29 Back to Where it All Began (2/2)
”Well done as always, Sorcerer.”
”I'm surprised you agree, Gunthar…”Kara said, but after giving it some real thought could Rainer accept someone like her, with Demon royalty as her enemy, if he wasn't like this? She immediately felt bad for not supporting him in his actions.
”Do you not remember the History of Nalmar. We are a City who told the rest of the empire to fuck off!” He said jubilantly reminiscing.
Both Kara and Rainer looked awkwardly at Gunthar.
”Do not make such faces. The Holy Empire was in no position to help us. If anything their enemies considering Nalmar to be a separate entity had given us a greater chance even if in the end...we failed.”
The [Arch-Lich] had timed his assault well. Even if Nalmar had separated partially, the Holy Empire would never let such a resource go to waste had they the choice. They'd gladly conquer the city for themselves.
The group continued quietly, most of the former slaves too scared to speak and perhaps anger their savior.
”I am sorry Rainer, you are right in not wanting to deal with such a person. Nor should I have questioned you in front of her.” Kara said her arm around him and walking by his side.
”It's fine...at the very least I shouldn't have antagonized her.” He said joining her in the same action.
He thought for a moment on Kara's own past and her guilt. She was, but a little girl pressured by her peers and elders into such a tragic action, he didn't consider what she had done to be her fault. But then what of the mother or grandmother he'd eventually meet? Could he look at them with anything but revulsion? Rainer wasn't sure.
He could hear the teeth chattering of the little boy and girl he had let ride on his Nightmare. They'd be walking back, taking nearly a week. While it wasn't ideal he didn't exactly need to be in the mansion to train his magic, most of it occurring in his sleep.
Rainer had considered them being cold which was why he had them scavenge all the clothes they could find, but it seemed to have gotten colder since when he first came to this world.
He couldn't help, but think how lucky she was looking like a boy with short hair causing his stomach to turn a little.
Rainer put it out of his thoughts. Even if he was 10 times as strong as he was now it's not like he'd go around the world helping every single downtrodden person. And even if he did then what? This clearly wasn't the only world out there; he already knew of three. If certain theories were proven correct, he thought, there was an infinite number of them, an infinite amount of suffering. If it was in front of him and he could stop it with little issue then he would, if not, then it wasn't his problem.
Even now saving them was a byproduct. Were the spells not there he would have never returned to the mine, at most he would just inform the Baron of the situation.
His focus returned to magic he had found. He carefully read over all the notes. The highest spell in there was a tier 6 fire spell, so he focused on the rest. They weren't clearly labeled or described and were more akin to the scattered thoughts of a great mind. His increase in [Faraan Runic Language] hadn't directly granted him much information, but his understanding of magic formulae had improved by leaps and bounds.
He would gain and test all the spells when sleep came, with the exception of the Tier 6 spell that he had about as much of a handle on as he did Deliverance. As in, almost none. The only reason he deemed it a tier 6 spell was for it was the one spell that was labeled within the notes.
[Tier 6 Fire Magic: Inferno]
Making camp for the night, Rainer went around lighting every fire and handing out food from thin air. Oddly there was no surprise from this as if they expected such a thing from a mage, before sitting by his own with Kara wrapped up next to him and Gunthar out on guard. He took out his notes, one by one, and studied them carefully. He finally reached the tier 6 spell and stopped before his head felt as if it were to explode.
An older man who had helped organize the people earlier walked cautiously to Rainer's campfire. Princess Serena had spoken in the language of this country, and its neighbors, for Rainer, meaning everyone understood their conversation. If they were hesitant about the mage before, seeing him disregard some sort of royalty they were in awe now.
Steeling himself the grey-haired Gram asked, ”Lord Magus, might we ask where we are headed?”
”There is a town a week's travel from here. I've already talked to the Baron about finding a decent place and work for all of you.”
The last of the Lord Magus's words that were heard clearly by all surprised them deeply. Not that the Lord Magus was capable of such a thing, but that he would do such a thing for them.
