《Literary Teacher Isekai》


 Chapter 1: A Bad First Draft

    "If given a choice, I''d rather lose my sadness to a book, soda in hand, snacks by my side. I should go home..."


    Night draped over the campus, its long shadows pooling in the empty halls and spilling into Ethan Erstellen''s office. The only sounds were the occasional creaks of the building settling and the hum of fluorescent lights overhead. Papers lay in towering stacks on his desk, waiting to be graded, but Ethan, 28, a literature teacher by day and a lover of words by nature, was lost in thought, his eyes tracing the spines of the books lining his shelves. He fell in love with the undying beauty of the classics, Tolstoy, Milton, Dante¡ªthey were the worlds he knew best, the words that had often saved him from his duties and himself.


    Ethan''s students had dubbed him "The Old Soul Professor" in playful homage to his tendency to get lost in his novels and would discuss all sorts of things that many of this generation might not truly appreciate at a glance- a habit his girlfriend had once found endearing. But now¡­ she was gone. Her warmth, her laughter, her familiar presence had faded, leaving only silence and the faint smell of old paper and ink.


    "I appreciate that you rely on me, but I''m afraid that you''ve grown stagnant because of me. I can only bear so much, I''m unable to carry you when I can''t even bear the weight of my own burdens. This is the end of our tale, I''m sorry it had to be this way" This line lingered in his waking hours, and the few minutes before he cry himself to sleep.


    He thought to himself, "Man, right now would be a good time for an isekai, but I just can''t bring myself to stand in the middle of the road and wait for truck-kun. Oh, and I still have a student-assistant who relies on her salary."


    ...


    He IS a child by heart. He believes most adults are. We just tend to put our bright childlike dreams aside and settle for what seemed to be a simpler, less riskier option of living a mundane life. By shunning ourselves in a protective cage, we get the comfort of being unaffected by the storm. To some people, the storm is where the excitement is, but to an adult like Ethan, it meant unpaid bills, mounting pile of debts, living on the streets, and an empty bank account. Those days of living in the moment, fighting hard like he had nothing to lose, giving all his time and effort to something he''s passionate about¨C those days were gone. He''d be a fool to get back at glorious days of seeing himself as some sort of a hero.


    This childlike attitude is a dichotomy of his old soul, an interesting duality that has made his essays have a dreamlike effect while having the sensitivity and wisdom of an adult. After all, he didn''t use to be a loser in his younger days. A well respected essayist, a passionate debater, and the rigorous leader of the literature club. And yet, despite all the great essays he made in the past¡ªhe can''t quite write his life the way he wanted to.


    He used to be one of those prodigious child, his talent centered around writing, he spent majority of his life enhancing his craft, learning... unlearning... relearning... He had so much passion in writing that he decided to teach others about it. Now, the artificial intelligence could perform as good as him (sometimes even better), it doesn''t tire, 100% efficient, and free.


    THIS is why he now detests checking written works. Most works do not express the individuality of a student anymore. The bland, monotonous way of efficient writing has created so many outputs that does not have a soul. While there remains some students who''d write well by themselves, most have opted the easier route.


    ...


    Even though there remains some cubicle left lit in an otherwise dark office space, he can''t help but feel alone, trapped in an office cluttered with deadlines and memories, his heart as disorganized as the piles of essays waiting for his red pen. The fact remains, there''s still work to be done, whether he liked it or not.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Perhaps I should switch to a green pen, the color red might have negative connotations to a students'' psyche. People have been primed to see danger in red after all..."


    He quietly searched drawer to drawer for a green pen knowing for sure he had it here somewhere (he never had a green pen). And just like that, 15 minutes has passed...


    Ethan who failed to find the green pen that never existed succumbed to the ever alluring tendrils of slumber. Once again, another 15 minutes of silence has passed...


    A faint buzz broke the silence. For a brief moment, he imagined it might be her name lighting up his phone, but it was only a reminder about a faculty meeting he''d forgotten. With a sigh, he tossed the phone aside, its screen casting a cold, artificial light across the shadowed room. The only other close presence was working on a desk in front of him. It was Ashley Briar, his college assistant, a quiet and diligent student who had somehow found value in his wayward musings. She watched him from across the desk, her gaze a steady, comforting anchor in the otherwise silent office.


    Noticing her gaze, Ethan responded with a clear intention of pre-empting her conjecture, "I''ve noticed that you''re not done checking the exams of Class 5-E, return the answer key to me. I''ll do it myself. Go home or go on a date, kids like you shouldn''t waste all their college life slumped in some professor''s office."


    "First of all, I''m NOT a kid. For a 28 year-old guy, you speak like an old man. I''m 23 for crying out loud. You were one of my 18 roses , how could you forget?" Ash retorted


    "I was forced into that role because one of your 18 roses didn''t show up, the lengths an introvert would go for his wayward assistant is unmatched."


    "It was- I would say, a memorable night."


    "The night I spilt a drink over your aunt''s dress?" Ethan chuckles.


    "With all the paperworks you give me, that''s the least you could do."


    "Seriously kid, get a life. Find love. It is madness to hate all roses when you got pricked by a thorn."


    "The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery- before you go quoting and paraphrasing lines from a book, perhaps you should take your own advice and find love yourself. It''s been five months, about time you move on, no?"


    Just as she replied, Ethan momentarily fell into uncharacteristic silence.


    .


    .


    .


    "You''re thinking about her, aren''t you?" Ashley''s voice was soft, delicate, as though hesitant to pierce the stillness.


    Ethan''s shoulders slumped, his lips curving in a faint, humorless smile. "Maybe," he replied, his voice almost a whisper. "I just¡­ didn''t expect it to end like this."


    Ashley offered him a small, empathetic smile. "You''ll get through it," she said, her tone firm yet gentle. "We''re stronger than we think, even when we don''t feel like it." Her gaze held an unwavering resolve that seemed to settle him, as if her quiet conviction might be enough to pull him through.


    A sense of comfort rushed over Ethan, indeed, this lonely months has been way too cold. It felt that the winter season will never be over... and yet, life still goes on. His will to live might''ve been diminished to embers in an otherwise empty fireplace, but this woman would diligently stoke the fire every now and then¨C keeping him warm, keeping him from succumbing to the deceptively sweet embrace of endless slumber.


    Perhaps I should let her go as well. It''d be wrong to keep bothering such talented kid with my depression. I''m afraid I''m being a negative influence to her. After that, I shall begin writing my letter of resignation, finish my clearance, and finally call it quits. My old love, she''s¡ªshe''s not coming back. I had a good run. It''s time to finally pull the plug. If life would give me another blank sheet of paper, I wonder how I''m gonna write it.


    Just as he was about to voice a respond, a sudden crack tore through the silence¡ªa sound like thunder yet closer, deeper, echoing through the walls as if the very bones of the building were shifting. The other teachers working over-time panicked, unsure and flabbergasted as they encountered a otherworldly phenomenon. The room seemed to tremble, the floor tilting beneath them. The papers scattered in a chaotic whirlwind as the walls blurred and reality itself wavered. Ethan felt an impossible pull, a weight dragging him upward, as though gravity had twisted, pulling him and Ashley somewhere else.


    In those final moments, he saw Ashley''s expression, her eyes wide with shock, her hand reaching out to him¡ªand then darkness consumed them both.

 Chapter 2: Crossing the Threshold

    A cool wind swept across Ethan''s face as he woke to find himself lying on rough cobblestones under a brilliant morning sun. The gray office was gone. Above him, he saw a stone building''s slanted roof against a clear, blue sky, wisps of clouds drifting lazily by. Disoriented, he propped himself up on his elbows, only to see Ashley groaning awake beside him.


    "Ms. Briar?" he whispered. His voice sounded strange here, as if the very air held an unfamiliar weight.


    She sat up slowly, eyes narrowing against the sunlight. "This... isn''t campus." She glanced around, taking in the cobblestone square, the bustling streets, and the villagers in simple tunics, cloaks, and wide-brimmed hats. Her voice softened to a whisper. "Professor, where are we?"


    He had no answers, all he worries about are the unchecked papers of class 5-E, and the pending grades yet to be uploaded to the school''s database.


    What bugged him more are the pending requirements he had to do for his clearance (there was a lot to do), and now it doesn''t look like he can pen his resignation letter anytime soon.


    "That should be the least of my worries, more importantly, all this feels surreal. Like physically living in a dream. I should wake up soon..."


    We pan out from the characters'' perspective to the picturesque town square before them. It felt like a scene pulled straight from a fantasy novel. The populace moved with purpose, tending to their business, the gentle clinking of metal, the smell of dried leather mingling with the scent of roasted meat and the tang of citrus fruits. Wooden stalls lined the streets, displaying weird trinkets, jars and vials of herbs with all colors and sizes, and freshly baked delicious bread. No matter what fantasy world you live in, freshly baked bread is a luxury.


    The diversity of races could immediately be seen all around, a situation most common in literature bearing the fantasy genre. Bipedal races in varying heights, some taller than the average human height, others having a short and stocky build. Their skin and hair colors are commonplace in cosplay conventions.


    "Did we have a comic-con scheduled for this month?" Ethan asked Ashley.


    "None that I heard of, besides even some of their languages do not sound familiar. I don''t think a comic-con would have this kind of budget, the aspect of realism for this is through the roof!" Ashley replied in disbelief.


    "Well, I guess it wouldn''t hurt to look around, get a sense of our new environment?"


    "Indeed. That would be best."


    While maintaining a sense of caution, they become excited over the impossible sight in front of them. They took a stroll at the town in order to get a better understanding of their situation. When they saw an establishment bustling with people and activity, they decided to see what''s up.


    A young man approached breaking their trance, his curt smile only half hiding his curiosity. "Lost, are ya? Not from around here ey?" he asked, squinting at their mismatched clothing. "Here for Adventurers'' Day, I take it?"


    Ethan and Ashley exchanged glances, both speechless. The young man chuckled as he noticed their expression and pointed down the cobbled street. "All new adventurers need to check in at the guild," he said, gesturing toward a large wooden building with a banner depicting a crossed sword and staff over a huge tome. "Better get registered, ya don''t wanna miss yer first quest."


    Suddenly plunged in an unknown world, they decided to leave it all behind and cross the threshold. The paperworks, the unfinished grades, even the break up will be left in the past where it belongs. After all, it''s not like they can go back even if they wanted to.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ...


    The Adventurers'' Guild was as bustling inside as it was imposing outside. As they step inside they are greeted a menagerie men and women in armor, robes, and cloaks. They come in all species and sizes, but all share a semblance of a humanoid form. Several thick, wooden columns supported the high ceiling, which bore faction banners in dark colors marked with strange symbols and glyphs.


    "New adventurers?" came a deep voice from behind the counter. A tall, broad-shouldered man in leather armor with a stern face looked down at them with thinly veiled curiosity. "Names?"


    "Ethan Erstellen," he replied cautiously, then glanced at Ashley, who gave her name a bit more confidently. The man nodded, marking their names in a large, yellowed ledger.


    "Unusual names," he muttered, scratching his chin as he sized them up. "Not often we get... scholars looking to join."


    Ethan tried not to look as out of place as he felt. "Scholars?"


    "Yes," the man replied slowly, as if still assessing them. "New adventurers are often eager to test their strength. But you two have a look about you¡­" He paused, then handed them two small bronze rings, each stamped with a number and a symbol. "You may need a little guidance, you know my momma used to say, don''t put your eggs in one basket, last time she did a birdman took it all away!"


    "Pretty sure that''s not how you''re supposed to use that idiom", Ashley retorts.


    "You''re calling me an idiot?!" The man started to stand up, the runes on this arms started to glow red.


    "LET''s just all calm down shall we? Clearly we are having a misunderstanding here. My friend is a little reckless you see", Ethan diffuses the tension. "We''re new around these parts, we come from a faraway land and clearly failed to comprehend the customs."


    "I see, a man of reason. I guess you and I will get along, great minds think alike! you know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away", the man laughs as if the earlier altercation did not transpire at all.


    Ethan looks Ashley in the eye right before she starts to speak, "Not. Another. Word." Ethan says sternly.


    The man gestured toward the shelves of books along the back wall. "Adventuring isn''t just swinging a swords or flinging spells. It is as my dad used to say, the elephant is in the room. You''ll find we use something a bit more finesse here when compared with the brute force you use in the boonies. We call it Quillmancy¡ªthe study of magically encoded script. Get acquainted."


    They took his suggestion, moving toward the bookshelves, where Ethan''s fingers ran across the tomes, his fingers fiddling with the spines, a familiar comfort in this strange new world. Quillmancy? The word alone intrigued him, igniting a spark of excitement he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    Looking at the flame reigniting in Ethan''s eyes Ashley recalled how they met each other. It was one of those nights she cried in the library. You see, her parents wanted her to be a Physician even though she has clear aptitude for creative writing. It was during one of these nights when she saw a professor climbing up the library window with an unopened soda can in hand. It took him one glance to realize the book she was reading, he interjects¨C "I don''t get what the tears are for, can''t believe a book like that would bring someone to bawl her eyes out. What a silly kid," he says as he went over a desk to grab his keys.


    "You know nothing about it, you''re just some loser who can''t use the front door"


    "That''s Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol. In my MOST professional opinion it''s just a random kid on drugs, nothing to cry about. Unless you feel stuck in a predestined fate and jealous of Alice, who, even when she had to face all kinds of unfortunate events ultimately gets to freely decide what to do."


    "How did you-"


    "It''s a stereotype among kids your age, where do you think stereotypes come from? They perpetuate because they prove true for most people, and trust me, I''ve had enough students with the same case, you are not in a unique situation."


    "Harsh."


    "I don''t recall owing kindness to random girl in a library. But for what it''s worth, I left my soda on the table. You can have it when you''re done crying. Also, the front doors are closed, it''s passed reading hours, luckily the window isn''t that high from the ground."


    It was at this moment she decided to apply as his student assistant. He wasn''t someone who gave him the usual advice to tough it out or that things are gonna be okay, he was someone who gave her an honest, unfiltered opinion. A far cry from the usual script most people use to console her. He may not have solved her problems, but at the very least, she felt understood.


    To Ethan, transmigration might be his call to adventure, but to Ashley she may have already crossed the threshold way beforehand; and now that both are in a new world, -to a point of no return.

 Chapter 3: The Art of the Quill

    Ashley reached for a dusty tome nestled high on the shelf, a puff of dust fell over as she pulled it free. Her eyes shone with a mix of skepticism and unbridled curiosity. "Alright, let''s see what we''ve got here," she said, brushing off the cover with a wave of her hand.


    The book she held was thick, its covers worn and faded to a dull hue. The title, Quillmancy for Dummies who Only Hit Stuff with a stick in the Boonies, a mildly offensive title, but as a college professor Ethan has an erroneous habit of judging a book by it''s cover. After all, the book was barely legible, as if it had been forgotten by time. Alas, this is a book that passes Ethan''s standard- a book that has been used a lot.


    They went outside the guild and found a cozy nook bathed in warm light and settled in, eager to uncover the secrets within. Ethan quickly raced his fingertips through the pages, absorbing the intricate and elaborate illustrations as he go.


    "Quillmancy," he read aloud, his voice a blend of awe and disbelief, "is the manipulation of reality through encoded scripts. A volatile artform restricted only to those who wields the wealth and ability to access it. Effects may vary depending on the method of casting, language use, the caster''s intentions. Efficacy and duration of the spell may be affected by physiological and psychological barriers."


    "Okay, sounds uncunningly similar to the models of communication," Ethan remarks.


    Ashley raised an eyebrow, a smile, almost a grin, spreading across her face. "So, you''re telling me this is basically magic for language majors?" She leaned back slightly, her arms crossed, a playful challenge lingering in her tone.


    Ethan chuckled, warmth lighting up his features. "Pretty much."


    As they delved deeper into the chapter, their intrigue grew. Quillmancy is an artform rooted in the profound understanding of each word''s origin, weight, and cultural resonance. Those who''d mastered it could command words with remarkable precision shaping even time itself to their whims. "That seems broken", Ashley comments.


    Ethan''s enthusiasm bubbled as he eagerly continued reading about Quillmancy''s fundamental laws:


    Essence in Etymology ¨C a primary requirement to tap into the power of the Quill is significant understanding of its roots and creation.


    The Tome of Ancient Scripts ¨C A legendary collection of ancient words filled with limitless potential, usually written in mystical ancient script, found in fragments scattered across rare and forgotten tomes. ("This literally exists in the real world as reference for spells in fantasy genres, albeit in another name" Ethan muses to himself)


    Caution and Causality ¨C To casters'' the emotional state as well as intention and understanding of the word can sway reality in unexpected directions. Carelessness may lead to unwanted circumstances. "Every word in a classic text could be a symbolism and interpreted, very interesting," Ashley says to herself with a determined and challenged expression.


    "The etymology part seems intriguing, we''re mostly using language from our old world, so should we use the old world''s etymology or this world''s etymology? I''m confused..." Ethan says.


    "The caution and causality seems breakable, like those loopholes speed gamers abuse all the time. It may look chaotic at first, but..." Ashley looks at Ethan expectantly awaiting him to connect the dots.


    "If, we find the order to the chaos. We get to exploit loopholes too," Ethan replied. He was no stranger to game mechanics, in fact he used to be an avid gamer himself. Going as far as playing with his students during summer breaks or whenever he finds a spare time.


    Ashley notices a footnote explaining how skilled Quillmancers could weave simple words into strings of sentences, sometimes even paragraphs, enhancing their magical effects¡ªa talent not so readily available to many novices. However, she is confident of their backgrounds in literature, allowing them to forge word combinations that danced on the edge danger and imagination.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "It''s like¡­ poetry magic," Ashley states softly, her expression reflective. "We''re not merely casting spells; freely rewrite them to achieve diversified results."


    "More like, writing magic. It is wise to err on the side of caution though, if this world operates on an equilibrium I bet there''s consequences for drastic modifications of spells," Ethan refutes.


    "While we''re on the subject, I''d like to try something," Ethan continued.


    Quoting a poem by William Blake, Ethan begins chanting, "Tyger Tyger burning bright, in the forests of the night¡­"


    A sudden surge of flame erupted before them seemingly forming into a quadrupedal creature, Ethan smiled from ear to ear as he continued the stanza to finish the spell.


    "...what immortal hand or eye, framed thy fearful symmetry!"


    All of a sudden, a flaming tiger manifests before them menacingly looking around then finally bowing to its summoner. Luckily there were only a handful of onlookers who ran away from the sight of a flaming tiger.


    "So... reciting an actual poem is the loophole?" Ashley inquired with excitement in her eyes.


    "Seems like it, we should do more experiments on the magic''s duration and potency, perhaps reciting the entire poem makes it last longer?", Ethan mused.


    So there is indeed order to the chaos. We just need to fully grasp the requirements and specifications.


    Looking around them he notices both awed and scared faces amongst a crowd that starts growing in number.


    "We should continue reading this in back in the guild," Ashley retorts.


    Eagerly venturing further into the pages, they discovered more about the mysterious Tome of Ancient Scripts. This collection didn''t just contain mere words of languages from Earth; it housed concepts potent enough to reshape reality itself. Yet, there is a only a small collection of this words in the book they''re reading and decoding it felt like a chore.


    Ethan have come across these words before back on Earth but did not paid much attention to it. "This is a compilation of words found in a compendium bearing the same name. The words are mostly in other languages like Greek, Latin, Spanish and the like" he says.


    With renewed determination, they plunged deeper into the book, confidence swelling with every turn of the page. They tried various applications of language theories they had back home, trying their best to uncover the arts'' potential while testing its boundaries. With Ethan''s flair for prose and Ashley''s passion for poetry, they began crafting phrases that produced more intricate effects¡ªcasting not just light but warmth, or summoning gentle breezes that lifted delicate objects into the air.


    Night came and they were granted the exclusive perk of staying in the inn for free for a night due to their newbie adventurer status. This is also the guild''s way of advertising the many amenities, utilities and services they offer once Ethan and Ashley decides to be full fledged adventurers. Both of them spent the night lavishly, eating, drinking, and sleeping like kings. Basic necessities were provided, even a change of leather clothing fit for upstarting adventurers.


    Ethan held the book, flipped its rustic pages and looked into it further during the night, Ashley would come by from time to time to take turns reading the book (yes, they are not sharing the same room, the adventurers'' guild is wealthy enough to accommodate two newbie adventurers).


    "It''s just fillers and expositions. We need information on how to grow stronger fast," Ashley muttered.


    "I agree, seems like the book is limited. Perhaps if we want to learn more, we gotta put ourselves out there and experience the world ourselves," Ethan replied.


    "Agreed. We should probably look for party members too"


    "You know that I''m an introvert. Socializing isn''t my strongest suit."


    "Then it''ll just be you and me. For now."


    "That works for me."


    Ashley reached her hand out and pats Ethan on the head. It was oddly comforting. He recalls having done that to students as a non verbal gesture of "You can do better" or "It''ll be alright".


    The professor never knew he needed one too.


    The following day, while honing a word combination to summon heat, a Guild attendant approached with purpose, scroll in hand.


    "Ethan Erstellen and Ashley Briar?" he inquired, his expression a mix of caution and intrigue. "We have a minor task for you two new adventurers. It''s nothing monumental, but it''ll provide good practice. We need someone to handle a few goblins causing trouble for the farmlands just past the forest''s edge."


    Ashley''s face lit up, exchanging a spirited glance with Ethan. "A goblin-clearing quest? Classic! We''re stepping right into the heart of fantasy!"


    A flutter of excitement mingled with nerves surged through Ethan''s chest. "I guess this is our first real adventure."


    "Should we visit a shop first? You know, gear up a little bit. There might be interesting items in store for us!" Ashly excitedly inquired.


    "I don''t think that''d be necessary. This is a tutorial stage. Nobody dies in the tutorial stage!" Ethan stated with the utmost confidence.


    They agreed to embark on the quest, setting off with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. In a world where the old rules no longer applied, will their passion for literature be the key to unlock thrilling possibilities or would their carefree decision lead to their untimely demise?

 Chapter 4: Plot Gone Haywire

    Ethan and Ashley moved deeper into the forest, the earthy scent of fallen leaves and rich soil heavy in the air. Excitement charged their steps as they tested their new lexomantic abilities, flinging spells they''d pieced together from the tattered tome (which they forgot to return to the Guild shelves). Casting shimmering sparks and dancing orbs of light, each spell unable to quench their bottomless curiosity.


    Ethan noticed that while both he and Ashley have the ability to cast spells, hers are just more... potent. He concluded that there''s probably an aspect of this magic that he might''ve overlooked entirely. He is determined to find out what it is as soon as they finish their first mission.


    Amidst their enthusiastic parade, they experienced waves of lethargy over their body from time to time. The pure excitement has probably worked wonders on their dopamine which is why they failed to notice or give importance to the physical and mental strain that has been building up to this point. They were indeed on the edge of exhaustion, but the excitement masked the signs.


    It was already late in the afternoon when they approached a clearing, the sun is slowly beginning its lazy journey as it slowly descend over the horizon. Ashley pointed at a burnt stump ahead. "One more spell! Let''s see if we can blast that into pieces."


    Ethan grinned, the child inside of him taking control and he nods, "Alright, just one more." He pointed a finger over the stump and muttered a phrase he hoped would be powerful enough. But just as he began to chant, he experienced a sudden mild headache, the energy gathering in his hands fizzled out.


    "Skill issue?" Ashley playfully taunted. "Wait, why do I smell, gasoline?"


    All of a sudden, a loud, splintering crash brought them back to their adult senses as burning chunks of tree trunks hurled at them from a makeshift catapult operated by some goblins. Having little time to react, each of them sprung from side to side, doing their best to dodge the attacks. Ethan and Ashley run on separate directions. Smoke obscured their visions and made it harder for them to breath.


    "This is not a good place to die Ethan, I''m adjusting this encounter for your convenience, but know that I can only interfere this one time. Please be careful from here on out." A voice spoke in his head as a gentle gale of wind blew the smoke away.


    As Ethan scanned the area, a low, guttural laugh echoed through the shadows, sending a chill down his spine. Emerging from the dark, yellow-eyed goblins slinked forward, grinning with malice. He could see Ashley facing her own pack of goblins a few meters away, her face pale as she raised her hand to summon magic. Yet only faint sparks sputtered in the air¡ªtheir Reservoirs were completely drained.


    "We''re screwed¡­" Ashley whispered, her voice taut with dread as her last spark died.


    Ethan''s pulse quickened as he braced himself, the vicious goblins threading closer.


    His internal monologue, erratic and panicking "Is this where I die? But then that voice in my head said-"


    As if on cue, a torrent of water rammed the goblins backward. A tall, cloaked figure strode out from the shadows, a sturdy staff aglow with a faint blue gem. A golden glint is noticeable in her left hand where she held her staff. The newcomer, an elven mage with silver hair, surveyed the scene with piercing eyes, calm and confident.


    "Looks like you''ve found yourselves in a bit of a scrape," she said, her tone steady as she eyed the goblins surrounding Ethan.


    She raised her staff, muttering a few words in a language neither of them understood.


    I should''ve studied Tolkien''s elven script, Ethan muses to himself.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    A surge of frost swept the creatures off their feet, as tombs of ice locked them in place. She turned, extending a gentle smile.


    "Both of you look like promising new adventurers. I''m Faye Asfal¨ªs, and I''m taking you in as my mentees. You can''t do anything about it."


    "We refuse. Unsolicited help and mentorship from a stranger seems sketchy no matter how you look at it," Ethan interjects.


    "Sounds like a pyramiding scam" Ashley exclaimed as she walked towards them from a few meters away.


    "Pyramiding what? I''ve never heard of such a thing," the elven mage replied, confused.


    With a smirk, Ethan gives a snide remark, "How''d you know we''re newbies anyway? You never know we might be high leveled adventurers."


    "I know because compared to a bronze adventurers like you, I''m wearing a golden ring. That makes our skill disparity about yay big", she playfully jests as she used her staff as a measurement for their skill difference.


    But before Ethan or Ashley could respond, a new presence made itself known. A low rumble filled the air, carrying a whisper that seemed to echo from every direction.


    "Oh, such brave little rats," a sinister and mocking voice shrieked. "Did you really think I''d let you live after the spectacle you caused? I''ve been eyeing you since you entered the forest"


    At this fateful moment, every fiber of Ethan''s being is compelling him to interject... until he finally gives in "P-Pun, not intended?"


    "Of course it''s intended! I''m smart enough to intend my puns! I''m not some fool who''d deplete his lexical reservoir before an encounter. Hah, not only are you rats dumb but arrogant too!"


    A bunch of zap takes them by surprise, both Ashley and Ethan may have reacted and tried to dodge as best as they can manage, yet a few of the rays managed to hit them. The light rays have not wounded them, instead it went right through them as they felt themselves weak in the knee and aching from the inside.


    ¨C84 magic damage


    [Health: 16 / 100]


    A pop up screen appeared in the upper right corner of their view. Both Ethan and Ashley panicked, unaware of what to do next in this precarious situation.


    84 damage! That''s insane. I feel weak, as if half a ton has been piled over my body...


    Ethan surmised that this must be the creature''s power, and that another hit would be the death of them.


    The danger of the situation escalated quickly, this is no longer just a simple stroll in park. Ethan felt his hands and knees shaking, and the creature has not even revealed itself yet.


    "If you''re so great, then why are you hiding in the dark? Too scared to get destroyed by a bunch of novice adventurers?!", Ashley taunted.


    Ethan didn''t know whether to feel disappointed or in awe of his assistants'' reckless behavior. She is normally tactful and acted timidly, however after crossing to this world, it kinda felt like she''s more st ease. Perhaps she''s no longer chained by the circumstancial constraints of the old world.


    The monster, or whoever that is, may have just dealt almost lethal damage on both of them and yet she still dares to provoke it.


    It seems however, that the provocation actually worked as the villain started to go on a monologue instead of just ending their existence then and there


    She must''ve struck a chord. Are all villains this egotistic?


    An enormous shape glided into view¡ªa beholder, its massive central eye fixed upon them, surrounded by a constellation of writhing, glaring eye stalks. The air grew thick with the beholder''s oppressive aura, and the eyes pulsed with a menacing intelligence.


    The elf drew back, her expression tense as she whispered, "Parallax¡­"


    The beholder''s lips twisted into a grotesque smile. "Ah, the meddling elf. How quaint," he sneered. "Do you know how long I''ve waited to entertain a guest who actually matter?"


    Ethan took a step back, feeling the weight of Parallax''s gaze. Ashley trembled, her voice a faint whisper. "No wonder the goblins are organized. That contraption earlier isn''t something goblins could easily come up with. You¡­ you''re the one behind the goblin attacks?"


    Parallax chuckled to what sounded like a guttural sound. "Yes, though I''ll be experimenting other monsters too. Goblins are dumb and hardly of any use. You see, I''ve grown tired of my simple role. I''m an existence to be feared¡ª the epitome of chaos! The plotlines, the limitations¡ªsuch indignities. But no more." He focused his central eye on them, his gaze gleaming with malice. "I am free. No ''author'' binds me, no ''story'' dictates my will. I am Parallax, and I have chosen violence."


    Ashley and Ethan exchanged a horrified glance as Parallax continued, his voice laced with bitter pride. "Soon, every character in this story will bend to my will, driven by something none of you could possibly understand. Awareness. I am aware of the cages you call ''roles,'' and I am no longer bound by them."


    The arrival of two powerful entities may prove detrimental for our main characters. Ally or foe, which will it be? With their lexical reservoir depleted, all Ethan knows is both of them are dangerous, and that they have to get out of here. Fast.

 Chapter 5: Accepting the Mentor

    The night is deadly silent except for the constant exchange of dialogue between Faye and Parallax. The unwelcome and unsettling scent of danger and fear sent shivers down Ethan''s spine.


    If anyone could describe the eve before death arrives at one''s doorsteps, then this would be it. Ethan can''t help but think to himself. He is having a hard time calming his heartbeat that seemingly racing out of his chest.


    Faye raised her staff, her face a mixture of defiance and dread. "You''ve meddled with forces beyond your understanding, Parallax. The Author may have been on a hiatus, but that doesn''t mean he''s not coming back."


    Parallax laughed, the sound a mocking echo that filled the clearing. "Do you think I fear you, elf? This forest and its creatures are mine now. This Author you so foolishly defend has abandoned you¡ª we live in an authorless world now."


    Faye''s eyes narrowed, as if observing the direction where Parallax''s irises are pointed, and with a sudden burst of magic, she extended her staff, sending an arc of light toward Ashley, who grabbed the shimmering thread instinctively. The light enveloped her, and, with a tug, she was pulled to the other side, joining Ethan, who, became momentarily paralyzed with indecision, unable to move an inch, as if he was in some sort of a fearful trance. Faye''s eyes met theirs, her gaze filled with urgency. "Run!" she commanded, her voice sharp with authority.


    Without hesitation, Ethan and Ashley took off, racing through the forest as Parallax''s enraged roar filled the air behind them. His eye stalks flared, sending beams of searing light that shattered branches and burned the ground mere inches from their feet.


    Ethan is no stranger to dying. He may have never died before, but he had imagined death multiple times. Researched about it, and the various circumstances that may cause it; and yet here he was, unprepared for something he''s supposed to know so much about. Running away like a headless fly.


    This is so uncool.


    Faye darted behind them, her voice a steadying presence as she led them through hidden paths, deftly sidestepping traps and pits the goblins had laid. The forest grew darker as they ran, the twisted shapes of trees closing in as Parallax''s wrath crashed closer, sending tremors through the ground.


    Finally, they burst through a thick patch of brambles, stumbling out into a moonlit glade. Faye stopped, gesturing for them to catch their breath. She turned back toward the forest, raising her staff to create a shimmering barrier behind them. "Ischyr¨® fr¨¢gma, no one can hurt me without my permission."


    The faint sounds of Parallax''s screams echoed from beyond the barrier, but it held firm.


    Ethan, panting heavily, turned to Faye. "Thank you¡­ we wouldn''t have made it out of there without you. That line you just used was that¡­ Ghandi?"


    "Who''s Ghandi?" asked the elf.


    "The Indian Spiritual leader, he''s like a very important political figure."


    "Never heard of him"


    "Oh, right. This is an isekai"


    Faye''s gaze softened, though her expression remained solemn. "You are indeed otherworlders aren''t you? Walk with me as we talk" the elf gestured towards the direction of the town from whence they came.


