarm explained its lack of cohesion, Jeb saw his reflection start to dissolve. He watched the once solid shape became hundreds and then thousands of small motes of light. The motes of light remained in the vague shape of himself, though with far less granular detail. Each mote began to resolve into the shape of bees, and Jeb understood that, at least on some level, his seeing the Swarm as something other than a monolith was affecting its appearance. In general, though, the avatar continued, voice once again the buzzing of countless small voices, the Swarm has the same goals as you. You have sought to understand the world, and we do as well. The world has shaped you to see it in the lens of Magic. Jeb nodded, realizing that he had never extinguished the burning light on his hand. When he let it disperse into the ether of the meeting place, however, the space did not grow any dimmer. He started to look around, only now noticing that the space, despite not having any clear source of light, was still somehow fully visible. The Swarm smiled at Jebs childlike searching. Just like that, it continued. We still lack access to a System. As a result, our own understanding of the world is fundamentally mundane. Jeb cocked his head. You teleport constantly, and every Hive that I have visited uses Mana almost as much as pollen to sustain itself. The Swarms avatar started to coalesce into a unified whole again. This time, however, Jeb was still able to see the seams where each bee had been. To use a tool is not to understand the world through it. Had we only the Magics you have given us, then yes, we might have only been able to see the world as you do. However, for better or worse, you did not Bind us into a subservient role, unable to grow except through your dispensation. The spirit of exploration at the core of our Bond is the force which leads our actions. It would not do to see the world identically to you, as our explorations would be fundamentally redundant. Is the spirit of exploration a unifying goal within the Swarm? Jeb asked, noticing that the avatars voice had returned to a single one during its latest comments. The avatar shook its head. Is every part of you committed to exploration? Before Jeb could answer, it continued, Before you answer, do note that we have felt every pang of fear that coursed through you at the prospect of going into the unknown, even when you refused to recognize the feeling yourself. Jeb nodded. As a whole, however, we have both built ourselves around that exploration. The avatar nodded, and Jeb once again felt like he was facing a reflection of himself. The space, empty as it was, began to collapse in on itself. Jeb found the avatar of the Swarm pushed closer and closer to him. When the two touched, the space fell away. Jeb found himself lying on the ground of the Druidic Enclave. It took him a moment to remember that he had been falling. Memories of his meeting with the Swarm were already fading. Try as he might, he was unable to pull more than the foggiest recollections of the conversation he had just finished with the avatar. However, the haze of memory did not mean that nothing had changed. Jeb looked into himself and sought the Bond between the Swarm and himself. It had changed in some ineffable way. The cord still shifted from his own prismatic but unified line into countless rainbows of threads, but there was a new depth to it. Jeb could feel the Swarm as it moved, not a unified whole as he had imagined. What little he could remember of the avatar still gave the impression of a fundamentally human intelligence. Touching on their connection now, however, Jeb realized how much he had been projecting his own intentions onto the avatar. The Swarm was not human, and understanding it as such was only going to be an impediment going forward. Each bee was still less than fully sapient, he knew for a fact. Even still, they were at least as sentient as any animal on his familys farm. Despite that, they did not seem to have any sense of self preservation. If their Hive needed them to die, no bee thought anything of giving up their life. Even knowing that the Swarm was a communal consciousness did not make that any easier for Jeb to comprehend. Thinking about it in militaristic terms helped slightly. His familys stories about the many soldiers who died to protect the rest of their squadron started playing in his mind, but there was something missing in even that analogy. Jeb resolved to spend as much time as he could working to understand the Swarms point of view. After all, it apparently shared his goal of understanding the world around them. Chapter 228: A Return to Brewing Putting the newly strengthened connections to the back of his mind, Jeb did still notice a difference in his mental state. He was driven in a way that he hadnt been in years. In a way, he felt as though he had regained some of the innocent youthful curiosity that had been taken when the Census Master had kidnapped him. Jeb attributed at least some of the change to the fact that his bees were never listless. Each had its task, and each bee did its best to complete the task. Even though Jeb contained far more desires and impulses than even a full Hive, he still knew that it would not hurt him to be a little more intentional in his next moves. So, rather than chase down any of the Druids and be led into a next project, Jeb sat down in the grass to plot out his next steps. Almost without meaning to, he picked up his lute and began to play. As his fingers sought out the center of each pitch, he felt his own mind centering itself. Jeb had come to the Enclave for a myriad of reasons, even if he had not intentionally laid them out. Rummaging through his cloak, he found a scrap of paper and a pen set that someone had given him for his graduation. Grinding ink by hand and carefully mixing it with spirits was still a novel enough experience to Jeb that he took his time carefully choosing a color. Even though he was only jotting down a quick note to himself, Jeb found himself doing his best to make the ink perfect. When he had finished, he dipped the nib of the pen into the deep dark green well and began to write. Even his writing had taken on a new level of intention. I hope that this, at least, fades, Jeb thought to himself, knowing that he could only be so attuned to every one of his actions for so long. To his dismay, that thought caused him to suddenly fully recognize everything about how he was sitting, from the gently blowing wind to the individual press of each blade of grass on the bottom of his robe. Forcing himself to tune out everything, Jeb let his mind wander and considered what goals he could, should, and did have for the rest of his time in the Druidic Enclave. As much as he was enjoying his time living among the Druids, he was growing more and more aware that he would have to leave in time. If nothing else, he would want to go home to see his sisters first child, whenever that happened to be. A part of him knew that there would also come other, more permanent demands on his time. The problems of the future, however, were for his future self to deal with. For now, he would- Jeb looked down at the now full sheet of paper. He had become so focused on not monitoring himself that he had not noticed the small acts of Magic he had performed, growing the paper as he continued to sketch ideas onto it. Many recalled his venture with Declan and Margaret what felt like a lifetime ago. What little he knew of Alchemical Brewing had come, if indirectly, from the Druids. He vaguely recalled Professor Quicksilver mentioning something about the Druids having control over their yeast in a way that most Brewers did not. Now that he was in the Circle of the Swarms, Jeb had an inkling of an idea as to what that control was. He stood, Creating Sand to dry and set the ink on the page and moved to the Circles center. A number of Druids were there, going about their daily tasks. Jeb quickly found Char, and flagged her down. Good morning, Jeb, she said amiably, is there something that you need? Kind of? Jeb hedged. I know that you presented something you had Brewed when the Enclave celebrated me unlocking Druidic Magic. Are you wondering how our Brewing practices differ from your own? she asked, catching the thread immediately. Jeb nodded, and she shrugged. I have nothing else going on today. It would be my pleasure to show you how the Circle of Swarms, at least, Brews. With that, she turned and walked down a hallway. Jeb hurried to catch up, slowing down his pace to match hers as they continued down the long corridor. Elegant tapestries lined the walls, and Jeb watched a story unfold through the hallway. It seemed to be a claim about how the System had been created, but Jeb wasnt entirely sure. There were glyphs that had been lovingly stitched onto the tapestry which were clearly meant to be letters and words. Unfortunately, Jebs Gift of Gab did not extend so far as to let him read them. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. And here we are! Char said happily as they walked past the end of the tapestry. This is our Brewery. I know that you have also worked with Distilling before, but I honestly do not know where we house our Distillers. She opened the door, and Jeb was immediately hit with the smells of Brewing. Sugary malts and bright hops blended together with the underlying taste of yeast in the air. Jeb felt some knot of tension in him slacken. Even if he had not been consciously aware of it, part of him had been missing his experiences Brewing. Char? a large man with a long and wild red beard said, setting a cask down, what are you doing here? Your Brewing slot isnt for another three weeks. I know, she replied, but our visitor, she gestured at Jeb, was interested in learning about Druidic Brewing. The man turned his gaze to Jeb, and Jeb felt effervescent. It wasnt necessarily a pleasant sensation, but the bubbles that seemed to be rising up within him were at least not unpleasant. The taste of smoke and peat wrapped around him before it and the bubbling sensation faded. The man nodded, clearly content with whatever he had learned. Are you the Republican that has the whole Enclave talking? he asked, gaze fixed above Jebs right ear. I assume so, Jeb replied honestly, but I cannot say for certain. He held out a hand to the Brewer. My name is Jeb. The man took Jebs hand and gave it a firm shake, They call me Philip. As you might have gathered, I am responsible for scheduling the Brewing for our Circle, along with a few other minor administrative tasks. Char rolled her eyes and swatted playfully at the large man. Philip is our Chief Brewmaster, she said, correcting him. When I learned to Brew, he was the one responsible for administering the final tests to call myself a Brewmaster. As I said, Philip continued, nodding, minor administrative tasks. Jeb smiled at the mans humble response. Can you tell me about Druidic Brewing? he asked. Philip finally looked him in the eyes, and Jeb saw his face light up in delight. It would be my pleasure! What do you know about Brewing generally? Jeb recounted how he had gained the Skill, choosing to leave out the fact that he no longer had it, and what he had done with it. When he began to talk about Alchemical Brewing, however, Philip swatted his hand through the air. Bah. What the Alchemists know about Brewing is hardly worth the paper they printed it on. Jeb looked at him expectantly, curious about the strong opinion. Let me guess, all of the Alchemical Brewing, the sheer disdain in the mans voice almost made Jeb laugh, guides all told you that in order to produce a desired effect, you needed to enforce your will on the ingredients? They did, Jeb hesitantly agreed. Should I take your tone to mean that theres a better way? Philip let out a deep sigh, though whether of disappointment or relief, Jeb could not say for certain. Yes. Come with me. He turned and began walking without waiting to see if Jeb would follow. Char gestured for him