30 Standardization (2/2)

Rainer was not laughing. Not because he considered this person to be descended from Dragons or otherwise, but because of the claim to be a Fire King. Regarding wealth Rainer could sell his enchanted items, he could join a Mage's Guild and become powerful that way, and with the right maneuvering becoming a Lord may not even be too difficult.

But gaining the support of country for his idea? Incredibly challenging and would require much proof of his idea. That is, unless a certain king was interested in a Tier 6 spell and another spell to breath fire.

Something no amount of wealth could buy, as Rainer guessed. It may not be enough to convince him entirely, but Martin's words had caused Rainer to guess there certainly wasn't any love between Mage Guilds and these kings.

He could always take a neutral stance gathering all their support. It wouldn't be hard, Rainer imagined, to convince them to do something against the interest of the Mage Guilds.

”Fire King, is he a mage?”

”Without any real training? Hardly, I find it unlikely that even at his advanced age he knows any spells surpassing the second tier, if even. Working with Black Mages on the side and having one in your court to teach you are two different matters.” He said before speaking a little harshly. ”I have heard he has the rare talent for Fire Manipulation, but beyond that, his claim to his title is an ancient and powerful Enchanted sword passed down in his family. Something his ancestor earned in a 2nd Class Advancement. It turns Mana or Aura to a powerful flame. The only part of him that isn't a joke.”

Rainer could tell Martin was likely jealous of Rancor's ability to Manipulate an element. He already heard from Luna how rare his ability to Manipulate elements was.

And after hearing about this ability, Rainer was sure he found the most likely supporter for his ideas. A high enough talent for fire and [Fire Manipulation] and you could circumvent some of the [Faraan Runic Language] skill needed, as Rainer has found out through his own practice. Meaning higher tier fire spells so long as he had them weren't out of reach to learn for this Fire King.

”And to what Tier might you know Martin?”

”At the age of 25, I am already progressing toward my third Tier 2 spell,” Martin said and seeing the surprised look on Francis's face he was filled with pride surpassing his usual amount. Martin, while taking a weaker mage class like Wind Mage for an easier advancement, still considered himself one of the best of his generation.

”That's it?”Rainer whispered to himself as a knee jerk reaction. But Rainer mentally took that back as his magic success was heavily based on his Manipulation skills. Without them learning all the magic he did, combined with [Sleep Learning], wouldn't be possible without a teacher. Especially if he considered the Tier 2 Spell, [Spear of Holy Light].

Martin had never felt more ashamed in his life hearing this. He thought it was likely that he would never be as embarrassed as he was now for the rest of his life. Too ashamed to even return the question.

Even the guard behind him had to look away, unable to bear the embarrassment he felt for his charge.

”Well,” Rainer said after clearing his throat,”And south of the Waning Ocean?”

More than happy to change the subject Martin continued, though with a slightly broken spirit. He had, however, drawn a general opinion of where Francis is from; the far north.

Few were capable of venturing truly deep in there, and most saw it as a wasteland beyond the known scattered tribes on its border. Some theorized that beyond that wasteland was another civilization. Martin was of this opinion, making him quite excited about the person in front of him.

”Nearly the entire coastline of the Southern Continent is ruled by the Tarainan Empire. They are constantly at war with the various non-human kingdoms south of them. They are slightly antagonistic to mages, but not openly. I would not advise you stay there long if your travel plans lean in that direction. They do, however, make for excellent trade partners. More than worth it to risk traveling past the Dragon Isles.”

Rainer took another look at the Dragon Isles. Some of the islands were large enough to be compared to some of the countries on the Northern Continent. Even more so he pondered over what this map didn't contain. The northern continent seemed to widen and stretch as it got to the section that denoted Demons.

Martin appeared to be done speaking and waited for Francis' queue.

”I want to know more about the Arachne's relationship with Mages.”

Martin frowned severely at this mention, unable to hide it in the slightest. The relationship between Mages and Arachne was not an open one as they were not welcome throughout the continent.