    Both of them followed the elf. Monsters and animals seem to instinctively avoid them while seemingly not to notice their presence. Invisibility? Some kind of barrier? Ethan, a typical cynic felt ease and curiosity that he subconsciously trusted a stranger for the first time. However before he was able to muster his courage to speak, Ashley interrupts their conversation, "IF you''re so strong. You could''ve placed that barrier earlier."Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "A beholder''s gaze deconstructs magical script. To cast magical spells one must encode it first, transmit it towards a receiver, then the world decodes it to manifest its effects. That''s why we needed to run first" the Elf replied. The tension between the two felt palpable in the air. "Besides, THIS isn''t a proper way to thank your savior."


    Defeated, Ashley looks to the side and replies in what sounded like a whisper, "Thanks¡­ I guess."


    "Good. I''ll have to go ahead and report my findings about the Beholder to the King. Parallax''s awareness makes him dangerous in ways you can''t yet understand. He won''t stop until he''s taken control of everything he can corrupt."


    Ashley''s face was pale, but her resolve had solidified. She mustered up the courage to apologize, "Sorry about earlier"


    "That much is expected of a kid. I''m a mother myself so I understand", Faye smiles kindly.


    "Not a kid"


    "You''re in your early twenties, right? That''s just a blink in the standards of elven years. Yup, still a kid. That does it! Both of you are my students now and you can''t do anything about it."


    Ethan replies nonchalantly "Nah, I''d have to pass, I didn''t proceed to my grad school because being a student is such a hassle. Besides, I-"


    "Or I could tell everyone about your otherworldly status. From my calculations, THAT is a bigger hassle", the elf grins mischievously.


    "Fine. I guess."


    Faye placed a hand on each of their shoulders, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and worry. "You''ll need more than just determination. Recuperate and prepare yourselves. Parallax''s freedom means he''ll be relentless. You''ll need to grow a bit more."


    "Y''know back in our world, mentors would give their mentees some spending money as an act of goodwill."


    Faye raises an eyebrow, "Interesting, I''ll give you 20 silver pieces each then."


    "Gee thanks!" Ashley immediately pockets the coins, while Ethan gracefully accepts his share.


    "What about the Beholder? Won''t he attack again?" Ethan asks his face bearing a cautious expression.


    "The city guards will be on high alert once I warn the king. With all the spells he casted even a Beholder would need to replenish his depleted reservoir. Plus, my existence would deter him from making rash decisions," there is a noticeable worry on Faye''s expression after her last sentence. A shadow of doubt loomed over her eyes. "I''ll see you a few days from now. You''ll have to accept guild tasks to improve your adventurer rankings, there''s a lot to unpack, you don''t even know how to summon your status screens yet."


    They continued to talk a bit more, mainly discussing adventurer perks and whatnot. What stood out to Ethan''s attention was the existence of a status screen and spatial inventory, both can be summoned using the issued adventurer rings. The bronze one''s they acquired earlier on have similar functions, but more spatial capacity as well as other perks are only available to rings of higher tiers. Ashley took a mental note of these crucial information knowing full well that Ethan will probably forget it later.


    "So what are we supposed to do, exactly?" Ethan honestly inquired, worried that he might make another fatal error that would actually cost them their lives.


    "Accept minor guild quests, get some experience while you hone your abilities, the guild receptionists will guide you. I''ll be away for several days, the capital is quite the journey from here, and securing audience with the king may take some time."


    The stars had begun to pierce the twilight as they finally made their way back to the guild. Faye went on separate ways to depart for the capital.


    "So... Nobody dies in the tutorial stage?" Ashley sarcastically remarked.


    "We didn''t die though, thanks to the timely intervention of Faye. The author, whoever he is may have favored us," Ethan reasoned.


    "Doesn''t change the fact that we almost did."


    "That''s... (sighs) I''m sorry. I ¨C"


    "You don''t have to apologize. I was complacent too. I''m actually relieved that you''re alive," Ashley gives a light punch at Ethan''s shoulder. The professor forced a smile but can''t help but groan with internal pain.


    They made their way to the guild and each rented a decent room and some health potions. Albeit not as luxurious as the one they had before, neither of them complained. All they wanted was to get a good rest. They didn''t even opted for dinner, none of them had the appetite after all that has transpired.


    As they lie down in their individual beds, Ethan and Ashley shuddered in horror as the short-lived lunacy of the Beholder encounter crept back. Their journey had become far more perilous, they felt as powerless as a writer who''s at a lost for words.


    Ethan was more bothered though, he was supposed to be the responsible adult in between him and Ashley; and yet he was the one who put both of them in grave danger. Sure, anyone might chalk it up to unfavorable circumstance¨C a bad roll on a 20-sided dice. But Ethan wasn''t one to blame the environment, he''d blame himself¡ªa fatal flaw he never learned to outgrow, and perhaps he never will.


    Perhaps, the opportunity to be a student again will enable them to reevaluate their capabilities and the skills that may have laid dormant over the years.

 Chapter 6: Know Thyself

    While Ashley eventually slept like a baby, Ethan barely caught a wink that night. Thoughts of Parallax''s crimson eyes and Faye''s cryptic words swirled in his mind. "You''ll need to grow," she''d said, her tone carrying the air of maternal concern. "I''ve always wanted a mom" Ethan sheepishly remarked to himself.


    Though he was reluctant to be anyone''s "student," her warning about Parallax echoed in his mind as he lay staring at the ceiling of his small cozy room. "Being a teacher connotes that learning and unlearning things is part of the trade. Maybe being a student again isn''t so bad."


    This was even more nerve wracking then when he had his licensure exam. He recalled those times he got sponsorship to attend s review center yet he''s mostly absent because he has different side hussels to barely support himself while job hunting. Those grueling working hours made him feel he was lagging behind. While his peers went to the review center to prepare for the licensure examinations for teachers, he was working hard.


    Despite all that, he still managed to pass the exam on the first take though and with flying colors. Too bad he wasn''t able to reach the top ten.


    I wonder if it would''ve turned out differently if I really tried. No use crying over spilt milk now. Perhaps this time around, I can do better...


    To him it wasn''t such a big deal. He never even posted about it on social media, not that anyone would actually celebrate with him.


    As the morning light caressed his cheeks, trickling in through the thin window, a faint shimmer pulsed from his adventurer''s ring. He waved his hand instinctively as a spectral blank slate appeared before him. The word''s Tabula Rasa inscribed unceremoniously in the middle.


    "John Locke, does that mean I''m a blank slate? But then again what purpose does this spectral slate serve? Perhaps¡­"


    Knowing the theory behind the Tabula Rasa, Ethan made the connection of it being a status screen. Children are born as blank slates after all, their personalities, attitudes, and tendencies are sculpted by the world around them. "But, as Ashley says and I quote, I am not a kid," which stands to reason that he may already have his stats, the only obstacle remaining is to invoke it¡­


    After a brief contemplation, he finally uttered the words "Know thyself¡­" Ethan recited a line from Sun Tzu''s Art of War. Faye mentioned this phrase last night, almost in jest, but something about it struck a chord.


    As if on cue, the spectral slate seemed to warp slightly, transforming itself into a transparent panel which materialized before his eyes- revealing his status screen:


    ----


    [ Adventurer Profile ]


    Name: Ethan Erstellen


    Lexical Reservoir: 100


    Affiliation: Adventurer''s Guild


    Rank: Apprentice


    Class: Quillmancer


    Level: 1


    ----


    [ Core Attributes ]


    Health: 86 / 100


    STR: 8


    CON: 25


    INT: 56


    DEX: 10


    WIS: 18


    CHA: 31


    ----


    [ Four Macro Skills ]


    Reading: Master


    Speaking: Competent


    Writing: Wordsmith


    Listening: Advanced


    -----


    [Abilities]


    {Please Upgrade Your Adventurer Ring to Reveal more information}


    ----


    He felt ecstatic and a tinge of weightlessness. He felt the burdens of adulting being lifted while healing his inner child. After all, his status screen wasn''t merely stats¡ªit was the affirmation that he''d become part of this world.


    "Makes me wonder, how are my teammates in our old DnD adventuring party? They''re probably married by now," Ethan muses to himself as recalled each member of their happy faces and the fun encounters they had. "We even met a beholder at level 1 and got a TPK. Ah¡­ good times."


    He reckoned the time all of them complained at their DM friend who gave them an impossible encounter just because his wife wanted him to go home. It felt unfair at the time, but Ethan wonders if he''d act differently if he knew what''s it like to be married.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Ethan blinked, barely having time to take it all in before a second screen appeared, describing a Spatial Inventory and the options he had to expand it by upgrading his adventurer''s ring.


    ----


    [Spatial Invertory] Capacity: 1/12 [Upgradable]


    1.


    2.


    3...


    ...9. Old Parchment


    10.


    11.


    12.


    ----


    In one of the inventory slots, he noticed an old parchment that pulsed with a familiar shade of blue. Tapping it mentally, he was startled when it revealed the author''s note, scribbled in messy, almost frantic handwriting. The words had an unsettling familiarity.


    "Welcome, Ethan," the note read, as if the writer had known him for a long time. "I lost control over everything. I know it may be a daunting task but perhaps¡­ you can fix what I couldn''t. Save it, or destroy it, I¡­ Take the wheel Ethan. I''m leaving it up to you."


    He felt the weight of the words as they sank in. Fix what I couldn''t? The screen vanished, and he sat on the edge of his bed, his mind racing. Whoever had written that note had left this world''s fate in his irresponsible hands.


    "Such responsibility being pushed on me, when I can''t even finish my Masters'' Degree Thesis? What does the author even see in me? Why does it have to be ME?!"


    Everything was going well, he thought he has finally escaped his duties and yet another imposing task lies before him.


    A sudden knock on the door disturb him out of his stupor-like trance. "Professor?"


    Opening the door Ethan remarks, "You really have bad timing."


    "Do I now?" Ashley smiles knowingly, hands him the apparels she bought to avoid standing out in a setting that contrasts them. The also made it a point to include several other useful items packed neatly in what looked like a waterproofed leather travelling bag. Using the money given to them by their enigmatic yet unsolicitated mentor, Ashley bought the following things:


    1. A bedroll for outdoor camping


    2. A tinderbox


    3. A waterskin


    4. A 50ft. rope


    5. A pocket knife


    6. A mess kit


    7. A change of clothes


    8. A healing salve


    "So... you''re putting your girls'' scout knowledge into this," Ethan said.


    "There''s a lot of tools we can''t afford, I did the most I can with the few silvers we had," Ashley replied.


    "We should... Probably take on quests again."


    "Let''s hope it''s not another beholder this time..."


    Ethan and Ashley locked eyes until one of them bursts out laughing.


    "Yeah, that amount of danger is borderline hilarious. Who puts a beholder at the start of the campaign?" Ethan chuckled.


    "You seem distressed earlier, are the nightmares back again? I could still remember those times you would drift to sleep in the office- occasionally hitting your warm coffee," she continued.


    "Be discreet about it."


    "I had to reprint your documents that time because you were in a frantic rush to meet deadlines, that spilt coffee was a plot twist for the worse", Ashley retorts. "What would you do without me?"


    "I''m fully capable of taking care of myself, thanks." Ethan responds.


    "Whatever helps you sleep the night Mr. Responsible" Ashley and Ethan exchanged a few banters before getting to discuss the Status Screen and Spatial Inventory until finally moving to a more serious topic- the Beholder from the previous night.


    "So... Parallax," Ashley said softly. "He called this an ''authorless'' world. What do you think he meant?"


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. Sighing heavily, "I think... I think he might be right. Whoever created this world is gone. And somehow, we''ve been made responsible for whatever happens next." He then passes her the old parchment from his inventory.


    Ashley let''s out a curtly giggle "Pfft! We? You meant just YOU right?"


    "What would I do without you?" Ethan replies casually.


    Ashley''s pupils dilated while her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, equally annoyed by his audacity and charmed by the implication of that statement.


    Ethan replied, feeling the weight of the revelation settling in, "But... I think we''re here for a reason. This world isn''t finished, a plot yet to be completed. Perhaps the author''s connection has been severed, perhaps a tragic event transpired to make him..."


    His voice trailed off as his mind returned to the note on the old parchment bearing uncanny resemblance to his erratic penmanship. Fix what I couldn''t.


    Ashley looked at him, brows furrowing. "That''s... heavy. But hey, we have a powerful elf who just decided to take us on as students, right? Plus, you have a reliable assistant by your side." She punched him lightly on the arm, and he couldn''t help but smile.


    "We really don''t know much about this mentor or what her agenda really is. One thing I''m certain of, growing stronger individually always pay dividends in the end. We better gear up and start taking more quests."


    A doubt still lingers in the corner of his mind, like a stalking monster waiting to pounce on Ethan''s shaking confidence. Is he being too reliant again? Will she leave him too? Something needs to change. HE needed to change. For now at the very least, with Ashley around, Ethan felt less alone.

 Chapter 7: Ashley Winterland

    It was a rainy morning, the early dawn bathed the town in a soft, bluish hue. The narrow streets were devoid of activity except for the occasional voices of vendors setting up shop despite the damp setting. Standing under an eave right outside the inn, Ethan and Ashley stood quietly. Neither one saying a word until Ashley (as usual) was able to muster her courage to speak.


    "This was your idea. Don''t tell me you''re chickening out now?"


    Ethan replied, "T-this stage must be taken, if we are characters in a story, this plot point is fundamental. This is our surest shot to grow," his shaky voice laid bare his shaken resolve. "Three days, consider this a practical exam. I haven''t taken a serious exam for a long time" Ethan said with a tone that is unsure of its identity as a question or as a confirmation.


    "That''s what you''re worried about? Geez you don''t care about what happens to me at all, huh?" Ashley jests.


    "Don''t die" Ethan''s casual response bear a semblance of a concern. As they exchanged a firm handshake, the two momentarily locked eyes until Ethan instinctively looks away; both aware that if they are to survive in this world, they would need to tap into their own, distinct potential. Both made a beeline to the adventurers'' guild despite the rain.


    The path they embarked in the few days that they entered this world had elucidated the reality of this world being littered with mysteries and obstacles that neither of them had anticipated. They may have prepared for this day as a team, but now it''s finally time to take the road less travelled by, to get out of their comfort zones and rediscover themselves (for 3 days at least).


    Ethan headed off toward the outskirts of the town; he took the guild task to be a substitute watch for the late night brigade, while Ashley turned towards the snowy mountains, where the she is tasked to deliver outpost supplies.


    Ashley begins her arduous trek over the winding foothills reciting bits of her favourite poetry under breath. Tall trees surrounded the road imposingly, it might''ve been her imagination- because she she felt a pair of eyes staring at her.


    In times of turmoil or when facing despair on her own, she would recite poems to calm herself, "This situation is no different" Ashley reminds herself. Gentle verses from Robert Frost''s famous literary works like The Road Not Taken and the Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening. The gentle lines brighten up her mood making the long road bearable. These stanzas used to give her solace back on Earth, now it helps keep her awake, because the cold snowy mountains seemed to have an eerie melody that drives one to doze off, and yet she was able to carry on.


    "Know Thyself"


    A translucent screen that only Ashley could see propped up in front of her. It showcased her stats:


    ---


    [Adventurer Profile]


    Name: Ashley Briar


    Lexical Reservoir: 230


    Affiliation: Adventurer''s Guild


    Rank: Apprentice


    Class: Quillmancer


    Level: 1


    ---


    [Core Attributes]


    Health: 91 / 100 (cold status: movement speed slightly reduced)


    STR: 8


    CON: 18


    INT: 48


    DEX: 23


    WIS: 16


    CHA: 41


    ---


    [Four Macro Skills]


    Reading: Master


    Speaking: Eloquent


    Writing: Advanced


    Listening: Counsellor


    ---


    [Abilities]


    {Please Upgrade Your Adventurer Ring to reveal more information}


    ---


    "Seems decent enough, this cold status should be solved, I''ll bear with it for a while, I don''t want to be in the same situation where I ran out of Lexical Reservoir" Ashley tells herself.


    As if time slowed down, Ashley''s perception heightened to maximum sensitivity. She immediately read the signs: a the tall shadow looming over her, its form akin to a giant who''s about to swing a club, subtle changes in the air flow indicated the general direction of the swing, she looked behind her, lo'' and behold, the stuff that used to only be a rumor to scare off children from wandering in the woods is standing menacingly in front of her- a yeti. Ashley felt prickling of dread as towering figure continued its swing¡­This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    However,


    To Ashley''s surprise the attack looked like its moving in slow motion giving her plenty of room to dodge and land a counter attack.


    Even in her panicked state she was able to evade most attacks with ease but mispronounces a word while casting fireball. "Burning bright in the forest of- what was that line again?" a mini flame exploded right in front of her. The impact strong enough to send her flying a few yards back.


    Suddenly, she felt a strange sensation, as if the earth itself was pulling her downward.


    She looked around, disoriented, realizing her perspective had shifted drastically. From a distance away the yeti is thrashing to no avail. Unable to detect its prey, the yeti eventually tires out, pauses in disappointment and finally decides to walk away.


    Ashley had shrunk to a fraction of her height, standing eye-to-eye with a baby penguin. "Great. I''m doll-sized now," she whispered, trying to steady herself.


    "Pi-che pi-che?" the baby penguin tilted its head as if to question her statement just now, noticing that she isn''t food, it turned and begins to waddle away, its tiny feet barely making a sound on the snow covered ground.


    Despite her predicament, she felt an almost instinctual bond waiting to be formed. "Ehem", she drew back the penguin''s attention. "You''re my mount now and you can''t do anything about it." The penguin''s head tilted ever so slightly, "Pi-che?"


    Ashley and the penguin stared at each other in silence for some time until she finally decides to make the first move, pulling out a fish from one of her rations, she casts, "¦Ì¦Å¦Ã¦Å¦È?¦Í¦Ø (megethyno)" and the fish grew into a size the baby penguin could appreciate. It quickly gobbles the fish and seemed docile now. Ashley goes closer to pet it and she immediately got lost in its fluffiness.


    "Looks like you''re mine now, Peachy"


    "Pi-che!" the baby penguins'' eyes slanted in mirth. It lowers its head as if in agreement, gesturing Ashley to hop on. The penguin slid on its belly as they made their way through the thick snow.


    She arrives safely in the outpost. Before entering however, she tried to channel a poem once more. Envisioning the image of renewal brought forth by hope. Closing her eyes, took a deep breath and visualized herself going back to her original form. She murmured the opening line of Emily .


    Dickinson''s poem, "Hope is the thing with feathers¡­"


    The effect was immediate¡ªshe felt herself grow, her vision rising until she towered over the baby penguin once more. "Pi-chi?!" the penguin exclaimed in disbelief, but her heart still beat fast with the thrill and fear of discovery. The erratic power she has may be unpredictable, but such thing is not a curse but a blessing purposefully bestowed upon the creative mind of Ashley.


    It was getting late and the rag-tag party of Ashley and Peachy were both welcomed in the outpost to stay the night. They were given a tent and a warm meal while the outpost personal shared a round of stories in front of a bonfire.


    "So, what made you take the adventuring life? I don''t see a lot of kids your age take a risky career," one of the guards inquired Ashley.


    "Kids like me? I''m 23!" Ashley replies as her face pouted.


    "Not a kid, we get it. Though you look way younger than you claim to be. But most people your age would settle down. You don''t have a lover by any chance?" a female guard continued, curious about Ashley''s circumstances.


    "Well... Uh- I wouldn''t know about t-that"


    "Oh to be young again! Gather round folks, we have another case of unrequited love!"


    The campfire bustled with songs of both merriment and melancholy as the guards, and Ashley, took turns singing over the campfire. She even joined in some of their games.


    It was an endearing night, Ashley enjoyed the guards'' company¨C an experience that wasn''t normally possible back when she needed to be Ethan''s support (not that she didn''t want to do it). This was a fulfilling experience, a much needed self discovery delayed by a lot of circumstantial constraints.


    As Ashley and Peachy drifted to sleep, she wonders what Ethan''s been up to. What amazing discoveries did the old soul professor unraveled? And what is this feeling of strong concern? "Wait what? I''m not his mom. Ha! This was his idea. I bet he messed up again."


    "Pi.. che?" the penguin inquired half-asleep.


    "I''m only a bit worried, Peachy. But knowing him, he''ll probably figure something out," Ashley gently replied.


    In the far corners of the outskirts of the town, Ethan is running hysterically, beads of sweat trickled down his face as a dark silhouette is thrashing around, sending trees and monsters alike flying in its wake. Ethan wasn''t running away from the danger though, on the contrary he''s running towards it.


    "I-I''ve messed up" he says.

 Chapter 8: Ethans Excalibur

    Several hours before disaster¡­


    Inside the guild, a feline-kin receptionist seemingly staring at the crowd is lost in her own world. She purrs to herself, "¡­Mysterious, his calm and quiet demeanor is a stark contrast to the men in these parts. I wonder if he and that girl are¡­"


    "Ehem" Ethan exaggerately clears his throat waking the receptionist from her wild daydream.


    "Oh, YOU! Uhm¡­" she frantically replies followed by a "yes I will."


    "Yes- you''ll what?" Ethan asked, confused.


    "I meant to say that I am unmarried and would love to be your bride," she tries to say as smoothly as she can to mask the redness of her cheeks. She glances shyly to the side while twiddling her hair, awaiting his response.


    "Oh, no. I think you misunderstand. I came over to apply as temporary guard for the night brigade," Ethan nonchalantly replied while handing over the request form he lifted from the guild''s bulletin board.


    "I was kidding of course! Please forget what I said." She forces a laugh.


    "Sure. Now can we get back to the task at hand?"


    "Yes, you''ll just have to sign in our logbook and return upon completion of the task. "And, oh, we don''t usually do favors for new adventurers, but here is something you can do to earn a little extra", she hands him another request form for finding a missing penguin (Reward 25 gold).


    "A bonus side-quest? Sounds doable, and it pays good too. A little too good. Anyway, thanks miss, I''ll be on my way," Ethan strides hurriedly towards the door. Seemingly unable to see all the signs, our shy feline decided to take matters with her own hands, she gently grabs one of his sleeves and asks "Do you¡­ have a girlfriend?"


    Ethan smiles knowingly, he finally understood what''s going on. Gently touching the woman''s hand, he pushes it aside as carefully and as softly as his hands can muster so as to not hurt her feelings, "I used to..."


    He walks out of the guild without once looking back. As he opens the door, the receptionist looked on longingly as his silhouette basked majestically by the cascading rays of the afternoon sun.


    After about half a days'' walk from the adventurers'' guild, he finally reached the outskirts of the town. He arrived just in time as all the novice soldiers are starting to convene.


    The platoon leader, goes by the name of Allan Edgar, is an imposing figure. Clad in crimson armor and what felt like a thick invisible aura of death. While most soldiers may have not noticed it, Ethan, who nearly faced death before, was able to visualize it.


    Edgar acquainted the volunteer soldiers with things to watch out during the night, his black and white sickly appearance did wonders to exacerbate his tales:


    "There are plenty of things that could murder you during your watch, harken dear soldiers or you''ll meet an early end. IIIF!... you see a raaaaaaven, you run. IF!... you see a masked figure who''s bloody red, you run. And IFFF! your friend offers the best tasting wine even though you said something rude about his family, you run. What was it called again? Montblanc¡­? Amon¡­ Amonte?-"


    "AMONTILLADO!" Ethan retorts half jesting, while imitating a Spanish accent.


    "Ah yes! The Amontillado! What a brave young man! You have the audacity to speak out of turn, and for that you''ll be patrolling on your own while I group the rest in pairs; You ARROGANT smart-aleck." Allan snaps back.


    Ethan reluctantly agrees and went on patrolling by himself.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    It was a quaint night, the stars and moon hung lazily on the night sky, he walked around the perimeter in hopes of finding a suitable training spot. As he came upon a small clearing surrounded by ancient oaks, he decided this would be his training ground. Setting down his pack, he sat on a fallen log, a bit of restlessness tugging at him as he considered how to begin. In his hand, he felt the cool weight of the old parchment from his inventory. The strange, haunting words scratched across it came back to him: "Fix what I couldn''t¡­ it''s up to you."


    "Great. So, no pressure," he muttered dryly. "Just a whole world on my shoulders."


    But he was here now. And somehow, he needed to figure out his powers. He pulled out some sugar plums he bought in the market when he made his way here. Lays his back over the log and gazed upon the stars in deep contemplation.


    "In Joseph Campbell''s monomyth, he theorized that the hero would usually receive something to aid his journey, more often than not it''s in the form of a sword¡­" as his mind spurred by the dopamine building in his brain, he begun naming famous heroes from legends and myths together with the swords that aid their campaign,


    "Beowulf''s Hrunting¡­"


    "Roland''s Durendal¡­"


    "Arthur''s Excalibur¡­"


    "Should I have a sword? But am not a warrior. Still, swords are powerful. If not a sword than what other symbolic weapon are there? The spear of Longinus? The shield of Perseus? A Legolas'' bow? Nah, none of those feels right. I needed something more... me. A weapon that is tailored to me." he talks to himself, when suddenly, an idea lit up in his head. "¡­Lytton would disagree, he even said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Besides, I can wield words way better than a blade. It''s looks cooler too."


    It was only a playful idea yet Ethan was surprised by sparks puffing out of thin air, a myriad of light wisps started to coalesce in front of him forming the image of a fountain pen. When the object is about to finish rendering, a system notification prompt pops up in his head,


    [ Please Give a Name to your Soul Weapon ]


    After a brief careful thought Ethan settled with "Lexcalibre," mirroring the depth of his writing ability. A pen that transcends beyond the realm of the ordinary, one of exceptional caliber producing words that carries weight and impact.


    Ethan instinctively reached out to grab it as soon as the light wisps finished materializing the pen. The attributes of the pen displayed on the status window before him,


    ---


    [ Lexcalibre (Unique) ]


    -Soul Bounded Item-


    Passive Skill: Voiceless Auto Script


    Description: Mental encoding enabled. Encoding script can no longer be interrupted save for mental attacks. Verbal and somatic components are no longer required.


    ---


    Active Skill: Pen Pal


    Description: Able to send and receive written correspondence to a designated pen pal. You can only designated one pen pal at a time. User may change designated pen pal once per day. Designate a pen pal now? [Yes/No]


    ---


    Unique Skill: Rewrite [Upgradable]


    Encoding Cost: 20 LRP (Lexical Reservoir Points) per word


    Description: Grants user the ability to rewrite one characteristic of an object. Effects last for 8hrs. Lexcalibre must be used directly on the surface of the object being rewritten.


    ---


    This scenario triggered bouts of inspiration within him as he indulged in the addictive drug of achievement and self-discovery. "Time for a test drive" Ethan muses, fully aware of his aptitude for summoning after calling forth a flaming tiger into existence-. He began scribbling¡­


    "The wicked creature, grim and greedy... long in torment, who dwell in darkness..."


    Ethan continued, using the lines from the epic Beowulf to summon the fearsome monster Grendel.


    "I have become death, buwahahahahahahhaha!" Ethan roleplaying as a villain. However, instead of subjecting the whims of its supposed master, Grendel was silent, his bloodshot eyes fixated on Ethan, it knew that he was the summoner, but it also knew that he was NOT his mother- and anyone who isn''t its mother is FOOD.


    It was about to take a bite at Ethan who was still busy giving a villain speech to an imaginary audience but something stopped it from its tracks as it wailed, thrashed, all while trying to cover the lump of flesh where humanoid ears are supposed to be located. It craned its neck towards the direction where faint sounds could be heard. Letting out a deafening screech, it made a beeline, ramming through trees and other obstacles in its way.


    Ethan now aware of Grendel''s unexpected behavior, gave chase while trying to unsummon it only to realize that he did not know how to unsummon. He knew how to create things almost as naturally as breathing, but now he is out breath and at a loss for words. After all, how is he even suppose to visualize erasing the indelible marks of a fountain pen? It wasn''t like a pencil that could be erased easily. He summoned a calamity that can''t be easily undone.


    "I-I messed up," Ethan faltered. His hands shaking, his mind racing, his heart pounding. A wave of desperation crawled over his skin. Overwhelemed by the unbearable weight of accountability and helplessness, every step he took felt heavy, as if his legs shackled by invisible burdens that he had subconsciously placed upon himself.

 Chapter 8: Rewrite

    [ Lexical Reservoir: 20/100 ]


    "This is going to be a long night" Ethan thought to himself. Flashbacks of sleepless nights and piles of paperwork temporarily numbed his aching limbs.


    Ethan is no stranger to guilt and its myriad manifestations. The smell of ink and paper which once gave him great joy, has become a source of grief in his adult life.


    He was well aware that he isn''t an employee to be pitied. The overtime wasn''t borne out of corporate greed but out of his detestable habit of delaying himself from accomplishing the boring things. Pushing it aside until the dreaded night before deadline.


    "Why did I spend most of my LRP trying to summon a monster? Ethan how stupid can you get!"


    His incompetence with paperworks often masked by the adoration of his students who would listen attentively as he regale them with tales of the worlds he''s been in through reading books.


    Tension assailed the midnight air as Ethan''s breath came in shallow gasps, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. The summoning of Grendel¡ªpowerful, dangerous, unpredictable¡ªhad gone beyond his control. Now, he was paying the price. Unleashing his creativity has always been considered reckless behavior. He got fed up with the usual phrases of:


    "Stay in your lane, you''re not a permanent employee yet..."


    "...don''t show off unless you want more work"


    "Arrogant prick, the youth are seldom aware of how the world works."


    His old world was cruel; this one doesn''t feel any different. "THIS is getting annoying, I''m tired of chasing."


    As if in response with all the setbacks and undermining he experienced in life, he shouted at the top of his lungs¡ª calling out the monsters'' name. His thunderous scream broke the tension in the air. This is going to be his ascent, his plot twist, his revenge.


    NO ONE can tell him otherwise.


    Grendel roars back, its voice echoed through the trees as its massive structure crashed to a halt. The monster pivots itself and rushes back following Ethan''s scream. Its glowing red eyes, wild with rage, sought Ethan out, and the ground trembled in his wake.


    "You look like the embodiment of every mistake I''ve made," Ethan muttered to himself, ducking behind a thick oak tree just in time to avoid a massive claw that sliced through the air where his head had been seconds earlier. The tree splintered with a deafening crack, a jagged scar by Grendel''s attack.


    Lexcalibre slips out of his hand, spins and nests back on his palm. "I can control it with my thoughts?" touching the pen, His eyes momentarily fixated on its status screen. A sense for yearning grabs hold on him.


    [ Designate Pen Pal now? (Y/N) ]


    He wanted to take the easier route of requesting aid from Ashley or even Faye. Yet Ethan knew that if he falters now, nothing will change.


    He stumbled backward, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Focus. The pen gleamed in the moonlight, an artifact that held the power to rewrite reality itself.


    Grendel roared again, its massive form lurching toward him, claws outstretched.


    A rustling sound interrupted his fragile moment of tribulation. From the shadows, figures emerged¡ªdark cloaks billowing, their presence like a living, breathing omen. Ethan''s eyes widened. The Night Brigade.


    "Look at you giving a cool entrance, I almost thought you''d never show up!" Ethan exclaimed, genuinely relieved.


    Their leader, a tall man cloaked in a deep, blood-red robe, stepped forward. Ethan recognized him immediately. Allan Edgar. The platoon leader of the Night Brigade, compared to when he saw him earlier, there is an air of mystery about him, a far cry from the petty sherry enthusiast he met before.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Edgar''s face was hidden behind an ornate mask¡ª"the Mask of the Red Death", Ethan quoted under his breath.


    "Ethan," Edgar''s voice was a whisper, yet it rang in the air like a tolling bell. "You''ve drawn my ire earlier, now you have drawn me into trouble."


    Ethan frowned. "I didn''t mean to summon him."


    Edgar''s lips curled in something between a smile and a sneer. "You... have the power to bring such terrifying creature into existence?"


    Ethan shook his head, trying to focus. He couldn''t afford to let Edgar and the Brigade distract him. Grendel was still there, restless and still volatile. He needed to rewrite one aspect of Grendel''s nature, something that would help. Something that would stop him from his endless rampage.


    But how to get close? How to change the monster when every step toward it could be his last?


    In that moment, as if reading his thoughts, Edgar''s voice pierced the air again. "You''re reading him, aren''t you? Yes, I can see it in your eyes. You''re trying to anticipate his movements, like a game of chess. You think you can outwit the monster? What a brave soul!" Edgar chuckled, a dark sound that made the hair on the back of Ethan''s neck stand on end. "There are moments when even death is helpless against those who move with purpose."


    Ethan felt the words take root. Purpose. That''s what he needed. He needed to rewrite Grendel''s sensitivity to sound. The monster was caught in an endless cycle of rage triggered by noise. If he could silence that, he could stop Grendel''s tantrum, calm him long enough to recalibrate.