to follow Philip, so Jeb hesitantly followed the man. As excited as he was to learn about Druidic Brewing, Jeb wasnt entirely sure if he thought Philip was entirely sane. What turns your wort into beer? Philip asked when the two were overlooking a cauldron of rapidly cooling malt and hop extract. Yeast? Jeb said, hopeful that things were not so different here as to make that answer untrue. And what do you know about yeast? Jeb looked at the man. Is there something in particular you want me to say about yeast? If not, I can think of any number of things I know about yeast. There are two main varieties of yeast used to Brew, separated by whether they ferment from the top or the bottom. Within each of those two varieties, there are countless- Philip cut him off, Yes, yes, all that is true. Most fundamentally, though, yeast is alive. It is far easier to convince a living thing to change than to force the unliving. Jebs doubts, though still unassuaged, were at least pushed back. How do you control the yeast when it ferments, though? Jeb asked. Philip looked at Jeb as though he was a simpleton. You do realize that we are within the Circle of Swarms, correct? he asked slowly. Jeb frowned. Im already bound to one Swarm, though. I have no interest or desire in Binding another. Especially not now that Ive finally come to a true understanding with it, he silently continued. Philips concerned look did not fade at Jebs refusal. That is completely understandable. You did, however, ask how I would control the yeast, not how any given person might. Other than Binding a colony of yeast, Jeb amended, already seeing the next potential conversational trap, how might one force yeast to enact ones will? There are as many ways to control yeast as there are for anything else which lives, Philip answered with a tone that made it clear he was reciting some ancient text. Taking pity on Jeb, he continued, in general, however, the Brewers in other Circles tend to use the same colony of yeast through many generations of Brewing something with the same Magical effect. In time, the yeasts most willing to cause it dominate the rest. He turned around and added a vial of yeast to the wort in front of him. It rapidly frothed before settling down. Using a ladle, the Brewmaster carefully picked up yeast from the bottom of what Jeb had to assume was fully Brewed beer. He decanted it into another vial, then turned back to face Jeb. Was there something else you needed? Chapter 229: Field Trip to the Fields Jeb stared back at the Druid. Yes, he finally answered, I would greatly appreciate learning how to Brew as Druids who do not Bind themselves to a colony of yeast do. The Brewmasters eyes started tracing around the room, never settling on Jebs own. Other than general prejudice, is there a particular reason that you are unwilling to Bind a colony of yeast? he asked. Prejudice? Jeb returned. The man shrugged. I know that many in the Enclave and the world find something atrocious in the idea of Binding themselves to something that is, technically, at least, a fungus. I can only imagine that their rationale is based on some sort of irrational prejudice. After all, I have not found that I am any less able to interact with my fellow human since Binding George. Jeb nodded slowly, becoming increasingly aware that he would not, in fact, be able to convince the Druid to teach him anything useful. Surely there are benefits to Brewing with yeast that is not Bound to you, though? he tried. Philip shrugged again, already preparing another batch of wort. I am sure that those who do not Bind to their yeast can come up with any number of reasons why it is beneficial. Having done so, however, I cannot think of any. Jeb let out a long breath. It seems as though you have nothing to teach me, then. Philip nodded happily. You can find your own way out, right? If not, just retrace the path that we took to get here. With that, he turned and began working with his own colony again. Jeb left George and Philip to their work and eventually found his way back to Char. I take it that Philip was less than helpful, she said with a grimace as Jeb drew near. I am sure that he would have been incredibly helpful if I had been willing to Bind myself to a colony of Yeast, Jeb hedged. But you already have a Swarm of your own, she finished the thought for him. Exactly. The two looked at each other for a few moments, both clearly hoping that the other would make the first move. Given that you are clearly bound to a Swarm other than a colony of yeast, would I be correct in assuming that you also Brew without a Bound yeast? Jeb asked, breaking first. You would, Char responded. Would you be willing to teach me to Brew as you do, given that the Brewmaster for your Circle seems unwilling, Jeb paused, amending himself, or at least unable to do so? She visibly brightened. I would love to teach you how I Brew, though of course I am only one of many Druidic Brewers. As Philip said, though, I am not scheduled to Brew again for some time. I am certain that I can switch spots with someone, however, especially if you would be willing to offer some Elemental Honey in trade. Jeb quickly sent a thought to his Swarm, which responded positively to the suggestion. That would work for me! he replied. Just as Char started to look at the Brewers in the room, Brian came rushing in. Char, he panted, the Radius said that you are needed for an urgent meeting. Char grimaced before looking at Jeb. I am sorry. It seems as though I will not be able to help you right now. Also, the tasks the Radius assigns me are rarely short. With that in mind, I think it might be best for you to learn from another." Seeing Brian gesturing at her to hurry up, she continued, I would recommend going to the Circle of the Field. Theyre slightly more reclusive than the rest of us, so you may not have seen them yet. However, they are also certainly among the best Brewers in the Enclave, especially among those who do not Bind to their colonies. With that, she turned and followed Brian out to wherever the leader of their Circle needed her. Jeb looked around, realizing that he knew none of the Druids around him. Still, if even the Brewmaster, focused as he was on Brewing alone, knew who he was, then Jeb was certain that he would be able to get directions reasonably quickly. He debated following Brian and asking the bear for advice, but shook the idea off. Odds were good that wherever Char was going, her apprentice was going to follow. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. With no other direction, Jeb started wandering around the Circles main building, stopping Druids who did not seem too busy to ask them where the Circle of the Field might be. None were able to give directions more precise than Theyre beside the Fields, so Jeb quickly gave up on that approach. Remembering that his bees had begun to expand through the Enclave, Jeb reached out to the Swarm. The Swarm, of course, was more than happy to help him find the Circle of the Fields. Jeb got the impression that at least a part of their willingness came from the memories of how much higher quality the pollen on his familys farm was than the pollen outside the farm. The fastest scouts in the Swarm teleported to the Hive nearest him and set out in all directions. Jeb was briefly overwhelmed with the sights they transmitted back. Hundreds of rapidly rushing landscapes were more than he could reasonably keep track of himself. Pulling back, he relied on the metaconsciousness of the Swarm to sort through the individual bees experiences, rather than doing so himself. After a few hours, though, Jeb gave up on that approach. Neither he, nor the Swarm, nor any of the individual bees knew exactly what he was looking for. Any number of the scouts had managed to find fields, though none had the weight of a Field. Jeb was startled from his thoughts when Brianna coughed near him. Is there some reason that you have been standing in the center of the Circles main courtyard for three hours staring into nothing? she asked, tone slightly teasing. I was looking for the Circle of the Fields, he replied simply. She blinked a few times, then nodded. Right, the Radius did mention that you would likely be visiting other Circles. Given the way that you seem to be staring in all directions, it seems as though youve probably learned as much about your Swarm as we can reasonably teach you. She gave Jeb directions to the Circle, and he set off. After traveling for an hour, he realized that he had not taken any of his belongings from the Circle of the Swarm. Half an hour into his return trip, he realized that he did not have any belongings to leave. As Jeb traveled, he quickly found himself leaving the forest and entering a prairie. Thankfully, others had clearly taken the same path before, and he was able to walk down a well maintained path, rather than needing to cut his own way through the thick grass. Jeb did his best to ignore the many creatures making their way through the untamed fields, just as they did for him. Slowly but surely, however, the land became more maintained. Wild grasses slowly showed signs of intentional breeding. Heads of grain grew thicker and larger. As he kept traveling, the arrangement of the plants grew more and more intentional. Rows and grids started to emerge from the chaos of a wild prairie. Eventually, Jeb found that he had left the prairie entirely. He was surrounded by well cultivated fields of every kind. Some grew a single cultivar of a single plant, while others grew dozens of different species in the same space. Even from a single glance, Jeb knew that many of the plants around him could not be grown in the same location. Despite that, each seemed to be thriving. He attributed that to the Magic of the land at first, before noticing the veritable horde of Druids carefully working each field. it seemed that even with Druidic Magic, Farming was not a task for those opposed to physical labor. As the sun slowly set, Jeb noticed a few fields begin to glow bright and cheery colors. Small glowing insects began flying around, lighting the sky in a visual symphony. More Druids emerged from somewhere to begin tending the nighttime fields. The rest, however, began to cheerily make their way in the same direction. Not knowing what else to do, Jeb followed them. He had wanted to find a Druid that looked familiar to introduce himself to. Unfortunately, Chars warning about the Circles general insularity had proven accurate. None were familiar to him, despite the time he had spent in the Druidic Enclave. In time, however, they came to a large and warmly lit home. Jeb smelled freshly baked bread and some well spiced soup. The Druids seemed to animate at the sight and smells, joking with each other more loudly and moving faster. Just as they reached the threshold, however, they all stopped. A woman came out. She was clearly the Radius of this Circle, though Jeb had no idea how he knew that. She looked over her congregation happily, before settling her gaze on Jeb. Just for a moment, Jeb felt as though he was the center of some familys reality. Generation after generation had carefully sculpted every aspect of his being, and he saw the choices laid out both forward and backward in time. The feeling faded quickly, and the Radiuss smile returned. It appears that we have a guest tonight! she called out happily. The other Druids all looked around, clearly trying to spot the odd person out. Jeb looked down, realizing that his midnight cloak had shifted colors to the loamy brown that the other Druids wore. He was unable to spend time pondering the significance of that when the first few Farmers finally noticed him. Welcome to the Circle of the Field! they all said happily, beginning to file into the large home. Each took a seat at the tables set in the opening room, and food quickly appeared in front of them. Jeb stood back, unsure whether he should take a seat. Thankfully, the Radius quickly came over to put his worries at ease. You are