”Than..k you Lord Magus. And thank you once more for saving us from that place. We will forever be in your debt, however, little value that may be to you.” Gram said while bowing deeply and tears flowing down his face. The eyes of the rest, who, while lacking the courage to speak to the Lord Magus, had been filled with gratitude.
Rainer just nodded, but in truth, he wasn't untouched by the man's words in front of him. He also felt a bit bad accepting such a display of gratitude considering how little effort it took from him to help these people.
He looked out around at the cold people. Many were young men, boys and a few young girls who had passed for boys. They had been saved, but it didn't erase what had happened. The long years they worked in the mine, the close ones they must have had to watch die and suffer, had taken a toll on them. The cold chilled their thin flesh even beneath the clothes.
He walked up and stood in the middle of the camp. It wouldn't provide much relief; rather it would likely provide more comfort in thought than real heat, but he would do it in any case.
He lifted his hand in the air. A small Arcane-Fire formed on it. And in an instant, it exploded with a torrent of energy lighting the sky for miles. Heat radiated off it, though Rainer lowered the power before it became too much.
All watching the slowly receded flame, feeling the warmth within their hearts and bodies, and understanding now, entirely, that they were free of the nightmare they suffered.
The scars remained, but they would be given a place, a home, to heal.
Rainer opened his eyes to the white void of [Sleep Learning].
A mental copy of the notes was summoned before him. To use something in [Sleep Learning] he didn't need to memorize, but only take a careful look. However, for spells, his previous time with the notes had merely been far too short. Unlike when he Automatically scoured through Yalin's journal for the runes relating to gravity this time he'd be learning new spells.
Rainer rearranged the notes as he activated [Arcane Rage]. He ordered them from what he felt was their difficulty. And so with the assistance of level 3 [Fire Manipulation], he began his work.
The first few spells hadn't taken all that much time when there was an infinite amount of mana at his disposal and with Rainer's improved ability to alter the spells with Mana output and input runes before he even cast them for the first time.
A single tier 1 spell.
[Spell Gained: Firebolt lvl 1/10]
A small bolt of fire reminiscent of Rainer's arcane bolt.
And three tier 2 spells.
[Spell Gained: Fire Whip lvl 1/10]
A combination of mana and fire manifested together into a whip that could entangle and burn its captives. Rainer could manipulate it similar to how he used his chain. But it lacked the same physical strength, intended more for damage than control.
[Spell Gained: Fire Breath lvl 1/10]
An easy to learn spell given its similarities to [Cone of Fire] though it's method of moving mana through the lungs and neck had garnered great interest in Rainer.
[Spell Gained: Fireball lvl 1/10]
A larger version of the bolt spell designed to explode on impact rather than cause focused damage.
As of now, Rainer worked on his first tier three fire spell, one that had already blown him up.
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[Combustion].
The point was to use a signal and packet of mana to ignite and combust the air a distance away from you. The problem was getting that pocket away before it destabilized and activated early. Rainer now understood the danger of creating any magic outside of [Sleep Learning]. And was even more glad he had gotten to the notes in time before a failed combustion spell cast by a goblin destroyed them.
But, in the end, after several hours, and not fearing for his life, practice had made perfect. He was able to cast the spell accurate enough to the formula.
[Spell Gained: Combustion lvl 1/10]
[Fire Manipulation has reached level 4]
[Mana Manipulation has reached level 3]
Out of everything thus far [Mana Manipulation] had been stuck in its level even though he used it every time he increased the power of magic. It was , along with his other manipulation skills, what allowed him to transcend the limits of a spell and make a tier 1 spell a genuinely dangerous weapon. His bonuses didn't hurt too.
Having to carefully stabilize and use that packet of mana to activate combustion had pushed him over the boundary. That and using an untold amount of mana in this practice.
He guessed he had about 4 hours left until he woke up. He went on to the next hardest, though by the look of it, it may be a tier above [Combustion].
[Pillar of Fire]
Similar to [Combustion] a mana packet needed to be sent, two in this case. But the amount contained in these pockets was a world apart. Rainer would never cast this spell in reality, as it would be too wasteful, at least not before converting it to work with Arcane Power.