    But how? (Looking at the broken trees scattered like splintered twigs laying around); How could he get close enough without becoming splintered bones in the process?


    Ethan''s mind flashed back to his days as a teacher. The classroom, the endless mountains of paperwork, the never-ending cycle of forms to fill out, documents to grade. He had struggled with the bureaucracy, his frustration mounting. "Teachers weren''t supposed to be creators¡ªthey were supposed to follow the rules, adhere to the structure¡ª is what my superiors used to say, bunch of old degenerates"


    The system was inflexible, and yet, it demanded his full attention.


    The Brigade stepped forward, "Allow us to be your decoys."


    Ethan didn''t question it. Time was running out, and Edgar''s presence¡ªhis aura¡ªcould be enough to buy him the space he needed.


    "Do it," Edgar commanded, and the Brigade surged forward, spreading out in a flurry of motion, distracting Grendel, keeping the monster''s focus away from Ethan.


    Ethan moved quickly. The pen in his hand glowed, he made a dash towards the monsters blindspot, drawing a line on his sticky skin as he whispered,


    "Rewrite Characteristic, Sound Sensitivity to Silence."


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir 0/100 ]


    The moment he finished encoding, Ethan felt light-headed. He groggily looks to confirm that Grendel has stopped on his tracks, and to his relief, the rampage had ended. His heightened senses finally have room to relax, He was about to fall down, the physical toll of the previous fight finally weighed on him, but Edgar Allan was quick enough to support his frail stature.


    We pan out of Ethan''s perspective and look into the world through Grendels'' eyes. To him, the world stood still. The rush of sound, the growls, the crashes, the whirring in Grendel''s ears¡ªall vanished in an instant. The forest around him became eerily quiet.


    Grendel laid down in a fetal position. He was no longer the raging force it had been¡ªhe had been calmed, rewritten. But it wasn''t just the noise. It was something deeper.


    Grendel''s eyes, once wild and full of fury, softened. Some of the soldiers even spied a tear rolled over its cheek. A low, guttural whisper escaped his lips¡ª"M¨­dor."


    Ethan knelt. In that moment, his heart went out to the creature. M¨­dor. He recognized the word¡ªmother. There was more to Grendel than just unbridled chaos and destruction. There was an untold pain. A wound buried deep inside the creature.


    Before Ethan could fully process the weight of this revelation, he heard a massive screeching sound, the fabric of space forcibly torn as eyes and tentacles sprawled out of the tear. It was Parallax, the Beholder.


    "Well well, we meet again. You might''ve thwarted my initial plans, but I''ll settle with this monstrosity as a token of compensation. The next time we meet, will be the end of you."


    The monsters'' many eyes locked on Grendel, its gruesome appendages violently grappled the now docile Grendel, it lifted him into the air, disappearing into the abyss from which it had come.


    ---


    It was a pyrhic victory for both Ethan and the night brigade. While the soldiers are tending to their wounded and wrapping the dead, Ethan shakily approaches Edgar.


    "Their sacrifice would not be honored by mere apologies. If you want to honor their deaths, treat the surviving members to a round of Sherry back in the guild," Edgar preempted Ethan.


    "The Amontillado?" Ethan asked, his downcast expression belied his calm query.


    "Yes. The Amontillado..." Edgar replied.


    The Night Brigade left as quickly as they had arrived. The long night, a terrifying sequence of events, had come to an end.


    Ethan stood alone in the quiet aftermath, the weight of his pen still heavy in his hand. He had calmed the monster¡ªbut there was much more to this world, much more to uncover.

 Chapter 9: Authorless World

    The flickering candles lining up the walls accentuates the grim atmosphere of the royal chamber. A long, rectangular, polished table at its center was occupied by the king, as well as men and women draped in robes of fine velvet and rich fur.


    Faye was relieved that his Royal Highness, the King, as well as his trusted advisers¨C the Council of Rhetorical Executives (C.O.R.E.) has granted her immediate audience. She usually meets them during jovial times of festivities, but tonight, the atmosphere is filled with animosity and dread.


    Their expressions were somber, with the recent incidents, they already had an inkling of the situation.


    Faye Asfalis, stood at the head of the table, her sharp intellect and imposing presence is the pride of her race. Her robes were a cascade of midnight-blue, with threads of silver woven into the fabric, a sign of her status among the Quillmancers. Her staff- an overgrown silver quill, its mysterious sapphire orb glinted in a low light. She stood in silence, awaiting the kings'' permission to speak.


    King Khayil, a man with the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, leaned forward, his expression hardened by years of maintaining his sovereignty. His voice cut through the quiet like the swift slice of a tempered blade.


    "Faye Asfalis, I am granting you the permission to speak."


    Taken aback by the king''s sudden command, she instinctively stutters.


    "Speak now or forever hold your peace," King Khayil demanded.


    The Quillmancer nodded, "I have grave news, Your Majesty. I am here to warn you of two threats¡ªone known to all, and one far more dangerous than anything the Protagonist has met before. Both are tied to a name you may not yet know: Ethan."


    The room shifted at the mention of the name.


    "Ethan? If such character of great significance existed, we would''ve known by now.."


    A ripple of confusion passed through the advisors, but they were silent, waiting for Faye to continue.


    "Ethan and his companion," she said slowly, "are budding Quillmancers. His skill, while still developing, has already surpassed that of most novices. And in a recent incident, a monstrous being of calamity, one which even the elite squad of the night brigade has trouble dealing with, was summoned by him. They even suffered a few casualties..."


    "How strong do you think it is?" the king asked.


    "This is only but a rough estimate... a-about 80, My Lord,"


    "IMPOSSIBLE!" Leo, a member of CORE exclaimed in disbelief. "You''re telling me a novice could summon something worth around 80 words?! and a novice at that! You expect me to believe this nonsense?"


    Faye took a deep breath, regaining her composure, she continued, "Indeed, it is a creature beyond the abilities of most Quillmancers, let alone one so young. To add insult to injury, he did not only summon it¡ªhe defeated it."


    "Unbelievable! What era do you think it is? The era of the protagonist is over. We are all bound to live happily ever after", Leo sarcastically remarked.


    A murmur ran through the room, but Khayil''s steadfast aura silenced it. He raised his hand and motioned everyone to quiet down.


    "This young man''s abilities has exceeded common understanding, but I fear they are not the most pressing matter at hand. There is another¡­ a being that threatens not only this kingdom, but possibly the entire world."


    She paused, looking around at the gathered councilors, who were now leaning in with rapt attention.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Parallax. A Beholder the protagonist cannot defeat. A character created by the author with the purpose of teaching him humility."


    The congregation fell into uncharacteristic silence.


    Faye''s voice was steady, though her eyes darkened with the weight of her words, "It is as we all knew, he was merely a tool¡ªsummoned from the Ink of Creation, bound by the plot that governs all things. He was. Parallax has changed. He has become aware."


    The tension that followed was palpable. The king''s brow furrowed, his hand crushing the chalice in his grip.


    "Explain," he commanded.


    "This is just my opinion but, Parallax''s awareness means that he is no longer constrained by the will of the Author. He knows that he is no longer part of some grand design. And with that awareness has come rebellion. He wishes to break free of all confines, and reshape the world in his image of chaos. A world without authors, without structure."


    A collective gasp escaped from the council, though some remained quiet, digesting the enormity of what Faye had just said.


    "Parallax''s awareness could spread like a disease¡ªother beings, other creatures no longer bound to the plot, might follow his lead," the King surmised.


    The king''s hand tightened into a fist, his knuckles white. "And what of Ethan?" he asked, his voice sharp.


    Faye''s expression softened, though her eyes remained serious. "Ethan may be our only hope. His potential for growth is unlike anything I have seen in decades. In my humble estimate, he could probably be the next protagonist. But he is still untrained. Unprepared."


    A tense silence settled over the room as the councilors exchanged glances, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.


    "I propose," Faye said, her voice firm with conviction, "that I take Ethan and his companion under my wing. I will mentor them. Together, we can strengthen their abilities, and mold them into the defenders this kingdom needs. But I need your approval to act swiftly, before Parallax''s influence complicates things."


    A moment passed before the king spoke again, his voice low, but filled with authority.


    "I have heard enough. This Parallax is a threat beyond our borders, beyond the usual reach of our armies. If he is truly capable of unmaking reality itself¡­" His voice trailed off, and for a long moment, no one spoke.


    The Chancellor, a man named Hames, stood, his eyes narrowing as he considered Faye''s proposal. "But we cannot simply trust this Ethan, can we? If his abilities are as great as you say, he could be a walking calamity himself. What if we train him, but he grows uncontrollable?" he snickered sarcastically, "What would you do then? Protect him with your wards?"


    The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement. There were those who believed that even the most promising of individuals could turn rogue if given too much power.


    Another councilor, Lady Jesven, a quiet but shrewd strategist, spoke next. "Perhaps we should imprison him, keep him under watch. Brainwash him until he could be trusted, we cannot risk his power falling into the wrong hands. Parallax is may be a known threat, but a wild card like Ethan could be just as dangerous."


    Faye''s eyes flashed with indignation, but she remained composed. "Imprison him? You would lock away the only person capable of stopping our demise? What a preposterous proposal! I urge you to reconsider. To lock him away would be to doom us all."


    The debate raged on for hours. Some argued that the kingdom''s safety was paramount, and that Ethan''s potential was too great a risk to ignore. Others, like Faye, contended that training and mentorship were the most optimal path forward.


    Growing tired of what seemed to be an unending deliberation, King Khayil raised his hand to restore silence.


    "It serves us no good to be halted by indecision. We will give Ethan a chance," the old king, steals a glance at the elf,


    ...she''s still as stubborn as the day I first met her...


    "This is outrageous! If he bites you back in the ass don''t come crawling back at me and say I didn''t told you so!" Lady Jesven snapped.


    "Lady Jesven mind your manners, you are in the presence of his majesty, the king", Leo corrected her.


    The king waited for the commotion to end and for everyone to calm down before continuing, "Faye Asfalis will mentor him. But know this: if he falters, if he proves to be a danger to our people, I will personally be the one to confine him."


    Faye nodded, her expression one of resolve. "I will not fail you, Your Majesty."


    As soon as Faye was dismissed from the court, she left in a hurry, with a barely noticeable spring in her steps.


    "She must be happy..." the king mutters under his breath, his mind doused in nostalgia and the plaguing thoughts of what could''ve been if he chose the other path.


    The council looked at each other, rumors always spread like wildfire and the king and Faye''s past connection is an open secret. They knew that the likelihood of the king agreeing to Faye was definitely high, yet no one voiced it out. The king may be old, but his influence remains as strong as during his heyday. Opposing the king meant giving up their royal status.


    It seems however, that a handful of them has silently expressed their disagreement with the current state of affairs. The ramifications of which will definitely put King Khayil''s rule to the test. Only time will tell.

 Chapter 10: I Dont Want Your Pity

    Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow as he walked through the crowded, dimly lit guild hall, his boots thudding softly against the wooden floor. The air smelled faintly of smoke and roasting meat, a mixture of comfort and lingering sorrow. It had been another two days of menial tasks¡ªdelivering letters to distant villages, hauling crates of supplies, and making sure the guild''s weapons were polished and well-kept¡ª all to climb the ranks and to earn the right to step up from Bronze I to Bronze II, and eventually, Bronze III.


    "It felt like a week has passed," Ethan complains to himself, a little exhausted yet comforted by the thought that he leveled up.


    Know Thyself... His status screen pops up before him:


    [ Adventurer Profile ]


    Name: Ethan Erstellen


    Lexical Reservoir: 115 {+5} = 120


    Affiliation: Adventurer''s Guild


    Rank: Bronze I {+I} = Bronze II


    Class: Quillmancer


    Level: 3 {+I} = 4


    ----


    [ Core Attributes ]


    Health: 115 / 115 {+5} = 120/120


    STR: 11 {+I} = 12


    CON: 28 {+I} = 29


    INT: 59 {+I} = 60


    DEX: 13 {+I} = 14


    WIS: 21 {+I} = 22


    CHA: 31 {+I} = 32


    ----


    [ Four Macro Skills ]


    Reading: Master


    Speaking: Competent


    Writing: Wordsmith


    Listening: Advanced


    -----


    [ Abilities ]


    {Please Upgrade Your Adventurer Ring to Reveal more information}


    ----


    [ Soul Weapon: Lexcalibre (Expandable) ]


    Each rank in the guild held its own rewards: access to better contracts, higher pay, better gear, and, of course, the respect that came with being more than just a lowly adventurer. Bronze III was his goal now, the next tier that would bring him closer to the other ranks of Silver, Gold, and eventually, the coveted Adamantite rank.


    Alas, the substitute guard contract will end tonight, as promised he would buy Edgar Allan and the crew a round of Amontillado. He goes over to the counter only to be greeted by a face that he has become accustomed to. The feline-kin who has expressed her intent to him a couple of days back.


    She had been kind to him ever since he first joined the guild¡ªhelping him with paperwork, offering advice, and always finding a way to make his day a little bit easier. Her fluffy ears twitched in excitement when she spotted him, and she leaned over the counter, tail swishing gently behind her.


    "You''re back! I hope you''ve had a productive day, Ethan," she purred, her voice light and warm.


    "Yes, Mi¡ª"


    "It''s Mi Hye."


    "Sorry, I''m bad at recalling names. But I''m thankful for all your help so far."


    "It''s alright. I''m used to it. You seem a bit down, can I help you with anything?"


    "Well, I think the entire guild knows of the scrimmage we had before against Grendel... I wanted to... uhmn. How much is a round of Amontillado? Just enough to pour a glass for each surviving member of the Night Brigade."


    Mi Hye pulls out an abaccus and does a few calculations before giving him an answer, "That''ll be 34 gold pieces, I can give you a discount if you want."


    "34. Uh... I remember I still have an errand to finish," Ethan feigns a laugh, he didn''t even have the will to check his purse, he knew that his silver is far from enough.


    As if she could read his mind, Mi Hye abruptly responses, "Oh, but it''s on the house!"


    "Come on, that''s a month''s salary for receptionists, just let him take a tab, oh wait! yer Bronze adventurer, too bad ya can''t take a tab! Take yo'' broke ass somewhere else, yer better off at the commoners'' pub" another receptionist mocked while shooing Ethan away.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "I SAID, it''s on the house," Mi Hye defiantly replied. The other receptionist, noticing her unusual behaviour, decided to shut her mouth.


    "I owe you one. I''ll make it up to you, in return, I could¡ª"


    Mi Hye interrupted him, "I don''t want your pity. I''m a woman with feelings, you know. Hmph! Your drinks'' on me. Just... don''t make it a habit."


    Ethan finally understood, he wasn''t held responsible to reciprocate her feelings. He can''t help but see Mi Hye in a different light, looking at her unwavering gaze, he learned to respect her resolve.


    There was a moment of awkwardness, until finally, Mi Hye, mustering a nonchalant expression continued, "Three bottles of Amontillado will be delivered shortly, please give us time to chill the drink a bit first. In the meantime, you may have a conversation with your peers."


    Ethan felt a pang of warmth in his chest as Mi Hye''s words settled in. He offered a sheepish grin, giving a slight bow of gratitude.


    Mi Hye waved him off with a playful flick of her tail, her ears twitching as she resumed her work behind the counter. Ethan turned, making his way to the corner of the guild hall where the Night Brigade had gathered. Their usual spot was a table near the hearth, where the flickering flames cast long shadows over the worn wooden benches. Edgar Allan, the Platoon Leader, was already there, his dark cloak draped over his broad shoulders and his infamous pipe glowing softly in the dim light.


    "Ah, the man of the hour!" Edgar greeted with a grin, his voice rich and gravelly, as if it had been tempered by years of battle, "I trust you''ve come to settle our little wager, yes? The Amontillado?"


    "Yes! the Amontillado!" Ethan chuckled and nodded, his eyes scanning the table at the motley crew of adventurers surrounding Edgar. The Night Brigade had a reputation within the guild¡ªnot for their high profile quests, but for their chaotic camaraderie.


    "A round of drinks on me tonight, Edgar," Ethan said with a grin, pulling up a chair.


    "On you, eh?" Edgar raised an eyebrow. "I must say, I didn''t expect you to be such a generous man after that scuffle with Grendel. Was it not a little... spicy for you?"


    Ethan snorted. "It was a damn nightmare"


    "Not my fault for summoning something uncontrollable. You have bitten off more than you can chew. But I''ll give you credit¡ªyou made it out with your limbs still attached. Not everyone can claim that after facing a monster of that level." He momentarily glances at the adventurer tags of his dead teammates lying on the wooden table, "That takes heart, kid."


    As he spoke, the rest of the Night Brigade nodded in agreement.


    Before the conversation could spiral into further deep talks or into jests, a small team of guild members arrived carrying the three bottles of Amontillado. They carefully placed the bottles on the table, and as the corks were popped, the rich scent of the wine filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the fire. The crew, eager for the reward they had earned, grabbed their goblets.


    "To survival," Edgar toasted, lifting his glass high. "To blood spilled, lives saved, and endless adventure ahead!"


    Ethan raised his own goblet, a feeling of camaraderie washing over him. "To the Night Brigade!"


    Ethan got to know more about the groups'' exploits (though he had a hunch that he''ll probably forget about all these in the morning). Aptly named the Night Brigade, these unit of elite adventurers are regularly assigned to patrol the borders of the town at night¨C a time when the stronger monsters are usually active. It entails that they are veterans on the job, and yet, Grendel was a monstrosity far more ferocious than anything they have faced before. Actually having only a few casualty is already a feat on its own. Yet none of them bragged about it, not while their precious teammates, ones treated like family, are six feet under.


    "You know, our fellow soldier Nola made a bet with me" a female archer mentions as she leans closer to Ethan, "He said, if one of us dies the other has to marry and start a family. You look tame enough, wanna turn a new leaf with me?" Ethan shrugged and denied her politely.


    Mi Hye overhears this conversation gently bumps over the archer as she leans over and takes away the empty bottles, "Another round?" she asked.


    Before Ethan could decline, Edgar cuts him off and says "Yes, and bring some bread and cheese while you''re at it."


    Ethan shots a serious stare at Edgar, to which the platoon leader replies, "What? Calm down, I''m paying for the snacks."


    The group downed the rest of their drinks, the smooth warmth of the Amontillado easing away the tension of their recent battles. As they continued to drink and share stories of their past skirmishes, Ethan found himself drawn into the banter, the camaraderie a welcome change from the lonely grind of what used to be his life back on Earth.


    Ethan, for a moment glances back at Mi Hye who made all this possible, and when their eyes met Mi Hye gives him a playful wink. A fuzzy feeling welled deep within him, yes, he is past the days of dating and crushes yet the positive feeling of having someone to develop a liking to you is indeed a fulfilling experienced.

 Chapter 11: Wild Rose

    Ethan''s head pounded like a chaotic drum, the remnants of a night spent in mild revelry. He tried hard to drink like a responsible adult, but each sip from the Amontillado hit harder. The drink in of itself is an existence of irony¡ª coupled with the gentleness of a woman''s touch and the brutality of a long term relationship break-up.


    The Guild Hall was filled with the usual chatter of adventurers. The faint scent of mead assailed his senses. The usual banters, quarrels over how someone cheated on a dice game, complaints about delayed food orders, the old lady in the corner fortune-telling, and that young lad who always seem to be looking for female party members. At his point in Ethan''s adventure, the guild almost felt gave the comfort of a familiar home in an otherwise strange land.


    He opened his eyes slowly, squinting against the harsh light streaming through the guilds'' tainted glass panels. An image of a writer penning characters, creatures of all shapes and sizes, as well as what can be surmised as significant events are placed aesthetically¨C like a picture book themed around this world''s creation myth.


    He must be the Author Parallax has been droning on and on about. Why... did you have to put it all on me?


    "Perhaps I''ll just¡ª" He muttered, trailing off as he felt a tap on his shoulder.


    Looking over his shoulder, Ethan''s hazy vision cleared just enough to reveal a woman standing beside him¡ªtall, with long auburn hair which draped over her flawless shoulders, she wore leather armor that looked as stylish as it is functional. It had a lot of pockets and looked comfortable.


    She had a smile that seemed as confident as it was dangerous. Radiating a kind of wild energy that he''d heard whispers of... something far from the usual student assistant he used to know.


    "Ash¨C?" he croaked, his voice still spinning with the remnants of hangover.


    "Yep," she said, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips as she took a seat across from him.


    "You sucked at drinking, why start now? Your face is as red as a reindeers'' nose, you should get a commission to drive a flying sleigh," Ashley jests.


    "You might''ve changed your outfit and your hair color yet you still nag at me in the morning" Ethan groaned, rubbing his temples.


    "I have grown a lot this past three days, I''d say we should take Parallax out," she teased, crossing her arms casually on the table.


    "I don''t know ''bout you, but I''m not in the mood to go brawling against a giant eyeball so early in the morning."


    "We should order something then. My treat. You owe me stories of your adventures these past three days."


    Ethan tried to focus but to no avail. "Not much happened on my end, I''m just trying to rank up. I''m almost Bronze III now" he muttered.


    "Well, whaddaya know? I''m Bronze III, baby!" Ashley retorts proudly. "Getting to Silver rank is the tough part. We need to take the rank up exam."


    "What''s with the hair and the tone?''


    "Oh it''s a unique perk that seems to only apply to me- when one of my spells go haywire, my body goes through, how do I say this... Drastic, no, wild changes. The hair and the accent is just a minor inconvenience. I''m still trying to tame the chaos," a part of Ashley''s status screen appeared in front of Ethan giving him a glimpse of what the fuss was about,


    [ Abnormal Status: WILD (Permanent) ]


    "I''ve suffered far more surprises." Ashley smirked, her eyes scanning the bustling hall as she leaned back in her chair. Ethan had heard of her exploits, of course¡ªeveryone had.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The rumors were abundant. Ethan had heard about the wild rose before, he just didn''t know they were referring to Ashley; and once again, he is hearing the rumors now. Rumors of her deeds, each one more extraordinary than the last. But getting to talk to her again, it felt... normal.


    As he struggled to recalibrate his balance, Ashley ordered a full course meal for the three of them; Ethan''s vision may have dulled but his hearing is somehow intensified. He closed his eyes to focus on his hearing a little bit more.


    [ Name: Ethan Erstellen ]


    [ Macro Skill: Listening (Advanced) ]


    He was able to listen to snippets of conversations from the other adventurers'' tables:


    "Did you hear? She actually brawled a frost giant and won. I heard she punched it into submission."


    "Wild Rose? I heard she survived the Mad Hatters'' Tea Party. The one where the guests go mad and¡ª"


    "¡ªShe caught Needle Dee and Needle Dum? No way. Those two are serial killers! She must''ve raked in a lot of gold for their bounty"


    "They say she turned into a giant herself, right? Something about the Wild Rose blooming or some nonsense."


    The more they talked, the more Ashley seemed to embody every wild tale, every impossible feat. Ethan couldn''t help but feel both awe and a hint of suspicion. Was she really the same timid girl he used to know? Or was it all just another exaggerated rumor? Either way, the reputation followed her like a shadow.


    Noticing Ethan''s expression, Ashley chuckled at his furrowed brow. "I see that you''re making good use of your macro skill, you don''t need to close your eyes to focus."


    A slight worry painted across Ashley''s face, "Don''t believe everything you hear, Professor. Most of those rumors are exaggerated... or made up entirely."


    Her accent returning to normal as her auburn hair started to turn dark once more.


    Ethan gave a dry laugh. "Frost giants and outlaws. But¡ª" He hesitated, rubbing his chin. "Well, I could use a hint or two. My growth over this past few days has been nothing but disaster."


    Before Ethan could share his experience further, the guild''s main doors flung open violently. All the rumors has been silent as the unwanted guest stole the attention of the onlookers. A burly man in a black and white suit spoke in a demanding tone,


    "I am a member of the Ivory League. My informants told me that the wild rose is within the vicinity, I''m rewarding 10 gold to whoever hands her to me!"


    "Pipe down will ya? Can''t you see I''m dining with my professor? You can leave the gold as an apology," Ashley responds, clearly having no intentions of backing down.


    "You dare show your face after taking my penguin?!"


    Ashley playfully denies the allegations.


    Due to the alarming situation, Ethan begun to regain his bearings. In the corner of his peripherals he noticed a flipper snatching a fish from one of plates served on their table. He craned his neck to take a peak at the curious figure and lo and behold, he was surprised to see a cuddly flightless bird. An emperor penguin about a year old.


    The penguin blinked at Ethan with its tiny, beady eyes, clearly unaware of the chaos its mere existence was causing.


    "Pi-che?"


    He didn''t know how Ashley had come into possession of it, but there it was, sitting at the foot of the dining table, a curious little bundle of joy that had no business being so... endearing.


    "Uhm... Ashley..." Ethan muttered.


    Ashley shook her head with a smile, almost fondly. "This little guy," she casually pats its head as the penguin clumsily climbed on her shoulder "...is special. There''s something... different about it. I''m sure it''ll lead us to something bigger. You know, like how legends usually go?"


    "Enough talk," the burly man sounded imposing as his lackeys surround them both. "You''re clearly outnumbered Wild Rose, one more party member ain''t gonna make a difference."


    Ashley stared at him for a moment, then laughed softly. "You''re persistent, I''ll give you that."


    "Our organization does not take kindly on bastards who meddle with our business, why don''t you just give the penguin and you can continue your date with your lousy boyfriend here, and we''ll pretend this conversation never happened?"


    "B-Boyfriend? Does it look that way?" Ashley nervously replied.


    The burly man smashes a chair. "So what''s it gonna be? I''m losing my patience!"


    "Hey!" This caused Mi Hye''s brows to slightly furrow. "I''m writing that on your tab you insolent baffoon!"


    The penguin climbed on top of Ashley''s head, clumsily stood up and begun chirping.


    "Pi-Pi, Pi-che! Pi-Pi-che! Pi-che!"


    "You''ve triggered my flight or fight response, too bad I''m a flightless bird!" Ashley translated.


    "You can understand it? Are you a princess irl?" before Ethan could come up with more banter, the burly man splits a table in half with his giant axe.


    That would be... 9 gold, Mr. Burly man¨C Mi Hye jots down on a receipt.


    The burly man and his cronies brandished their weapons itching for a fight. After doing a mild stretch, Ethan decided to join the fight as well, he has a confident grin as he said "Shall we go for a test drive?"


    Chaos ensues...

 Chapter 12: Guild Fight

    "First rule of guild fights, we don''t talk about guild fights," Mi Hye exclaimed seeing what was about to go down, acting casually as if guild fights like this is normal. "Second rule of guild fights, when you break something, you buy it."


    Ethan barely had time to adjust himself before the fight erupted. The men in black & white (Ethan giving them a random nickname in his head), gangs up on them.


    There wasn''t a tinge of fear within him. He has faced Grendel and have come to terms with his scarred past. He is no longer the same.


    Their leader, the burly guy swung his axe with terrifying precision, splitting another table in two.


    That would be... 9 gold, Mr. Burly man¨C Mi Hye jots down on a receipt.


    Splinters flew in every direction as Mr. Burly man bellowed, "Hand it over, and we''ll leave in peace!"


    "You clearly have no business taking care of a penguin you lumberjack!" Ashley snapped back.


    The guild hall fell silent for a split second, clearly the joke wasn''t funny. Regardless, every adventurer watch in anticipation to the brewing chaos.


    Ethan blinked, still fighting the minor patches of pain over his head and body from a hangover. His instincts kicked in. His mind sharpened.


    Focusing, he mutters in his head, let''s see how fast I can read...


    [ Name: Ethan Erstellen ]


    [ Adventurer Lvl: 4 ]


    [ Guild Rank: Bronze II ]


    [ Macro Skill: Reading (Master level) ]


    The world unravelled slower than usual allowing him to observed the movements of the burly man and his gang in high definition. Time was constantly flowing, yet it felt like he could perceive it faster than others, as if he was scanning past a page.


    Ashley stood, unbothered by the chaos around her, her gaze locked on the approaching enemies.


    "You shouldn''t have brought an ax in a fist fight!," Ashley said with a sly grin, cracking her knuckles. "¦Ì¦Å¦Ã¦Å¦È?¦Í¦Ø (megethyno)" her body grew in a proportion slightly taller than the burly man, she clothes tightened a bit but almost immediately adjusts to her size, she threw a jab at the burly man who manages to block it with his giant ax.


    Ethan felt the same surge of clarity flood through him. His body moved purposefully before his mind could even process it. It felt, familiar. He stepped forward, on his right hand, Lexcalibre is already tracing the air, preparing to manipulate the environment. The gang of four swarmed from all angles, each of them armed with crude weapons or brutal fists.


    The first man¡ªa lanky brute with an eye patch¡ªattacked Ashley with a wild swing of his oar. Ethan''s reflexes moved with the swiftness of a viper. He grabbed the back of a chair, spinning it into the path of the oar. The chair splintered on impact, but the man''s swing faltered. Ethan faltered a bit¡ªconcerned about the destroyed property, and as he expected Mi Hye was observing him closely; however, instead of reprimanding him about the broken chair, she mouthed the words "Go get ''em tiger!"


    I guess I should put on a good show atleast.


    Ethan took the opening, landing a clean blow to the Captain Oar''s (a nickname he came up on the fly) stomach. The man stumbled back, gasping for air.


    [ Name: Ashley Briar ]


    [ Adventurer Lvl 5 ]


    [ Guild Rank: Bronze Rank III ]


    [ Macro Skill: Reading (Master level) ]


    Panning our view to Ashley''s perspective, she immediately ducks a wide swing of the burly man''s ax. Her movements showing uncanny precision, almost inhuman. She moves to the side as if reading the arc of his strike before it even happened, then using her gigantic fist, delivers a swift elbow to his ribs. The burly man grunted, but he wasn''t out of the fight yet. With a growl, he swung again¡ªthis time with more anger.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Another dude teamed up with his boss... But with one kick from Ashley he was sent flying through the window with tainted glass, breaking it in the process.


    18 gold, Ashley Briar ¨C Mi Hye jots down on a receipt.


    Ethan''s mind raced as he analyzed the fight. Ashley was quick¡ªquicker than the burly man could anticipate¡ªbut the ax''s trajectory was almost too fast for her to avoid entirely.


    Suddenly, he felt a stinging sensation on his cheek. The next thing he knew he was already sent flying and crashing over the guild wall.


    ¨C41 bludgeoning damage!


    [ Health: 79 / 120 ]


    Can''t read what I can''t see huh, makes sense. I must say, I didn''t saw it coming... pun intended.


    His vision blurred a bit, noticing he isn''t holding Lexcalibre, he looks around only to find the pen beneath the fighting grounds of Ashley and the burly man¡ªand Vice Captain Oar about to sneakily deliver a swing at Ashley''s face.


    Ethan reached his hand out and makes a writing gesture, Lexcalibre faithfully animates and executes the wish of its master. It''s magical ink tracing the floor beneath all three combatants,


    Rewrite floor slab attribute, SOLID to LIQUID.


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir 100 / 120 ]


    The solid marble beneath their feet shifted, and suddenly the ground became a coarse pool of sand, quickly submerging their lower half as their upper body struggled to maintain balance. The adversary''s feet slipped out from under them, and they crashed to the ground with a resounding splash, luckily for them, the surrounding floor remained solid and that prevented them from slipping in entirely. Their weapons flew out of their grip, skittering across the floor. Unprepared for the liquid floor, lost they their balance and fell into a heap.


    "¦Ì¦Å¦Ã¦Å¦È? ¡ª" Ashley slips which caused her to miscast a spell. Her eyes widened in shock as immense silvery wings sprouted off from her back. They were far too large for her, and they caught the air, pushing her off the quicksand with an unexpected force.


    "What the... How?" Ethan gasped.


    "Whoa!" Ashley cried out, moving her arms instinctively to regain balance. The wings flapped vehemently, sending gusts of air through the guild hall, toppling several tables and sending food and beverages flying.


    Noticing the thugs struggling to get out of the quicksand, Ethan does another writing motion which Lexcalibre follows,


    Rewrite floor slab attribute, LIQUID to SOLID.


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir 80 / 120 ]


    Rewrite floor slab attribute, MARBLE to ROMAN CONCRETE.


    ¨C40 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir 40 / 120 ]


    The concrete boasts a hardness that could stand the test of time. The burly man and his cronies tried to brute force their way out of its grip but to no avail. The ground held firmly until the city watch has arrived.