Most were disgusted by the Arachne and were it not for them keeping to their tunnels they may be as hated as Demons. Their tunnels, however, were not limited to just the mountain range and spanned beneath the whole Northern Continent. What could be numerous safe trade routes, and perhaps less savory passages, were instead off limit zones that still occasionally claimed the ignorant or foolhardy traveler seeking a short cut.

”It was just a passing curiosity given the closeness of a tunnel to here. That will be all; I'll take the map with me. We can consider the debt repaid.” Rainer now understood that this relationship, between Mage Guild and Arachne, wasn't an open thing.

Leaving the silent Martin, Rainer walked out with Kara and Gunthar in tow. He gave Martin little thought regardless of how his last question had offended him. After completing his advancement and quest, he planned to head south and out to open waters.

Had I made a mistake?

He thought now that If the relationship wasn't a clear cut one with the Mage Guilds then perhaps the Arachne were a proper ally to have. Had he overreacted toward the Princess? It isn't as if she knew personally what went on in every tunnel. And he can't imagine such a race would have any good feelings towards humans.

Rainer understood he was only on the outskirts of civilization. So while no one here seemed to be bothered by Kara, at least as a Wolfkin, would that be true everywhere? It clearly wasn't true in the Southern Continent.

The party headed back to the mansion as they retired for the night. Gunthar, as usual, stayed in the Foyer half on guard and half in meditation. Before Rainer left the room, Gunthar called out to him.

”A final point Sorcerer, that I had forgotten to mention due to it being common knowledge. At the end of a 2nd Class advancement, one is given an Enchanted Item suiting themselves. These items often become the heritages and artifacts of kingdom and families. Many of Nalmar's enhancements were made from studying such items.”

Rainer grew a bit excited recalling how Arcane energy would destroy any enchanted item it was channeled through and had hope for something that could work with his Arcane energy. He hadn't realized that Martin had already indirectly told him this.

As Rainer headed up the stairs, he thought about what to use [Sleep Learning] on. Most of his Fire and Light spells were low level and having only a total 75% bonus versus his 300% arcane one, training would take longer, though, it could result in an improvement in his Manipulation skills. The concept of mixing elements as he had with Arcane interested him as well.

And then there was his final Arcane spell, [Arcane Blade], at level 4. Compared to his other spells this one leveled quite slowly in [Sleep Learning] though he had yet to sleep learn it with [Arcane Rage]. He decided he would discover what exactly the 15 levels on this spell meant and after, move on to finally creating magic that was truly his own.

”Luna.”

”Luna's here.”

”Where exactly is that Fae city of yours?” He thought while recalling the map.

”Luna...isn't sure.”

”Luna, you don't have to worry, I don't plan on taking you back there.”

At least without an army.

”It's not that Rainer, it's that all Fae enter and leave through either Fairy Rings or Fairy Rings.”

”Why or?”

”Fairy Ring,” Luna said while pointing to the ring on her finger.

”And a Fairy Ring.” She then said making a circle with her hands.

”So it may not even be in this world?”

”No Luna thinks it is. But Fairies chosen by World Tree have a special spot.” She said lowering her head a bit.

”Don't doubt our future home won't be better.”

”How can the Fae City compare to Luna's future home,” she said smiling and returning to her bed to sleep.

A night of [Arcane Rage] and [Arcane Blade] had left him in a combination of disappointment and excitement.

[Arcane Blade has reached level 10]

It could only mean that every level after this was somehow significant. But, he had his priorities, next it would be time to create his own magic and focus on getting [Pillar of Arcane-Fire] to level 10 for the bonus it would provide. Beyond that there was still [Spatial Domain].

They spent a good portion of the day with the Baron, Kara too now interested in [Aura Inscription] while Rainer himself stayed in the background practicing infusing and inscribing simple letters with Aura.

In this night of [Sleep Learning], Rainer had chosen to stay aware and to create his own new magic once more.

His first thoughts went directly toward the new Mana packet runes and technique he learned from the notes. His current problem with arming any of his spear spells was that he required his hand to channel and hold the spell. But with a Mana packet…

Rainer immediately began writing down a new Magical formula. He would start with [Spear of Arcane]. A few experiments later Rainer had managed to form a floating Spear to his left, rather a lance.