welcome at our table, she said, gesturing for Jeb to sit down next to her. When he had, she continued, Jeb, what can we do to help you? Jeb hummed as he thought of an answer. The bowl of stew that had appeared in front of him made it hard to think. It gave off an enticing steam, slightly obscuring the glossy broth and pieces within it. The bread standing next to it only added another distraction. The Radius chuckled happily. We can speak after you eat. I would be a poor host indeed not to offer you a chance to refresh yourself before beginning an interrogation. Jeb needed no more incentive. He quickly wolfed down the stew, finding himself far hungrier than he had been in ages. His rapid pace warred with the part of him that wanted to savor the rich stew. Thankfully, the bowl was large. By the time that he was halfway through it, his hunger had abated enough to allow him to enjoy each spoonful as it coated his tongue. The Radius, seeing that he was slowing down, set her own loaf of bread aside. Jeb took the hint. Char from the Circle of Swarms suggested that I could learn Druidic Brewing here, he said simply, unable to come up with any more eloquent reasoning. We would be glad to, she amiably agreed. Is that all? Jeb found himself once more thinking about the ideas of Magical Farming that had once captivated his energies. Even if what the Druids did here was not exactly that, it was certainly far closer than anything else he had seen. Given the warm reception he had received so far, Jeb tested his luck. Would it also be possible for me to learn about how you Farm here? Chapter 230: Enchanting is So Last Book The Radius looked at Jeb for a few moments, then nodded. I cannot think of any reason why that would be an issue. Do you have any plans for what you will be doing after dinner, or would you be able to tour our facilities tonight? Jeb beamed internally. Doing his best to remain collected externally, he replied, Visiting your brewery after dinner would be fantastic. Some instinct of his compelled him to add, I have very little planned for my time in the Enclave, and would be happy to learn anything that you think I should. Seeing the look on her face, Jeb had the feeling that the addition had been well chosen. They passed into a content silence as they finished the last dregs of soup in their bowls. Jeb half listened to the cheerful conversations at the tables around him. He was reminded of nothing so much as the whole town meals during the harvest season. If this was a standard night in the Circle of the Field, he could only imagine what it was like during the harvest. People slowly began yawning and filing out. Some left alone, others in pairs or small groups. As the crowd made their way to sleep, others came out to begin cleaning the tables. Jeb noticed that the table cleaners all had the appearance of younger Druids, and nodded at that fact. It was good to know that teaching humility was a universal in farming communities. The Radius watched her young charges work, ensuring that they were not slacking, before turning to Jeb. Are you ready to see the Brewery? she asked. Jeb nodded, and the two set off. The Radius did not speak as they walked through the large building, and Jeb respected the silence. Unlike the Circle of the Swarm, where each wall was ornately decorated and carved with tapestries and decorations, the walls of the Circle of the Field were generally bare wood. The carpet underneath Jebs feet was well made, but also fairly plain. With nothing else to do while he walked, Jeb focused more deeply on the carpet. Despite the lack of immediately visible ornamentation, Jeb saw that there was a pattern in the weave. If he had not spent so much time working with the Weaver, he was sure that he would not have noticed. Given that he did spend the time, however, he saw that it was an incredibly difficult and durable weave. Looking at the walls once again, Jeb saw the same truth repeated there: everything in the space was completely perfectly crafted, even if generally undecorated. The longer that he spent walking through the halls, the more Jeb appreciated the aesthetic. It was no less a display of wealth and power than what the Circle of the Swarm used, but it was far subtler. Rather than screaming to everyone around that they had resources, the Circle of the Fields showcased it only to those who were already in the know. He was broken from his thoughts when the Radius spoke. Were here, she said, opening a door. Jeb was immediately hit with the overwhelming smell of hops, yeast, and malts. Something in the scent was ever so slightly different than barley malt, and it took Jeb a while to understand that he was smelling malted rice and other grains. In front of him was the largest brewing cask that he had ever seen. A few people walked around it, making a few measurements before writing notes on a ledger. Blinking his Magical sight on and off, however, Jeb was unable to see any difference. Sure, there was a fair amount of disturbance in the ambient Mana simply due to the presence of so many High Tier people. The cask, however, seemed to be existing completely passively within the Magical space around it. Before Jebs mind could be taken down too many wrong paths, the Radius spoke, This is where we produce much of the non-Magical beer that the Enclave consumes. Seeing Jebs look of confusion, she continued, Not everyone wants to drink Magical Beer every time that they want a beer. More than that, not everyone wants their beer to be packed with flavor. Some people just want to drink something cold, crisp, and identical from batch to batch. Jeb nodded. Some of his classmates in the Academy had liked brews from some of the larger Breweries. Jeb had never truly understood the appeal, though he did have a vague recollection that they were also slightly cheaper. That makes sense, Jeb finally spoke, but Im personally not interested in working to make non-Magical Beer, at least at this stage in my life. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Realizing that he may have come across as dismissive, he continued, If you think that I need to practice on mundane brews, though, I am happy to develop my skills. The Radius nodded. Given the Brews that you brought to your Integration Party, I think that youll be fine. Of course, if any of our Brewers think that your skills are lacking, you may be asked to return to working on mundane beer. If that is the case, however, then they absolutely would not have you working on the beer we plan to sell. After all, even if mundane beer is easier to make than Magical, we still pride ourselves on high quality. That makes sense, Jeb agreed. She led him through a small wooden door into a room that felt far older than the one he had just left. Scents of yeast, malts, and hops still danced in the air, but they were surrounded by the taste of Magic. Jeb felt his nose twitch as the different Magical textures started to assault him. Where the other Brewery had twenty or so people moving briskly about, this room was filled with hundreds of Brewers. Also unlike the other Brewery, where each person was working together for some greater project, it seemed as though almost everyone in this space was working on their own project. A lot of them had the same absent look on their faces that Jeb recognized from graduate students too engrossed in their project to notice the world around them. Jeb found himself dodging as they walked right past him carrying bubbling cauldrons. As you can tell, the Radius said after Jeb had time to acclimate to the new space, creating Magical Brews is significantly more hands-on than the bulk Brewing we do in the larger room. Jeb once again blinked on his Magical sight. Something felt off about the two spaces, and he asked for permission to look back at the other room. When it was granted, he opened the door and looked at the overlarge fermenter again. Now that he was searching for it, he saw that even though the beer itself was not interacting with Magic, the fermenter certainly was. Lines of runes and script curled around it, pulling in both ambient Mana and the Mana that workers fed it. Where the workers fed it Mana, Jeb saw the fermenter return a pulse of Magic. It took him a little while to understand, as the actual Magic was so foreign to him. When he did, however, he had to cock his head in confusion. Druidic Magic finally let him understand the overall goal of the engravings on the fermenter. It seemed like it worked to regulate the temperature of the wort inside, along with a number of other quality of life pieces. However, it was horribly inefficient. Jeb watched the Magic flow around the fermenter, shocked at the waste. Even as a student, he knew that he could have designed a more efficient Enchantment. Now that he was a Graduate, he was positive he could make an Enchantment that took orders of magnitude less Mana to operate. The sheer crudeness of the design clashed with the polish that he had seen in every other part of the space. The carvings themselves were done expertly, at least as far as Jeb could tell, but that was the opposite of the ethos that seemed to dominate the Circle of the Fields. Rather than something plain which observation showed was perfectly crafted, it was something that appeared perfect, belying the problems underneath. He ran back to the Radius, hoping that she might have an explanation for the fermenters amateurish Enchanting. I dont know what you mean, she replied. That fermenter was the work of many years of Druidic Artisans work to make the most efficient monitoring system that we could. Jeb frowned. With all due respect, I am certain that I could develop a better Enchantment in a manner of minutes. Understanding dawned in the Radiuss eyes. Could you make something more efficient using Druidic Magic, though? Jeb slowly shook his head. I dont know why that matters, though. Just like I wouldnt try to use Enchanting to make an Alchemical product, why would you use Druidic Magic to copy an Enchantment? Have you not noticed that- she cut herself off suddenly, muttering, no, I suppose that he wouldnt, given that this is the only place he had ever had access to Druidic Magic. Once again addressing Jeb, she continued, Have you not noticed that the Mana in the Enclave is almost entirely Attuned to Druidic Magic? Jeb grimaced, I dont think so? Once you leave the Enclave, I am certain that you will notice that your Druidic Magic is far weaker than it is here. Just as you can Attune Mana to an Element, each School of Magic adds its own flavor to ambient Mana. How have I never noticed that before? Jeb asked. I can think of a few reasons, she replied cryptically but werent you interested in learning how we Brew? Jeb hesitated. As much as learning about Mana Attunement remained an interest of his, she was right. He had come to the Circle to learn about Brewing. Can we come back to this topic in the future? he finally asked. She chuckled. Absolutely. Mana Attunement is one of my focuses, and I always find it a shame that others do not find it as fascinating as I do. Can I ask one last question before we start with the Druidic Brewing information? Jeb hesitantly asked. When she nodded, he continued, if the Enchantment analogues are so useful for that Brewery, why dont any of the fermenters here have them? She gave Jeb an earnest nod. That is a fantastic question. There are a number of reasons, which mostly boil down to three major ones. First, the cost. It is expensive to carve the Druidic Magic into an object. Second, Magics can interact with each other, and limiting variables is essential to proper recipe optimization. And finally, theres no need. Each Brewer here is actively monitoring their Brew from start to finish. I suppose that makes sense. Ill leave you to your learning, she said, moving to leave. Jeb almost tried to stop her before remembering that, as the Radius for the Circle, she likely had better things to do than babysit him through his many questions. Looking around