    When the dust settled, Mi Hye secretly hands puts a piece of paper in Ethans'' hands. It was a bounty for the a group of poachers calling themsleves the Ivory League.


    Ethan was ecstatic, turning in the bounty will earn him enough points to rank up to Bronze III. Before Ethan could say his thanks, Mi Hye is back at the counter minding her business as though none of the previous events transpired. Ethan understood that the bounty has handed to him in secret, so he pretended to know about it all along. He decided to claim the reward from another receptionist, it was a handsome sum of 45 gold pieces, and a rank-up as a bonus.


    "Congratulations adventuer, you have reached the coveted rank of Bronze III, yay," The receptionist said with a deadpan expression. "You are now eligible to take the rank-up examination and become a full fledge adventurer. Passing the test would allow you to upgrade your spatial storage as well as unlock other functions of your status screen, the guild recommends upgrading your armor and equipment. A custom made weapon would also be helpful as it is not just a symbol of status, but highlights your individuality as an up and coming adventurer. In the event that you fail the exam, which is a common occurence, you may only take the examination once every two months so think wisely, and throroughly prepare yourself before joining. Please come by anytime to take the test."


    "Professor, you made it!" Ashley joyfully exclaimed right after Ethan ranked up. They had a short celebration and continued where they left off, while the guild staff cleaned up the mess.


    It took a while before Ethan noticed that the penguin wasn''t eating with them. "Where''s the little guy?"


    "He has a name you know. It''s called Peachy. He usually wanders off on his own. Weirdly enough, he always finds his way back to me."


    "Peachy, what an uninspired name. You suck at naming and a terrible pet owner."


    The penguin, meanwhile, waddled cheerfully across the guild, sneakily snatching fish from tables of unsuspecting adventurers, its tiny tail wagging happily, like it was enjoying a fun little stroll in the midst of conflict.


    "Oh look, Peachy''s back!" Ashley says.


    "Pi-Pi-Che!"


    Looking at Peachy, Ethan was equally amused and curious over this little creature. It was simply a baby penguin¡ªnothing special, no magical runes, no strange artifact attached to it¡ªjust an innocent little creature caught in a much larger story.

 Chapter 13: Ink-struction

    Ethan was just beginning to settle into the new rhythm of his life in the guild when a familiar figure appeared in the doorway of the bustling hall.


    Faye Asfalis, the elven mentor who had promised to return and personally teach more about the world and Quillmancy. She strode into the room with a measured grace that commanded attention. Her silver hair shimmered even though it''s daytime, and her cerulean eyes sparkled with quiet wisdom. A soft smile curled at the corner of her lips as she scanned the guild''s lively atmosphere. It had been exactly four days since Ethan and Ashley had seen her last, yet a sharp pang of nostalgia welled up inside of them.


    "Faye!" Ethan called, grinning as he waved her over to his table where Ashley and Peachy sat, casually enjoying the post-conflict reconstruction of the guild.


    "I see you''ve been building the reputation while I was away," Faye remarked with a teasing glint in her eye as she joined them. "One dubbed with many names, wild-rose, femme fatale, Ash the Giant, Ash the Angel... and the other, Beckoner of Calamity."


    "Wha¨C that can''t be right. I get who wild rose is, but beckoner of calamity surely does not describe me, does it?" Ethan replied with visible confusion.


    "Your monicker and Edgar''s report correlates. Even the infamous Night Brigade had trouble dealing with Grendel, you should know that the Night Brigade has faced a horde of wyverns and survived" Faye replied. "But I''m not here for that, Ethan. I''m here to see how you''ve been progressing with your abilities."


    Ethan nodded, still mildly affected by the deaths of the Night Brigade members. He had learned a lot since their last encounter, and much of that had been self-taught or pieced together while observing other adventurers. Yet, he felt like there was still a fundamental gap in his understanding of how to tap into the potential of his Quillmancer abilities. His journey so far had been filled with surprises, and this gap was something that had weighed on his mind.


    "I''ve been working on controlling my macro skills and encoding, but sometimes it feels like I hit a wall," Ethan admitted, glancing at his unique item, Lexcalibre, resting by his side. "I can do some amazing things, but there''s a limit to what I can express with my ink."


    Faye nodded thoughtfully. "That''s the nature of power when it is in its raw form. A budding Quillmancer uses their own soul as ink similar to how writers pen books. Their whole being is reflected over their work. There''s a problem with it though, the quality and potential of your encoded spell will be reliant on your own personal biases and beliefs, your range of vocabulary and understanding would either be a detriment or a boon to your encoded spells. That''s what both of you have been doing up until now. This technique, while versatile, has dangerous volatility," Faye pauses for a moment letting them mentally digest the information.


    "To truly understand how to use it, you must first understand its nature¡ªits substance. And the key to this understanding lies within the very ink that fuels your abilities," she continues.


    A spark of recognition lit in Ethan''s mind. He knew that ink, in this world, was no ordinary substance. He had already come to realize that a Quillmancer''s ink was not just a material¡ª it was something far more complex. His teacher''s words hinted at a deeper truth.


    Faye reached a finger on the empty space in front of her and begun scribbling over the air. She spread it out across what seemed to be a three columned table, with the letters K-W-L written at the top of each column, revealing a diagram that reminded Ethan of something he had used multiple times during his teaching career back on Earth¡ªa KWL chart.


    "Do you recognize this method?" Faye asked with a smirk, noting Ethan''s raised eyebrow.


    "You''re using the KWL chart?" Ethan replied, smiling inwardly. He had always appreciated that learning method back in his previous world. For Faye to use it, he knew it was going to be a thorough and structured lesson.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Indeed," Faye replied, her voice warm but firm. "What we know, what we want to know, and what we''ve learned. It''s a reliable tool to frame the unknown."


    Ethan read aloud the first column as she pointed to it, "What we Know."


    "We know," Faye began, "that''s the Quillmancers'' power is drawn from ink, primarily soul ink¡ªthis ink is not just a simple substance, it is a conduit. But soul ink is limited to the number of literature one has read in a life, the number isn''t constant, one can improve their Lexical Reservoir by reading more books or leveling up. In this world, books are hard to come by. They are especially expensive and scarce. Not everyone can afford one."


    "We also know that your ability is limited by the ink''s properties and your ability to express them. The more fluid your expression, the greater the power. But the question remains: how do you obtain and refine an ink that''s more stable?"


    Ashley thought about it for a moment. "Perhaps, by gathering raw materials and synthesizing them?"


    "Precisely," Faye said, gesturing for both of them to follow her. "In this world, there are various types of ink, and they''re not all created equal. Some are potent, others weak. Some can be harvested from magical sources, while others come from natural materials like plants, minerals, or even creatures."


    "Using your Soul Ink. You can write with even just your fingers, as I''m doing now. Pens however, can be equipped with special inks. There are various kinds of ink out there. And understanding them will allow you to control your Quillmancy in more sophisticated ways." She gestured for them to stand. "Now, let''s get our hands dirty."


    The trio followed Faye out of the guild hall and into the surrounding forest. The trees towered overhead, casting shadows that seemed to sway in rhythm with the breeze. They encountered dangerous creatures from time to time, but it seems like they instinctively avoided them.


    As they walked, Faye explained the process of obtaining the materials for synthesizing ink.


    "Some of the main ingredient come from plants," Faye explained, crouching down to examine a vine wrapped around a nearby tree. "For example, the Elderwood Sap. It produces a dark, thick liquid, the primary ingredient used to make inks that can be used for powerful, long-lasting effects. But you must harvest it carefully. The vines are a bit sensitive. You must begin harvesting the moment after you make a small cut. If you squeeze the vine too hard, the ink will spoil. Gentle strokes are necessary."


    Ethan and Ashley crouched next to her, their hands moving with care as they replicated her movements. Ashley pressed the vine between her fingers, gently coaxing the ink to emerge. The liquid was rich and dark, almost like oil. Ethan on the other hand, well, he squeezed a little too harder and the liquid came out with a pungent smell.


    "Ethan, you''ll have to do it with another vine. That ink is unusable. It''s all about the balance," Faye continued. "Extracting too much, too quickly, and you''ll drain it of its power. Harvesting the raw material for ink is an art that requires patience, just like using it."


    As they made their way deeper into the forest, Faye introduced them to other sources of raw material. They harvested from shimmering crystals, from the sap of rare trees, and from the scales of magical creatures. Some raw material are drained, crushed into powder, and so on. Each had different properties¡ªsome enhanced strength and speed, others magnified elemental affinities, and still others were used for wards and healing minor injuries.


    After hours of extracting raw materials under the instruction of Faye, Ethan and Ashley finally had an inkling of the essence of gathering, harvesting and synthesizing ink materials. By mastering the nuances and each raw material''s property, they could theoretically produce inks that caters to their needs and abilities. Adjusting them for different effects¡ªprecision, strength, or subtlety.


    As the day came to a close, Faye smiled proudly at her student. "You''ve made excellent progress, Now that you have acquired the raw materials, we shall begin synthesizing tomorrow. Also, I need you to write a reflection paper highlighting the things you learned today, submit it to me first thing in the morning."


    "Great. A homework is what I''ve always wanted to do in an isekai. Just great," Ashley sarcastically complained.


    Listening to her, Faye was determined to not let it slide, "I''m adding an essay on good conduct as well, 1000 words."


    Ethan however, was ecstatic. He wasn''t bothered by the assignment, in fact, he used to be those rare kids who loves doing homework even though that spark has long been gone in his adult life. Feeling like a child again, he beams a smile "I''m ready," Ethan said, already thinking ahead to the challenges that lay before him. He had unlocked a new layer of his potential¡ªbut now, it was time to refine it. There was a slight spring to his steps as Ethan hummed and thought to himself,


    My training arc has finally begun.

 Chapter 14: Feywin Verdanquill

    An entire day of harvesting raw materials has finally come to an end. Now beckons the next step of their ink-making journey. Their destination: the reclusive Gnome named Feywin Verdanquill, renowned even amongst the nobility for his expertise in ink synthesis. Legend has it that the ink he makes are potent enough to turn a nation upside down¨C or so says the 1209 year old Elf.


    His skills were said to be as elusive as the rarest of mythical creatures, and it was through him that they would learn the delicate art of turning raw ingredients into potent, refined ink. A being of such small stature yet his influence was immensely profound.


    The morning sun had barely risen, casting its golden rays across the ancient forest as Faye, Ethan, and Ashley set out for the visit this hermit.


    The path to Feywin''s hut was winding and narrow, barely visible beneath the dense canopy of the forest. The further they ventured, the more the trees seemed to bend and whisper, beguiling them to choose a different path, ones that lead to lethal trap, and the numerous perils of wild beasts or natural obstacles.


    Without Faye''s guidance, the trio would''ve fallen into a lethal trap or two. Peachy on the other hand are safely fastened in Ashley''s backpack like an infant enjoying the view. The trio had to carry backpacks since the elf warned them nor to use their spatial storage within the forests'' perimeters.


    Every now and then, Faye would slow, her senses attuned to the quiet hum of enchantments woven into the fabric of the land.


    After an hour of walking, they finally came upon a small clearing. A modest stone cottage sat nestled at the heart, its windows glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. Smoke curled from the chimney in lazy spirals, and the scent of something earthy and sweet wafted through the air. Faye knocked lightly on the wooden door, which opened almost immediately, revealing a squat gnome with a long, silvery beard that trailed down to his knees. He wore a dark green apron covered in blotches of ink, and his sharp, beady eyes twinkled with curiosity.


    "Ah, Faye! It''s been far too long," Feywin said, his voice a gravelly but warm tone. He extended a hand to each of them in turn, shaking their hands firmly despite their height difference.


    "I''m assuming you received my letter?" Faye inquired the gnome.


    "Of course! I immediately prepared right after I read it. And these must be your promising students, hmm? Why does it feel like they don''t belong in this narrative? You smell a bit, different..."


    "Excuse me?," Ashley retorted, taking minor offense.


    The gnome just shrugs it off and casually changed the subject, "Come, come! You''re just in time. Bring your materials inside so I can begin the process."


    The inside of the hut was cramped but filled with the unmistakable scent of alchemical wonders. Cleaning materials such as broomsticks and feather dusters were animated, tending to their individual roles. Shelves lined the walls, brimming with various vials containing preserved leaves and minerals, jars with different species of lively squid, and carefully labeled colored containers. The central workbench was cluttered with different types of raw materials¡ªcrystals, plant extracts, powdered minerals¡ªand in the far corner, a cauldron bubbled with a vibrant, iridescent liquid.


    "Welcome to my humble lab," Feywin said, sweeping his arms across the room. "Here, I synthesize the lifeblood of a Quillmancer. Without the proper ink, your abilities are like a knife without a blade. I have a commission lately from Mr. Benjamin Holder, but I''ve got time to synthesize Elderwood Sap, it''ll be done in just a day."


    He gestured to a collection of pens resting on a nearby table. Each was unique in form¡ªsome were delicate, others thick and imposing, some short while others long and ornate. There were pens that resembled staves, some like ornate swords, and one that looked like a gauntlet, its fingers stretched out like claws.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "As you already know, the quality of your ink dictates the strength and precision of your magic," Feywin continued. "But it''s not just about raw power. No, no, no. It''s about balance¡ªbalance between the ink''s properties and the pen it fuels. You must choose a pen that suits your writing style. Each pen is a vessel for magic, and the ink you choose must resonate with its design. But, more on pens later. Let''s focus on the task at hand."


    Ethan and Ashley exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.


    "Now, first thing''s first," Feywin said, grabbing a small vial filled with shimmering blue powder. "The base of every good ink is Vernal Essence¡ªa rare mineral that grows only beneath the roots of the eldest trees in the forest. Not to be mistaken for Elderwood Sap of course. They are very different things. Vernal Essence is something I discovered myself, you may use other forms of binder or gum, but this is by far the safest. It''s what stabilizes the ink, preventing it from being unstable."


    He poured the Elder Sap in the cauldron first, then carefully sprinkled the powder into the large, bubbling cauldron filled with a base solution, its contents swirling as it reacted with the mineral. A soft emerald glow emanated from the liquid, and the gnome hummed with satisfaction.


    "Next," Feywin continued, "we add the Twilight Flower nectar. This delicate flower is harvested only at exactly dawn, when the mist still clings to the forest floor. That gives it a binding property, ensuring that the ingredients are cohesive rather than disjointed."


    Ashley carefully removed a small jar from her pack and handed it over to Feywin. The nectar was thick and golden, its fragrance sweet yet tinged with something earthy. It was something they had to harvest early morning before coming here.


    Feywin added a few drops to the cauldron, and the mixture began to shimmer, casting faint golden hues on the walls.


    "Now comes the most important step¡ªthe Dragon Blood Resin," Filbert said with reverence, holding up a small vial containing a viscous, crimson glowing liquid. "This resin is harvested from the ancient trees that were nurtured by a dragon''s blood. A rare occurrence, could be caused by a dragon dying a natural death, or a fight. It is the very essence of scripts that imbue power, dragons are a necessary presence in the world, keeping a delicate balance in the food chain. A lot of merchants would horde this resource en masse. Without it, your ink will lack true depth."


    "I don''t recall ever harvesting such ink" Ethan replied, a hint of worry flashed across his face.


    "And I don''t expect you to, since you are Faye''s students I''m providing it for free. But just this once," Feywin replied proudly. He slowly poured the resin into the cauldron, and the mixture began to take on a rich, crimson hue.


    Feywin paused and turned to Ethan and Ashley, his eyes gleaming. "This is the basic process of synthesizing ink. It isn''t just a mixture of ingredients. It is a reflection of the world around you, the essence of the elements themselves. It connects to you, to your intentions, to your soul. Changing an ingredient or two can vastly change the ink''s capabilities. For this particular mixture, it specializes in destruction script, therefore spells like fireball or firewall would yield the best output and will prove to be the most stable."


    "Could we still cast non destructive spells?" Ashley inquired.


    "Of course, since it has the properties of the Elderwood Sap, spells that require a long duration could work too. Like wards and buffs. But it does not have the restoration script, so spells that heal or repair will have their effects diminish or may not work at all."


    "I see..."


    The cauldron now simmered gently, its contents a glowing, swirling mass. Feywin checked the consistency, then nodded in satisfaction.


    "Tomorrow, we''ll begin the refining process. But tonight, we''ll let this mixture settle," he said, rubbing his hands together. "But there''s still one more task for you before we finish. We need to get your pens ready."


    Faye smiled, leading the group out of the hut and into the crisp evening air. "Pens, as you know, are not mere writing tools. They are magical conduits, extensions of the Quillmancer''s will. You cannot create a good ink without knowing what kind of pen you''ll use it with."


    Filbert handed Ethan and Ashley small scrolls, each one inscribed with a map. "These will lead you to the smith shop dwarven blacksmith, Gawain Stonefist. He''s the finest craftsman in the kingdom when it comes to forging pens. Whether you need a pen in the form of a staff, a sword, or something more... unusual, he''ll make it for you. Go, and return by morning."


    Ethan took a deep breath. The path ahead was still unclear, but he was ready to walk it. He was about to forge a pen¡ªa weapon¡ªcrafted specifically for him, one that would allow him to fully harness his Quillmancy.

 Chapter 15: 1 Tap, 4 Knocks, 3 Knocks

    "Make that three days. Your lackadaisical attitude towards time makes your calculations unreliable, if only you''re as good at other things as much as you''re good with the ink," Faye responded to Feywin''s time schedule.


    "You know, you gotta stop acting like you''re our mom," Feywin jests. With a sudden realization, he rummaged through one of his cabinets, pulls out a package and says "Oh, she told me to give you this. Meet you in 50 years in the protagonists'' altar, she says."


    "Mom. I wonder how she''s doing."


    "Same old. Same old," Feywin makes a sheepish grin.


    "You know how she feels about being called old, cut it out."


    "Are you, siblings perchance?" Ethan asks.


    As if to prove their relationship, both Feywin and Faye nodded in unison and said, "Yep, very much so."


    "Feywin''s adopted," Faye muses.


    "Hey! That was uncalled for!"


    "Yeah, was wondering about that. Atleast it''s clear now," said Ashley.


    "Off you go now, leave and let me synthesize in peace!" Feywin cut them off, eager to get back to ink-making.


    "I''ll stay over with Peachy, once you passed the enchantments placed on the forest, you won''t have to get worried about getting lost anymore," Faye instructed.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    It took Ethan and Ashley the entire night trying to find their way out of the enchanted forest. Strangely, none of them felt tired at all and carried on their journey.


    The sun awakens from it''s slumber, casting a long shadow across the alley as Ethan and Ashley stood before the nondescript door of the dwarven forge. It''s as if the owner doesn''t no want just anyone to find to this place. If one is to neglect the oddities, this location has a quiet elegance. A normal person would hesitate to enter, but the two of them¡ªknew that this is the location where the map is pointing at.


    "Is it just me or do you also suddenly have the urge to act noir-like?" Ethan inquired.


    "Can''t blame you, this scene looked like a setting written by Arthur-Conan Doyle himself," Ashley replied in an as-a-matter-of-fact kinda way.


    "Nah, I don''t think so. He might''ve authored Sherlock Holmes but this is¡ªwait, we''re getting sidetracked. What was the password again?"


    "One tap on the door handle four knocks on the door frame, and three knocks on the insignia," Ashley reminded him in a soft, almost conspiratorial tone.


    Ethan nodded, adjusting the leather strap on his shoulder where a neatly folded map rested. He raised his fist and knocked. The method was slow, deliberate¡ªa calculated rhythm that reverberated through the air like a secret code. Four knocks at the center, three to the right, and a quick tap on the handle. As soon as the final tap landed, the door creaked open, revealing a figure half-stepping into the dim glow of firelight that flickered from inside.


    The door itself seemed to part as if it had been waiting for them, the gentle golden etchings reflecting the warmth of the forge''s glow. The figure was a dwarf¡ªbroad-shouldered and wide, his beard braided with cleanly, in a fashion of irony, he dressed more gentlemanly than what one would expect from a name of Gawain Stonefist.


    The dwarf grunted, looking between them with a scrutinizing gaze. "You look like you''ll be needing more than just a simple pen" he muttered, more to himself than them. Then, with a grunt, Gawain waved them inside. "Come, then."


    As they entered, they were met with the overwhelming heat of the forge. Massive anvils, glowing with molten metal, stood like monoliths in a sea of firelight. The walls were lined with weapons and armor, each piece masterfully crafted and imbued with magical runes that endowed with promising power. Everything in the room was precisely placed, it felt more like an exhibit than a forge. Each item perfectly curated as though they had a purpose, waiting to be chosen by someone who truly understood their worth.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Gawain led them past rows of gleaming swords and axes, finally stopping at a large, intricately carved wooden table that was covered in an array of strange, glittering materials.


    "Wait, we were supposed to buy a pen, right?" Ashley inquired, a hint of worry in her voice.


    "And what is a pen if not a tool for encoding scripts in the narrative? Look closely young lady, none of these are mere blades, I assure you they are a pen in their own right," the dwarf proudly replied. "Not all Quillmancers are casters like the two of you, others prefer a more direct approach to combat."


    Casters? So there are other classes for Quillmancers?


    "So... armor first, or weapons?" the dwarf asked, his eyes glinting with a knowing smile.


    Ethan turned toward Ashley, who tilted her head slightly. "Armor," she said, her voice light, as if the decision were already made.


    "Armor it is," the dwarf grunted, walking to a nearby set of cabinets. He pulled out a piece of armor that seemed to shimmer like liquid silver¡ªalmost like scales, but far more delicate in design. "For you, the lightest. Precision is key, yes?"


    Ethan''s fingers hovered over a strange armor that looked like hardened mercury. The material warm to the touch, shifting under his fingertips as though it was alive.


    "What''s it made of?"


    "Mithril."


    Ethan nodded in approval. He recalled his past readings, he thought to himself, if Tolkien spoke highly of it, then it must be a material of excellent quality.


    "It''s light weight property and high durability doesn''t hinder movement," the dwarf said, clearly pleased with his choice. "With this, you''ll move with ease while not sacrificing defense. This material can be slid in the seams of clothing, all you need is a skilled tailor who''s adept at defensive apparels. A peculiar pair like you doesn''t strike me as someone who fancies tough armor. A more casual design would be best."


    A set of silver-black bracers and leather boots followed, runes glowing faintly over the surface. "The bracers are enchanted with Samson''s strength. Does not really grant you the strength of Samson but it allows you to temporarily double your strength stat for five minutes. The boots on the other hand, triggers its mighty leap enchantment when you activate its enchantment. You''d be able to leap twice your speed once per day for five minutes."


    "Now, weapons," the dwarf continued, his eyes flicking toward the far side of the room. A rack of daggers, curved blades, and even a few staves stood ready. "Something for precision, yes?"


    Ashley was already stepping toward a corner of the room, where a collection of shape-shifting tools lay in neat rows¡ªdarts, needles, and a variety of enchanted blades that seemed to pulse with their own quiet magic. She ran her fingers over the edges of a small, curved dagger, which seemed to hum in response to her touch.


    "This one," Ashley said softly, picking up the blade. It flickered for a moment, then shifted in her hand, the a rather innocuous crimson pen. The moment she touches it, the pen elongated into a slender, serpentine shape as it playfully coils around guided by her will.


    The dwarf raised an eyebrow. "Ah, a shifting pen. For the one who likes to move freely." He reached out and touched the dagger''s hilt with a soft tap, and the blade shimmered before returning to its original shape. "The crimson one''s are said to be the most temperamental, you think you can handle it?"


    "Not a problem," Ashley states with utmost confidence.


    "Now, for you," the dwarf said, turning back to Ethan.


    Ethan didn''t hesitate. He walked toward a smaller table where an ominous spear rested, long and meticulously balanced, its golden edge resembling the nib of a fountain pen. He could feel its weight in the air before he even touched them. He picked it up, he could feel the magic of the pen subtly aligning with his own energy, as if it was becoming an extension of himself.


    "Precision," the dwarf muttered. "That will serve you well. Light as air, but just as lethal. I trust it''ll meet your standards."


    Ethan gave a slight nod, spun the spear around his body. Each movement was fluid, calculated, precise. It felt like this weapon was tailored for him.


    Ashley''s eyes twinkled as she surveyed him, her shifting pen now securely fastened around her waist like a belt. "You look ready," she said, her voice carrying a playful edge.


    Ethan''s lips curled into the faintest of smiles. "It feels edgy, I can feel my teenage angst reawakening."


    As they turned to leave the forge, the dwarf called after them. "If trouble finds you, make sure to take care of my creations. They''re not just weapons¡ªthey''re investments."


    Satisfied with the items bought, they paid the dwarf three large platinum coins just as Feywin instructed.


    "You sure this is enough? You''re services are excellent today. I''d feel bad under paying such high quality material," Ethan inquired.


    "Dwarven coins don''t lose their value, I assure you this is more than enough. If you insist on leaving a tip, just send my regards to the meddling elf," Gawain replied.


    The door closed behind them, the soft click of the latch echoing in the stillness. The morning air was warm. Now they only need to find a seamstress skilled enough to include Mithril into their clothing, and, of course, to make them look fashionable.

 Chapter 16: Tailored for Combat

    After a day''s worth of travel, Ethan and Ashley found themselves back at Feywin''s workshop, the dense scent of ink still hanging in the air from the previous night. The duo had finally made their way from the heart of civilization back to the enchanted forest¨C this time with more ease than they previously had. With the Mithril armor and writing weapons in tow, they entered through the heavy door, greeted by Faye''s eager smile.


    "Good, you''re back. Oooh Mithril, didn''t know Gawain had some in stock, those are incredibly sought after, he must''ve had a liking on you. Hmmmn, I trust the forest wasn''t too troublesome?" Faye said, her voice warm and inviting. "And Feywin''s ink has finished synthesizing too, we''ll need to get those pens filled and perhaps go to the tailor tomorrow."


    "Yeah, the forest was a breeze¡ªdefinitely not the longest trek we''ve ever had," Ethan responded, running a hand through his hair. He looked over at Ashley, who was mentally coiling and uncoiling her pen around her arm, allowing it to slither freely as if it was alive, clearly pleased with her new weapon.


    "Great, the ink''s finally ready," Faye said, gesturing to the jars of dark, swirling liquid that sat neatly on a workbench. There was a starry shimmer in the jet black ink. "Now, let''s get those pens filled up."


    Faye picked up her own staff and whispered the spell "¦Ï¦Ì¦Á¦Ë?¦Í¦Ø (omalyno)." The staff transformed into a sleek silver fountain pen. From the table and demonstrated the process. "Here, you''ll notice a small screw at the back of the pen. Open it like this¡­" She twisted the end of the pen, revealing the cartridge inside. "Once it''s exposed, carefully slide the ink cartridge into place, making sure it fits properly."


    Ethan watched carefully as Faye continued, her practiced fingers expertly unscrewing the pen. "I assume the process is similar to fountain pens back home?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Exactly," Faye confirmed, offering him a wink. "Only, with Quillmancy pens, there''s a magical resonance between the wielder, the ink and the pen. Now you try it."


    "¦Ï¦Ì¦Á¦Ë?¦Í¦Ø (omalyno)," Ethan and Ashley casted, their pen returning to their fountain pen forms. Ethan''s spear was a dark blue fountain pen with golden etchings and a golden nib. It felt cold to the touch. Ashley''s on the other hand is a rather luxurious crystal pen, its design was translucent blend of ice and flame, this pen exudes a gentle warmth when touched.


    Faye continued, "Now, for the filling process¡ªonce the cartridge is in, simply apply pressure here at the base, like so." She demonstrated the slight squeeze that made the ink flow from the vial and into the pen.


    Ethan and Ashley mimicked her actions, carefully threading the pen''s cartridge into place. The ink soak through the nib, and a soft pulse of magic resonated over the handle. Ethan paused for a moment, feeling the connection between the ink and the pen, before twisting the end cap shut.


    Ashley, always the quick learner, remarks, "This feels... different," she muttered, twirling it between her fingers. "Like it''s alive."


    "It will be, in its own way," Faye smiled. "The more you use your Quill, the more it will respond to your thoughts. Just remember to keep it in good condition."


    With the pens now prepared and the ink settled, Faye gave them a nod of approval. "All done. Now, you''ll want to look the part. After we arrive on town tomorrow, I''ll let you look around for a tailor. You''ll have to use your own money for this one, I have a feeling that I have spend enough for both of you."


    "Don''t worry about it. We saved quite a bit doing bronze rank quests, we just wanted to get out of this forest soon," Ethan assured her.


    "About time, we''re tired of carrying bags. We can finally use our spatial storage once we get out of this forest," Ashley replied.


    ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C


    After asking around town gathering intel about the best seamstress in town, Ethan and Ashley found themselves at the porch of a rather shabby store. It''s eaves rundown by the ravages of natural wear and tear, the floor creaked a little to loud for comfort, and with a rusty iron sign swaying in the breeze. The place did not exude an air of craftsmanship, rumors has it that because of their outrageous pricing, customers rarely come to this place.


    "Was this the right call? We could still go back," Ashley said, displeased by the current state of the shop.


    "My gut is telling me this place makes high quality armor. Think about it, how come everybody complains about their outrageous pricing and yet still remain in business? The quality is likely to meet the price," Ethan replied, his voice wavered a bit, yet he was steadily gaining confidence as he continued to reason. There is a signage saying No Pets Allowed Inside, so they decided to make Peachy wait by the door.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As they entered the shop, they were greeted by the sound of sewing machines clicking and the unmistakable hum of enchanted fabric being woven. The room was filled with light, coming from large windows with sunbeams filtering through the translucent curtains. The scent of fresh linen, leather, and metal mingled in the air.


    Standing behind a large, elegant cutting table was a tall Satyr with horns that curved like a ram''s, his muscular build and graceful posture standing in stark contrast to the delicate work he was engaged in. His eyes twinkled with a knowing, almost mischievous glint.


    "We should just get rid of the tattered roofs and leave it as is, let the sun beams come in," the satyr speaks to a hare-kin who seems to be his secretary.


    "But sir! What if it rains? We can''t cut corners with the budget for the roof," the hare-kin worriedly replied.


    "Buying a roof will put our business on the red. Besides, rain dampens creativity, we must not work at all when it rains or our product suffers quality!" The satyr retorted.


    "Ehem," Ethan awkwardly coughs, announcing their presence.


    The satyrs'' gaze flicked between Ethan and Ashley with an appraising, almost predatory look. "Aha! here comes the budget for the roof! My name is Tristan Tailor, I am known by many names, The Swift, Tailor Extraordinaire, the Most Handsome Satyr Alive, but you can call me Tristan. How may I be of service?"


    Ethan and Ashley exchanged glances. Ethan said, stepping forward, took out the mithril from his spatial storage. The metal gleamed gloriously in the light of the sun.


    Tristan''s eyes widened slightly as he took in the shimmering substance. "Mithril, no less. You''ve done well. This is going to make for some fantastic work. That''ll be 123 gold... 8 silvers... and 25 coppers."


    The duo was left speechless, how does he know the exact amount of money we have? down to the last copper!


    As if noticing their hesitation, Tristan added, "If you buy now that''ll be the price for both armor! and I''ll make it stylish!


    "Uhm... Okay?" Ashley, who was handling their finances replied with what seems like a question.


    At a nod from Tristan, his crew of halflings¡ªeach dressed in simple yet well-tailored outfits¡ªbegan to move around them, pulling bolts of fabric, gathering tools, and preparing the space. It was like watching a well-oiled machine in action, each halfling moving with precision as they prepared to craft.


    "We''ll need to take some measurements," Tristan said, motioning to a nearby changing room. "Go ahead and strip down, I''ll get started on the designs."


    The fitting process was swift and efficient. Ethan stood still, while the halflings draped mithril-infused cloth around his frame, measuring the seams of his body with precision. Tristan worked quickly, sketching designs in the air with his fingers, leaving trails of glowing lines that solidified into patterns.


    Quillmancy. No wonder he''s skilled¨C he wasn''t an ordinary tailor at all!


    Ethan''s gaze remained steady, the seriousness of his expression making him appear like a figure of authority. Tristan''s hands worked with practiced ease, threading mithril into the seams of Ethan''s jacket, the material cool to the touch, but almost weightless. When it was finished, Ethan stood in front of the mirror.


    The result was striking. His long black coat had a sharp, tailored look, with reinforced mithril hidden in the seams and underneath the sleeves. The metal didn''t weigh him down; instead, it seemed to enhance his fluidity, giving him an air of deadly grace. The bracers fit snugly over his forearms, the runes pulsing softly with a faint glow.