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[Spell Gained: Arcane Lance lvl 1/10]

With his already extensive experience with Armament spells, it was easy to make another one.

[Spell Gained: Arcane Lance Armament lvl 1/10]

With the base spell created, creating the mixed versions was a quick task, having already made the similar Spears in the past. While at the same tier, the new spells were weaker though they had the distinct advantage of being far easier to aim and not requiring his body to move. More importantly, their cast time was faster.

[Spell Gained: Arcane-Fire Lance lvl 1/10]

[Spell Gained: Arcane-Fire Lance Armament lvl 1/10

[Spell Gained: Arcane-Light Lance lvl 1/10]

[Spell Gained; Arcane-Light Lance Armament lvl 1/10]

Rainer still couldn't recreate the Holy modifier.

Rainer next thought to his own defenses, still lacking any shield. He could clad himself in Aura, but with his small capacity, it was a shoddy defense. [Gravity Domain] could be effective against speed type melee combatants, but the more he wished to increase gravity the smaller the area he could control and the more mana he needed. He could do a localized [Gravity Domain] with [Spatial Domain], but it would be difficult to aim it down at a moving target.

Decreasing the Gravity, was in his mind, the best bet.

But no amount of utility defense, Rainer believed, could replace a shield spell.

The [Arcane-Fire Whip] spell was his closest hope. Different from his [Arcane Blade] the whip was based on a length of mana rather than just it's element. Rainer hoped to use this to make an elementary mana shield spell and advance from there.

Rainer spent the whole night trying to mold this single part of the spell and with the final assistance of mana packets had managed to create a flat solid rendition of mana.

[Spellbook Gained: Mana]

[Spell Gained: Mana Shield lvl 1/10]

Its use was limited as only being made of Mana. Without Arcane it would be almost useless to Rainer as he lacked any talent toward Mana and it would waste his small reserves, but, it was the first step.

Liandra traveled through the mountain, on the pass Grimlar was built for. After preparing for a long journey and parting with her group she had decided to visit a place she had yet to go, The Dragon Isles.

Given its nature she had feared to go there before, but given her current strength, it wouldn't be difficult to find paid work on a well-protected Merchant's vessel. She also wished to head as far away from the Lord Magus as possible lest he discovered she had told information to the Baron. She was far more afraid of him thinking she had told more than she did.

Liandra had always been one to avoid troublesome situations, hence her leaving home in the first place.

Joining a well-known and influential Merchant's vessel and then relaxing on a beachside capital in the Dragon Isles didn't seem like a bad choice to her.

Charles upon awakening realized that following the Lord Magus discovering his transgression he had forgotten to ask him about the refugees who wished to work for him.

Charles sent a servant to bring the interested refugees, though he didn't plan on letting them meet with the Lord Magus until he had gotten his permission.

At their usual time a sleepy Rainer and Kara, with Gunthar in the lead, walked into the Baron's mansion. Gunthar always insisted on going as early as possible. Rainer already knew inscription, but it wouldn't hurt to learn more for when he would use [Sleep Learning] on [General Aura Inscription] in the future.

”Lord Magus,” Charles said walking up to Rainer,”I apologize for the inconvenience, but many of the refugees have asked about becoming your servants. I understand your wish for secrecy, but having servants you personally saved could alleviate that.”

Maybe if the secrets were that simple...

Rainer thought. And not only that, but they didn't particularly need servants. Luna created their clothes and could use her Fire on Rainer and Kara. Gunthar was undead and had no such need. A chef might be necessary, but they went out to eat or bought food to eat later and then put it in the spatial ring. Rainer decided, in any case, to go and meet them.

”Lead the way then.”

”I had already sent a servant to gather them just in case, they should all be waiting for you,” Charles said before leading Rainer's party in the direction of his foyer. Rainer walked a bit far behind Charles, before telling him to go on ahead, wanting to ask Luna a question.

Charles looked at Rainer oddly before realizing he wished to have a private conversation with his guards and headed to the foyer by himself.

”Luna, what exactly can you see when you Appraise a person?”

”Luna can see class, unlocked attributes, and talents. But not class description,” She answered from within his coat.