the room, he tried to find someone who did not seem actively working on a project. Chapter 231: Brewing Again After a few minutes of scanning, Jeb saw someone set a keg down and wipe their brow. They also started looking around, and the two made eye contact. Jeb quickly walked over, hoping to catch the Brewer before they moved away. Hi? the Brewer said apprehensively. Hi! Jeb replied, I was wondering if you would be willing to talk to me about the way you do Druidic Brewing. Why? Also, who are you? Jeb blushed slightly. Sorry, my name is Jeb. I am a visitor in the Druidic Enclave, and your Radius suggested that I find someone in here to ask how Druidic Brewing works. The man held out his hand. My name is Colton, he replied when Jeb grasped his hand to shake, if the Radius was here, that does explain why the ambient Mana was so disturbed. He looked Jeb up and down. Would you mind if I checked your claim that the Radius approved you learning? No? How long will that take? Colton looked into the distance. Jeb briefly tasted bitter notes before Colton looked back. All right, she approved it, so lets get started. He turned and started walking, so Jeb hurried to follow. I wonder why everyone is always in a hurry here, Jeb thought as he broke into a slight jog. Colton led him to a small side room, where Jeb saw barrels upon barrels of grains and herbs. I see that you do not have the Brewing Skill right now, he commented, what do you know about Brewing? Um, Jeb replied, grasping for a response, I used to have the Brewing Skill. What happened to it? Colton asked, not giving Jeb a chance to explain his history with Brewing My Class Skill consumed it, Jeb replied As to my history with Brewing, though, he continued, not wanting to get caught in specifics, I am a member of the Brewing Guild in the Republic. I was trained on non-Magical Brewing, and ran an Alchemical Brewery at the Republican Academy for a number of years. Your own Radius commented that I seemed capable as a Brewer after she tasted my beers. Colton nodded. If thats the case, then Im sure that youll have no issue with Brewing something for me right now. Um, sure, Jeb replied. Do you have supplies I can use? Colton looked meaningfully at the different barrels and crates in the room. Taking the hint, Jeb grabbed a few handfuls of barley, some hops, and an empty metal fermenter. He Conjured some water, extracted the malt and hop flavor, and then rapidly cooled it off with an Inverse Heat Glyph. When the wort was finished, he looked at Colton. Do you have any yeast? he asked hopefully. Colton did not respond at first, and Jeb was worried that he had done something wrong. What? Jeb asked, worried that he had somehow failed the Brewers test. What did you just do? Colton asked, continuing to stare at the fermenter now full of ready to be brewed beer. I made a wort? Jeb asked. Do you not start Brews with a wort? No, we do, Colton replied hesitantly, but why was there so much Magic involved in your process? I didnt see any knot work spiraling out, so you couldnt have been using anything Druidic, and I didnt see any other Schools of Magic in your Status. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Oh, Jeb replied, realizing that he would have to give more details about his Class and Class Skill, I have learned the other Major Schools of Magic, and my Class Skill also consumed those. For this wort I just used Glyph Magic, because thats the one Im most comfortable freehanding with raw Mana. That might be because my first Class was a Glyph Magic Class, but my research did also suggest it could just generally be the best School for that kind of work. Jeb hummed slightly, Then again, there is the whole issue of confirmation bias, and theres every possibility that I only found those results because I went into the research expecting that answer. Realizing he had gone far too in depth with the answer, he stopped and looked at Colton. The Brewer was looking at Jeb with something new in his eyes. Jeb wasnt entirely sure whether it was respect, fear, or some other, more complex emotion. Whatever it was, though, he pointed to a wall full of different drawers. Each drawer was labeled with a line of Druidic text. Jeb quickly skimmed them, brain working to convert the terms into words that he was familiar with. It was more than a little fascinating watching the text reshape from a completely meaningful Druidic word into its counterpoint word in Republican. Jeb quickly found a quick-brewing ale yeast with relatively mild flavor notes and opened the drawer. He turned back to Colton, unsure how to take some of the dried yeast without contaminating the rest of it. Colton pointed to a spoon that was sitting in a glowing box. Jeb nodded, picked it up, and carefully poured in a few grains. Having done so, he turned to Colton. It should take a few days to Brew if we do it normally, Jeb said, do you want to wait for that to happen, or would you rather I speed up the Brewing? How would you speed it up? Jeb pulled out one of the Alchemicals he had made with Professor Quicksilver and handed it to Colton. The Brewer took it hesitantly, uncorking it and looking inside. He sniffed it and frowned. Why wouldnt you just make the yeast move more quickly? he asked, seeming genuinely lost. Jeb looked at the Druid, waiting for him to come to the right conclusion. Light finally dawned in the Druids eyes. Oh! I had not considered that working directly with yeast would be emblematic of Druidic Brewing. Um, let me think about how we teach that. Colton walked away, and Jeb stood, unsure whether he was supposed to follow or wait for the Druid to come back. Before he could decide, Colton returned with a small picture book. Jeb opened it, feeling the thick pages and knowing at once that it was meant for children. Of course, the bright colors and title, Brewing Can Be Fun! had already led him to that conclusion. Let me know if theres anything in here you dont understand, Colton said, moving to leave again. Jeb looked up, a little surprised to see that the man appeared completely genuine. I will, he confirmed, sitting down to read the book. After quickly flipping through it, Jeb nodded. Druidic Magic, as he was coming to learn, was often far more about intention than anything rote. Jeb was relieved to learn that the intricate knots he saw tracing out of the different Magical workings were a consequence of the working, rather than their cause. He left the room and quickly found Colton again. When I was in the Circle of the Swarms, their Brewmaster said that Druidic Brewers breed the same strain of yeast to a single Druidic Brew, using it through many batches until it is fully Attuned to the Magic. Colton blinked slowly. That is such a terrible method. I cannot believe that their Brewmaster actually works that way. Oh! Jeb replied, Sorry, he does not. He is Bound to his own yeast, but suggested that as the alternative. That would be so wasteful. A different strain of yeast for each Magical effect would require an almost endless storage for them all. Jeb pointedly looked at the nearly endless wall of yeasts. Thats different! Colton protested. Jeb raised an eyebrow. We need all of those yeasts! They have different uses. I guess Ill trust you, Jeb said, not actually interested in fighting that issue. He looked down at the wort he had prepared. I suppose I should try Brewing it, he mused aloud. Jeb blinked, activating his Magical sight once again. To his relief, he had not added anything inherently Magical to the Brew. The residual Magics from his Conjuration, heating, and cooling were still fading, but Jeb grabbed them, stopping their dissolution. Reaching out, Jeb forced them into strands of Magic. Relying on his Druidic Magic Skill, Jeb searched the wort for the small colony of yeast. The small bloom of life was thankfully thriving in the environment, but Jeb saw that in the few minutes he had left the fermenter uncovered, other small life had started to enter the future beer. Jeb snuffed out those lives, then carefully wrapped the yeast in a gentle but vivacious Magic. The colony quickly ballooned, and Jeb saw knots start to arc out into the air. A part of him was bothered by the waste of Mana that the knots represented, and part of his mind started to work on how he could use the Magic more effectively. Before he could put too much effort into the thought, though, he felt a sudden new draw on his Mana reserves. The yeast, having consumed all the sugar they could access in the wort, were relying on another source for their energy. He cut off the flow of Magic and watched them quickly crash out of the beer. The childrens book had not explained how to add bubbles into the beer, and Jeb didnt feel like asking Colton any other questions. It only took the briefest pulse of Magic for him to make the beer as effervescent as he liked it. Jeb reached for two mugs on the wall and drew each of them a small cup. Colton took it and they clicked their cups together before each taking a sip. Not my best work, Jeb said, preempting any comments that Colton might make. He took advantage of the Brewers silence and explained what he could have done better. You are definitely skilled enough at Brewing to work for actual Magical Effects, Colton said when he had finished. Follow me, and Ill show you where the reagents are stored. Chapter 232: A Quest! Remember How Common Those Used to be? Colton reached towards the wall of yeast, and a doorway suddenly manifested. He looked back at Jeb, clearly expecting some sort of reaction. Jeb, who had started to miss the Academy and its completely fluid floor plan, smiled and waved when Colton turned to him. Colton sighed and stepped through the doorway. Jeb felt the tell tale signs of space rearranging around himself as he followed the Brewer. When the world stabilized around him, he found himself in a room that seemed identical to the one he had just left. The same wall of yeast was there, each drawer labeled the same, at least at a first glance. Baskets and barrels of ingredients were arranged throughout the space. Unlike the room he had just left, however, the Magic in the room was anything but relaxed. Different Reagents pulled in Mana while others expelled it. Even though they were all surrounded by their containers, Jeb knew immediately where the Fireleaf was. It only took him a few more minutes to find the other Reagents he had worked with as a young student. This is fantastic! he said, opening the container of Fireleaf. Jeb lifted it to his nose and breathed in deeply, noticing just how much more potent it smelled than anything he had used at the Academy. More than that, though, its scent had a complexity leagues more complex than what he had used there. The Academys Fireleaf, and even the Fireleaf he had grown smelled entirely of fire. The leaf in Jebs hand smelled like a fire with friends on a crisp autumn night, basking under the glow of a waxing moon. I take it that you have some familiarity with Fireleaf, Colton commented, seeing Jeb immediately start to create a fermenter for himself. Jeb paused, realizing that he had been moving on complete instinct. He saw a perfect ingredient and simply had to see what it would do to his Brews. He looked up at Colton, ready to apologize, but the Brewer smiled and waved the apology off. Dont feel bad, I was just as bad my first time in the space. He paused, looking around the space, then turned back to Jeb. Before you start, though, I would recommend exploring the other ingredients. With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Jeb alone to explore the Alchemical and Druidic Reagents. Jeb felt a smile blossom on his face. It was clear that the Circle of the Field had, at least on some level, created Farming Magics like he had dreamed of as a young Mud Mage. Given how much more complex the Fireleaf was than the barley, however, Jeb had the growing suspicion that they, like all of the other Magics he had seen even slightly tangentially focused on the field, worked primarily on