36 Toward the Tower (1/2)

Without the [Arch-Lich]'s support, Theodore had only scant amounts of mana. The small amount he could take from Luna went almost entirely to maintaining his self. She was not a trained necromancer, and the tether between them lacked power.

Using this minuscule amount of mana, he wrote down two spell formulae on the paper Luna had always made for Rainer. One being the spell Theodore used to attack them, [Spear of Holy Judgement]. And the second was his [Shield of Holy Light]. Rainer believed he could alter this spell with Arcane and create his first ordinary shield spell.

”How come you never taught me any shield spells, Gunthar?”

”Other than the spear spell, a few healing ones, and a buff for the sword, I never learned anything beyond that. The shield spell is quite taxing on mana reserves, with my abilities in Aura I had little need for such a waste. And you hardly need the sword one.”

”Archon, I'm finished. These two you've seen me use already, I imagine with your talents and sleeping skill it is only a matter of a good night's rest,” He gave two formulae over, ”But the spear spell I used, wasn't the true version. I am incapable of it. The spear itself is designed to be launched straight into the sky and be guided downwards with great force upon your intended target.”

”Thanks. Hopefully, we have enough time. If not we can always hide in that dungeon you mentioned was in Nalmar, Gunthar.”

”Are you mad? We have but you and I in their second class!” Theodore yelled in confusion.

”Yes, but,” Rainer said recalling their success in the under level 25 dungeon. Rainer thought they could make it through stage 1 and in the worst case use a [Return Stone].

”What is the level of your [Archon] and [Chronomancer] classes?” Theodore asked plainly.

”6 and 4.”

”And subclasses?”

”None,” He soon understood why Theodore believed it a poor idea.

”You are not as powerful as you believe [Archon]. The attributes of your class are likely truly unreasonable but how do you compare to but a level 10 [Grand Warrior] with a level 10 [Sword Saint] second primary class, and 4 subclasses? Even if your sleep learning and powerful magic can defeat such a person in a fight, is it worth the 10 we lack for a full Dungeon party?” What Theodore left out was that such a figure with two 2nd Classes was incredibly rare. There was no increase in slots nor an increase in Lifespan, only an increased chance of death. Few attempted, among the few that even reached the 2nd Tier, the trial once more.

Rainer paused. When compared to others below the 2nd class he believed himself truly incomparable as a level 25 [Arcanist]. Perhaps only Kara, when she reached higher levels with her dual Primary classes could surpass that. But now, he understood the disadvantage of having such a rare 2nd Tier class.

He couldn't take the trial to advance a 2nd primary class without huge risk. He had a Fruit to solve that issue, but there were others he'd rather use it for. His short time in this world had also left him lacking any subclasses and only a level 4 second primary class.

”Then…what about the [Arch-Lich]?”

”I do not know, but I doubt he doesn't at the very least have his second primary class at around level 20. In any case, the Dungeon within our city has a level limit of level 20 for 2nd Tier Class individuals. I do not think such a thing is viable.”

Rainer stared down at the two formulae as the group continued forward in the cave.

”Gunthar, once we reach the city, you should go alone to retrieve what the Archon needs from the library,” Theodore spoke.

”Will I be unnoticed?”

”Unless the [Arch-Lich] is directly controlling an undead, you should be able to blend in with little issue. You can also take a trip back to our home. Within a chest, in the basement, I had a gift for your 2nd Class advancement. Archon, from the general library of magic what is it you desire?”

”I have Arcane, Fire, Light, Spatial, Wind, Lightning and Death manipulation. Any tier spells from other schools of magic would be ideal. We can save enchanting books for later,” Rainer wished to gather enchanting books, but he did not prioritize it, given the nature of Gunthar's trip.

”It is easy to forget, Sorcerer, the lunacy of your class. To collect skills that made mages masters of their crafts as if they were but shiny rocks,” Gunthar quietly added before Theodore answered.

”The general library carries only up to tier 2 spells. Everything else only passed between student and master amongst the various towers. Perhaps you will have time to properly search them, following the death of the [Arch-Lich].”

”Mage Guilds,” Gunthar added in the explanation on what towers were as Rainer was about to ask a question.

Rainer sighed at that. It made sense. Spreading knowledge so widely was a modern concept of Earth. If he cared about exclusivity, Rainer too, saw the benefit of Mage Guilds.

Yet he believed knowledge could only truly move forward when properly shared. It was not uncommon for those that laid the foundation for future discoveries to believe said discoveries as impossible.

”But the hidden library contained various experimental spells and dark arts we confiscated. Yalin's research is of particular note in combating them on a grand scale. It's a shame he never finished his masterpiece…”

”He did,” Rainer said while gently taking out Yalin's journal from his spatial ring like his greatest treasure.