    "You''ll be able to move fast and strike harder than most," Tristan said, stepping back to admire his work. "But you''ll still look like a gentleman. Very fitting for a teacher who hides a spear under his coat."


    Ethan gave a faint smile. "How''d you know?"


    "You burn the midnight oil by bringing your academic tasks at home which explains your baggy eyes, the calluses on your writing fingers and your slouched back¡ªa deformity common with desk jobs. You can''t take your desk job at home unless you work at the academy. At first I thought you could be employed to any commoner day job, however, your conduct and demeanor was a dead give away of your ability to exercise authority when needed. You can''t be a noble as well, your funds proved to be a little... lacking. Need I say more?"


    "Impressive." Ethan remarked while thinking to himself his reading macro skill must be on another level.


    Ashley, on the other hand, was already swishing around in front of a mirror. Her outfit was distinctly different from Ethan''s: a casual, form-fitting tunic with a slight shimmer to it, paired with light mithril armor that blended seamlessly with her look. The bracers, designed for agility rather than raw power, glinted under the light. A pair of sleek leather boots finished off the look, perfect for someone who preferred speed and precision over brute force.


    "How do you feel?" Tristan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Cool," Ashley said with a grin. "Like a smart woman with a secret."


    Tristan raises an eyebrow, showed a deliberate glance at Ethan then looked at Ashley back. "Doesn''t look like much of a secret, does it?"


    "Shush. You''re too smart for your own good."


    "I''m clever. That teacher is the smart one, yet too dense to notice your feelings," with a sly grin he calls out to Ethan, "Professor, what is your take on students who are SMITTEN by their teacher?"


    "Nah, that just feels wrong," Ethan unceremoniously replied.


    Tristan gives Ashley a teasing look.


    "Well? I was his assistant but never his student," Ashley triumphantly replies.


    Stepping back. Tristan changes the subject, "You two look ready. When you need to make an impression, or when you need to make a quick getaway, you''ll be set."


    The halflings stepped forward to add the finishing touches¡ªadjusting collars, adding hidden pockets, and even a few subtle enchantments to keep the clothing lightweight and resistant to wear. In just a few minutes, the tailoring was complete.


    As Ethan and Ashley prepared to leave, Tristan handed them a two more sets of their armor each with a slightly different design, "You''re our first customers in a long while, consider this a gesture of goodwill, I made sure to use all the Mithril you brought," Tristan explained with a wink.


    As they stepped out into the cool evening air, they felt an overwhelming sense of readiness. Whatever the day brought, they were prepared. They had the tools. They had the attire. And now, they were one step closer to whatever fate had in store for them.

 Chapter 17: Limitations & Restrictions

    Aptly dubbed as the town that rarely sleeps, Golden Vale is the extravagant name of the capital of King Khayil''s domain. It is a place where people go to relax, gamble their life''s savings, and indulge in days and nights of reckless revelry. Every form of entertainment that the denizens of this world would enjoy is found in this renowned location.


    While they were out buying armor, their mentor was also busy buying fancy clothes. They eventually met in one of the streets. Not to be outdone by the stylish outfits of Ethan and Ashley¡ªFaye struts by with a dangerous yet alluring charm, her extravagant dress unapologetically accentuates her mature figure. The sheer beauty of the elf was commanding and otherworldly.


    Ethan felt an uncontrollable rush well up inside of him, his blood heated up to a degree where he felt his throat dry up. Having been in a long term relationship, there wasn''t another woman who had made him this


    thirsty aside from his ex. Although he tried to maintain his composure and tried to suppress his urges, he was left at the mercy of his reddening skin and rapid breathing. He became the embodiment of relentless flame, restlessly flickering under a gale wind. As if his body could no longer wait what his mind has already decided.


    Unable to hold any longer, Ethan tells Ashley, "I-I am going for a walk."


    Ashley, equally dumbfounded by the indescribable beauty of their elven mentor, replied, "She''s beautiful."


    "I know. I''ll be back in a jiffy."


    Faye basking in her own vanity, trips over a rock which momentarily shakes Ashley off from a dreamlike stupor. Faye composes herself and ask, "Where''s your professor going, young lady?"


    "He said he needed to take a walk."


    "Well, you should go with him, he looks like someone who''ll easily get lost. Don''t forget to have fun."


    "How exactly? Everything in this town costs money and we''re broke!" Ashley shuddered as she recalls how Tristan scammed them off of their money.


    "Aha, so that explains the fine clothe like armor. Lady, there''s nothing wrong with spending your life savings on fashion."


    "Is that an advice for me or more for you?"


    Faye fell silent with the sudden realization. She might''ve spent her life savings for fashion all in one day. I should probably take on another platinum ranked quest, she muses to herself. "ANYWAAAY, you should begun studying general topics and spells for your rank-up exam," Faye states, deliberately dismissing the previous topic. She hands her over two books, each containing the topics she mentioned before.


    "You know, for a pair of newbies, things have been quite easy for us. There''s the occasional life and death scenarios but so far, you''ve guided us to everything we needed to do. So¡­ Thank you," Ashley says bashfully, genuinely grateful to their unexpected mentor.


    "I haven''t done much. It''s standard for mentors to help their prot¨¦g¨¦s the best way they can, after all, the survival rate of practical examiners is quite low. This is why silvers are considered fully fledged adventurers," Faye replied with a heavy heart. "As much as we could, we''d like to make the lives of bronze adventurers an easy one. I have already lost a mentee before."


    "I¡­ I''m sorry to hear that. I''ve heard rumors about the practical exams while adventuring on my own. It has deterred most adventurers from ranking up past bronze III."


    Faye nodded, "Indeed. I have no doubts you''ll pass the written exam, as for the practical one, you don''t have to take it. You''ll still get the ring upgraded even without the practical exam, perhaps another year¡ª"


    "Parallax isn''t going to wait for a year. I''ve seen the Night Brigade fend off his forces night after night. By the time we take the practical exam following the safe route, those little skirmishes would''ve already scaled


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.to an all-out war," Ethan comes into view, his face still flushed with a slight redness and inadvertedly avoiding Fayes'' gaze.


    "Suit yourself," Faye noticing Ethan blushing leans over and flicks his forehead.


    "Awww!" Ethan blurted in surprise.


    "I''m old enough to be your great great great great grandma, take your mind out of the gutter."


    "I''m trying, okay?"


    "Good enough."


    Ashley chuckles heartily and passes a book to Ethan. The trio walked back to the tavern as Ethan was briefed about the two types of


    ranking exam for aspiring silver adventurers.


    ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C


    The afternoon was warm as the busy streets bustled with food and entertainment. Performers of all shapes and sizes adorned the streets like birds with colorful plumes¨C painting a canvass with a lively jubilation, art, and music. Ethan wistfully sees all this from the tavern balcony while Ashley sat on the table beside a piping hot tea. Using their renowned mentors'' name Faye Asfalis¨C who is a patron and a regular of the best tavern in Golden Vale, the duo was given a voucher to enjoy the various amenities the place has to offer for a span of two days¡ª just enough time before the silver rank exams officially begins.


    Holding the book on one hand, she gets off the table, lies down the elongated chair, walks around, climbs the railing, swings around the poles that support the balcony eaves¨C all while mumbling spells and information; this was her way of memorizing the contents of the book. Her body just as active as the thoughts that race through her creative mind.


    "Professor?"


    Ethan does not respond.


    "Hey, elf fanatic!"


    Again, no response.


    "I- lov¨C, no way I''m saying that."


    Ethan remained as motionless as a brick.


    "Helloooo? Anybody home?..." Ashley speaks directly at Ethan''s face.


    "Yes of course! Who is it?" Ethan responded as he reaches for an imaginary door knob and subconsciously opens it, only to be awoken from a trance-like stupor.


    "Woah, that was weird," Ashley says while raising an eyebrow.


    "Oh, sorry. I could get really immersed while reframing and storing memory," Ethan replied.


    "What''s gotten into you? Aren''t you supposed to be studying?"


    "Indeed I am. It''s a method called Memory Palace. We each have a different way of studying, although the concept is just the same."


    "How so?"


    "The way a person usually remember things is by associating it with something, for you, that means overloading your memory with senses, that''s why you move around, smell, see, and touch a lot of things. You remember


    better when you involve a lot of your senses."


    "And how does your memory palace work exactly?"


    "Oh it''s like putting stuff in a house that I can enter anytime I please, if I need something, like an information about a spell for example¡ªI''ll just go inside and take it out."


    "Weird."


    "¨CBut effective, I always ace my exams this way."


    "What happens when there''s no more space in a room? And won''t you sometimes get it mixed up?"


    "Oh that''s easy. Just open another room and leave it there. Now that I think of it, I started with a room, now I have an entire palace to


    myself," Ethan chuckles clearly proud of his accomplishment.


    "Meh, sounds too complicated. Besides, does it really work?" Ashley, unconvinced fires off some questions:


    "What''s the capital of Aetherland?"


    "Golden Vale, geez gimme something difficult."


    "What is King Khayil known for?"


    "For splitting the Translucent Sea, the area remained split to this day."


    "What''s the incantation for hurling a ball of exploding fire?"


    [ Lexical Reservoir 119 / 120 ]


    "¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda)" Ethan answered excitedly unknowingly encoding the fireball script.


    "Dispel it!" Ashley screamed panicking.


    "I CAN''T"


    "What do you mean you can''t? Quillmancers can dispel wheatever they encoded! Hah! That''s basic knowledge!" Ashley grins convinced she found a flaw to Ethans'' memorization strategy.


    "I knew about it, I''m telling you that I CAN''T."


    A flash of realization suddenly dawned over Ashley. Recalling the times she tried to summon using lines from literature and fails to focus every single time. That means, Ethan has a weakness too, he can''t undo his own spells. None of those mishaps are a coincidence she thought to herself now understanding secret nature of their limitations.


    Not wanting to release the spell on the streets, Ethan raises his arms up high and throws the ball of fire into the air just a few moments before¡­ BOOM! A resounding explosion in the sky silenced the festivities for a moment, everyone looked over their direction.


    Ashley''s quick thinking saved them as she yelled, "That''s all folks! Thank you for watching the show!" a round of applause came from everyone, some townsfolk threw gold coins at them, while others threw flowers believing they just finished a street performance.


    Both of them decided to spend a bit of time for introspection and reflection as they compare and analyzed each of their capabilities. They weren''t as strong as they thought they were, and how having limitations that could backfire on them during the practical exam, they needed to find ways to mitigate the effects of these newfound weaknesses.


    "We should probably have a practical exam of our own before the actual exam," Ashley mutters.


    "Agreed, we only have two days left. There should be a place where we could test these out," Ethan replied, his hand was shaking, but his eyes shed a glint of excitement.

 Chapter 18: The Gilded Facade

    Ashley''s heart pounded in her chest as she faced her first adversary, a hooded figure with the monicker of ''fire-demon'' known for his relentless fire attacks. He wielded a paintbrush as his weapon of choice.


    How unconventional Ashley''s thought raced as she uncoiled her pen from her waist which acted as a fashionable belt.


    "Fascinating! I haven''t met an adversary who''s skilled at petty tricks, say, if I win that pen is mine yes?" the fire demon chuckles as he summons an inkstone filled to the brim with melted ink.


    The underground arena referee signals for the duel to start.


    Ashley''s thought raced, he must be confident, I should dodge first


    "¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda) encore x5!" fire demon shouted, five balls of fire shot in rapid succession.


    [ Macro Skill: Reading (Master) ]


    Ashley''s pupils dilated, revealing the trajectory of each shot. She spins mid-air, confident of her athleticism. The balls of fire flew past her, exploding behind as she lands to gracefully.


    The fire demon fakes shocked expression which Ashley misread as an opening. She made a beeline straight to him while brandishing her pen like a whip.


    "I activate my trump card, "¦Ê¦Á¦È¦Ô¦Ò¦Ó?¦Ñ¦Ç¦Ò¦Ç ¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda kathyst¨¦risi)" an explosion erupted from underneath her path sending her flying a few feet up.


    A roar of cheer erupted from the crowd, everyone seems to have placed their bets on the fire demon, with the odds of 100-0 in favor of Ashley''s adversary. Coming in the underground arena, the duo already knew something was off but decided to brush it off.


    "THAT''S CHEATING!" Ethan screamed from the bleachers. He knew that it was impossible to trigger a delayed explosion if the spell hasn''t been encoded beforehand. He surmises that the entire arena must be rigged with explosions.


    Nobody minds him though, the audience just laughed at his naivety. The referee shook his head, as if to say You should''ve known, anything goes in an underground arena...


    Ashley wanted to use her own cheats as well, her transformations could give her a gamblers'' edge; but this was meant to be a learning exercise¡ªfor them to get used to the usual rules in order to use that knowledge to augment their unique abilities. While she was falling from the she twisted her body by turning her pen into a giant fan, gazed upon the fire demon who was about to cast another volley of burning projectiles, sees the inkstone and recalling what the book taught them about magical inks, she suddenly had a brilliant idea.


    Her pen slithered swiftly like a viper catching its prey, its'' tip landing over the exposed ink, she whispered barely audible so the audience remains oblivious of the incantation "Til a'' the seas gang dry... and the rocks melt wi'' the sun... ¦Î¦Ç¦Ñ?? (xir¨®s)!" quoting a line from Robert Burns'' A Red, Red Rose.


    The ink hardened as if it had been exposed under the heat of the scorching sun. The fire demon now genuinely flabbergasted screamed, "MAGICAL INK CAN''T BE AFFECTED BY OTHER MAGICAL INK SPELLS, YOU CHEATER! WHAT DID YOU DO?!" in his frustration, he used his Lexical Reservoir to fire another volley.


    "Last time I checked, it''s completely legal to use soul ink and ancient script. Too bad poor demon can''t afford to find an ancient tome?" Ashley pouted as she mockingly replied easily dodging the fire volley as she did the first time. After two more volleys, the fire demon''s reservoir has completely depleted.


    "It''s the end of the line for you, ¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda) encore x5!" Ashley reiterated the fire demons'' signature spell this time using her soul ink.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir 230 / 250 ]


    She turns back before the volley hits the fire demon, explosions erupted in her wake. "So it costs 20 LRP. Too bad you only had 60 LRP to your name. What a loser," Ashley muses. Ethan raises a fist as she passes and gives a fist bump as a response.


    Ethan was next. He did a minor stretch and jog in place as he expectantly glances over the opponents'' entrance but no one came. The announcer makes a frantic announcement.


    "This arena is for commoners looking to earn a quick buck, the likes of you are NOT welcomed here. Bunch of aristocrats leeching off daddy''s money! The arena is officially closed for the day, we''ll resume when there no more NOBLES who look down on people."


    "I appreciate the pun but we''re not nob¨C" Ethan tried to dissuade when someone in the crowd cut him off "He can''t even take accountability but he likes to take taxes? That''s ballsy coming from a noble!"


    People begun to chant, "NO BALLS! NOBLE! NO BALLS! NOBLE!..." disdain and hatred plastered all over their faces as a deep-rooted anger burst out in that fateful moment. The negative emotions palpable in the evening air.


    "Let''s just get out of here. Sore losers, all of them..." Ashley taps Ethan''s shoulder as they walk away, while being thrown all sorts of things by a disgruntled crowd.


    Back in the luxurious inn, Ethan went to bed early, clearly dissatisfied with their trainings'' outcome. Ashley knocks on his door asking, "Professor, you... Uh... Need something? Anything?"


    Defeated, Ethan grudgingly replied, "Misery loves company, go away before you get affected with my bad luck."


    Ashley knew how setbacks affects someone like Ethan. He had seen him get qualified for an international writing competition once, but had to turn it down because the institution won''t give him a paid leave. At the time, he needed the money to pay a loan, so he chose work over something he genuinely enjoyed. He was dejected for a month, knowing that opportunities like that don''t come knocking twice, but, he really needed to pay that loan.


    Ashley tried to comfort him, "It wasn''t your fault, you know. If I hadn''t teased him, then you would''ve¨C"


    "I keep telling you I''m not in the habit of blaming others, get some sleep kid," Ethan cuts her off.


    "You once told me that I had to grow up and stop blaming my parents for everything I hated in life," she hesitated as her own tragic past flashed backed in her head. So many people comforted her with kind words, the maids, the gardener, her aunts, her friends, her favorite teacher; and yet, with her family''s influence, no one really tried to help her.


    Mustering the courage to speak her mind, she continued, "You should grow up too. And no, I''m not a kid. With all due respect, professor, you can''t push me away, I get to decide what I''ll do, and I''ve decided to stay here."


    Sighing, Ethan opens the door. "I give up. I wanted to bask in melancholy but a GROWN UP woman just won''t stay away from my damn door... You... want some snacks?"


    Almost immediately, Ashley stands up and happily walks in the room, "Midnight snacks, yey!"


    Ethan, leaves the door open and pulls out a basket of pixie tarts, a snack he bought from one of the food stalls earlier. It had a buttery golden crust, inside, the tart is filled with velvety cream bought from the elusive Pixie Conclaves. It''s rarity is the main reason why it costs 3 gold coins each. Atleast, that''s what the vendor told Ethan.


    He glanced at Ashley who sat cross-legged at the foot of the bed. Happily munching on the Pixie Tarts. "Not a kid, huh," Ethan chuckles, the weight in his chest easing up.


    "Pi-che?"


    Ethan and Ashley glanced at the door, flabbergasted over the sudden realization that Peachy had wandered off since they entered the tailor shop yesterday, they were too engrossed with equipping themselves that they barely noticed him gone.


    "Goodness! where have you been?!" Ashley lifts him up and gives him a warm hug.


    "Piche! Pi-Piche! Pi-Pi-Pi-che!" the penguin replied while making big gestures with his flappers and waddling its tail.


    "What do I need to do to finally understand him?" Ethan asks.


    "He''s not your familiar, instead of a direct translation, it''s more like a telephatic link, more like, I know what he means, not word for word," Ashley replied as Peachy continuously regaled her with his day out.


    "So, what did he say?"


    "Haha, this little guy said he stopped parallax from infiltrating through the sewers! This wee thing? stopped Parallax? So cute!"


    Ethan gives a hearty laugh, "Oh that''s the best thing I heard all day! Peachy you made me day!" Ethan offers him a tart but the penguin looks away. Dejected by the fact that none of them believe him.


    "Pi-Che!"


    "Of course we believe you! Our little cuddly hero saved the day!" Ashley rubs her cheeks over the baby penguin, it relents and started to enjoy the cuddle.


    "We should start dressing up our little hero then?" Ethan excitedly suggests.


    "Great idea!"


    The duo, tacitly agreed to set their worries aside and scrambled through their inventory looking for suitable apparels for the baby penguin¡ªmore than relieved that they haven''t lost this adorable bundle of joy.


    Just like that, another adventuring day concluded.

 Chapter 19: Pawns of Chaos

    The previous scene fades with Ethan and Ashley making their final preparations for the exam while keeping a watchful eye over Peachy''s whereabouts fearing he would have another one of his his escapades.


    We momentarily pan out from Ethan and Ashley''s point of view and delve deep within the damp and cramp location of Aetherland''s prison. Usually bustling with the chatter of prisoners and the occasional screams of torment¡ªthe place is now shrouded with indescribable silence, almost as if, something sinister is afoot.


    The stench of wet earth and stagnant water hung in the air as the last of the cell doors clang open. A small group of poachers, hunched and ragged from weeks of confinement, walked out into the dimly lit subterranean hall. Their faces, lined with the hard marks of a life lived at the edge of law and survival, has vengeance written all over it.


    "Wild Rose, you''ll pay for this," says a burly man while changed into a freshly tailored black and white suit.


    "Don''t forget about the guy she''s with, boss. I''ll cut that son of a bitch and make a smoothie out of his gut," one of his cronies said.


    "The Chaos Observer sends its regards," came the terse statement from the man who had opened the cells¡ªa tall, gaunt figure hunching over them, his face barely noticeable under the dark hood, save for the scar that traced down his jaw. He wiped his hands on his coat, the faint gleam of steel at his waist catching the low light. "Consider yourselves free. You belong to him now."


    The contradicting statement hung in the air like an omen.


    "To who?" asked another crony, a woman with short-cropped hair and a face that had seen too many cruel days. She rubbed at her wrists, raw from the shackles, casting a wary glance around the underground hall.


    He didn''t answer right away, as if the question itself was beneath him. Instead, he moved to a heavy wooden cabinet where several stacks of grimy papers were piled. He rifled through them for a moment, then casually slid some documents in his trench coat. Finally, he gazed back at them, his eyes gleaming with a cold understanding. "Parallax. You owe him a lifetime of servitude."


    Before the poachers could negotiate, a fresh stench assailed their senses, putting them on the verge of puking. Looking around, they noticed where the smell came frome¡ªa warden slumped over a chair who''s skin is abnormally pale, with a face caved in and barely identifiable. On the pathway next to him two more bodies lay mangled uncharacteristically, visible hand marks suggests they were violently and forcefully twisted.


    "The terror of crimson peaks? I thought he never leaves his domain? What does he want with us? We''re not some kind of high-class assassins or thieves. We''re poachers. Simple folk."


    The gaunt man''s lips twitched into something like a smile, though his hardened cheeks prevented the curve from touching his eyes. "You''ll be surprised how much someone will pay for the things you do. But first, you''re going to prove yourselves. Make no mistake, you''re his now. And the only way out is in pieces."


    The group of poachers shuddered as the looked back at the warden''s lifeless corpse.


    The woman spoke again, her voice more shaky this time, though it barely cracked the tension in the room. "You said free. You said we''re free. How is this free?"


    There was a long pause before the gaunt man answered. "Little girl, freedom is a social construct, no one is truly free. As long as one lives one is always a slave to something. Besides, you''re not a working for him pers¨¦, not really. You''re working to save your life. If you''re lucky, you''ll survive long enough to experience what I can do when I want something," the man''s voice now breathy, likened to a predator seeing meat for the first time,"If you''re unlucky¡ª"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Stop," the burly man interjected, his voice rising. "We''ve heard enough. Just tell us what we''re doing."


    The gaunt man exhaled sharply and nodded, his hands moving swiftly to a map spread across the table. "Golden Vale will be holding a practical exam for adventurers soon, that is when you''ll plant these."


    A bag of a thousand gold and a stack of papers with strange intricate magical glyphs was handed to them.


    The gaunt man grins as he issues a challenge, "You can of course, decide to run away with the money, OR you can get this initial payment and enjoy being in the front seat of what''s about to go down. The choice is yours."


    "What''s so important about these bronze adventurers?"


    "A bunch of newbies has seen what Parallax can do, he wants to nip them in the bud while they''re still weak. If things go south, you can drink this potion," the gaunt man hands them a vial of lime liquid each¨C a lively tentacle squirmed ominously inside.


    The poachers were hesitant to receive the unsightly vial of green ooze, the gaunt man smirk then sweetens the deal, "I heard that an adventurer who goes by the name of wild rose will be participating. Ring any bells?"


    "We''ll do it," the burly man grabs the potion, now bearing a stout and resolute expression. Determined to exact their revenge, the cronies have expressed their commitment as well.


    The gaunt man''s grin widens as the burly man grabs the potion. There''s a gleam in his eyes, something that dances like a predator sizing up prey, his fingers tapping the vial lightly. "Good," he murmurs, his voice sounded as dominant as his frame.


    The poachers exchange uneasy glances, but their resolve doesn''t waver. The gold and the promise of revenge outweigh the fear and worry gnawing at the deep recesses of their heart.


    "We''ll take care of the bronze adventurers" the burly man says, his voice low and confident, though a slight tremor betrays his unease. His eyes narrow in thought as he glances down at the vial. "But what''s this really about? Why not just deal with these so-called ''bronze adventurers'' on your own, if they''re such a threat?"


    The gaunt man''s expression shifts, just for a moment¡ªlike he''s had to answer this question many times before. His eyes flicker with impatience, but he remains calm, composed. "Because the boss has bigger things on his plate than chasing down every weakling who thinks they can change the world. You can handle the mess before it becomes a problem."


    The poachers have heard of Parallax¡ªno one in their business hasn''t. A name whispered with both fear and admiration. A creature who manipulates outcomes from the shadows, pulling strings that no one even knows were there.


    The poachers exchange another look, this one more deliberate. Everyone wants power, as insignificant as the poachers are, they too, wanted to take a swig from the metaphorical chalice that this villain so readily offers, but the real question is whether they''re willing to pay the price for it.


    "And if we fail?" The burly man asks, his brow. He might be resolute, but he isn''t stupid. He knows that with Parallax involved, failure could come at a steep cost.


    "Stupid question, say sorry before I run out of patience," the gaunt man replies, his voice lowering, a shadow crossing his face.


    "Uhm... we''re sorry?" the burly man replied.


    "Good. I was about you pull you apart. Hmmmn... But in off chance you somehow manage to screw this up, well, Parallax has a reliable method of making people¡­ disappear." He lets the threat hang between them for a moment before continuing. "But I''m sure you won''t fail, pfft! Come on, with your life on the line, how could you?"


    His tone shifts again, almost patronizing. "That''s why I''m giving you a head start. A chance to take out the weak ones first before Parallax steps in personally."


    The poachers were uncertain whether to trust this man or not. One thing is for certain, between the choice of dying at the hands of this terrifying man or dying later, the choice has already been decided even before they made up their minds. Even if there was no way out, at the very least, there was a way forward.


    "Let''s get this over with," the burly man says, his voice firm. "No more waiting around. We go now."


    The gaunt man watches them go, his smile never faltering. As the door swings shut behind them, he takes a slow breath and exhales through his nose. This was only the beginning. What would happen next, he wasn''t sure. He taps on a magical transceiver and a dark voice responds from the other end:


    "Have we managed to procure the pawns?" the dark voice impatiently inquired.


    "Things are progressing just as you predicted boss," the gaunt man replied. There was a moment of silence before a maniacal laugh echoed from the other end of the transceiver. The gaunt man patiently waited the laughter to subside before he continued, "Shall we proceed to phase 2?"


    "Very well. The pawns are on the move, its time to plant the mole," the dark voice trails off, ending the correspondence.

 Chapter 20: Miss Trust

    The night before the exams...


    "Lure it in! We can''t lose such monster of unranked rarity," clad in black uniform and a dark green cape, a figure with a crying mask is standing over the branch of a sturdy oaken tree. The acronym A.S.S. (Aetherland Secret Service) is written over patch on his left arm. He''s yelling orders to his teammates. "Just right over there, now comes the acting!"


    A flaming tiger pounces over another mask figure wearing the same apparel. The figure was expertly performing an act of vulnerability. Just as the tiger was about to reach the mask figure, several ropes come flying in¡ªentangling the tigers limbs momentarily keeping it mid-air. The tigers roars as its flaming skin grew brighter and hotter slowly burning its constraints. Just as it was about to break free, four more mask figures rushed on all four sides assembling a makeshift cage below it. The constraints were released allowing the tiger to fall in the cage effectively locking it in place.


    It roared and thrashed all while its flames kept burning bright. But to no avail. the cage remained intact with no dents and unaffected by the heat.


    "Finally, after several days of planning and hunting, this infamous predator is no longer a threat," the masked leader breathes a sigh of relief. "The adventurer exam will be able to proceed without a hitch."


    "Should we really turn it over to the king?" one of the masked figure inquired.


    "Of course. Why is that even a question?" the masked leader ask.


    One by one the other masked figures came into view. As the members unsheathed their daggers, a deathly glint was reflected from the moonlight as the silent evening breeze begun to play the sound of betrayal.


    "I guess we''ll have to report a casualty, pin the blame on the tiger, and pretend that it escaped once more," the instigator pulls off a mask revealing a mischievous grin as the figures closed in to deliver the kill.


    She maintained eye contact as the light of life slowly left the leaders'' eyes. "Such a shame, my acting was great earlier and you didn''t even praise me."


    She basked in the moonlight, slowly undresses her disguise and dons a frilly black dress. Her pointy tail, short jet-black hair and her pale skin has a dangerous allure to it. Her eyes gleamed with temptatious risk. She started a ballet routine, her maniacal laughter burlesque her own vanity.


    For the entire spectacle, not one masked figure dared to move. As soon as she finishes her performance, she picks up her transceiver and gives a call.


    From the other end, a dark voice answered, "What is your judgment? Can it be tamed?"


    The tiger, seemingly understanding the situation has acted calmly. However, the lady instigator gives a sly grin and says "No."


    "Then by all means end it," the dark voice replied with a hint of anger in its tone. The transceiver turns off.


    The tiger sensing danger begun to roar but is cut off by a graceful roundhouse kick that sliced through the air with the precision of a sharpened blade. The tiger remained still for a brief second¡ª "VULNUS" almost immediately after the lady uttered the word, the tiger and the cage diagonally split clean.


    As the lady went over to examine the aftermath, she was surprised to only find the broken cage but no sign of the tiger. "I''ve clearly seen it get split in half. Fascinating!" she muses. "And now, onward to phase 2!." She leaps into the air, her figure dashed across the trees¡ªdispelling her charm as she made her exit.


    The members of A.S.S. came back to their senses, confused and panicking over the corpse of their leader and the sight of an empty broken cage.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C


    Meanwhile, in one of Golden Vale''s luxurious taverns, Ethan tossed and turned over the mattress, his breath panting, his heartbeat palpitating, sweat trickling down his face. He was witness to all the events that unfolded over the flaming tiger that night, like he was sharing the same senses with it. The despair of getting caught, the glimmer of hope it had, and how that light has been snuffed out by the sadistic lady. He woke up the next morning, the vivid dream of the tigers'' demise etched deeply in his mind.


    No use analyzing it now. There''s an obstacle I need to overcome.


    He summons his pen while he started to get ready for the day. Activating Lexcalibre''s [ Pen Pal ] ability, he talks to Ashley:


    "Maybe we should take the test another time," he says.


    "What''s gotten into you? Another dream?", Ashley inquired already having a hint of the answer.


    "Yes. It was... Tragic.."


    "It does not do to dwell in dreams and forget to live," Ashley gently quotes Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.


    "J.K. Rowling... I know that. But this one isn''t about the past. Anyway, we can talk more about it after the exam," Ethan replied deactivating [ Pen Pal ] as he begun to take a shower...


    Ethan and Ashley arrived at the venue. The room was clinically clean and well ventilated. The large windows paint a picturesque view of the cityscape. Ethan and Ashley went to seat on the chairs they were assigned to. The gal was sent to the armchair near the window while Ethan sat anxiously over the armchair in front of the examiners'' desk, while the rest of the examinees went to their assigned seats.


    He wasn''t the type of student who sits in front. He comforts himself unsuccessfully, Relax, Ethan, this is another first nothing could go wrong.


    Ethan realizes how wrong he was as the examiner walked in the room. She wore a sharp outfit, a well tailored form fitting charcoal grey blazer with subtle silvery lines, underneath, a deep red fitted top with an emerald necklace; with a high-waist pencil cut skirt, her long pale legs aligns exceptionally well with her pointed heels. Ethan realizes that he had been staring a few seconds too long at those voluptuous legs so he diverted his gaze towards her her loose voluminous hair framing her elegant face effortlessly. Her familiar yet alluring eyes staring back at him. Where have I seen those eyes?


    "Are you done undressing me with your eyes, adventurer?" the examiner snaps her finger and several arcane eyes simultaneously came out of thin air, one eye assigned to each examinee. "For the duration of this exam, I''ll be the one looking at you. Any form of cheating will NOT be tolerated."


    She gives off a dangerous smile as she continued, "You''d best behave, you can only take the silver ranking exam once, otherwise you''d be stuck as the bronze vermin you''re destined to be," she smirks giving another meaningful look at Ethan then continues, "You''ll find the test papers under your chair, each one divided from set A-Z. No two paper are written alike. Any form of erasure or alteration will be considered incorrect, and yes, that includes the essay too. You may now begin."


    The written exam went by without a hitch, except for the occasional yelling and insulting of the examiner over the adventurers who tried to cheat. Their test papers torn shreds as two minotaur guards escort them out of the examination area.


    Ethan and Ashley answered the questions with relative ease, Ashley was the one who submitted first while the rest followed short after. Ethan took his time answering the last part¨C an essay test type requiring an adventurer to give the synopsis of a literature they''ve read before.


    Treating it like the culmination of all events that transpired today, he chose to write about The Lady or The Tiger. A short story written by Frank R. Stockton. When Ethan writes, the whole world fades from his senses... left all alone, all of his senses are poured to what he is writing. The moment he snaps back to reality is the moment he finishes his work.