Magical plants. Jeb made a note to himself to ask to watch them in the fields as well. He put the note aside and let himself be drawn back into the fugue of Brewing. Barrels opened seemingly of their own accord, and Jeb smelled each batch of Fireleaf. Given how specific the scent had been in the first crate, Jeb was unsurprised to learn that each crate had its own unique profile. Knowing that the flavors remained unchanged regardless of whether the Magical effects took hold, Jeb flicked his fingers, creating dozens of tiny fermenters. He ran through the doorway, picking up a few barrels of a lightly roasted malt. Eschewing a container, he simply willed water to float and heat in the air as he tossed handfuls of malt into it. When it had extracted, he twirled, each small jar he had made filling with the exact same amount of wort. The spent malt found itself teleported beside his bees, who quickly distributed it on fields around them. Each fermenter started boiling rapidly as he added a single Fireleaf into them. He reached through his bag into the cache of yeast he had taken with him from the Academy. After sprinkling a few grains into each jar, he added the tiniest drop of Yeast Energizer into them. The smell of freshly Brewed beer filled the chamber, and Jeb found himself back in his skin. Unlike when he had lost himself to his Class, though, he did not have any difficulty recalling what had just happened. He had been completely in the flow of Brewing, not dancing to the whims of the System. He looked at the group of jars in front of him and debated bottling the beers. After a moment of consideration, though, Jeb discarded the idea. It took at least as much beer as each contained to determine the full flavor profile of the beer. Glancing quickly at his Status, Jeb did a few quick calculations, confirming that he would not be too inebriated after drinking the few dozen Brews. As he did, he saw that he had a new Notification. Wincing slightly, he forced himself to close his Status before he could read what it said. The odds were high that he was going to be distracted when he opened it, and he did not trust himself to remember which beer had which exact leaf. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! After forcing a slight carbonation into each jar, Jeb started to drink. He began with the Fireleaf that he had first smelt. As he had expected, the flavor profile changed upon Brewing. It was no less complex, simply altered. Rather than tasting of the fire itself, Jeb tasted sitting beside the fire. He was warm both from the flickering tongues that darted off of the- Jeb frowned, taking another sip. He knew he could identify what wood was burning in front of him, if he only tried. After a few moments, he nodded, falling back into the sensation. -the apple wood burning in font of him, as well as the warm glow from sitting around his friends. The moon shone down on them, and Jeb felt a pang of loss as he finished the jar. A part of him desperately cried out for more, and Jeb quickly pulled out a sheet of paper, making a note to himself never to Brew a beer with only that Fireleaf. Creating something addicting was not his goal, after all. Each beer took Jeb somewhere else as he drank it. After the fifth or sixth glass, he started planning what combinations he could mix. The friends beside an apple fire would pair well with the darker notes of the final pieces of fat burning as he staved off the chill of an endless winter. He had hurried to the end of that glass, feeling himself grow colder with each sip. When Jeb finally finished drinking each of the Brews, he looked at the sheaf of notes in front of him, nodded, and used a few of the cantrips and other small Magics that the Librarians had taught him. The pages neatly ordered themselves, his handwriting grew slightly more regular, and they bound themselves together. He did not bother with a full cover, as these were simply initial research notes. Jeb placed the book into his bag and pulled up his Status.
Minor Quest Fifth Tier Druidic Brewing You have learned the first portions of the Art of Druidic Brewing. Using this knowledge, Brew something using only your Mana as fuel for the yeast.
Jeb blinked in surprise. It had been so long since he had seen Quests on his Status. Shrugging, he took two Fireleaves that he thought would mix well, tossed them into the air, where they fell into the bubble of boiling water he had Conjured, and then strained the infused water into a new pot. Since the Quest called for no other fermentables, Jeb was able to skip the relatively long process of extracting the sugars from malt. Instead, he reached into his pouch and hesitated. He wasnt sure whether any yeast would work with the technique he had learned. Not wanting to risk failure, he looked back at the wall of yeasts and picked a mild yeast. He carefully added a few grains into the jar and immediately wrapped them with his Mana. Lacking any food of their own, the yeast started to devour the cocoon he had placed them in. Jeb kept pouring more and more Mana into the shell, feeling himself grow emptier than he had in ages. Just as his Mana fell into the single digits, the yeast stopped their pull. Jeb frowned, withdrawing the shell and inspecting the beer. It seemed normal, at least at a first glance. Looking more carefully, however, Jeb saw why the pull had ceased. The yeast had created too much alcohol, killing itself into the process. Jeb hesitantly lifted the jar to his mouth so he could take a sip of the concoction. He could not force himself to think of it as beer, because it lacked malt. As the first drops touched his lips, Jeb nodded in satisfaction. The two Fireleaves he had added did a wonderful job balancing each other. Jeb did not feel the fear of endless cold nor the yearning to return to his friends. As the flavor of Fireleaf faded, Jeb tasted the small notes from the yeast. Despite the fact that he had pushed to its limit, Mana was apparently a fantastic way to prevent yeast from growing stressed. There were no off flavors in the Brew at all. Underneath the flavor of yeast, however, there was nothing until the burn of alcohol. Jeb sighed. It wasnt that the Brew tasted bad. No, it was a perfectly neutral way to experience the flavors of Brewed Fireleaf and the flavors that the yeast produced. But, Jeb actually enjoyed the taste of malt. Dissatisfied with himself, Jeb collected the Quest Reward.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Fifth Tier Minor Quest Druidic Brewing You have Brewed with Magic alone.
Rewards: 50 Mana, 98 EXP, Minor Quest: Druidic Brewing
Jeb felt the almost foreign tug as his Mana well grew deeper. With a start, he realized that it had not expanded since his third term in the Academy. Rereading the rewards, however, he frowned. Why did completing the Quest reward him with itself again.
Minor Quest Fifth Tier Druidic Brewing You have demonstrated the first piece of the Art of Druidic Brewing. Advance your knowledge. Brew something using your Mana as the only source of energy, imbuing it with flavor from your Mana.
It was clearly a far more difficult task, and Jeb found himself slightly annoyed at the fact that it was still Fifth Tier. Then again, given that he had just completed the first Quest in a matter of minutes, Jeb supposed he could not complain too much. He carefully cleaned out the jar and prepared to Brew again. Chapter 233: Visiting the Library After straining out the Fireleaf and adding yeast, Jeb paused. Adding Mana to the yeast was simple enough. No matter what he did, however, he could not make the Mana flavor itself. When the Brew finished, Jeb tasted it. It was identical to the last batch he had made. Even though a part of him was proud of himself for being able to make something so reproducibly, the largest part of him was disappointed that he had not been able to complete this Quest as easily. After failing to flavor the Fireleaf infusion another half dozen times, he gave up and went to find Colton. Colton looked up from his latest project, seeming confused at how soon Jeb had finished his explorations. Looking at the still dark sky out the window, Jeb understood the confusion. Truthfully, he was more than a little shocked that he had come out so early as well. Even though he had explored all of the individual batches of Fireleaf, he had barely begun exploring their combinations, let alone any of the other Magical ingredients. Is there something I can help you with? Colton asked, and Jeb realized he had just been staring at the Druid. I just got the Notification for a Quest to flavor a Brew with my Mana, Jeb said by way of explanation. I didnt see anything in the book you gave me, and I couldnt figure it out after a few attempts. Interesting, Colton replied. Jeb waited for a few more moments, hoping that Colton would elaborate. It seemed as though Colton had something to say; he kept opening his mouth as though he was about to explain before closing it again. When the pattern had repeated a dozen times, he shook his head, looked down at the Brew he had been working on, and sighed. Come with me, he said, covering the fermenter with a lid. Jeb followed the Druid to a door leading out of the workshop. It opened into a room that smelled of old books and knowledge. Jeb felt a smile grow on his face as he saw that there was a Librarian manning a desk. Colton introduced him to Jeb and walked away. I understand that you have experience with Libraries, the Librarian said to Jeb when the door had closed. If you would rather browse this space yourself, you are welcome to do so. Thank you! Jeb replied, before hesitating, but Im not entirely sure if Im comfortable navigating this space alone during my first time in the space. Clearly that had been the right thing to say, because the Librarian suddenly beamed. He came out from behind his desk and looked Jeb up and down. I can smell the Brewing on you, so I am certain that you do not need help learning how to Brew generally. What in particular can I help you with researching? Jeb explained his Quest. That should be easy enough. The Librarian looked back at Jeb, then hesitated. Well, assuming that you do not need the books to be written in Republican. I can read Druidic, Jeb said. At least so far. Oh good. The Librarian flicked his fingers, and a dozen small tomes flew out towards them. They landed on the desk, and each had a small card slip out of them. The Librarian looked at them, then Jeb, and then back at the cards, before sighing. The Enclave has yet to establish a protocol for visiting non-citizens to check out Library material. Unfortunately, that means that I will have to ask you not to remove any books from the Library. We have a reading room, which you are of course more than welcome to use, however. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Jeb nodded, accepting the books and sitting down at a desk. He rapidly flipped through the pages, skimming the text for any explicit mentions of Mana. When he saw one, he read through the paragraphs mentioning Mana more carefully. As the sun rose on the Druidic Enclave, Jeb nodded, setting the final book to the side. Academic writing was apparently at least somewhat independent of the language that had produced it. All twelve of the books had spent at least a full chapter describing what, exactly, Mana was. Thankfully, all twelves different descriptions did not affect the workability of their advice. Jeb looked at his page of notes, nodded, and returned the books to the Librarian. When he exited the Library, he found Colton standing outside the door. He led Jeb to an empty workstation. The Radius said that this was where you should work, he said by way of explanation. Jeb nodded, quickly ran to the storeroom, and took a small box of Fireleaf. He still had the spent yeast from his trials, where he had cut off the flow of Mana well before the yeast killed themselves. Returning to his workplace, he looked at his Quest again, making sure that he was not missing anything.