Here he had no choice, but to use the chant. But with the increase in Mana and Fire Manipulation, the task proved a far quicker one. Were it not for [Arcane Rage], however, he could have never managed to use two mana packets simultaneously.
And with his uncountable attempt came the call of fire.
”A fire burns within our hearts, within our souls, and it is this fire, that we must unleash upon our foes.”
”To rise from the earth and descend from the heavens.”
”Their ashes shall cry my name.”
”Pillar of Fire!”
A burning torrent of flame erupted from the ground and descended from above. The radiating fire even at a long distance away heated considerably the resistant skin of Rainer.
He watched on in amazement at the sheer destruction of such a spell, almost missing the message that came to him.
[Spell Gained: Pillar of Fire lvl 1/10]
[Title Gained: Wielder of Fire and Brimstone]
[Wielder of Fire and Brimstone: One who has taken the flame and made from it a true expression of its might. 5% Experience Bonus]
[Experience Gained: XX]
Rainer paused seeing that the experience wasn't deferred. Rather he had no idea why [Immortal Slayer]'s experience was deferred. Whatever that meant he'd have to wait for the future.
He wanted to spend the rest of his sleep learning time using [Arcane-Fire Manipulation] and creating new magics, but he was awoken by the sun.
It had taken another whole night before he succeeded.
[Spell Gained: Arcane-Fire Whip lvl 1/10]
[Spell Gained: Arcane-Fireball lvl 1/10]
[Spell Gained: Arcane-Fire Breath lvl 1/10]
[Spell Gained: Arcane Combustion lvl 1/10]
[Arcane-Fire Manipulation has reached level 3]
[Spell Gained: Pillar of Arcane-Fire lvl 1/10]
[Arcane-Fire Manipulation has reached level 4]
[Title Gained: Wielder of the Arcane]
[Wielder of the Arcane: One who wields the origin of magic, controls it's fury, and unleashes its true power. 10% Experience Bonus]
[Experience Gained: Deferred]
Rainer now had a real idea about the nature of experience being deferred.
The group continued in their pace toward the town. Whether it was finally tasting normal food again, or the hope of a new future the energy within the newly freed people was beyond their conditions.
Rainer glanced over his new and widely added to spellbook, noting that the usual increase in tier hadn't applied to [Arcane Combustion] nor [Pillar of Arcane-Fire]. Though, based on their Magical Formulae they could not be considered in the same league as their previous renditions.
[Spellbook: Arcane]
[Tier One: Arcane Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane Candle Flame lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Orb lvl 10/10, Beam of Arcane-Light lvl 10/10]
[Tier Two: Arcane Blade lvl 4/15, Cone of Arcane-Fire lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Spear of Arcane lvl 10/10]
[Tier Three: Spear of Holy Arcane-Light lvl 10/10, Spear of Arcane-Fire lvl 10/10, Arcane Combustion lvl 1/10, Arcane-Fireball lvl 1/10, Arcane-Fire Whip lvl 1/10, Arcane-Fire Breath lvl 1/10]
[Tier Four: Pillar of Arcane-Fire lvl 1/10]
[Spellbook: Fire]
[Tier One: Candle Flame lvl 10/10, Cone of Fire Lvl 1/10, Fire Bolt lvl 1/10]
[Tier Two: Spear of Fire lvl 1/10, Fire Breath lvl 1/10, Fire Whip lvl 1/10, Fireball lvl 1/10]
[Tier Three: Combustion lvl 1/10]
[Tier Four: Pillar of Fire lvl 1/10]
[Spellbook: Light]
[Tier One: Light Orb lvl 1/10, Beam of Light lvl 1/10]
[Tier Two: Spear of Holy Light lvl 1/10]
Spellbook: Space-Time]
[Tier One: XX]
[Tier Two: Gravity Domain lvl 10/10]
[Tier Three: XX]
[Tier Four: Spatial Domain lvl 1/10]
Kara was in the lead and Gunthar patrolled around the sides and rear, tireless in his efforts of protecting these people. Content in his efforts that resulted in saving people rather than only seeking vengeance for the dead.