    As he puts in the period, he was startled and gasps at the sight of the examiner sitting right across his armchair. "Why¨C" Ethan was cut off by the lady''s finger pressed over his lip. He noticed that the sun has begun to set and he is the only adventurer left taking the written exam. The examiner smiles as her previously concealed pointy tail now dangerously caressing Ethan''s cheeks.


    "The lady or the tiger, fascinating. You''re living on the edge boy, its as if you''re begging to found," the lady smirks as she continues, "Nice to finally meet you, Ethan. I am known by many names, but you can call me Miss Trust."


    "You... You murdered my tiger!"


    "I can''t help it. It went docile out of nowhere!" Miss Trust stands up and walks over the window, her voluptuous body compleated the cityscape frame. Ethan wanted to lunged forward and attack, but an invisible force is keeping him in place.


    "This chapter is also going to end with a cliffhanger, Ethan. You can''t make a decision now, not while you are at the height of your anger. Which will it be I wonder, the lady? or the tiger? I''ll wait for your answer," Miss Trust left the room leaving him with a conundrum to solve.

 Chapter 21: Test, Trials and Allies

    During the few days before the results of the written examination are posted, Ethan and Ashley continued to hone their adventurer skills through practice and study. Although there are times where they''d fumble around and make terrible mistakes, none of it were life threatening. Their mentor, the renowned Faye Asfalis, constantly assured them "It is okay to keep experimenting and make mistakes now, once the test comes up, there will be no more room for mistakes. With the looming threat of Parallax and the involvement of this Miss Trust, we can''t keep our guard down," a shadow crosses her face as she continued, "although I sent an owl to inform the king, I can''t help but wonder what her agenda truly is."


    She looks over Ethan who''s leaning over Ashley while struggling to maintain his balance. "How many summons can you maintain now?"


    "Right now, *blurrggh*," Ethan holds himself back from vomiting, continued, "I can share senses with three."


    We pan out of ground view to the sky as several birds flew by. The sprightly avens danced around the sky with blinding speed. These creatures are brought into existence by Ethan''s quillmancy after he recited a few verses of the poem by Percy Bysse Shelly entitled¡ªTo A Skylark. To top it off, he encoded the spell with encore x5.


    "This is unprecedented. Beckoners could hardly summon two creatures much less control them. And here you are, able to summon a bunch them," Faye stated.


    "Hah! He summoned five and passed out completely! it''s shocking three of them remained, Professor you''re a freak of nature!" Ashley retorts.


    "It was *blurrggh*¡ªbecause I managed to subconsciously held on three of them," Ethan struggled to cough up a reply.


    "How exactly?" Faye asked.


    Ethan finally gives up and untethered one of the birds. The disorienting fog cleared in his head. As he is only sharing senses with two birds now, he finally stands properly, albeit still holding Ashley''s shoulder. He replied "I don''t exactly understand the process, but I feel a weak link being formed between me and the summoned creature. Once it connects, I hold on to it, and when I do, its as if we''re sharing the same senses."


    "Beckoners can use LRP to give the summon a simple command, why don''t you give it a try."


    "Come down," a magical wave echoed from Ethan''s voice as the three skylarks swoop down in front of him and stayed in place, as if they understood the intention behind their summoners'' words. Peachy waddles over to play with the skylarks but the newly summoned birds instinctively avoided him.


    "Impressive. As usual, you are unable to command creatures that can''t hear you like most Beckoners. It is still unusual though, you haven''t gone into a class change yet you can already do what Beckoners do," Faye comments with a smile. She looks over at Ashley who raises her fist as a response¡ª


    "I can control it now, atleast one aspect of it," Ashley proudly claims.


    "Demonstrate," Faye said with a stern voice.


    "Okie-dokie!" Ashley''s physique, together with her clothes, grew several times in proportion, effectively turning her into a semi-giant. A slow deep voice echoed from above, "PrOoffesOorr yOUUu lOOk smAAal. SOoo cUute."


    The next moment she shrinks and becomes two-feet tall, in a squeaky voice she exclaims "Look! I''m doll sized now! Aren''t I cute?"


    As if on cue, Peachy waddles towards her and happily taps her on the head.


    "Great. Both of my mentees have unique traits, these will serve as your trump cards. Remember, until you have truly mastered your abilities, it''s best to keep a low profile for now. The lesser people knowing your skills, the better," Faye instructed.


    "Wait! Some adventurers are aware of my wild capabilities!"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "That can''t be helped. Many are already aware of your capabilities, but it doesn''t mean you can just go out and flaunt your skills. For all we know right now, the stories about you might just be a fairytale to others," Faye conjectured.


    "Plus! I''ve been spreading gossips around that your exploits are nothing more than baseless rumors"


    "Feywin!" Ethan exclaims.


    "Why?¡ª you''re in my domain of course I''d be here! Don''t act so surprised. Here, have some tea while they''re piping hot. I''ve prepared some snacks too," Feywin lays down a try of delicacies over a small table as the group gathered around for a meal.


    Ethan and Ashley looked at each other like children receiving a new toy as they knowingly exclaimed in unison, "LEMBAS!" to the surprise of both Feywin and Faye.


    "I had the same reaction after knowing about Amontillado as well," Ethan sheepishly remarked.


    "Oh really? Wait til you hear this. Hotroot soup as well as turnip and beet pie!"


    "What! That is outrageous, you should''ve saved some for me!"


    "I was on an adventure with Peachy at that time while you were out soul-searching. The food was really good too!"


    "Noooo! I want some"


    "Ehem," Faye interjects as if to reprimand the duo for acting like kids. "I... I know the recipe for hotroot soup," she gives a knowing smile, "...but first, you must tell me how great I am as a mentor."


    That day, the duo showered Faye with endless phrases of flattery. So much, that even Faye''s vanity got fed up at some point. After an afternoon of sparring sessions of the duo against Faye and Feywin, they enjoyed a nice dinner of hotroot soup.


    The next morning while out for his daily training of gathering herbs, Ethan was shock to see a pop up window in front of him.


    [ Knapweed : Poison Ingredient ]


    He already knew what a Knapweed does, the problem was there weren''t any Knapweed in front of him. Only a bunch of tall grass.


    What if I- Ethan moves the tall grass aside and lo and behold, inside, just barely visible is the reddish sheen of a Knapweed. He gently pulls it off from the sturdier part of its stem and the pop up window fades.


    "Is this, the famous appraisal skill in most isekais? Man, this is so cool!" Ethan muses. He looks around and several pop up windows come into view:


    [ Spiderwort : Glue ]


    [ Cinquefoil : Aphrodisiac ]


    [ Wolfsbane : Prevents Lycanthrophy ]


    .


    .


    .


    Ethan excitedly grabs the herbs until his spatial inventory and his herb basket are full, surprising everyone with his harvest.


    "H-how?" Ashley quips while looking at her basket which is only half full.


    "Well, I''ve been seeing this pop up windows here and there making it easier for me to spot herbs. Don''t you see it too?"


    Ashley brows furrowed followed by her lips pressed into a tight line which indicates that she hasn''t acquired appraisal yet.


    "Well, you keep getting better and better my boy!" Feywin exclaims.


    "Indeed, [ Appraisal ] can only be acquired when you have sufficient knowledge over something, looks like the hours you poured into studying herbs has finally paid off. It is impressive that you got to memorize the entire compendium in such as short time," says Faye.


    Ashley gets up and walks towards the library.


    "Where are you going?" Ethan quips.


    "I''m hitting the books," Ashley replied with a determined expression on her face.


    And just like that, a week has passed. With Faye''s guidance, the duo managed to iron out their errors and streamline the use of their skills¡ªlearning more about the world and its inhabitants in the process. They were even able to amass a tidy sum, although ultimately deciding to spend it later once they got their class upgrade.


    The day of the score revelation for the written exams has finally arrived. Fully geared to attend the practical exam, Ethan and Ashley looked on in anticipation at the ranking board as the names begin to magically appear. Whether they will qualify for the practical exams today or go home crying will be decided based on what is written in front of them...


    Amirleo Tillaura. - Score: 69 / 100 (failed)


    Adinola Laijani - Score: 86 / 100 (Passed)


    Ashley Briar - Score: 91 / 100 (Passed)


    Chaelmi Anasani - Score: 43 / 100 (Failed)


    Desmond Barlipac - Score 93 / 100 (Passed)


    Falmes Tansos - Score: 74 / 100 (Failed)


    Felucky Ramoles - Score: 90 / 100 (Passed)


    Ethan Erstellen - Score: 100 / 100 (Passed)


    .


    .


    .


    Zumoe Laragui - Score: 52 / 100 (Failed)


    Out of eighty bronze ranked adventurers, only forty seven managed to pass the written exam. They are also eligible for the practical exam. Ethan and Ashley did a mini celebration as they gave each other a double high five.


    At this moment, the group of passers have divided. Most of them decided to rest on their laurels and decided to just upgrade their adventurer rings. On the other hand, Ethan and Ashley are part of the few who decided to proceed to the practical exams.


    As soon as the others left the guild, a loud mewing can be heard over a megaphone. Amidst the gathered crowd, Ethan cranes his neck surprised to see a familiar face.


    "Meowwwwww testing-testing. Alrighty then! Hello bronze adventurers, my name is Mi Hye and I will be your arbiter for today. Your path to ascension begins now! Out of the forty seven who qualified, only eighteen of you has the balls to take the next challenge. As congratulations, each of you will be receiving a random item. Once you arrive at the test venue, kindly check your spatial storage for the reward. Without further ado, let the silver-rank practical exam!"

 Chapter 22: Small Steps

    The world around Ethan blurred, a slight headache rushes through his head but was gone as soon as it appeared. Before he could react, his feet met the cobblestone streets. An old bustling town stretched before him. The buildings, with made of wood and stone had the familiar design of the German town of N?rdlingen. As he looked around, he noticed people in old-fashioned clothing walking past him, their expressions indifferent.


    His breath caught in his throat. This is... a simulacra. Now now, Ethan, relax. You ought to thread carefully. Small steps... small but sure steps.


    Instinctively, he resisted the urge to give a detailed explanation of what he saw. He isn''t comfortable with new people despite being a teacher, which is why he is often assigned to teach the same groups of students with different subjects.


    After quietly observing the group of adventurers who got teleported with him, Ethan was relieved to confirm that there were no signs of the femme fatale. After hearing about his physical and dream encounter with Miss Trust¡ªhis mentor, concluded that Miss Trust is most likely a Soothsayer based on the characteristics of her Quillmancy.


    Essentially, there are two main types of Quillmancers, the Quill-Casters and the Quill-Wielders, each with their own sub-categories or simply known as specializations. Even though most Quillmancers only get their specializations once they reached silver rank, the main type from which they belong are already determined by birth. Ethan could roughly identify the adventurers based on their types:


    The Quill-Casters or just Casters have their souls exist separately from their physical body. Majority of people fall under this category. In this world, the soul is a wellspring of inspiration from which they skilled can tap into and use to encode their will on the world. As all beings contain a soul-ink, several plants and animals rich in soul-ink can be used to synthesize more ink. It should also be noted that casters are unable to encode spells using synthetic ink without the use of weaponized pens. The number of spells cast depends on the spell cost and the amount of points available in their Lexical Reservoir (commonly known as LRP). The soul ink LRP varies from person to person depending on their level and amount of literature read in their lifetime. It can be refilled with sufficient rest. On the other hand, Synthetic ink LRP is capped at 200 points but can be refilled anytime as long as ink is available (average refilling time takes about five minutes).


    The Quill-Wielders or just Wielders are the embodiment the physical and ethereal combined. Ever so often an infant is born with a slight glow or discoloration of their skin, usually bearing ink marks in certain parts of their body bearing one or several symbol/s. These children are considered a blessing since they have a higher than normal amount of stat points on one or more attribute-Strength, Dexterity, etc.; making them the physical manifestation of that attribute. As they level up, wielders experience a great boost with their proficient stats granting them class-specific skills. However, since their soul (ink) is fused with their body, they are unable to tap into it and encode spells, they are also unable to use synthetic ink but are able to wield specialized pens that only cater to their class specific skills. I should take note of their tendencies just in case, Ethan surmised.


    One¡¯s tendencies is another thing. Compared to the two main categories, one¡¯s specialization is determined by the usual action one takes. For example, a person who is inclined to use his/her powers to charm, coerce, or manipulate others has a tendency of becoming a soothsayer- like a certain Miss Trust. As Faye explained, soothsayers are a special class, not everyone can become a soothsayer since the mind altering, puppetry and other spells of that nature has been widely banned. Plus it has a glaring weakness of not being able to use offensive spells. Miss Trust seems to be an exception- making her several notches more dangerous than the usual soothsayer. Must have something to do with Parallax¡­Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Ethan was pulled out of his thoughts when a message window popped up in front of him. The other four adventurers who were teleported in the same location


    [ Practical Exam for Silver Rank Ascension ]


    Guidelines:


    1. Survive until the end of the practical exam.


    2. Complete five challenges.


    Note: Each succeeding challenges will increase in difficulty.


    3. Spatial Storage are temporarily unavailable for the duration of the practical exam. Note: for five minutes, you are allowed to retrieve five items from your spatial storage starting now (Time Remaining : 4:59:59-4:59:58¡­)


    4. Adventurers may form a party of five. Party members can only be swapped once per day.


    5. Once a challenge is accomplished, a system notification will alert you with the details for the next task.


    6. Failure to complete a challenge will result to immediate disqualification. The failed adventurer will be teleported out of the simulacra


    7. As you have the balls to take the practical exam despite the risk of mortality, you are allowed to take the exam once more next year.


    8. Adventurers who finished all the challenges will rank up as silver adventurers with the reward of 5000 gold.


    Ethan quickly rummaged through his storage retrieving the bag Ashley packed when they were just starting out as adventurers, together with his sack of mithril tailored clothes, his purse filled with gold coins, his ink containers, as well as the random item box rewarded for passing the written exam. He sighs, thanking Ashley as his bag pack were counted as one item by the system since it''s in a single compartment slot. "Thank goodness, what would I do without you?" he grins sheepishly like a child opening christmas presents.


    [ Macro Skill : Listening (Advanced) ]


    Ugh... Look at those sleek clothes, another noble, really?


    I swear he''s in cahoots with the organizer, who even packs their belongings in a single storage slot?


    He''s a cheater, that''s why. Maybe we should steal his clothes. There''s clearly mithril in there.


    *scoffs* show off...


    Ethan shuddered as the lunacy of his past traumas crept back. He never wanted to be the center of anything really. Yet somehow, he feels like the universe is rigged to make him garner unwanted attention.


    "Come on Ethan, this isn''t just about you," as soon as Ethan uttered those words, he shifted his perception, surgically weeding out the conversation about him...


    "Oy, it says here we can form a team, I think the five of us would do great? two dexterity wielders, an evoker, and an alchemist should do the trick, no?"


    "That guy seems to be a diviner, we need five anyway. Let the poor bloke join us."


    Ethan has been observing this group as soon as he caught wind of this conversation.


    "Outrageous! How could you? Diviners are useless now. I''m kicking him out of the team since we can swap members once a day."


    "Oh I know, let''s get the other strength wielder!"


    "Great idea. Sorry dude, guess you developed the wrong tendencies. If you promise to change for us, maybe we could¨C"


    "NO," a young man replied as he stood there, looking completely out of place among the confident, well-groomed adventurers around him. His clothes were slightly too big, his eyes wide and hopeful, and there was a faint blush creeping up his neck. A soft, unassuming air surrounded him, and despite his timid stance, he looked as if the world is yet to crush his spirit.


    "What did you just say?" the guy claiming to be an evoker demanded.


    "I-I don''t m-mean to be rude. It''s just that I-"


    "You''re what?"


    "I-I''ve always wanted to be a d-diviner!"


    Laughter erupts in an instant. Harsh words were thrown at the stuttering kid. His wavering voice and shaking legs belied the determination in his eyes.


    The adventurers soon departed after forming teams of their own leaving both Ethan and the dejected lad alone in the town square. Ethan was an introvert, but he was also a teacher who has a soft spot for outcasts. He walks up to the lad and inquired, "So, wanna team up? I could use a diviner in team."


    The boys'' eyes beamed with hope and excitement, "Why¨C It would be my pleasure! I''m Cassius Piqer, what s-should I call you mister?"


    "You can call me Ethan. Ethan Erstellen. The pleasure is mine, looking forward to working with a diviner."


    The two got to know each other a little more as they walked down the town square awaiting their first challenge. Ethan knew that fate had probably dealt him a bad hand, but such trivialities are but common in his life. After all, how could he turn down a person who reminded him of his youthful headstrong days? The world may have been cruel to him, but it doesn''t have to be for this child.


    Small steps. Small but sure steps.

 Chapter 23: The Hammer

    Ethan and Cassius stood in the middle of the town square, the buzz of everyday life swirling around them. Vendors called out customers to sample their wares, people haggled over supplies at market stalls, children ran through the streets merrily, and a feline-kin swept the front steps of her house. Despite the calm exterior of the town, a mounting pressure weighed heavily on Cassius.


    [ First Stage : Gain 80% Town Favorability ]


    Deadline : Five days


    The first part of the practical exam had begun, and they needed the favor of the townsfolk to move forward. Specifically, they needed an 80% approval rating to trigger the second phase of the trial.


    "Do you think we''ll make it?" Cassius asked, his voice laced with uncertainty as he scanned the crowd. "80%... seems like a lot."


    "Getting pessimistic now, aren''t you? What''s the source of this unfounded doubt?" Ethan inquired.


    Cassius spoke in a hurried tone, as if he is being chased by someone, "I had a foreshadowing last night. This is... A special ability diviners have, every now and then we would be able to take a peak of pages from the future, like reading a picture book of sorts, except the picture book does not have any words in it... And last night, I dreamt of a picture of a burning town that looks just like this one. It was located at the third page of the book. Only three pages had pictures in it while the rest were empty. I fear¨C"


    "Not to burst your bubble but I heard earlier that the diviners'' ability isn''t always accurate."


    "Well, it had failed many times, but I''m pretty sure this one is legit¨C"


    Ethan raises an eyebrow, the boy''s statement has piqued his interest. "What makes you so sure about this one?"


    "Well, it''s a bit embarassing..."


    "Come now, we''re practically brothers at this point! You can tell me anything!" Ethan guaranteed, holding the same expression he had when making his students spill the beans.


    "You promise not to tell anyone?"


    Ethan looked to the side and smirked, he recalled a skit back on Earth which portrayed a similar scenario. He says, "I hear you."


    "Well, I¨C, wait a minute. That''s NOT very reassuring. Say your promise!"


    "Your message has been received."


    "What? No¨C Come on!"


    "Your request has been filed."


    "Ugh. You''re despicable!"


    "Come on kid. Atleast you know I wouldn''t lie to you. I don''t intend to make a promise I can''t keep. We can pointlessly argue all day and waste time; but if you tell me, I guarantee you that I''ll only tell it to one trusted soul," Ethan reasoned.


    "Fine. I want to pass anyway, this exam means a lot to me. I¨C"


    "Oh this is gonna be great!"


    "I wet the bed. When I wet the bed during a foreshadowing, there''s a high likelihood that it will come to pass. It only failed a few times."


    "Dang, I''m so- pftt!, I''m sorry to hear that," Ethan was unable to hold back his laughter. He pats the kid on the head and says, "I believe in you."


    Standing next to the boy, Ethan adjusted his cloak and gave him a sly smile. "We are dealt with a seven-deuce."


    "Dealt what?"


    "It''s a poker jargon. I guess you''re too young to be gambling anyway."


    "poker? As in poker-face?"


    Ethan sighs but smiles at the boys'' innocence. "To put it simply, it''s a bad hand. We gotta rack up favorability within two days instead of five. It¡¯s not impossible. We just need to gather information and organize the tasks into bite sized segments. Start fulfilling some requests. I¡¯m sure the people here need help with something."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Ethan''s words were calm, but his eyes sparkled with a different kind of energy. All his procrastination required him to work under pressure while in a tight deadline. He wasn''t a stranger to this kind of scenario, in fact, he revels in it. A small fragment of thrill in his otherwise miserable old life. Now, it has become one of the cards he wields when the odds are stacked against him.


    Cassius could feel it¡ªthe diviner¡¯s intuition that always guided him to the hidden truths, could be seen in action with Ethans'' refined foresight. Does this mean his tendency inclines to diviner as well?


    Cassius had been quiet about it, but there was something else that bugged him. A feeling, a hunch... something beyond mere coincidence.


    "Speak now or forever hold your peace," Ethan demanded.


    "I have a feeling that the favor of the townsfolk will get us more than just a high rating. There are hidden perks or... something valuable."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Hidden perks? What do you mean?"


    Cassius shrugged, a shy smile on his lips. "I don¡¯t know the specifics, but the diviner¡¯s intuition hints me something. I can''t say for sure how I knew but there¡¯s something waiting for us if we push past the basic approval. Maybe some unique advantages for the second phase of the exam. I suggest we go above and beyond. But I''m usually wrong..."


    Ethan considered that. The idea of gaining more than just a passing score had its appeal. "We have nothing to lose if we try it. Let¡¯s give it a test drive."


    The duo split up, both of them tackling different requests from the townsfolk. Ethan helped a young chef prepare a lamb sauce, his hands working quickly, his vast experience of cooking for his ex girlfriend had given him an edge. He could already smell the aroma of the newly cooked dish with the lamb sauce as dressing, a tangible symbol of the success with his work.


    Meanwhile, Cassius found himself tending to an elderly man¡¯s lawn. No one wanted to help this man since he would scare the children who accidentally tramples on his lawn. Cassius'' steady hands trimming a gentleness that surprised even the old man himself. Despite his usual anxious demeanor, Cassius¡¯ care for the lawn seemed genuine, and the old man was visibly delighted with the results.


    They spent hours moving through the town, fulfilling more requests¡ªhelping fix a broken wagon, carrying heavy barrels for wine for an Sommelier, and offering advice on local matters. Every interaction nudged their favorability upwards, little by little.


    They decided to call it a day and had a quaint dinner in the local tavern.


    "How are you so good at this? The order tasks being accomplished feels like there''s a rhythm to it, the frequent breaks between tasks, the transition from easy to difficult and vice versa is shockingly efficient!"


    "Kid, if you handle 5-6 classes a day with around 60-70 students per section, you''d be mad efficient too. Plus I do it everyday, for more than five years."


    "That''s insane! how could there be classes that big? My mom is a teacher too, but the most she taught was only 30 students per class."


    "Outrageous isn''t? Most learning theory are designed for an ideal class size of 30 students, but the reality is far from what we learn in books. But hey, I got mad skills now, and depression," Ethan laughs as he reminisces those days that he was unable to make a lesson plan, much less open a textbook. He had to look deep in his mental library and pull out a lesson to teach that day, without prior preparation. I really enjoyed teaching, but the paper works? No thank you.


    "You don''t look like a teacher, more like a student."


    "What makes you say that?"


    "Most teachers have long beards and wore a cap and a magical robe. They would usually have an elderwood staff. Frankly you''re too young to be a teacher."


    "Yeah I get that a lot," Ethan smiles. He realized that the education system in this world may be drastically different from Earth, he needs to stir the conversation away so his other-worlder identity won''t be exposed.


    Before Ethan can switch the topic, the tavern doors flung open, a host of scantily dressed minstrels entered to hall and begun singing praises for Professor Louie Dumas. The song had a catchy beat, recounting the Professors'' many feats, people started to dance along, the tavern erupted to a frenzy of revelry.


    Cassius was about to join in when Ethan held him back. "You will do no such foolish thing, child. We''re leaving."


    "You know this guy?"


    "Yes and very well so. From where I came from he''s the infamous Professor Ex."


    "Hold on, why are we avoiding this guy?"


    "I''ll tell you on the way, for now, we''ll have to go."


    Cassius took a quick glance over Professor Ex''s direction. He squinted at him, his senses tingling with unease. The man¡¯s presence was off, something about him unsettling. He wasn¡¯t sure what it was, but instinctively, he didn¡¯t trust the man. Cassius'' stomach twisted. Something about this man felt wrong. He couldn¡¯t place it exactly, but he had an instinctual warning¡ªthis was not someone they wanted to engage with for long.


    He looked back, trying to find solace on Ethan''s reassurance, but Ethan was not the same confident person earlier today who had everything under control. His skin looked pale while his face was sweating bullets.


    "You''re right, that is a despicable person," Cassius whispered as he hurried his steps to match Ethan''s stride.


    As they are walking away from the lively tavern, Ethan''s mind raced back to the memory of that one fateful night. He found a young boy struggling to crawl out of the dumpster pile. Called out to him as he passed by.


    "Professor Ers... Help me."

 Chapter 25: Professor Ex

    Ethan''s mind had wandered again¡ªback to the memory of that night. A ghost that had never truly left him. The events replayed in vivid detail, like scabs of a wound he kept scratching and kept refusing to heal.


    "Well, we have covered quite the distance now. Perhaps you can start talking? I may not have any good advice, but it looks like its been weighing on you," Cassius inquired.


    Ethan took a long and slow breath, sighs, and started recounting his experience (replacing some unfamiliar terms from Earth into something that exists in Aetherland).


    It had been raining, the kind of relentless downpour that washed the streets. Typhoons and strong rain are typically in the tropical regions on Earth. Ethan had finished his late lecture and was heading to his car when he heard the faint sound of something crawling at the side of the dumpster. At first, he thought it was a stray dog rummaging through the trash, but then he heard something else. A groan. A sharp, strangled noise, the kind that did not come from an animal, but something that he felt a kinship towards. His heart had skipped a beat.


    He look over the corner and saw a boy.


    His memory was branded by this searing sight. The boy¡ªhis student¡ªwas barely recognizable. His clothes torn, his body bruised beyond recognition. The child''s blood stained the alleyway, mixing with the rainwater. His body was was lying in the corner of the dumpster¨C a discarded ragdoll.


    "I rushed over, and tried to save the boy. I contacted the healers to come to rescue even when I knew deep down that it would''ve been too late. I kept calling his name, telling him to stay awake. Charlie..."


    Ethan continued his tale. The boy¡¯s eyes flickered open, the faintest sign hope as he saw his homeroom teacher concerned for him. Charlie''s breath came in ragged gasps, and there was something in his eyes¡ªsomething too deep for a young boy to be carrying. Pain, yes, but more than that¨C Fear. The kind of fear that only comes when you know there¡¯s nothing left to live for.


    "Professor... help me..." Charlie''s voice was barely a whisper, but it tore through Ethan¡¯s heart.


    "Hold on, okay? I¡¯m going to get you help. Just stay with me." Ethan had pulled his phone from his pocket, dialing the hospital before he even thought about what was happening.


    And then Charlie spoke again. His words¡ªhis last words¡ªcame out in a hoarse, broken sob.


    "I couldn¡¯t... I couldn¡¯t stop him. I tried... I tried to fight... but... but..." His voice faded, and then he looked up at Ethan with wide, teary eyes. "Professor Louie... he..." Charlie¡¯s breathing grew shallow, and the light of life has finally left his eyes.


    Ethan tried to keep him conscious, his hands pressing against the boy¡¯s chest, his voice rising in desperation. "Charlie, no. No, stay with me. Stay awake!"


    But it was no use. With a final, quiet exhale, Charlie''s eyes rolled back, and his body went still.


    "Wait, no... You should''ve used a resurrection spell on him!" Cassius retorts angrily.


    "From where I''m from, resurrection spells aren''t a thing. Besides, why do you so arrogantly trivialize life and pain. Resurrection spells, what a load of bullsh-"


    Ethan''s cheek stung before he realized that Cassius indignantly gave him a slap.


    "What was that for?!"


    "Well! I hate how you make it sound like his death was good for him!"


    "Silly kid, you misunderstand. It''s good you still have that childlike positivity in you. But when compared to a lifelong suffering from incurable trauma, death was a kinder alternative."


    Ethan gently pats Cassius head allowing him to lower his guard, then proceeds to slap him on the cheek.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Take that you insolent brat! You shouldn''t slap your elders across the face just because you feel like it!"


    After their banter subsided, Ethan recounts the aftermath of that horrendous night¨C


    In the weeks that followed, Ethan¡¯s life had become a blur of meetings with law enforcement, with counselors, with doctors. But no amount of paperwork or police investigations could undo the memory of what had happened that night. Charlie¡¯s last words echoed in Ethan¡¯s mind over and over again: Professor Louie.


    It wasn¡¯t until the investigation started that the truth began to unfold. The man was infamous amongst his victims as Professor Ex¡ªa renowned, feared professor in their department¡ªhad been caught in a scandal of the worst kind. The allegations stacked high, whispers of ethical misconduct, abuse, and violence that had plagued the halls of the university for years. But no one had ever spoken out. No one had ever done anything.


    Until Charlie.


    Until Charlie¡¯s body, discarded like trash, had become the final testament to Professor Ex¡¯s reign of terror.


    And now, every time Ethan thought he could move past it, every time he believed he could close the door on that chapter of his life, he saw him. Professor Ex. Memories of him being alone with a student in ''detention''... frequenting the students'' restroom even when the faculty had their own... He would appear in the hallways, in the staff room, standing there with that smug, insufferable smile, as though he had done nothing wrong. As though he had never torn a student¡¯s life apart.


    Ethan blamed himself for seeing the signs and not taking action. He always succumbed to the feted phrases of:


    This isn''t part of my job description...


    I wasn''t paid enough to meddle with other people''s business...


    I have problems of my own...


    Remembering all this. He constantly felt the pain from a secondhand guilt. In his heart, he was an accessory to the crime. By staying silent, he had caused Charlie''s death.


    Seeing Ethan in a dejected state, Cassius grimly stated, "You know, the weeds aren''t going to pull out themselves. The lawn needs trimming."


    Ethan felt that Cassius'' statement had an ominous weight to it. Surely a story the kid just heard wouldn''t cause this drastic change of attitude?


    "Kid, this isn''t like you. Rushing in guns blazing would cause a premature death, we both saw the dexterity and strength runes plastered all over his body. We''d be dead before we could cast any spells¨C"


    "Look at me. Does it look like I care?"


    Ethan was taken aback, this young man who was bullied just a day ago, spoke as if he''s some sort of a paladin about to smite evil.


    "Look, we need to prioritize favorability to get to the second phase."


    "Who cares about favorability? Professor Ex has been alive for far too long!"


    "He has a whole band of minstrels with charisma runes engraved on their skin. I am not on the habit of courting death!"


    ""Compared to the lifelong suffering from incurable trauma, death is a kinder alternative."


    Resigning to the fate that awaits them. Ethan puts his shaking hands in his pockets in order to hide his anxiety while Cassius looks at him expectantly. After regaining his composure, Ethan finally relents,


    "I hate how most of my students use my own words against me. But if we''re doing this, we''ll need all the help we could get."


    --------------


    On the other side of outskirts of the town, Ashley, accompanied by tall guy with a finely chiseled body¨C his muscles rippling with power. However, in a rather comical contrast, he is using a maids'' outfit as he timidly walked beside Ashley.


    "This sucks. I don''t you have any manly clothes?"


    "Awww rich boy wants to go home to his mommy? Too bad there''s no way out unless you stack up favorability," Ashley jests.


    "I already know that, those bastards are gonna pay for stealing my rune-chanted armor! Wait, why were you helping me out anyway?"


    Before Ashley could give an answer, she was mildly surprised by a pen pal message popping up her interface.


    [ Professor Ethan wants to connect ( Accept? ) ]


    "Hmph! You took too long!"


    [ ( Decline ) ]


    [ Professor Ethan wants to connect ( Accept? ) ]


    "I guess it''s really important..."


    [ (Accept) ]


    "Professor Ex had been isekaid with us," Ethan chats.


    "What? How was that even possible?"


    "The night we got teleported here, there were other teachers in that faculty. Some of them probably got teleported too."


    "So what is the plan?"


    "We''ll take him down. Problem is he has both strength and agility runes on his body. And dark green skin, the typical manifestation of durability."


    "A wielder of three main stats. We''re practically going against a meta human at this point. An X-Men," Ashley giggles a bit as she uses the reference.


    "You can say that again, anyway, we need all the help we can get, have you made any friends?"


    "Yeah, a grumpy one. But he''ll come in handy."


    "Good, I''ll meet you at Logan''s Longhouse. It''s a small tavern southeast of the town."


    "Professor..."


    "Yes?"


    "You should''ve contacted me earlier!"


    "I''ve been running my whole life, Ashley. It''ll be a shame to all isekai''d people if I kept running away in this world too."


    "Regardless, please know that you aren''t alone in this. You can rely on me more, I''m your beautiful and reliable assistant after all."


    "I''ll remember that."