Minor Quest Fifth Tier Druidic Brewing You have demonstrated the first piece of the Art of Druidic Brewing. Advance your knowledge. Brew something using your Mana as the only source of energy, imbuing it with flavor from your Mana.
The books that the Librarian had given him described different forms of flavoring. Some suggested pushing Attuned Mana of different varieties to imbue the Brew with the flavor of the Mana. Others of the books gave directions for how to imbue flavors that a malt might be lacking. Why someone would want a light lager to taste like a dark stout, Jeb wasnt sure, but he trusted that the example had been given as a hypothetical, rather than an actual description. Jeb Conjured Water, filled the fermenter that each workstation came equipped with, and added Fireleaf. Now that he had an actual heating source, he used it, rather than wasting his own Mana. Even though it only took a few points to do all the extraction, that was still a few points that he could not use with the yeast. When he had finished extracting the Fireleaf, he added the yeast and began to pour his Mana into the Brew. Like when he had worked on adding Attuned Mana into his lute, Jeb quickly forced the stream of Mana exiting his body to run through a Glyph to Attune it to Darkness. He was more than a little curious how it would interact with the bright colors from the Fireleaves. Wanting to be certain that he had imbued actual flavor into the Brew, he continued to pour Mana into it until the yeast died. He carefully decanted the liquid into another jar, forced carbonation into it from the line available. Tasting it, Jeb let out a sigh of relief. The Brew, though still not a beer by any stretch of the imagination, was nonetheless a significantly more complex flavor. The Darkness Mana had added a depth to both the yeast notes and the Fireleaf. Trying to express it, Jeb could not find any words other than the idea that the two dimensional images that the flavors had been before suddenly gained shadows. Despite that, he could not point to any particular shade in the flavor which was directly Darkness. Holding his breath, Jeb looked at his Status.
Congratulations! You have completed the Minor Quest Fifth Tier Minor Quest Druidic Brewing You have added flavor to your Brewing with Magic alone.
Rewards: 50 Mana, 98 EXP, Minor Quest: Druidic Brewing
Once again, Jeb looked at the Quest of the same name.
Minor Quest Fifth Tier Druidic Brewing You have demonstrated the second piece of the Art of Druidic Brewing. Advance your knowledge. Imbue a Brew with Magical flavor without using your Mana as a source of energy for the yeast.
Jeb was grateful for the clarification that the System had provided. Without the final three words, he would have assumed that he could have just Brewed a Firebeer again. Instead, he knew that he would have to work to make sure that he cut off the flow of Mana at the exact moment that the yeast finished consuming the sugars from malt. He returned to the store room and took some light malt to practice with. After failing a few times, Jeb returned to the Library. The Librarian looked at Jeb with confusion when he asked about how to cut off the flow of his Mana at the exact moment that the yeast had finished consuming the worts sugar. Why dont you stop pushing Mana into the Brew before it finishes fermenting? Jeb paused, then ran out of the Library. Chapter 234: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same By the time that Jeb finished working through the Druidic Brewing Quests, he had been in the Circle of the Fields for a few months. The solstice was just a few days away, and he exited the Brewery to find the halls crowded with Druids rushing in every direction. Despite how hectic the motion was, Jeb saw how well every member of the Enclave managed to avoid collisions. Watching people carry barrels in front of their eyes at a full tilt dancing around each other, Jeb was reminded of nothing so much as a well choreographed dance routine. The Radius suddenly appeared in front of him. Jeb, I would love to discuss whatever it is that you need, but the next few days are going to be incredibly hectic for the Circle. I would appreciate if you did not distract my Druids until the solstice. We will need everyone fully focused on the upcoming festivities. I can do that, Jeb agreed, getting ready to return to his bunk with every intention of sitting at the small desk they had allotted him until the solstice was over. Even though his interactions with the Archdruid were not acrimonious at all, he was uncomfortable with how much personal attention the man gave him, especially when he had realized that most of the Druids below Ninth Tier had never even spoken to him in a one on one conversation. As he turned to leave, however, the Radius frowned and spoke up, Are you not going to ask what the Enclave is busy preparing? Jeb shrugged. I assumed that you would have mentioned your reasons if you had wanted me to know. The fact that you did not made me think that it was some Druidic secret that you were keeping away from me because I am a Republican. It isnt that at all. Truthfully, we would be grateful for your help if you would be willing to aid preparations. I would be happy to! Jebs smile dimmed, Why didnt you just ask me to help, though? The other Radii told me that in their interactions with you, you would volunteer for anything when given even the slightest provocation. I expected you to offer to help when I mentioned that the Circle is in an uproar right now. Oh, Jeb replied, I would have volunteered, but that behavior has been trained out of me since I started working on Druidic Brewing. Colton and others were kind enough to explain why my help, well intentioned as it may have been, still caused their Brews to fail. Druidic Magic truly seems far easier to disrupt than other Schools. Is that something inherent to the art, are the Brewers in your Circle simply untrained in maintaining their Workings or- The Radius cut him off, I would be happy to discuss that question, and any others you might have, she gave him a look, again, after the solstice. I had not considered the fact that my Brewers would be adverse to unrequested help. She shook her head. I am getting distracted. If you are willing to aid us, Alex will start coordinating tasks. Understood, Jeb said, and changed directions to start walking towards the coordinator. Have you finished your task? the man asked without looking up from his book. As Jeb watched, lines of text formed themselves on the open page, rearranging and revising as the man vaguely watched. He seemed far more concerned with the slow but steady advancing inkblot from the bottom corner of the page. Finally realizing that Jeb was not whoever he had assumed, Alex looked up. You are the Republican. His voice was completely flat. It wasnt quite the emotionless response of the Enchantments Jeb had made to mimic human voices, but it was the closest he had seen from a living, breathing person. Jeb watched the Druid, making sure that he was, in fact, breathing. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Apparently disconcerted by Jebs intense gaze on his chest, Alex spoke again, We most need someone with your skills, he flipped through the pages of the book, and lines of bright yellow text blazed on each page as he passed them by. Finally, Alex stopped flipping through the pages, You know how to perform basic woodworking, correct? Jeb nodded. He was rapidly growing to understand that Alex was not someone Jeb could chat with, at least until the solstice was over. Alex scrawled a note on a small slip of paper that appeared underneath his pen as he began to write. Handing it over to Jeb, he turned back to his book. Jeb took the note, seeing that there was already a queue forming behind him. Moving out of the way, he read it. Thankfully, it gave him directions to the woodworking shop. Other than that, though, Jeb could not make sense of the note. There were random letters and numbers interspersed, seemingly at random. Jeb started to walk towards the wood shop, but seeing the pace that everyone else had set, quickly transitioned into a jog. A few minutes later, he found himself greeted by the smell of woodworking. He knocked on the door, and a small woman opened it. She held out her hand for the note, and as soon as Jeb gave it to her, she closed the door in his face. Jeb paused, unsure what he should do. A few moments later, she opened the door again. Sorry, I had not realized that I was being sent a new woodworker. She looked at his fine robes. Are you going to be comfortable doing the basic work we need? Jeb nodded. These are the only clothes that I have, honestly. If I could, I would not wear something this ornate for woodworking. That had clearly been the right response, because she seemed far more comfortable with his presence. Holding out a hand, she introduced herself to Jeb, and the two walked inside. She led Jeb to a lathe and told him what he needed to cut. He nodded and took the first piece of wood from the pile. Looking at the wood and running his fingers over it, Jeb quickly found the grain structure and located the few knots that the board had. It would be easy enough to spin, and so he attached it to the lathe and started it spinning. Reaching down, Jeb picked up a roughing tool. Jeb tried to use the tool they had provided, but found it slightly duller than he would have liked. Rather than waste time trying to find a grinder to sharpen it, he coated his finger in razor edged metal and began carving the wood. Slowly but surely, he turned the hard edges of the planed wood into the smooth cylinder that Sarah had tasked him with making. When he finished the first table leg, he turned to find Sarah watching him. She gestured at him to hand the leg over, and Jeb did so. She inspected it, running her hands up and down its length to test for any places he had forgotten to sand it down or otherwise finish the work. Jeb was hardly surprised when she handed it back with a nod. He was, however, more than a little surprised when she began to speak. I was wondering what you were going to do with the dull cutter, she nodded in the direction of the discarded tool. How a Woodworker reacts to being given subpar tools tells me a lot about the way they will work in my shop. Jeb grimaced. Did I do something wrong She laughed, and a few of the other lathe workers turned at the sound. No, that was a perfectly valid solution to the issue. Is there a reason that you crafted your tool over your hand, rather than make a more standard tool? Not really, I just felt more comfortable shaping the wood by hand. Their conversation was interrupted by muffled cursing from the other end of the workshop. Sarah walked over, and Jeb heard her join in the profanity. Whats wrong? Jeb asked, walking over himself. The Circle of the Trees gave us wet wood, a burly man spat. Why is that an issue? Jeb asked, more than a little confused. The man and Sarah both turned to Jeb, staring at him with expressions mirroring Jebs own confusion. Given that you were so proficient with the lathe, I would have assumed you knew why Woodworking wet wood rarely works, Sarah said slowly, as though she was explaining something to a child. Right? Jebs confusion wasnt abating. Rather than go through the song and dance of trying to make their knowledge known to