Walking ahead of the group, just behind Kara, Rainer whispered to Luna.
”Luna, I've been meaning to ask but can you teach me your magic? I've been listening to your chants and watching you, but I can't figure out what so ever what you are doing. The mana flow is odd and the words too.”
Luna lightly poked her head out of his shirt before speaking.
”Eh….Luna can't do. If Rainer can't talk to spirits, there is nothing Luna can do about it.”
”Spirits?”
”Spirits.” She said nodding.
”Informative as usual Luna.”
”What can Luna say, Spirits are Spirits, Red is Red, Green is Green.”
Laughing at their exchange Kara moved to his side.
”I think I might be of more help here. I do not know much, but spirits are beings of magic that live in between planes of existence. There are rare few who can trade their mana for their power. I believe it is a talent.” She said the last part while looking at Luna.
”Yes, Talent, Luna forgot this part. Luna isn't too good at asking spirits for help like other Fae.” She spoke a bit sadly.
”Why do you need spirits when you have me?” Rainer said right after.
”Rainer is right; I don't need anyone else,” Luna said, a smile on her face, before slipping back into her pocket.
Rainer spent the rest of the travel time [Sleep Learning] his new Arcane based spells. It wasn't that he couldn't level his fire ones, but rather, they wouldn't be affected by his 300% bonus to Arcane Magic. Compared to his Arcane spells plain fire ones had little value to him beyond possible future skills points and the creation of Arcane-Fire spells.
[Arcane-Fireball has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 3 spell: Rewarding 3 skill points.]
[Arcane-Fire Breath has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 3 spell: Rewarding 3 skill points.]
[Arcane-Fire Whip has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 3 spell: Rewarding 3 skill points.]
[Arcane Combustion has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 3 spell: Rewarding 3 skill points.]
[Pillar of Arcane-Fire has reached level 2]
[Mana Manipulation has reached level 4]
Gaining that second level on [Pillar of Arcane-Fire] had consumed two nights of experimentation. Rather than Rainer choosing the best path, it was more akin to an obsession. He finally was able to increase the speed and effectiveness of the mana signal and packet and with it once more increasing his [Mana Manipulation].
They approached the town that, after the Yeti Hunt concluded, had even more people waiting in line. They, of course, had no knowledge that it wasn't a random attack.
Rainer flared his armed [Arcane Bolt]s causing none even to look his way beyond a nervous glance as his entire group skipped ahead.
The guards had rushed out to stop the group of raggedly dressed people jumping ahead in line until they saw the Lord Magus at the forefront.
Thaddeus ran over and after bowing began speaking to the Lord Magus.
”The Baron has already prepared for your request. We will handle these people from here if Lord Magus would like.”
Rainer gave the group behind him one final look before nodding and moving into town. He had already explained where they could find him if they were treated improperly.
The guards rushed the refugees into the barracks seeing how cold and frozen some of them looked. While undoubtedly some of the guards cared most simply were putting on a show for the Lord Magus who, for some reason unknown to them, valued these people.
Rainer's party headed to the Baron's mansion to confirm that all the arrangements had been made while returning the Nightmares they were now riding on.
Entering the Baron's mansion Rainer was met with Carver Lodran having a grin on his face and a new arrival to the town of Grimlar's pass.
The first human mage Rainer would ever meet.
[Human, Male, Wind Mage lvl 12]
The mage as well had a cocky look on his face sensing Rainer's mana. He believed Rainer the same level as him, more importantly, he thought himself at a much higher rank given his parentage.
But the moment he felt the Aura of the two Guards his face dropped into a frown and then into an awkward smile filled with the nervousness of 10 men. Before finally, he could only curse Carver in his head to the point where if words could kill he'd be dead many times over.
All nobles valued detection skills to a certain degree. Those without mana would likely never learn the relevant detection skill, but Aura touched every life. To use [Aura Detection] was almost to gain the utilization of an already existing muscle. Hard to the point where Carver had yet to learn it, but easy enough that it was considered a necessity for Nobles.