 Chapter 26: Eve of Chaos

    A ragtag group of strangers stood atop of a tavern roof, the pale moonlight casting four long lines of shadows. It was here, by chance and necessity, that they were about to form a temporary alliance¡ªone that would hopefully stand against their current adversary.


    Ashley and Cassius were on board on this, the other person, didn''t have a choice. He could either form a party with them, or wait for another less fortunate soul to lend him aid¡ªwhich was unlikely given the state he was in, he has been called a ''pervert'' by a lot of strangers today. Hadn''t it been for Ashley, he would''ve abandoned his virtue of pacifism. Regardless, the night was cold and he was buck naked.


    "H-hey, I''m freeezing, I''ll join the team j-just throw me a b-blanket or s-something."


    Ashley, finally done toying with him, throws him a blanket. "You better return it after taking it to the laundry."


    The tall man gratefully took and proceeded to engrave a rune on the blanket "Gem¨¹tlichkeit" (LRP Cost: 1) the tall man whispered and the blanket radiated a gentle warmth that the others could also feel.


    "A tendency leaning to runechanter... Amazing..." Cassius remarked.


    "What''s so amazing? You mean you can''t do that?" Ashley retorts.


    "I have manifested tendencies towards the diviner class, runechanting with soul ink would cost me about 8 LRP per word, I wouldn''t waste it on warmth."


    "I see. So this fella spends less LRP for runechanting? how much exactly?"


    "Only 1 LRP per word," the gentle giant replied. He introduces himself as Lorenz Le Queux. Now that he is calm, the party had a good look at him. He wasn''t a giant by any stretch of the imagination, he explains that he is half dwarf half giant, making him a little more taller than the average human.


    After a while of GTKY (getting to know each other), Ethan stood up, his long robe swayed in the evening breeze, a distant, contemplative look in his eyes. He finally mustered the courage to speak to the new stranger, his calm and collected voice belied his introverted personality.


    "Alright, then. We find ourselves in an unfortunate situation," he began, adjusting the spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. "What I fail to grasp is, why are we all standing on top of the tavern roof Cassius?"


    "Diviners'' intuition. Professor Ex is sure to pass this way."


    "Remind me the percentage of your intuition being right?"


    "Well, I¨C"


    "Exactly. We''ve been standing here for more than an hour. Let''s all climb down and GET this man a shield," Ethan chides Cassius off.


    "Well, I was just trying to be helpful."


    "Oooh, Wakanda forevah!" Ashley exclaims smirking, eager to break the tension.


    "Ashley? We don''t do that here," Ethan grins back and raises a fist bump to which she playfully punches his fist back.


    "We know, Cassy. Your diviners'' gift is great and all, but you gotta add a little tact in order to actually see results. Standing on the roof would''ve warded off anyone who plans to pass by this area. With the moon in full bloom, we have deliberately shown our presence to the enemy. Right, professor?" Ashley interjects.


    "Right," Ethan replied, genuinely surprised how Ashley read him like a book.


    "I know it''s not my place to speak but, couldn''t you have just told him so we didn''t have to waste time?" Lorenz inquired.


    "Failure is a necessary obstacle if one is to get stronger. It is better to fail within the confines of a controlled learning environment, than to fail when the stakes are high. It was a necessary experience for him," Ethan lectures.


    "But doing it right the first time saves a lot of time¡ª"


    Before Lorenz could finish speaking, huge explosions erupted across the city.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Chaos ensues. People are frantically running everywhere, panic and mass hysteria have clouded their judgment. As though a deliberate attempt to establish order amidst the chaos, a notification popped up in each of the adventurers'' interface:


    [ SYSTEM WARNING : FOREIGN THREAT DETECTED ]


    - A foreign entity invaded the examination system. Requesting all adventurers to protect the city, failure will result to termination of the current exam -


    - Reward: Double your town favorability -


    Even before reading the notification, our ragtag group of adventurers has already begun their move. No way are they turning a blind eye to people who were suffering, with the added benefit of a reward, their motivation skyrocketed.


    "Ischyr¨® fr¨¢gma! No one can hurt me without my permission!" (LRP Cost 10), Ethan and Ashley encoded their mentors'' signature spell while rushing in the chaos¡ª A burning window which was about to fall on a child was swatted away by Ethan''s writing spear while Ashley''s pen transformed into a whip that fended off the other falling debris.


    Lorenz decoded the warmth spell (LRP Cost: 1) and encoded a new one on his blanket:


    "Robust und kalt" (LRP Cost: 3) the blanket stiffened with a cold sturdiness that shielded him from the heat as he went in a burning building to save a trapped old lady.


    As seconds tick by, more and more adventurers joined in the rescue, eager to grab the double reputation boost.


    Amidst all the screaming, the smoke and the heat, Ethan realizes that Cassius was no where to be found. He wanted to go and find him, but alas the town needed him more. I won''t be able to find him amidst all these chaos anyway, might as well deal with the problem that''s in front of me.


    To make matters worse, several goblins have been found attacking citizens with unbridled frenzy. While the adventurers are able to make short work of them, their sheer numbers made it an arduous task.


    Seeing this, Ethan summons Lexcalibre, channels his soul ink and uses it to runechant both his writing spear and Ashley''s formless pen. Recalling the terrifying slicing power of Miss Trusts'' spell, he encoded the word "Vulnus" on both weapons.


    [ Activate Armor Enchantments? (Y/N) ]


    "Activate Bracers of Samson''s Strength, Activate Boots of Sprightly Jump", Ethan and Ashley spoke in unison. There was no need to waste spells on numerous enemies, for mobs of less power but large quantity, Faye had taught them to fight head on. All of their preparations: the armor, the weapons, the spells, and the training¨C are all in full display at this moment.


    Ashley held out her hand to Ethan. Her cheeks blushed a little bit, making Ethan recall the time when he reluctantly agreed to be her 18th rose. What he didn''t know though, was that Ashley deliberately left that spot open¨C a supposed once in a lifetime gamble to get to dance with the person she admired the most. "Shall we?"


    Ethan smiled. She wasn''t the same damsel in distress he found at the library, she had grown to be a fine lady capable of taking the lead. He held her hand and both jumped into the fray.


    The two coordinated their attacks tearing goblin limbs left and right. It wasn''t much of fight, it was a massacre. The other bronze adventurers stood in awe at their brilliant coordination, Ethan, a precise shadow surgically chopping through mobs while Ashley spins through the battlefield as a free flowing red blade accompanies her graceful strides.


    It was a long night, the citizens'' safety was an uphill battle, it took several hours before all the explosive glyphs had been diffused, the perimeter secured, casualties and survivors all accounted for. Granted the town would''ve been wiped out without the adventurers, but the horrors of the destruction still loomed the town. As the double reputation had not yet been rewarded, the adventurers surmised that more help had to be given to finally trigger the reward, so they started rebuilding the fallen city.


    As the group prepared to set out to find Cassius, they were shocked to see the boy limping towards them. His armor reduced to tattered rags, his body and face beaten up black and blue. There was utter silence amongst them as Cassius slowly inched towards them, he staggers and almost fell down, Ethan went to his rescue and sat him over a nearby rock. "What happened? Who did this to you?"


    "I met him. Professor Ex, and his three cronies wearing garments of black and white. They were strong, incredibly so... I thought I could exert divine punishment... But... They made short work of me."


    "My goodness you''ll need to be treated! How are you even alive?" Ashley worriedly asked.


    "Well, I died¨Cbut I had a pre encoded resurrection spell. It''s a master level diviner skill."


    "You''re a master diviner?", Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    "Our my family''s court physician is..." Cassius voice trails off as he falls into deep slumber.


    "No wonder he is eager to play hero. Esteemed family carry the virtue of noblesse oblige. Great, this team couldn''t get any weirder," Lorenz conjectured.


    "Not as weird as you, a commotion had turned the town upside down and yet you''re just covered with a blanket. Don''t you have an ounce of decency?"


    "I must let you know I am an esteemed gentleman and my manners are usually refined. This occasion of a nudist streak is the first of its kind."


    Ethan hands him a bag of gold, "Some market stalls are unaffected by the fire. Go buy yourself some clothes and some gear."


    "Thank you! Finally!" Lorenz grabs the bag of gold and rushes over to the market stalls.


    Looking at the unconscious boy, Ethan sighs, "Thank goodness you''re alive, Cassius. I wouldn''t know how to deal with myself if you weren''t. I don''t want to lose another student."


    They all head to the town infirmary to get their bruises and wounds treated. This world has a faster way of treating physical injuries; however, when it comes to pain afflicted to the soul¡ªeven a world brimming with magic is yet to find a cure.

 Chapter 27: Confrontation

    Our rag tag band of adventurers were finally able to find solace in the heavily guarded town infirmary. After the incident, the townspeople remained vigilant as rumors of another attack i


    threatened their posterity and peace of mind. The scale of the destruction seemed to be a coordinated attack, the mastermind of this villainy remains at large.


    Ashley woke up in a rather quiet morning, the warmth of the sun gently caressed her cheeks as she rubbed her eyes and adjusted her vision. A notification screen flashed before her.


    [ First Challenge : 80% Town Favorability has been accomplished ]


    Achievement Reward : Silver-Ranked Items back in the Aetherland Guild are now available for purchase


    Ding! Prerequisites for the Acquisition of a Rare Ability has been met. Calculating causality... Please stand by...


    Calculations complete.


    Hidden Achievement Unlocked


    Description: The night was fraught with peril in every corner, tiptoeing on the edge of life and death, you danced with grace and unbridled ferocity. For performing a grand spectacle amidst the chaotic onslaught, adventurer [ Ashley ] is rewarded:


    [ Unique Skill : Belle of the Brawl ]


    Description: Upon activation, the user becomes invulnerable to all damage and crowd control effects for 1 minute.


    [ Second Challenge : Accumulate 3000 gold ]


    Deadline : 11 days


    Note: The remaining days of the finished challenge has been added to the deadline of the second challenge


    So... If there are five challenges, the practical exam should take about a month to finish, Ashley thought to herself.


    Putting on her adventurers'' outfit, checking her inventory and doing a light warm-up, she sets put of her to find the others and have breakfast.


    She visits Cassius first in his assigned room in the infirmary, nurses tended to him, adjusting his numerous bandages as he complains about slight discomfort from time to time.


    "How are the bruises young warrior?" Ashley inquires in playful banter.


    "Gee, I''ve made one reckless decision now everyone''s making fun of me," Cassius replied, his brows furrowed as he avoids Ashley''s gaze.


    "Everyone? You mean Ethan and Lorenz were here before I came?"


    "Yeah. Lorenz left some runechanted materials as thanks for the gold while Ethan fell asleep last night while reading my diary. He was gone when I woke up and my diary along with him.


    Ashley rummaged through the runechanted materials, she is surprise to find out that each one boosts a certain stats by a whopping 20 percent.


    [ Notice : Each Adventurer is allowed to Equip 3 Runechanted Items : Equipments 0 / 3 ]


    "I''ll keep some of these for now and equip them later. The professor must''ve went out to begin the second challenge, I should get going as well. In the meantime, get some rest."


    "Sure. I''ll be here, its not like I have a choice."


    "Come on now, stop sulking. We''ll cary you on the second challenge, BUT, you''ll have to pull your own weight on the third one," Ashley left with a playful wink.


    Cassius breathes a sigh of relief, "Good riddance."


    -----


    In an abandoned rundown building in a shady part of the town, the musty air coming from its damped architecture infused tension as two men faced each other. Their unresolved conflict has now manifested into a head-on confrontation.


    "Silly professor, as soon as I told you I know her whereabouts you rush all the way here like a rabid dog. Quite the contrast from the puppy who ran away with his tail tucked between his legs. If you had stopped me right in that tavern, so many more lives would''ve been saved. The townsfolk are dead, Ethan, and it''s all because of you."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Seated on a makeshift leather throne, Louie Dumas a.k.a. Professor Ex, slumped comically over the chair looked like it was a moment away from breaking apart. Runes representing might, agility, and durability adorned his pale skin, his muscle rippling with sinister vitality. It wasn''t something that appeared to be honed like body builders have, instead it gave off the impression of an ill-gotten power.


    "Quite the contrary, I am here solely because I need to put an end to your schemes," even now, Ethan''s hands are trembling uncontrollably. He had to put them in his pockets, he dark robe doing wonders to obscure his anxiety. Compared to his shaking hands and knees, Ethans'' eyes had a deathly glint. His heavy heart bore the resolve to kill¨C like a cornered mouse eager to pounce over its predator.


    "Oh I longed for this! I''m finally beating you one on one," Louie exclaims.


    Wait, what? What''s this about?


    "How many times was it now? You lost more than I could count!" Ethan bluffs pretending to know the subject of their conversation.


    "You only win because lady luck chooses to side with you. But in terms of writing skill, I''m far superior! Trained by the best instructors of the region. How am I inferior when compared to you who went in without any training?"


    So that''s what this is all about. Now he doesn''t sound so scary anymore.


    "You''re saying something¡ªSECOND PLACE?"


    Louie gives out a haughty laugh, and replies, "You know I was fine with second place, sure, if the poor kid wanted to be first then let him. It was fine that we even got hired in the same institution, but you had to ruin my fun. Charlie, that trash reeked of poverty as much as you. Academic scholars? Don''t make me laugh. You''re just a bunch of scum feeding off bread crumbs that fall from our table."


    Finally, Ethan had the complete picture. This was once the kid who bawled his eyes out after losing to him in a national essay writing competition. Now that Professor Ex''s weakness laid bare, Ethan took his opportunity to add insult to injury:


    "Well atleast, I won those contests. Too bad all that money can''t buy you enough skill to surpass me. Either that or... You''re just pathetic."


    "INSOLENT FOOL! YOUR LUCK HAS RUN OUT, I AM YOUR DOWNFALL ETHAN!" Louie stood up enraged, as he was about to take another step¡ª


    Rewrite Attribute : SOLID to Liquid


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 80 / 150 ]


    Professor Ex lost his footing as the ground where he stood turn to liquid, the succeeding floors collapsed from the impact of his hulking figure making him plummet several stories down.


    "Frankly I''ve never seen you as my rival. Look how far you''ve fallen, trying to catch up to me," Ethan jests.


    "Quite the trick you have there, unfortunately, there are no judges who will side with you his time. Your luck has ran out."


    As he finished his sentence, several hooded figures appeared from all direction, seemingly trying to corner Ethan. They work masks with large black beaks and carry with them a scythe with inlaid ruby gems¨C their apparels bore the aesthetics of both a plague doctor and a death reaper.


    "So this was your plan? Such amateurish writing style is the reason why you never came first, winning isn''t as simple as stacking the odds against your opponent, you must be strong enough to carve a path of victory yourself."


    Reaching in his spatial inventory, Ethan pulls out several sticks and tosses them in all directions.


    "¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda)"


    ¨C10 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 70 / 150 ]


    Fire exploded from all around Ethan as he jumps in the hole from which . The masked hooded figures now lay dead on the ground, Ethan barely sniffed the scent of burning flesh when he decided to hold his breath until he reaches a certain distance. He shuddered at that the realization that killing feels normal for him. He never killed anyone before coming to this world, but time and time again he is plunged in a situation where holding back meant losing his life. Ethan was done hesitating.


    "There''s more where that came from. Runechanted by yours truly!" Ethan exclaims as he steeled his resolve.


    "There, there. You''ve finally stooped to my level. Now that we''re both on the ground, I can finally put an end to your arrogance!" Louie shouts as he leapt to where Ethan was standing, a booming sound could be heard, the next thing Ethan knows is a humongous fist hitting him square in the face.


    ¨C145 Bludgeoning damage! [ Mithril Armor Negated 100 damage ]


    [HP : 105 / 150 ]


    Ethan was send flying with one blow, his body slammed against the fragile edifice. The hit was strong enough to leave a dent on the wall. Ethan slumps overs, coughs up blood and struggled to maintain his balance. A few meters in front of him stood Louie, his twisted frame adapted a more grotesque form. Ethan wouldn''t have recognized him had not for his unusually disproportionate head sticking out conspicuously over his muscle bound shoulders.


    "I must admit, you are slightly better than me at writing, but when it comes to strength, I can run laps over your ex girlfriend before you could hit a homerun."


    "Trash like you don''t get to insult a woman of her caliber," Ethan wipes off the blood from his mouth and continues, "She may be my ex, but that insult will cost you your life."

 Chapter 28: Invictus

    That initial hit was enough to make Ethan regret ever coming to this place. He knew he was walking right into a trap, but his training and questing experience gave him the false sense of confidence that most budding adventurers succumbed to.


    Not to be outdone, Ethan brings out his fountain pen (spear mode) in one hand and mentally spins Lexcalibre in his other hand. "Time for a test drive, I guess?" Before Ethan could process his hesitation Louie lunges in for an attack.


    "I always envy that ambidexterity of yours, a magnificent skill wasted on the likes of you!" Louie exclaims in disgust.


    Ethan was tempted to rely on his specialty of summoning things but the heated brawl leaves no room for him to start chanting. I should''ve summoned something before coming here, Ethan tells himself.


    After a several exchange of blows and maneuvers, Ethan quickly realized that despite him being able to read through Louie''s moves, his body is just too slow to keep up, as if he was the one moving in slow motion. His senses are on high alert, his body operating at full throttle.


    Ethan steps in and swings his spear towards Louie''s direction, Louie dodges by stepping back only to get hit by a barely visible slicing wave¨C the runechantment "Vulnus" which Ethan encoded the night before remained inscribed in his spear thus activating its effects.


    However, the spell that tore the goblins apart just barely scratches Louie''s skin.


    "My durabality is speciaized on resisting bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing attacks. That puny toy of yours is ineffective against me," Louie snickers.


    "Oh really? Thanks for revealing your hand dumbass Dumas" Ethan retorts.


    "What of it? It''s not like you can do anything about it, I''ll crank up the speed. Try to keep up."


    The two continued to trade blows, with Ethan trying to chip away damage to no avail, dodging Louie''s attack while he''s at it; Louie on the otherhand took Ethan''s attacks head on, all the while grinning in the process. He knew he had this fight in the bag. Just as he was about to insult Ethan again, he pulls out two sticks out of his spatial inventory and throw the over Louie who arrogantly catches them mid-air.


    "What are these? are you inviting me for a samgyeopsal?" Louie jests, but as he turn the sticks around, he noticed the inscriptions written on them.


    In this moment of vulnerability, Ethan takes this opening to trigger the runechanted spells on the sticks,


    "¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda)"


    ¨C2 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 68 / 150 ]


    The sticks exploded, its blast enough to tear open a portion of Louie''s tough leathery skin. This enrages Professor Ex as he went to a frenzy. Ethan threw more sticks over his direction but the adversary effortlessly swatted it away.


    With Louie''s increased speed, Ethan had no room for a counterattack, if he ever stops moving for just a second¡ªwell, let''s just say he found out the hard way:


    ¨C135 bludgeoning damage! [ Mithril Armor Negated 100 damage ]


    [ HP: 70 / 150 ]


    Another kick sent Ethan to his knees, his chest heaved with each breath as Louie''s monstrous form loomed over him. Sure he may have uttered those words in pure confidence, but his frail body is unable to match with his mental fortitude; blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, his legs shaking under the weight of exhaustion.


    Louie smirked, his grotesque frame twitching with barely contained energy. His muscles rippled with unnatural strength as he towered over Ethan. "You make a good punching bag, so durable! No wonder you can keep long term relationships. I hate guys like you the most, always playing the hero, needlessly being praised by so many. If I am trash, then what does that make you?" Louie taunted, he pulls Ethan by the hair and stares deep in his eyes, Louie''s voice deep and guttural. "Getting beaten up by trash like me? Pathetic."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Ethan gives a sinister smile as his fingers tingled, his connection with Lexcalibre has evolved to a point that allows him to mentally command it to write with just a few gestures¨CRunechanting spells on Louie''s clothes while he isn''t looking. However, the fact that he still needed to move his fingers meant that a distraction is imperative.


    ¨C5 Lexical Points...


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 63 / 150 ]


    His body ached in desperate protest, but Ethan wills it to move. He cannot stop now, if he does, this will be the end of him.


    "You know, for a guy who brags about abusing children, you don''t really dress the part. I mean, a villain needs to dress nicely to earn respect, you may have been in a classroom, but you certainly don''t have class," Ethan insults in an attempt to distract him.


    "What''s this? Have you lost your mind? You''re about to die and yet you ridicule how I dress. You should be begging to stay alive!"


    Man, you''re as gullible as you are guilty. Just a few more words and I should be able to...


    ¨C10 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 53 / 150 ]


    Despite his unreadable bluffs, Ethan¡¯s connection with Lexcalibre was flickering in and out like a dying flame. His concentration was slipping, but he had to keep writing¨Che had to end this.


    "I bet those children begged too. I mean, if I''m gonna get tortured by a man with a bad fashion sense, I''d rather beg to be killed faster."


    ¨C10 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 43 / 150 ]


    Louie lunged forward, and Ethan barely had time to raise his hand before the brute''s massive fist came crashing toward him.


    ¨C132 Bludgeoning Damage! [ Mithril Armor Negated 100 damage ]


    [ HP : 38/ 150 ]


    The impact sent a jolt of pain through his arm, and Ethan stumbled backward, his mithril suit starting to get worse for wear.


    ¨C13 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 30 / 150 ]


    ¡°What did the faculty see in you? You arrive 5 minutes late, you''re absent more than once a month, and you''re the last to submit grades and school forms. Granted I pay others to do mine but hey, it''s not my fault you were born poor," Louie sneered, pulling back for another strike. "Everything about you screams hero! Your journey, your backstory, oh what a compelling narrative! but alas, someone who lives like a hero must die like a hero. This abandoned building is a fitting sepulcher is it not?"


    Ethan¡¯s vision blurred. His head was pounding, the dizziness almost overwhelming. As the dizziness started to numb his senses, his minds'' control over Lexcalibre was slipping. He felt giddy for the first time in a while, the kind of feeling one usually gets when they''ve drunk themselves a little too much.


    Louie bore a sadistic grin, his eyes glint with brutal satisfaction, "It''s ironic to ask a writer this question but¨C any last words?"


    With a growl, Ethan lifted his right hand, forcing his index finger to point upwards. His mind was sluggish, like fighting through thick mud. With every ounce of will he had left, he triggered the spell he runechanted on Louie''s boots¨C


    "Windsto?"


    ¨C10 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 20 / 150 ]


    Then runes activated on Louie''s boots resulting to a squall of wind bursting forth, pushing Louie several stories high up through the hole from whence he fell. As his consciousness slowly slipping away, Ethan grins sheepishly from his semi drunken mental state as he follows up with the trigger for the remaining runes:


    "¦¢¦Ï¦Ë?¦Ä¦Á (vol¨ªda)"


    ¨C20 Lexical Points


    [ Lexical Reservoir : 0 / 150 ]


    A surge of flames erupted from every runechanted part of Louie''s incendiary clothing. As he burned to a crisp, his soul ink meshed perfectly with the explosion creating a majestic blend of purple, red, orange, and black.


    This explosion reverberated from all over the town which caught Ashley''s attention, as well as the guards of the town. The townspeople started to panic, barricading their windows and doors, wary of another possible goblin attack.


    Something''s afoot. What''s with this nagging feeling that Ethan could be involved. Professor... please be safe, Ashley thought to herself as she rushed towards the sound of explosion.


    Meanwhile, back in the abandoned building...


    Ethan caught a glimpse of this fireworks display just a few moments before he finally passes out, his heart was filled with relief as the rush of adrenaline leaving his body.


    The fragile edifice shook, debris fell outward from the blasts impact. The afternoon sky darkened as rain begun to fall, soaking Ethan unconscious body.


    While he was asleep, a notification pops up in front of him:


    Ding! You have slain a registered villain, transferring his personal items into your Spatial Inventory, please standby... Transfer complete.


    [ Second Challenge : Accumulate 3500 gold has been accomplished ]


    Achievement Reward : Increased Spatial Inventory, Unlocked Additional Function [ Alchemical Features (Bronze Rank) ]


    Hidden Achievement Unlocked : Invictus


    -For conquering an adversary with a 10 level difference in power, you have proven that your potential cannot be dampened by level restrictions. You shall continually rise, unrestrained and unfettered by worldly constraints. For achieving a unique feat, you are rewarded:


    1. Vertical Running (Consumes Stamina)


    2. Grappling Hook (15 feet / Upgradable)


    3. Glider (Consumes Stamina)


    4. Double Jump


    [ You have leveled up ]...


    [ You have leveled up ]...


    [ You have leveled up ]...

 Chapter 29: Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

    As the fireworks adorned the sky, a scene flashed in Ethan''s mind...


    It was one of those afternoons where he was so late for class he decided not to show up. He''d usually hang out on the rooftop while drinking soda, but that day, someone else was there before him.


    "Don''t do it boy. Not during my class. I''ll get sued and have my license revoked," Ethan casually teased, opens a can of soda and offers it to a scrawny boy who teetered at the edge of a rooftop handrail.


    "There''s no point in being alive," Charlie replied, a tear visible in one of his cheeks. He childishly wipes it off and looks at Ethan, "I''m sorry professor, I didn''t know it was still your time, I don''t have a watch you see..." the boy gets off the rail and takes Ethans'' soda and gulps it down.


    "You''re awfully thirsty boy, say, could you postpone your isekai? My salary is on the fifteenth and I''ve been meaning to buy you a wristwatch, not the cheap kind. The waterproof one."


    "Really?! Wait, how''d you know I needed one?"


    "Your lady boss is... well, we were¨C acquaintances! Yes, that''s the word. She told me about your part time jobs and how your watch malfunctioned after cleaning a pool."


    "You don''t have to go that far professor. We''re not even family."


    "You''re the type of kid who doesn''t want to owe anything to anyone huh? Well, I ain''t giving it away for free," Ethan makes a sinister smile.


    "If you say so, then I''m in!"


    "Wait, you didn''t even know what the cost is? What if I ask you to do something dangerous?" Ethan retorts half joking.


    "Word travels fast amongst students, we know that you aren''t the type."


    "Oh really? What else have you been gossiping about?"


    "That your assistant has a crush on you!"


    "No way that''s true."


    "¨Cand that you''re living off pay check to pay check"


    "How rude! I guess I won''t be buying that watch now"


    "Hey! No fair!"


    The afternoon continued with more banter and deep talks. It was enough to make Charlie postpone jumping off the building.


    ...


    The explosion reverberated across the town, rattling the windows of nearby homes and sending tremors through the cracked foundations of the decrepit building where Ethan lay. The smell of smoke and charred fabric filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of rain. As the dust settled, the quiet was almost eerie, broken only by the distant sound of hurried footsteps and the muffled shouts of townspeople reacting to the chaos.


    "Indeed, revenge does not grant the desired catharsis of its'' acquirer", Ethan''s thoughts trailed as he struggled to grasp his fading  consciousness, the wave of pain and exhaustion kept him glued to the ground.


    "Perhaps I should''ve let you jump that day, maybe that would''ve saved you from a more painful death. I have avenged you, Charlie."


    The weight of his victory over Louie a.k.a. Professor Ex¡ªthe brute who had tormented him as well as many unfortunate students back in his old world¡ªoffered no relief. His muscles overused to the point of exhaustion, his head throbbed, and the world around him felt as though it was slipping through his fingers like sand.


    Then, through the fog of his fading senses, a new sound pierced the silence¡ªthe clanging of metal, boots striking the ground. The unmistakable sound of armored guards approaching. Before Ethan could summon the energy to move or even react, several strong hands grabbed him, lifting him up with alarming precision. He tried to resist, but his body was uncooperative, and before he could even think to summon a defense,Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    [ Collars of Spatial Restriction ]


    Passive Ability: Once applied, seals the targets'' skills and abilities


    A runechanted cold steel collar clamped around his neck, and shackles tightened around his wrists.


    The guards that surrounded him were not the typical, run-of-the-mill soldiers. These men were hardened, with faces marked by years of duty. Their armor gleamed in the low light, and their weapons were drawn¡ªlong swords and halberds. The leader, a rather familiar woman  with a fragrance that evoked a feeling of passion and intrigued, knelt beside him, her seductive eyes scanning his battered form.


    "I''m starting to think you''re getting caught in purpose Ethan" she said, her voice has a tone of playful danger. "But then again I like bold men, who knew you''d pick a fight with the beholders underlings so soon?"


    Ethan¡¯s vision was swimming, but he caught a glimpse of her badge¡ªan insignia bearing an Eye with eight serpentine tentacles. His heart sank as he realized the implications.


    "Y-You¡¯re his underling too¡­ Parallax" Ethan tried to speak, his voice hoarse and barely audible, but his lips trembled as his consciousness waned.


    The woman¡¯s lips curled into a faint, disdainful smile. "You¡¯re lucky I didn¡¯t find you sooner, or we¡¯d have had to clean up your corpse instead." She signaled for the others to drag him upright. "But come now, I¡¯ve got bigger problems than some burned-out villain. I need you Ethan, but for now¡ª Somnum" Miss Trust casted a spell that lulled our protagonist to sleep.


    Ethan¡¯s head lolled to the side as the guards half-dragged, half-carried him away from the wreckage. He was slowly drifting to sleep although his heart was still pounding, adrenaline lancing through him in erratic bursts. His mind struggled to catch up, processing the fact that he had killed Louie, but now... now he was in the hands of the very people he had once sought to avoid.


    "Don¡¯t think for a second that this ends here," the woman continued, her voice softening slightly but still tinged with venom. "We¡¯ll be having a nice long chat about your little antics."


    ...


    Ashley arrives at the scene just a step behind Miss Trust. While she wanted to swoop in and save the professor, she was wary of her crowd control specialties, and that if both of them got caught, there''d be no one to locate and save them.


    As Miss Trust leans over to whisper at Ethan, our female protagonists instinctively fumes and would''ve rushed over on impulse had Miss Trust not look at the general direction from where Ashley is hiding. This catches her by surprise enough to halt her, her body instinctively responds making her doll-sized increasing her chance to not get noticed.


    "I could''ve sworn I sensed bloodlust, but whatever it is might''ve cowered already," Miss Trust loudly exclaims taunting the possible aggressor.


    "I don''t see anything madam," one of the guards replied.


    "Meh, must''ve been the wind," another guard interjects.


    Miss Trust raises an eyebrow  but decides to let it go, "Perhaps another time, for now we have more exciting pursuits. Best not dally."


    The group of soldiers took Ethan to a secluded cave a few kilometers away from the outskirts of the town while Ashley followed stealthily. The road leading there were relatively safe, the only issue she would have is the lack of actual roads, the tall tress look similar to one another, had she not been following the group for the past 2 hrs, she would''ve been lost already.


    As they arrived closer to the hideout, Ashley was surprised to see several familiar faces guarding the cave entrance. It was the trio of the burly man in black and white, as well as the two grunts who assaulted them back at the guild.


    "I never even had the chance to ask their names" Ashley thought to herself. She was a safe distance away from the cave entrance. She was struggling to find a fool proof plan since she never did a rescue mission before.


    "A familiar would be nice, just like the ones Ethan summons. Something that could easily go in and out of a cave..." while Ashley is lost in thought, a bat flew in with relative ease, the guards do not seem to mind its presence.


    "Of course!" Ashley grins as she decides on what spell to cast. Before she begins however, she relaxes and tries to meditate... "Okay Ashley, just as you practiced." she closes her eyes, raises her pen with one hand and begins chanting:


    "First, purpose... I want to surveil Ethan''s location... I want to find a way to save him... Next, tame the chaos by visualizing the form the Quillmancy will take... I''ll do it by drawing a bat... now, order... reciting the spell¡ª


    "Thy winged soul sprang into being


    Then might we clearly


    Divine more nearly


    The world that lies beyond our seeing."


    A poem written by S. Waddington. The ancient script is more potent than the usual spells, it recalibrating the very laws of this world into the casters'' intended effects. There was one problem though, Ashley''s wildness is a little hard to tame. Instead of summoning a bat like how Ethan does, she turns into one herself.


    "Great. Just. Great. Not what I wanted, but thanks anyway."


    Ashley rolls her eyes sarcastically as her vision started to turn hazy, but in exchange she perceives the world around her more clearly than before. With unparalleled accuracy, she swoops in the cave and started her rescue mission.

 Chapter 30: Bargain

    The world around Ashley warped as her small bat form flitted through the cave entrance, her awareness has never been this sharp before. The breeze whipped past her, the earth below an undulating blur of dark and light. She¡¯d never experienced the world from this perspective before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.


    The guards at the entrance were no more than silhouettes in the distance, their voices muffled and indistinct as they chatted amongst themselves. They didn¡¯t seem to notice the bat zipping past them, too focused on their idle banter.