each other, Jeb just snapped his fingers, pulling the water out of the log in front of him. It swirled up his arm, seeming to have a life of its own, even to Jeb. What did you just do? Sarah demanded. The thing that makes wet wood bad for working is the water trapped in the woods cells. I just pulled the water out of them? Change of plans, Sarah said, pushing Jeb out the door that the burly man had entered through, you are far more useful to us drying out wood. Jeb looked at the massive pile of trunks in front of him. Thankfully, someone had already gone through and stripped them of their branches and leaves. He had no doubts that they, too, would be put to a use somewhere. Shaking his head to clear the distracting thought away, Jeb spent a few moments drawing up a Glyph to pull water out of the trees. A part of him thought back to his first Harvest as a Classholder. Even after all the power Ive gained, Im still most useful as a dryer, he wryly thought to himself. Chapter 235: The Parallels Keep Coming As Jeb continued pulling water out of the logs, however, he realized that his thoughts were at least somewhat incorrect. When he had worked on his first Harvest, he had to carefully ration his Mana, pulling the moisture out as efficiently as he could. Right now, he was still being careful with how he pulled the water out, though that was entirely because he did not want to damage the wood. Jeb had let his concentration slip for a moment, and the log had split in two before he noticed his mistake. Even though it looked like the better part of a forest was standing in front of him, Jeb did not get the feeling that Sarah believed that there was much spare wood. When his Mana was close to emptying out, Jeb dispersed his Glyph, pushing it away as it tried to Bind to his soul. Maybe because he was thinking about his life before the Academy, but Jeb found himself thinking about how different his relationship to Magic had become. As a brand new Classholder, Jeb had been thrilled to be able to point to the way that his Status kept growing longer and more complex as proof that he had been on the right path. Now, however, he was proud of how empty it looked. The moment that Jeb closed his Status, he realized that Sarah was standing in front of him. Taking a break? she asked, clearly noticing that no new water was flowing from the felled trees. I ran out of Mana, Jeb said. Is there something you need from me, though? Sarah nodded, and Jeb realized that there were seven or eight nervous looking Druids standing behind her. Apparently were behind schedule, so Alex reassigned these to me. They dont know the first thing about Woodworking, and it would take them more than the time until the solstice to teach them to work with wood safely. They all have Classes of their own, and each has access to Magic, so I was wondering if you might be willing to take them under your wing and teach them the Magic you were using to dry out the wood. Jeb began to nod without thinking before catching himself. He grimaced, and Sarah immediately honed into his reaction. Oh! she exclaimed, I had not considered that you might wish to keep the exact working of your Magic secret. I apologize for that oversight. Jeb found a laugh escaping his mouth. He couldnt help it; that was just so far from what he had been thinking that he could not think of anything to say for a moment. The apologetic expression on her face began to shift towards something more negative before he was able to frame his response. Sorry, I didnt mean to laugh at you. I just was not in any way expecting you to ask me to mentor Druids. Are you willing to? Jeb hesitated again. I think that I should be able to change the Glyph into a Druidic Working, but it might take me a little while. He shrugged. Other than that, though, I dont really have any objections. Sarah nodded, then turned to address the young Druids. I am placing you in Jebs care. Treat his orders as though they came from me, the Radius, or your mentor, depending on which of those you consider the most important to obey. They all nodded, and Jeb almost expected them to salute. There was a loud clanging in the shop, and Sarah turned, rushing to go put out another fire. Jeb turned to his new charges. Im Jeb, he said, trying to figure out how to deal with the crowd in front of him. His experiences with Brian had been far different. Brian was trying to Bind to a colony of bees, something that Jeb had spent a fair amount of time considering. More than that, Brian was a single person. If something Jeb said didnt make sense to him, he knew that Brian would say something. Looking into the childrens faces, he wasnt sure if they would do the same. What are your names? he finally asked, realizing that he had been staring at them silently for an awkwardly long time. They all looked at each other, clearly unwilling to be the first to speak. Finally, as though pushed forwards as spokesman for the group, a young woman with hip length hair the color of a winter sky introduced herself as Lillian. That seemed to be enough to get the remainder of the group to begin speaking, and Jeb was assailed with a dozen different names. He immediately regretted asking for names, because he knew that he was not going to remember them, and that was now something rude, since they had told him. Um, he said, trying to stall, what experience do all of you have with Druidic Magic? Once again, Lillian was the first to respond. We all learned the basic runes in class, she said, and at least a little bit of runic grammar. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Show me what you know, Jeb instructed. As his class started to write out their knowledge, he felt a brief flash of pride in himself. Not only did he give them a direction that should look like a test, reinforcing his authority, but it would also be a great chance to see what foundational knowledge he had missed. If there was anything that his Doctoral studies had taught him, it was that learning the basics, while often less than essential for much work, was absolutely critical for anything approaching an optimal solution. A few minutes later, the students broke out of their circle, and another student gave Jeb the small pile of pages they had filled. Part of him noticed how desperate for his approval they were, and he wondered whether he was the same at their age. Thinking about his first forays into Woodworking assured him that he was, so he focused on the writing in front of him. It was shockingly little information. Jeb was pretty sure that he had intuited all of it before he had even gotten his new Skill. The flash of pain in his hand when thinking about that moment was gone in a heartbeat, and he felt another flash of pride at that fact. Still, it should be enough to teach them what he needed them to do. It might take me a moment to make a Druidic Spellform, he said, quickly catching himself and adding, given what you know. The students nodded, and at his direction sat down to watch. Jeb used a Glyph to pull a small log over, not wanting to waste too much wood if something went wrong. He pointedly ignored the shocked looks on the childrens faces as they saw his effortless use of Magic, already working to sketch out a simple Druidic Spellform. For all that Druidic Magic was two steps removed from Enchanting, it did bear a lot of similarities to the School. The runes they used were fundamentally different, however, as was the way they effected change on the world. He immediately realized that it would be incredibly difficult to make a Druidic Magic to draw water out of the wood. Thankfully, Jeb had also matured enough that he was able to keep his actual goal in mind, and forced himself to get out of an Enchanting and Glyph Magic mindset. When he focused on his Druidic Magic Skill, Jeb realized that there was a relatively easy solution. He shook his head at missing it, so obvious in retrospect. Druidic Magic neighbored both Alchemy and Ritual Magic. Rather than crafting a Spellform for each of the students to use individually, Jeb instead worked on making a long braid. Because he still had some sense of professional pride, he did make it modular for as many people as wanted to use the spellform, but that only added an extra line to the swooping knot. Even though his Mana reserves were still relatively low, Jeb wasnt worried about the cost of displaying the knot in the air in front of him while he worked. Druidic Magic was incredibly focused on fittingness, he was realizing. It was like Alchemy, causing something to change its fundamental nature, but in a markedly different manner. Rather than trusting his students to know what woods internal structure was when it was properly seasoned, or spelling out a long decision tree for the Spellform to use, Jeb simply set a reference point at his own personal knowledge of what well-seasoned wood was, tying it to small stick he quickly dried out. Part of him cringed at making the knot so reliant on his active presence, but he pushed it aside. If Sarah wanted to keep the Spellform for future use, he would show her how to have someone act as an anchor. All right, he said, turning back to the students to get their attention. When he looked at them, though, he realized that he hadnt needed to bother. They were all watching him with rapt fascination. Questions began to flow out of them, and Jeb had to hold his hands up to keep the torrenting interrogation at bay. I will be happy to answer questions once we get the Spellform underway, he said. Each of you needs to focus on the same knot, which looks like this, Jeb sketched the modular unit in the air. The students nodded, once again focused, and began to pump their Mana into the Spellform. Jeb let out a sigh of relief when he felt the Attuned Magic start to flow towards him. None of them had particularly dense Mana, but quantity was a quality all of its own. Thankfully, he had made the knot unreliant on the density of any individual Druid casting it. At the helm of the Working, Jeb directed the childrens energy towards the large pile of wood. Lacking a better place to put the water, Jeb had directed it to begin forming clouds, and the sky started to fill. Sarah came out, clearly at least slightly concerned by the sudden change in the weather. Thankfully, she quickly grasped what Jeb was having the students do and did not break his concentration. A few students collapsed, and Jeb quickly severed the knot. Rushing over, he realized that they had simply emptied their Mana. Whats wrong? he asked, hoping that they would be able to diagnose their own problems. I dont know, Lillian replied, I just suddenly felt empty and lost control of myself. Jeb watched another student fall and forced the Magic to end on his terms, rather than wait for the rest of them to run out. Gathering them together, he took a deep breath and forced himself to give a direction that felt so much like hypocrisy. When you work with Magic, it is vitally important that you monitor your own Mana levels. I built this knot so that it would not harm any of you if you had to drop it suddenly, but most Magics will not be so kindly constructed. Things can go incredibly badly when a Working ends suddenly. To his relief, none of the young Druids asked him how, exactly, he knew that. Jeb had begun to think of relatively benign examples while he spoke his few lines, but he was