Particularly in a world where a seemingly standard drifter could be the doom of your noble house.
So what if he lied! Who the fuck is going to accuse him when his Guards could take off your head before you could even understand what happened!
Martin rubbed his sweaty palms on his gray silk robe that had the mark of the Skyborne Mage Guild. A winged horse embroidered in white denoting their Guild. A pegasus was a legendary creature even in this world. He had a hooked nose, and green eyes tinged with a bit of power along with long black hair tied in a pony tail.
Martin was a childhood friend of Carver's, but now he regretted every moment of it. Carver had asked him here through a messenger to prove the Mage's identity in front of him as false, but, even if he could do that, then what? Put on a smile while this Mage's guards killed all witnesses?
”So Lord Magus I'd li…” But before Carver could finish speaking he was knocked off his feet by Martin's wind spell. He was about to speak again when he could swear he saw death from Martin's gaze.
”Carver, don't be rude after this Lord's long journey. Please fellow Magus, No honorable Lord Magus, let me take you to the Baron, I'm sure he is happily awaiting your coming. In fact, he was so distracted and excited; he didn't notice that Carver had disobeyed his house arrest. Much apologies.”
Rainer raised an eyebrow at the scene before him. It wasn't hard to tell what Carver had originally planned to do. And in the end, the only thing that saved Carver was that it would be more annoying to deal with the fallout. And, of course, his partner in crime had turned over a new leaf.
Rainer looked forward to being owed a favor from the first friendly mage he met in this world.
Carver watched the group departing with confused eyes. He had been sure that the mage was just a drifter fronting a fake identity. Martin...he was like the Devil of Pride himself.
But before this mage, he had lowered himself. Carver thought of the implications before paling and this time truly thankful for and accepting of the punishment his father had given.
They were silent as they followed Martin to the Baron until Rainer broke the silence.
”So what's your name?”
”Martin La Tal. Might I have the honor of yours Lord Magus?”
”Francis.”
Martin was disappointed at just a first name but didn't question further. He had taken a glance at the various enchanted rings and items on the Lord Magus before he caught his eye on one in particular.
A spatial ring! My god Carver, if I don't get revenge for this, I'd not be Martin La Tal! Were you trying to send me to my death or were you truly so ignorant!?
”So Martin, I could use a favor.”
”Of course, anything you desire,” Martin said while actually glad the Mage in front of him had decided to forgive his transgression.
”I am new to this land and could use all the information you can gather about the surrounding countries. Of course, the information I couldn't easily find from some common merchant, information only one of your particular station could provide.” Rainer said assuming the mage in front of him was a part of a guild, whatever that symbol on his chest meant.
”Right away Lord Magus. After your meeting with the Lord Baron, I can answer any questions.” Martin was quite excited at being let off so easily.
Rainer walked into the Baron's office. He wanted to try extorting some basic spells, especially of the wind variety, but he had no idea what kind of restrictions magic had on it and if asking he was pushing far beyond what he could. He all, but knew higher magic would be restricted, but he had no clue on lower varieties. Would sharing a spell like [Candle Flame] be a major crime or a normal occurrence? Kara, Gunthar, and Luna had little knowledge on this matter.
The Baron was writing something as the group entered. He stood immediately and bowed.
”Welcome back Lord Magus, I have prepared more than enough positions for any you brought back.”
”Good. There were a few young boys and girls among the number be sure to take care of them properly.”
”Of course.”
”We'll be in town for a few months if you need any more assistance regarding your Yeti problem,” Rainer said returning the two coins that helped in controlling the mounts.
”I would be most honored by your assistance, Lord Magus,” Charles said while bowing.
Rainer simply nodded and left the room.
Charles stared intensely at the two coins left behind. Gunthar was right in that he had underestimated the Baron's talents. But he was far wrong in how much he had underestimated them. Where Charles lacked in the size, strength, and control of his Aura compared to Gunthar, his skill in inscriptions...
Was a far different matter.