    "I know I can win against all three of them now judging from the previous brawl, I have leveled up too. But something feels off about them, it''s as if... Nevermind, for now I''ve got other priorities," Ashley had to resist the urge to dive in headfirst. She had a job to do. She had to find Ethan, and she had to make sure she didn¡¯t get caught.


    Ashley''s new form was certainly a step up from anything she¡¯d attempted before, but she still wasn¡¯t confident enough to barge in without a plan¨Cnot with all the guards roaming around the cave passageways. She is able to pinpoint their location thanks to her enhanced perception in her bat form.


    She flitted around the cave passageways, making sure to keep her distance while she searched for any sign of Ethan¡¯s presence. The cave''s interior was shadowy, the light dimming deeper she flew. Her perception, however, were getting sharper. She could hear faint murmurs of conversation echoing from the depths of the cave.


    ¡°He¡¯s been quiet for a while now. Should we check on him?¡±


    "The lady said to leave him be and tend to our guard duty.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s wings beat faster as she made her way further into the cave. Her bat form gave her a speed and agility that her human form could never have matched, but it also meant she couldn¡¯t communicate with the others directly. She couldn¡¯t just ask for help. And with every passing minute, Ethan¡¯s situation felt more urgent.


    The deeper she went, the more confined the cave became. The air grew musty, and the walls narrowed, pushing her towards a claustrophobic tunnel that led into an even darker part of the hideout. She paused for a moment to get her bearings. She had to figure out exactly where Ethan was before she could do anything reckless.


    After what felt like an eternity, she finally located the professor. The sight of Ethan, shackled and unconscious, brought a rush of adrenaline to her veins.


    Ethan was sprawled on the ground, his face bruised and battered, a cold steel collar around his neck. His hands were bound, his legs shackled, and his body looked limp and defeated. He wasn¡¯t the same man who¡¯d made of her reading Alice in Wonderland. She has seen the professor down on his luck multiple times, but this unsightly vulnerability is on a league of its own.


    Ashley¡¯s tiny bat body hovered near him, and as if on cue, her bat form diminishes turning her back into a human albeit her outfit is now clad in black, her skin pale, and a barely visible canine protruding her delicate lips. After a transformation, she''d usually have remnants manifesting in her human form until the alteration fully subsides (It happened so many times that Ashley has grown accustomed with it by now).


    The chamber was eerily quiet, save for Ethan¡¯s shallow breaths.


    "Ashley... I can''t pay you yet, my salary was delayed," Ethan sleep talks while groaning in pain.


    "Oh you sweet summer child," Ashley says as she gently wakes him up, "Professor..."


    Ethan''s eyes flutters as he begun to regain consciousness "Ashley?... Awww... My back hurts..."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "Were you dreaming of me, professor?" Ashley jests as she pulls out a health potion from her inventory and gives it to Ethan.


    "You were nagging me in that dream."


    "I guess I don''t have to nag you anymore. We can talk as we head back, I have a lot of questions for you. But, first, we need to get you out of these runechanted collars. Problem is, I don''t know how, this thing doesn''t even have a keyhole," Ashley mutters as she inspects the constraints.


    "You''ll just have to decode it. It''s simple really. Simpler than dispelling quillmancy..." Ethan replied as his physical condition slowly getting better because of the potion.


    "How so? I thought decoding was Parallax''s specialty?"


    "Indeed, if a being who can do it naturally exists it stands to reason that the skill could be learned no? and I have an inkling on how to do it. It''s just a theory though¡ªa linguistic theory."


    "Intriguing. Alright then Professor, teach it to me. I''ll do it in your stead since you can''t wield Quillmancy right now."


    "By all means, you simply have to visualize writing the runes backwards."


    "That''s it?"


    "Pretty much. Such is no easy task though, for many years our brain has become accustomed to writing forward. I haven''t successfully done it, yet the fact that the runes reacted when I tried, posits that¨C" a click interrupts Ethan as he felt the sweet relief of his shackles falling off while the wellspring of his lexical reservoir begun flowing once more.


    "You were saying?" Ashley smirks proudly.


    "Such talent. I give you full marks for flexibility Ms. Briar!"


    "You flatter me, professor. I''m just glad you''re safe. Let''s get of here."


    "Of course. I almost forgot that I''ve been kidnapped."


    After changing his battered outfit with fresh clothes from his inventory. Both of them decided it was time to make their escape.


    "Take my hand, Professor. For now, you''ll need to follow my lead."


    The lingering presence of Ashley''s bat form has its advantages and drawbacks. On one hand, the overwhelming urge to snack on any insects that fly too close is a constant distraction. On the other, the ability to use echolocation provides a significant advantage. This gift allows Ashley to navigate the darker stretches of the tunnel with ease, guiding them undetected past patrolling guards.


    Ethan was insistent on avoiding confrontation. The death of Louie had left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he wasn¡¯t about to add more bloodshed to his conscience. He didn¡¯t want to kill the guards, who might simply be under the influence of Miss Trust¡¯s spells. Unlike creatures like goblins, who feasted on human flesh, Ethan had no desire to kill people¡ªespecially not those who had been manipulated.


    Ashley compromised, instead, with her echolocation, she deduced that could find a cave wall that could lead them outside. After a few minutes of walking around, they finally found one. With the help of Lexicalibre, Ethan rewrites the patch of wall''s attribute from solid to gas enabling them to easily pass through.


    It took them about half a day of travel from the hideout back to the infirmary, it was already night time when they finally arrived. Ethan had filled in Ashley about the details of his confrontation and victory against Professor Ex as well as the accomplishment of being the first to finish the second objective of accumulating 3,500 gold coins.


    As they were about to got closer to Cassius'' assigned room in the infirmary, they noticed the door to be slightly ajar. An ominous feeling rushed over both of them as Ethan opened the door.


    Ethan''s heart pounded as he and Ashley stepped through the infirmary door. The dim light from the flickering candles barely illuminated the room, casting long, eerie shadows on the stone walls. His breath caught in his throat. The bed that once held Cassius was now occupied by someone far more dangerous¡ªMiss Trust.


    They had subscribed to the false sense of safety after just escaping from this villains'' clutches. Now seeing Miss Trust here, made them feel that they have been dancing on her palms all this time. All that struggle, all that effort to escape, all for naught.


    She sat languidly on the edge of the bed, a vision of seduction and cold malice. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her lips curled into a sly smile. She was draped in a flowing, burgundy gown, the fabric clinging to her lithe form like a second skin. But it was her eyes¡ªglittering with sharp, predatory intent¡ªthat held Ethan¡¯s gaze.


    And nestled in her lap, unconscious and vulnerable, was Cassius.


    "Oh my, oh my, the captured professor and the little winged stalker. I have been waiting," Miss Trust said while casting a meaningful glance at Ethan and Ashley who have the weapons at the ready.


    Her delicate fingers gently stroking Cassius'' vulnerable neck, Miss Trust¡¯s eyes flicked toward them, her smile widening as she saw the tension in Ethan¡¯s posture. She didn¡¯t need to say more¡ªher presence alone conveyed a chilling message. If Ethan and Ashley didn¡¯t cooperate, she would end Cassius¡¯s life without a second thought. Ethan and Ashley could do nothing but comply.


    "Both of you, sit. I''ve come to bargain."

 Chapter 31: Unexpected Windfall

    Ashley¡¯s heart dropped into her stomach. They had barely managed to escape from one danger, only to walk right into another. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at her, but she refused to show it.


    She could feel the heat rising in her chest, the urge to lunge at Miss Trust, to strike her down for daring to kidnap the professor. But she forced herself to take a deep breath, holding her composure. She knew better than to act on impulse. It was clear Miss Trust had orchestrated this entire situation, and rushing into a fight now would only lead to disaster.


    Ethan, ever the strategist, was the first to speak. His voice was calm, measured, but there was a sharpness beneath the surface. "You must be desperate if you''re willing to use Cassius as leverage. What do you want from us, Miss Trust?"


    Her smile widened, though her eyes never wavered from them. "Oh, it¡¯s not what I want from you, Professor. It¡¯s what you want from me. You see, I know about your little escape plan¨C I''ve seen wee wittle Ashly poke her nose around the base. I figured it would be a great time to go to our actual target."


    Ashley tensed, her mind racing. How could she know? They had been so careful, so stealthy. And yet Miss Trust was two steps ahead.


    As if in jest, Miss Trust gave Ethan a playful look as she continued, "...but I''m not here for that either. You see, after the written exam and the stunt you pulled at Louie, I''ve grown fond of you, professor."


    Ethan¡¯s face hardened. "What do you want, then? What can of demented victory are you after? and who is this common enemy you speak of?"


    Miss Trust tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "Victory?" she repeated softly. "No, no. This is far from a victory. This is a... catalyst. A little nudge to make sure we¡¯re all playing the same game." Her eyes flashed, predatory and calculating. "You see, you¡¯re so much more interesting to me alive, Professor. Your talents are... rare. But not as rare as Cassius'' lineage, the Orders'' primary target."


    "What do you want with Cassius?" Ashley retorted.


    Ethan had a spark of realization, then he frowns, "They want to put an end to the Protagonists'' lineage. I''ve read Cassius'' Diary. The main character, Peter Piqer was his ancestor. But I don''t get it, why go after a boy whose quillmantic  tendency has shown the least promise?"


    "Very insightful, are all academic instructors this bright? I''ve always wanted to date one... But the professors of this world are far too old for my tastes."


    "This world. You can''t mean¨C"


    "Yes. I am aware of your transmigration. The protagonist was not from this world too. So is Louie, and others who came along with you."


    Ashley gasps, "So, we aren''t the only ones after all? How many are there?"


    "Eight, if my knowledge serves me right. There used to be nine but Ethan slayed one."


    The air in the room grew heavier. This implied that there could be more complications as people have their own motivations and desires. For now atleast, Ethan knew he had to keep the conversation going in order to extract more information from Miss Trust.


    "So, hypothetically, if work together we''ll need to learn your real name."


    "Lilith Light," Miss Trust said bluntly.


    "Woah, you can''t be serious?!" Ashley exclaimed, her voice unwavering despite the knot of tension in her chest.


    "Is there a problem? You asked for my name and I gave you my answer."


    "I- No, I don''t believe it!"


    "And never have I asked you to believe. What I''m proposing right now isn''t something as baseless as a name."


    Right. We have strayed off topic, Ethan could see that Miss Trust has switched to a more serious tone, whether she speaks the truth or not, it wouldn''t hurt to hear her out atleast.


    "Let''s get to the bottom of this, what do you want, Ms. Light?" Ethan inquired.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Talk," Ashley said, her voice steady.


    Miss Trust''s lips parted in a slow, deliberate smile. It''s as if the notion of infuriating Ashley is entertainment to her. "Ah, I knew you''d understand. You see, I learned a great deal about this little game we¡¯re all playing¡ªabout the power of the so-called ¡®Anomalies.¡¯ This kid has the blood of the Protagonist flowing in his veins. You, Ashley Briar, are much more than you appear. Your ability to manipulate that form of yours... it¡¯s intriguing. Louie had exponential growth, the more women he takes, the stronger he gets, it''s a relief you''ve gotten rid of him while he hasn''t reached his full potential. And you, professor, have been given the gift of permanence, whatever that means."


    "Curse. You meant curse." Ethan replied. "How did you know about us not being from this world?"


    "The Order of Unmaking has their eyes everywhere," Lilith points at her crest with an eye and eight tentacles surrounding it. "Me and Louie happen to find you while tracking down Cassius. Louie used to really hated you."


    "Used to?"


    "Yes. He can''t hate you beyond the grave can he?"


    "He can hate me in the afterlife."


    "An afterlife exists in your world? That''s interesting. This one isn''t so forgiving, once you have been erased from the narrative, that''s it."


    "So you want to get rid of the anomalies then?" Ashley interjects.


    "Did I gave that impression?" Lilith smiles, no, far from it, I want you to permanently shut the eye of the Order. I need you to aid me in defeating Parallax."


    "And why would you want that? Defeating the head of your own organization?"


    "Would you decline if I told you it''s for personal gain?"


    "We''ll give it some thought. What do we gain from helping you?"


    "Everything."


    "Everything?"


    "All that I have, and all that I am," Lilith pricks her thumb with a needle, blood dripped over her palm, she extends her hand for Ethan to shake. "This is a blood oath, do you accept?"


    Ashley frowns, "Professor, this feels like a trap."


    Lilith begins to tighten her grip over Cassius neck.


    "Alright, you don''t have to resort to more desperate means. I accept," Ethan pricks his thumb with a needle and shakes Lilith''s hand.


    In Ethan and Lilith''s perspective, they are suddenly plunged into a dark place, an enormous divine scale appeared between them illuminating the darkness. They find themselves on each side of the scale. Lilith, now in the form of a helpless child, stood on the heavier side of the scale, while Ethan stood on the lighter side. They both hear a thundering voice from above yet found nothing but darkness there.


    Thread carefully for the Author loathes


    The scoundrel who disobeys the oath


    Only when the two scales meet


    Shall the oath be deemed complete.


    The light from the scales expanded until all darkness is consumed. Both Ethan and Lilith found themselves back in the infirmary room once again.


    Lilith has a bashful look on her, as she whispers at Ethan, "You saw nothing, understand?"


    "Of course." Ethan knew better than to expose a woman''s vulnerability. He prides himself to be a gentleman.


    As Lilith storms off the infirmary, Lorenz goes in immediately after. Oblivious to the tension in the room, he excitedly exclaims "Woah! Have you seen that snob chick? Who''s friend is she? Could you introduce me?"


    "That is a dangerous person, Lorenz. You''d be lucky to have your head on your shoulders when you date her," Ashley replies.


    As if on cue, Cassius shoots up from his slumber and exclaims "Yes I do!", he immediately regrets it after realizing he has been dreaming about his own wedding as soon as he saw everyone''s judgmental gazes poking at him.


    "Ah, so did I miss anything?" Cassius innocently inquires.


    "Oh you sweet summer child! You could''ve died!"


    "Let us all relax and take time to process some things before we get more confused. Everyone take a seat, we need a plan going forward," Ethan diffuses the chaos. After everyone calmed down, he gets them up to speed by discussing all the events that transpired as briefly as possible.


    "Wait, am I part of the team now? Because it feels like all this is confidential information and I, I don''t know, I feel like I don''t belong here," Lorenz asked.


    Ethan raises an eyebrow, and thinks to himself, so he''s one of those indecisive people? He gives a meaningful look at Ashley.


    As the professors'' assistant she had dealt with a lot of his indecisive students, she has been taught that forcing them will only make things worse. These type of people usually leave the decision-making chore to others but complain about it later. If, he is to be part of their team, this has to be rectified sooner. Lorenz needs to actively make the decision in order to take accountability for their actions.


    Ashley stood up, grabs a coin and says "Let''s do it this way, heads you don''t join us and tails you do, got it? Good-" and she tosses the coin in the air...


    "Wait¨C No..."


    Ashley snatches the coin in the air, and asked Lorenz, "So... You staying or not?"


    "I''m staying."


    "Good."


    "I can''t believe that worked," Cassius said, bewildered. "What sorcery is this?"


    "Not sorcery. Experience. The professor used ro have a lot of indecisive students."


    "Ehem," Ethan brings them back on track, "First part of the plan is to get out of here. We need to complete the missions, I''ll give each one of you 3,500 gold so we can proceed to the third challenge."


    The professor casually gives them a bag containing 3,500 gold each. Cassius was shocked, Ashley had the look of a proud mom as she looked at Ethan, while Lorenz was crying in joy, "I''m beyond grateful boss! Can I call you boss?Thank goodness I stayed!"


    "Call me whatever you want, let''s grab some food before we discuss our plans for the third challenge," Ethan takes them all to the nearest restaurant.


    I can''t tell them the money came from Professor Ex''s ill-gotten gains, but none of them seem to mind. Let''s just roll with it, Ethan thought.

 Chapter 32: The Teams Wheelhouse

    The flickering warmth of the tavern hearth bathed the room in golden hues as the scent of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and simmering stews filled the air. The crackling fire cast playful shadows on the wooden beams of the ceiling, and the low hum of conversation surrounded Ethan, Ashley, Lorenz, and Cassius as they settled into a corner booth. Their mugs clinked as they lifted them for a cheer, celebrating the end of another long day of travel.


    The firelight reflected off the polished surfaces of the tavern¡¯s rustic furniture, and the aroma of the hearty meal before them was a welcome comfort. Plates piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and a loaf of warm bread sat before them, and they all dug in with a satisfied grunt.


    "Nothing beats a good meal after a long ordeal," she said, taking another bite of her bread.


    Ethan, already halfway through his steak, nodded in agreement. ¡°It¡¯s been a rough few days, but this makes it all worth it.¡±


    Lorenz, sitting across from them, took a slower, more measured approach. He carefully cut a piece of meat, savoring the moment before speaking. "I must admit, I wasn''t initially thinking you''d be so generous boss! Glad to be part of the team!" His voice had a thoughtful edge to it, as if he were savoring the experience more than the food itself.


    "A big guy calling me boss, never dreamed of it, yet here we are," Ethan chuckles at the absurd but welcome idea.


    Cassius, was already warming up to the group but there remains a hint of timidity in his actions. He glanced up from his plate, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°I have to agree. This meal tastes even better after spending so much time recuperating. Heck, the infirmary started to feel like a second home. But I¡¯m finally glad to be discharged.¡±


    The fire crackled louder, and Ashley leaned back, wiping her mouth gently with a clean handkerchief. "Alright, enough with the pleasantries," she said, her voice excited. "We all know why we''re really here. Let''s talk about what we can do in a fight. We¡¯re a team now, so it¡¯s time to figure out how we all fit together."


    Lorenz raised an eyebrow, he glanced at Cassius, then back at Ashley and Ethan. "I¡¯ll start, then. I¡¯ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that might come in handy. I have forged a myriad of weapons during my apprenticeship under the tutelage of a renowned smith, you might''ve heard of him,  he goes by Master Gawain."


    "We''ve heard of him. Now talk about your skills," Ashley cuts him off before he spends another hour droning on and on about his master (As he did when Ashley first met him).


    "Ehem, straight to business I see. Very well, the first is [Attune]. You see, I can use any weapon that I have created before, with a level of proficiency that would take most people years to learn. Whether it''s a sword, a bow, or spear, once I get the feel of it, it''s as though I¡¯ve been trained for a lifetime. Strange foreign weapons are still a bit tricky to me, but if I manage to make one, I''ll gain proficiency for those too."


    Ethan¡¯s interest piqued. "That sounds incredibly useful. You could switch weapons on the fly in the middle of a fight."


    "Exactly," Lorenz said, smiling slightly. "It¡¯s one of my more versatile skills. But there¡¯s more. I also have [Runechant]¨C which was something you have seen in action before. I can inscribe magical runes onto items¡ªwhether weapons or armor. These runes can be activated later with an incantation. They don¡¯t consume much LRP, so I can prepare for a battle without wasting resources. It¡¯s like setting up a few tricks ahead of time."


    Ashley leaned forward, intrigued. ¡°So you could, say, add a fire enchantment to a sword, and then just say the words when you want it to go off?¡±


    Lorenz nodded. "Exactly. I can set up all kinds of enhancements, traps, or protections, BUT it must be noted that activating runes require the use of the LRP that corresponds its costs."


    ¡°A bit tricky but really versatile, you know I''ve done something similar too, though not as profound as yours,¡± Ethan said. ¡°What else you got?¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Lorenz finished chewing a bite of meat and cleared his throat. "Lastly, [Forged Physique]. I can make myself invulnerable to physical attacks for five seconds. It''s a bit risky, though, since I¡¯m completely immobile during that time. But if I need to tank a heavy hit or reposition myself in the thick of things, it¡¯s a lifesaver."


    Ashley grinned. "Sounds like you''ll be our tank, then."


    Lorenz gave a small, knowing smile. ¡°You could say that.¡±


    Cassius, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his voice calm but serious. ¡°Well, I suppose it¡¯s my turn." He took a sip from his mug before continuing. "My skills are more... unpredictable. You might''ve a gist of it from our earlier encounters but I''ll reiterate them anyway. First, there¡¯s [Foresight]. I get flashes of the future in my dreams, fragments of events that might come to pass. Sometimes they¡¯re clear, sometimes they''re not. But when... I¡¯ve noticed that my visions tend to be more accurate when, uh... when I wet the bed."


    Ashley snorted, nearly choking on her drink. "Wait, what?"


    Cassius looked slightly embarrassed but didn¡¯t back down. "Yeah. It¡¯s... not ideal. But when it happens, the visions are almost always right. I¡¯ve avoided a few nasty encounters thanks to them."


    Ethan let out a chuckle. "That¡¯s one way to get an edge in a fight." Ethan already knew about this, but hearing it again doesn''t make it any less funny.


    Cassius gave a rueful smile. "It¡¯s not exactly my favorite part of the ability, but it works."


    Ashley was still snickering but managed to compose herself. ¡°Well, that¡¯s certainly unique. What else?"


    Cassius¡¯s smile shifted into something more serious. "Next is [Inspire]. I can boost the morale of the group, making everyone move faster and fight harder. The more LRP I use, the stronger the effect. It¡¯s not a game-changer on its own, but in the right situation, it could turn the tide."


    Lorenz nodded thoughtfully. "A good morale boost can be just as effective as a well-placed strike."


    ¡°Exactly," Cassius agreed. ¡°Finally, I have [Smite]. When I strike, I can imbue my weapon¡ªor even my fists¡ªwith divine energy. It¡¯s particularly effective against evil creatures or undead. One solid hit with Smite, and they¡¯ll feel it."


    Ethan grinned. "I like the sound of that. A little divine retribution, right?"


    Cassius¡¯s eyes gleamed, and he gave a small, confident nod. "That¡¯s the idea."


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to digest all the information. ¡°It¡¯s clear you both have some serious power at your disposal. But how does one... obtain these kinds of skills?¡± he asked, genuinely curious.


    Lorenz exchanged a glance with Cassius before speaking. ¡°Good question. There are two primary ways people gain skills: bestowal and tendencies.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Bestowal and tendencies?¡±


    Cassius spoke up. ¡°Bestowal is when an individual or an organization grants you a skill. This could be a powerful figure, like a mage or a knight commander, who bestows abilities based on their authority or expertise. You don¡¯t learn it on your own; it¡¯s something given to you, often with conditions or expectations attached, I earned my two abilities by training under Paladin Rhea, while Foresight is a tendency that manifests when someone decides to take up the path of the Diviner.¡±


    Cassius continued, his voice thoughtful. ¡°The other way is through tendencies. This is more natural¡ªskills that develop over time based on your personal history and experiences. It''s shaped by your upbringing, the choices you make, and the path you walk in life. In a way, your skills are the sum of your actions, decisions, and the people you surround yourself with.¡±


    Lorenz nodded. ¡°Yes. I was granted [Attune] by Master Gawain after 2 years of service. As for [Tempered Physique], I develop a tendency for it after I constantly find myself in dire situations while mining for ores. Finally I got [Runechant] when I decided to take up the path of the Runechanter. None of the skills we have came without a price.¡±


    Ethan thought about this for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Sounds like the Nurture vs Nature proposed by Francis Galton. The development of an individual is shaped by either the environment one is reared in, or ones own natural tendencies. That makes a lot of sense now that I think about it."


    Lorenz smiled. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s all about where you put your time and energy. If you focus on something long enough, it¡¯ll eventually become a natural extension of you, and a skill will form."


    Cassius leans forward with a growing excitement and curiosity in his expression, "Come to think of it, as bronze ranked adventurers our levels should be about the same, my smite was not enough to defeat Professor Ex but you managed to beat him, Ethan."


    "Yeah! and during the goblin raid, both of you seemed like goblin-slaying machines, how are both of you so strong? We''ve shared our skills, time to share yours!" Lorenz excitedly blurted out, his curiosity visible.


    Ethan activates [Pen Pal] to send a telepathic message to Ashley while giving her a contemplative look, "Should we tell them? They revealed three skills, should we reveal just three?"


    Ashley replies thru [Pen Pal], "Professor, I''ve known you for a long time, you''re not one to keep secrets much less scheme."


    With that, Ethan made up his mind, and decides to tell everyone.

 Permanence and Change

    Abilities and skills, as mentioned in the earlier chapters, are related to a person''s tendencies. The creation and naming of such is instinctual, a name will pop up in the interface the more the user cultivates it or leans on a particular tendency.


    Despite Ethan making up his mind, he can¡¯t shake off the nagging feeling of laying himself bare, showing his skills meant exposing his cards, and he has always had the trouble of trusting others. ¡®In the world I came from, I have been betrayed far too many times.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first!¡± Ashley blurts out, noticing Ethan¡¯s hesitation. ¡°I have several skills which, when combined makes me quite formidable!¡±


    She gives him a knowing look as if to say ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. I got you.¡±


    ¡°First and foremost, the [Wild Physique], it is an abnormal condition that I turned into a skill.¡±


    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± Cassius asked.


    ¡°Well of course! I have a knack for making things possible. Just ask the professor!¡±


    ¡°That explains why you¡¯re my assistant for three years now,¡± Ethan remarks.


    ¡°Very well, moving on! Wild Physique triggers when I make casting mistakes, an unintended effect happens like transforming me into a giant, sprouting wings, turning into a different creature, and many more. There was even a time when I get to breathe fire! Hehe.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a curse. I wouldn¡¯t want that,¡± Lorenz said.


    ¡°Understandable. People would think the same, but for a person like me this is more of a blessing than a curse.¡±


    ¡°Hah! So yoh turn your curse into a blessing? Sounds like a webnovel I used to read,¡± Ethan sheepishly replied. There¡¯s a curve on his lips, it looked like Ashleys¡¯ confidence is slowly getting him amped to share now.


    ¡°I also have [Wild Manifestations], even when the random effects from Wild Physique has ended, it tends to have some lingering effects even when I returned to my normal form. The effects are less potent but gives me more flexibility since I¡¯m in a humanoid form again.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound very reassuring..¡±


    ¡°Indeed, but it always come in handy. In fact, I have been trying to cultivate a skill to tame the chaos, to find a semblance of order in my otherwise unpredictable abilities. Alas, there isn¡¯t one that felt natural, somehow, in someway, I always felt like I never wanted order in my life. Anyway, we¡¯ve sidetracked a bit, let me continue.¡± Embarrased, Ashley¡¯s cheeks turned a reddish hue as she continued, ¡°I have [Belle of the Brawl] which grants me several stat boosts and invulnerability for a short period in time. Useful for getting me out of too chaotic situations that I fail to use to my advantage. A get out of jail card if you will.¡±


    ¡°A what? That exists?¡±


    ¡°Well, it does now. To wrap things up, I have [Stat Adaptability] which grants me the ability to tackle any situation by temporarily redistributing my stat points in any way I like! The effects are temporary of course.¡±


    ¡°Mo-monster¡­¡± Lorenz instinctive stated.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not very nice¡± Ashley pouts as she crosses her legs and looks the other way. ¡°I¡¯m a woman y¡¯know¡­¡±


    ¡°Ehem, I guess it¡¯s my turn now,¡± Ethan took a moment to reflect on the extraordinary skills and abilities that had become part of his arsenal since stepping into this remarkable world. He recalls the self-discovery, the challenges, and it may be cheesy to say, but the enemies and friends he made along the way. Just a few days ago he used to be a deadbeat professor who lost all interest in life, now he is on his path to be a full-fledged adventurer who would someday (probably) change the fate of this world.


    Each capability like a meticulously crafted tool, enhanced over time, yet still surprising him with each new layer he uncovered.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    For Ethan, what stood out most prominently in his mind was [Memory Palace]. In the jovial atmosphere of the tavern Cassius and Lorenz stared in awe as Ethan mused about how this memorization method had magnified beyond what he ever dreamed possible. It was as though every piece of information he encountered, whether actively absorbed or passively acknowledged, found its place in his vast mental archive. Like walking through corridors lined with the intricate tapestry of his experiences, he could retrieve memories with precision and clarity whenever the need arose. It was a skill that not only improved his strategic acumen but also gave him confidence in his ever-expanding knowledge base.


    Ethan theorized that this skill paved the way to the creation of his next skill [Perdurable Summons]. He could summon beings and entities that persisted indefinitely unless disrupted by other forces. This set him apart from the usual Beckoners, whose summons were fleeting and ephemeral. With his vast knowledge in ancient text (Literature from Earth), his summons are a force to be reckoned with.


    However, Ethan noted a curious interaction with his other magical abilities; the permanence of these summons seemed to interfere with his capacity to dispel spells. It was a puzzle he was eager to solve, as the correlation of the two may lead to another useful skill.


    He also has [Runechant], a craft akin to that of Lorenz, though admittedly more labor-intensive due to it requiring him to use soul ink. Worse, Ethan''s Runechant isn''t instantaneously applied unlike Lorenz'' superior version.


    ¡°Wait a minute, boss, when you recounted your fight against Professor Ex, you said you runechanted sticks to explode, and even runechanted the adversary¡¯s clothes. Just how much LRP do you have in your soul?¡± Lorenz inquired.


    ¡°He has over a hundred!¡± Ashley retorts. ¡°Although I have more than him¡±.


    ¡°Impossible. Both of you are monsters¡­¡±


    Cassius¡¯ interest is now piqued, ¡°How come you have so much soul ink? The average person couldn¡¯t even name ten books!¡±


    Ethan and Ashley looked at each other, Ethan gave her a knowing look as if to say ¡°You got yourself in this mess blabbing too much, you should get out by yourself.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Ashley¡¯s head raced with thoughts lf excuses, but alas Occam¡¯s Razor proved to be the easiest escape route, ¡°Well, I guess we¡¯re not average.¡±


    ¡°That¡­ Doesn¡¯t help. You know most masters would have around 80 LRP for soul ink, and none of you are at master level,¡± Cassius argued.


    ¡°Well, whaddaya know? We¡¯re both secretly masters!¡± Ashley replied in jest while Cassius remains unconvinced.


    ¡°Ehem, let¡¯s continue,¡± Ethan exposes his empty palm in front of them and calls upon [Lexcalibre], a dazzling light shines as a fountain pen conjured out of thin air, spinning, standing, flying around at the flick of Ethans hands. It was a sight to behold. This is Ethan¡¯s unique Soul Weapon imbued with two unique abilities that enriched his repertoire considerably. It should be noted that he could only use these skills with Lexcalibre and soul ink.


    With the ability called [Rewrite], he could momentarily alter an attribute of any target. This technique required precision and timing, as its effects were fleeting yet powerful. Another intriguing feature was ''Pen Pal,'' enabling instant communication with a designated ally, albeit limited to one connection at a time. It provided a tethered lifeline in situations requiring discrete coordination or swift exchanges. Other than these two skills, Lexcalibre can function as a regular pen.


    Lastly, Ethan revealed the Invictus Series¡ªa distinct set of skills that afforded him unparalleled freedom...


    "Wait there''s more?" Cassius interrupted, shocked by the unexpected development.


    Lorenz chimes in "Yeah boss, even genius adventurers only have five skills before reaching silver rank. Wait, did we¡ªdid we hit a jackpot? Our boss is amazing!"


    "Not really. I only have three named skills, the other two was from Lexcalibre while the Invictus Series came from the achievement of defeating a registered villain. As far as I know, I¡¯m no different from an ordinary adventurer" Ethan replied.


    "I''m gonna defeat a villain myself! I will show them the almighty power of the Author and rid them off the narrative!"


    "Ooooh wittle Cassius acting all tough," Ashley teased.


    "So boss, what skills did you get from the Invictus series?" Lorenz asked, curious.


    Ethan continued to explain the skills as clearly as possible. The skills'' name already explains what it does, [Grappling Hook] allows him to traverse large distances, albeit at the cost of LRP. It shoots a string made of Quillmancy and pulls him towards the direction of the hook. The farther the distance, the higher the LRP cost. [Vertical Running] and [Double Jump] granted him agility beyond mortal means, scaling surfaces with ease and leaping upward with the creation of an invisible platform. Despite these enhancements, gravity remained an inescapable force, one wrong step and he''d be inflicted with fall damage.


    Ethan and Ashley''s diverse abilities painted a complex portrait of their potential, a mosaic of skills that, when harmonized, made him a formidable presence in this enigmatic world. Like two sides of the same coin, Ethan being the embodiment of permanence while Ashley one of change. As they continuously engage in jovial conversations with their new teammates, visions of future endeavors stirred in his mind¡ªa reminder that his journey was far from over, and each learned gift was a stepping stone toward mastering his destiny.