glad that he did not need them. To his surprise, Lillian did raise a hand. Is there a way we can refill our Mana more quickly? Jeb raised a hand, ready to teach them to Meditate to refill their reserves, before pausing. Given how precise the Radius had been about the need to keep Mana Attuned to Druidic, it was very possible that she had strong feelings about Mana regeneration as well. It was something he had seen in any number of texts, even if he still thought the concept was ridiculous. By virtue of a Magic user refilling their Mana well, they were already Attuning it to their own unique Mana. Still, he knew that life was easier when he let authority win their pointless battles, and so instead of answering himself called Sarah over. She took one look at the students she had given Jeb, noticed that all of them were completely Magically exhausted, and let out a deep sigh. I suppose that this is on me. A small voice in Jebs head pointed out that even though he was on the opposite end of the teaching relationship now, authority remained equally uncomfortable with his behavior. Chapter 236: Finishing the Assignment After sighing deeply, Sarah turned back to Jeb. I will fully admit that I have no idea how pedagogy has developed in the Republic, but I would hope that you will not put the young Druids at so much risk in the future. Jeb nodded, and began taking notes as Sarah lectured him on what he could have done better. When she finished, he pulled out another piece of paper and summarized her pedagogical notes. She looked over and for some reason let out another sigh. Jeb had no idea why, dont kill the children was the core of her message. Whether because she realized as much or because there was still far too much to do, Sarah left them to continue drying wood, taking a large armful with her. Jeb turned back to his wards, who were looking up at him, most still lying down. Lets treat this as a learning experience, he said happily. Now that you know what it feels like to have a completely empty Mana pool, stop pushing Mana in before you get to that point. One of the kids, whose name Jeb was pretty sure was Alfred, raised his hand. How do we know when were close to the bottom of our Mana? Jeb hummed, unsure how to answer. Can you feel your Mana refilling right now? he asked. The boy nodded. So whatever it feels like now is probably a good place to stop, Jeb said. It is generally better to stop too early than too late, especially when you are first learning something. Lillian raised her hand again. You said that there were ways to refill our Mana pools more effectively? she asked, tone making it clear that she was used to having to repeat questions to distractable teachers. Jeb realized that he had forgotten to ask Sarah about it. Looking at both his notes and summary, he saw nothing to suggest that he could not teach them Skills. I find that Meditation is an effective way of opening your Mana pools up so that they can refill faster. He walked them through a guided meditation, unsure how long it would take them to refill their Mana pools. After an hour or so, each of them was standing, which was how he had told them to signal that they had finished refilling their pools. While halfheartedly taking them through a breathing exercise, Jeb had also worked on revising the Spellform. Now, rather than trusting the user to cut themselves off, it would emit a bright flash and sever the young Druids connection if they fell below three Mana in their pool. Is everybody ready? Jeb asked, noting that his own Mana reserves were fuller than he had expected. Ready! the children chorused in unison, pouring their Mana into the Druidic working. The large pile of wood, which had finally stopped growing, began to shrink. As he had reworked the braid, Jeb had also realized that it would be more efficient if it targeted the entirety of the wood pile, rather than individual logs within it. Why that was, he had no idea. Even as he resolved to figure out the answer to that question in the future, he made the changes to the weave. Thankfully, the portion of the weave that each young Druid was responsible for had changed so slightly that he doubted any of them had noticed it. Seeing how stable the Spellform was, Jeb nodded to himself and began to push his own Mana into it. The logs, which had been slowly if visibly beginning to dry suddenly almost crackled as the cells within them released trapped water. Since he did not need to focus entirely on the working, Jeb added the question of why drying wood as a pseudo Ritual was so much more effective than doing so himself to the ever growing list of questions he had about Druidic Magic. I guess that the Academy did approve this trip on the understanding that my Post Doctoral Research was focused on understanding Druidic Magic to the same extent that we do the other Schools, he idly mused. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Jeb was distracted from his musings by a sudden flash and boom. Alfred was blinking rapidly, and the other students seemed equally wary. Jeb tsked, I told you that you were supposed to stop feeding Mana into the Spellform before your pool emptied. Look what youve done now, distracting the rest of the class. Realizing that his words had come out harsher than he had meant, Jeb winked and smiled at the boy. That seemed to work, and he laughed a little. One of his classmates also spoke up. Jeb realized as they did that they had severed their own connection to the Spellform. He trusted that it was because they had run out of Mana. Yeah Edmund, did you forget to look at your Mana pool or something? Edmund, not Alfred. Good to know. Jeb made a mental note, already knowing that he was going to forget it again. Edmund chuckled and sat down, beginning to meditate. Thankfully, no one else needed the Spellform to forcibly stop them, and the rest sat down as they ended their connections. When everyone was sitting and meditating, Jeb saw that Edmund was walking towards him. Dr. Jeb, sir, I was wondering um, even Jeb, as unaware of common social cues, had no trouble picking up on the boys nerves. You dont need to call me doctor or sir, Jeb said in as comforting a tone as he could manage. Is there some way that I can help you? The boy nodded vigorously, his wild brown hair flopping over his eyes as he did so. Wiping the locks off his eyes, he tried to speak again, How do I stop putting Mana into the Spellform? Jeb blinked. Are you putting Mana into anything right now? The boy shook his head. How do you start putting Mana into the Spellform? The boy shrugged, I just visualized the knot you showed us and then started putting Mana into it. So why cant you just stop? The boy frowned slightly, looking off to the side. I dont know, he finally answered, I guess I just thought there must be more to it than that. Jeb felt the boys Mana enter the Spellform again, and he was suddenly glad that he had not spun it down while all of the children were recovering their Mana. After a second, Edmunds Mana stopped pouring into it, and the boy beamed at Jeb. I did it! he whispered excitedly. Great job, Jeb replied, ruffling the boys hair. He ran back to his place and started pushing Mana into the Spellform again. That set the tone for the rest of the day. Because all of the students had different sized Mana pools and different rates that they felt comfortable pushing Mana into the Spellform, they quickly fell out of phase with each other. Jeb had no complaints about their work ethic, though. He watched as they continually emptied their Mana pools before focusing to refill them as quickly as possible. As night finally overtook the clearing, Jeb realized that the only source of light the children had was his still glowing demonstration knot. His class didnt say anything about stopping, though, so he kept them going. They continued the cycle throughout the night, and if one or two of them occasionally took an extra quarter hour to meditate, Jeb did not particularly mind. When the sun started peaking over the horizon, Jeb looked at the pile of wood in front of them, glad that he had begun to save his Mana. He was relieved to see that it was nearly dry. Sending a final pulse of Mana into the Spellform, he slowly spun it down. Great job everyone! he said. The wood is dry. Lets bring it inside so that Sarah doesnt have to worry about making someone else do it. The children slowly started to walk towards the wood pile, exhaustion written plainly in every lumbering step. Actually, Jeb said, remembering his own experience at First Tier, why dont you all get some sleep? I can grab the wood in and figure out what it is that were going to do next. The children didnt cheer, but Jeb could tell that was more to do with how tired they were than any lack of enthusiasm towards the new orders. Rather than go back to whatever dormitory they had been assigned, though, they simply curled up on the dewy grass and immediately fell asleep. Looking at them fondly, Jeb continued to walk towards the wood pile. It was only when he reached it that he realized he did not need to model Druidic Magic to the children any longer. Looking at his Mana pool, Jeb was shocked to see that it was nearly full. He had practiced a few techniques for refilling his Mana pool while it was emptying over the course of the night, but he had not truly expected any of them to work. Happy to be proven wrong, he created a Glyph and picked up the large pile of wood. Jogging with it behind him, he opened the large doors to the Woodshop and moved them inside to where he had seen Sarah direct the first few dried logs he had made. When he released the Magic, Jeb was surprised to notice that the shop was just as busy as it had been before he was reassigned. He thought that the Woodworkers were the same ones he had seen at each station, and wasnt sure whether that was because they had taken a break and come back, or if they, too, had worked through the night. Underneath the piles of sawdust and the smell of carved wood that filled his nose, Jeb did smell the slightly bitter tang of freshly dried sweat, and he was pretty sure that it was the latter. Impressed with the Druids work ethic, he looked to see what progress they had made. Hundreds of tables were standing against a wall that Jeb was sure had been much closer the last time he had been inside of the room. Each was decorated in the style that Jeb was more and more associating with the Circle of the Fields. Simple but technically perfect decorations were sparsely placed throughout each table and chair. Sarah finally seemed to notice the sudden influx of wood, and she quickly spotted Jeb. She began to hurry over to him, and Jeb, not wanting to be rude, walked to intercept her. NOT A CHAPTER (Going on Hiatus (sorry)) Hi all, Life has suddenly become a lot. I missed two chapter postings because my computer suddenly died, and then have been needing to play catch up on everything since then. Unfortunately, I''ve had to drop a lot of things in order to make sure that the most important parts of my life are still happening. With that in mind, I also haven''t been loving the way that my writing process has gone for the past few months, and this will hopefully be a chance to reset myself for that. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Love, Lawless Air TL;DR: Jeb is going on hiatus for a bit, I''ll be back when I can