”Perfect. Appraise everyone we are about to see and tell me if anyone has any talents relating to Aura, Magic, or Mana.”

”Luna...will do,” she said sighing.

”Gunthar,” Rainer said still a bit quietly.

”Yes, Sorcerer?”

”You said you chose Paladin based on them having just a bit of mana as well? How'd you find out they had Affinity, without them having a talent in Mana or Magic, when the attribute was still locked?”

”We took anyone who had a talent in Aura and had them also train to see if they could unlock their Affinity. Many would see it as a waste of time, but we had an Enchanted item to assist in the initial unlocking. Though, if they had no Affinity it would not grant them such a thing. It was destroyed on use, but that was hardly an issue for us.”

”So we can only hope that whoever we pick with a talent in Aura will also have an entry level of Affinity?”

”You act as if only is a bad thing. A Paladin was a rare existence, a class requiring Aura, Mana and a knowledge of light magic, though our technique made it more common. Having a rare talent for Aura is more than enough for a person.”

”Let's get moving then.”

Entering the foyer Rainer saw a group about half the size of the Refugees he helped. Rainer immediately had no interest in taking the one's who weren't kids with him. Seeing Gram, the self-appointed leader not here, Rainer immediately understood he didn't ask to work for him because Gram knew he'd only be a burden, which was what exactly made him ideal, if Rainer needed servants.

While he couldn't be sure either way, most of the adults here likely just wished to attach themselves to a Lord Magus rather than actually repay their savior. The uncertainty was enough for Rainer not to take any of them for any purpose.

”Well Luna” He whispered while covering his mouth as if in thought.

”Only one has a low talent in Magic, but not Mana,” Luna spoke out of earshot, only Kara and Rainer able to hear,”The one all the way to the right.”

Luna referred to a brown haired, green eyed, child. The child's hair covered the eyes for the most part. The child still looked pale and slightly unhealthy, but better than before, at 8 years of age.

A perfect example of one who would likely be overlooked by a Mage's Guild. The perfect test subj...student. Luna, as a Fae with a massive mana pool, wouldn't be the best example of success. He looks under 10 years of age and is likely here only to repay me. There is no point in taking him with me until I create the first runic book, so I'll have Charles train him in something useful until after I complete the Main Quest.

”Charles,” Rainer called.

”Yes Lord Magus?”

”Apprentice the child over there to the right, with the brown hair, to the best chef you can find. I'll come pick him up when I need him. Tell him if he works hard enough that he can serve under me.”

Charles did not ask about the rest and nodded to his request. He didn't think to correct the Lord Magus in that it wasn't a he as Charles believed the Lord Magus just misspoke. Luna too already retreated from the conversation.

”Make sure the chef understands who he's training him for,” Rainer spoke intoning his voice quite darkly.

”Of course, Lord Magus. The child shall be trained and treated properly.”

Leaving the Mansion Rainer had another thought after spending so much time with Charles. That if he could find enough fitting enchanted items in Nalmar that perhaps they could get a younger 2nd classed Charles to join them. With fully enchanted gear, Charles would not only be indebted to them greatly, he had a far higher chance of passing the 2nd Class advancement.

Four Fae shimmered into sight over a snowy clearing. They looked at the place Fira had died. With the enchanted rings rendered inert, as they had found in the forest, it had taken them a considerable amount of time to figure out where Fira went, tracking her use of the Fairy Ring and then her illusion magic to the dungeon settlement.

They eventually found where Fira had died, and along with it found traces of the magic that was similar to the kind blocking their tracking spell, though the trail ended here.

Given Fira's death, they decided to call reinforcements, one of their number headed back towards the Fairy Ring to seek the help of a 2nd Class Fae.

Different from Fira, they weren't confident in their victory. Fira had performed numerous assassinations and seeing her now dead had given them a reality check. Especially given that she had been at level 25, higher than two of the Fae here.

Falling back to the second plan they would start with negotiation before violence, due to the strength of whoever held the experiment. The three remaining Fae headed toward the town of Grimlar's Pass, as it seemed to be the destination of whoever Fira had tried to follow.