Theodore too carefully took the journal from Rainer's hand and slowly read over it. With the protection magic used up on testing Rainer, it was safe for Theodore. Even still, being the variant he was, he lacked the same affliction toward light magic.

”When you're done with that I need some help. For some reason, I can't seem to add the Holy modifier to any of my spells.”

”Yes, yes, Archon,” Theodore responded absentmindedly reading the journal in his hand. He did not read the spell itself but instead seemed to treasure each word written by Yalin.

Theodore handed back the journal, hesitantly, and gave Rainer the explanation he desired.

”The undead are naturally averse to Light Magic and sunlight itself. To make a spell holy is to channel this aversion to its limit. To focus upon it. But in this, the spell weakens or costs more mana, though that difference is greatly made up when facing undead. Look at these two Runes. The slight alterations in their forms and meanings.”

Rainer looked on and now understood. That part of the spell he had filled in his lapse of knowledge with [Light Manipulation] was exactly the part dealing with the holy modification.

The group continued forward as Rainer brought up the issue of the fruit to Kara.

”Kara, have you considered what you're going to do for your second-class advancement?”

”I…have not. I do not know how my two classes will work or even if they will affect one another. But I have no interest in taking that Fruit and limiting myself; rather I am unsure there will not be adverse effects from it, with me as a Demon.”

”And you Luna?”

”Luna will do as Rainer suggests,” She answered disinterestedly playing with Rainer's black hair.

”Then we'll just wait and see,” Rainer responded. Following the Fort quests, Luna had reached level 24. She was, but one more level away before her future progress became an issue. He, however, had not the faintest interest in putting her in harm's way.

”Can Gunthar join you as your servant?”

”No, she'd need to have a necromancy related class,” Gunthar spoke from in front.

Looks like the Fruit will go to her. Though, I guess we'll see after what comes out of this [Incubation Ring], and if my little friend ever decides to pay another visit.

He thought while gripping his shoulder where the Rune had once burned in. He also deemed Luna could always change her class was she to hit the limit.

”And what about you Gunthar? Can you even advance as you are?”

”I'm…not sure. Undead of my kind normally lack their own selves. They are but hollow husks guided by their past abilities and their masters. I can only wait and see what quest I am given upon reaching level 25, if I receive one at all.”

Rainer looked over at Theodore, who shook his head not knowing the answer either. Rainer now recalled, given their discussion, that he had yet to speak of the importance of titles and prerequisites of 2nd Tier Classes. Regarding what he remembered, he only recollected having a choice of 2nd Tier Classes and receiving the two enchanted items as rewards.

He brought up the importance of titles in enchantment as well as prerequisites for the 2nd Tier Class given their current topic. The group stopped in silence after he had finished explaining how he had brought the knowledge of this. Luna gave it no thought as she continued to play with his hair.

”Rainer, are you sure about this?”

”As sure as I can be. I can't see any reason I'd leave such a message in my [Sleep Learning] space unless it was true. Though I understand why those memories are erased.”

They awaited his why.

”Think of what you could create if you had more than 15 minutes to think about it and the knowledge that even the most common title is important. In my rush, I created this hilt…but what I could have created had I the time…”

”This…is interesting information [Archon]. But not of the quest. It is your [Sleep Learning] ability. If what you say is true, does it not escape the reach over of whatever force guides the trial you took, or even the system itself?”

Rainer became lost in thought at just how strange and powerful what he learned from his grandfather was. Whether it was the supposed infertility of Mages or now this skill, he had no idea what his grandfather may have hidden from him further.

The group walked forward as Rainer trailed slightly behind.

Distracting himself for a moment, he used [Arcane Sight]. He recalled the strange feeling he had felt, of another force, before he had gained both [Mana Detection] and [Magic Detection] for the first time.

He stared deeply, alternating between Kara and Gunthar. They had but one similarity in energy. A strange hazy white wisp. A wisp he could not see unless he truly focused on it. A wisp he couldn't see until he compared the two.

A wisp which granted him a new understanding.

[Skill Gained: Soul Detection lvl 1/10]

The wisp changed from something intangible, and barely noticeable, to something he could sense four of around him. What surprised him most, was Luna's. She had mentioned her experimental nature, and Rainer couldn't help but wonder after learning about the existence of souls whether she would have one, not that he cared either way.

And among them, Rainer's soul had a difference. A difference he couldn't quite understand and just left at it being an oddity that occurred when detecting one's own soul.

[Arcane Sight has reached level 2]

[Experience Gained: 17%]

The gain told him that [Arcane Sight] was a skill that surpassed at least his Shield Mode of [Arcane Awakening] given the difference in experience.

Theodore upon feeling his Soul detected spun around in utter surprise. While he understood the [Archon]'s ability to learn most subjects easier than others, he had no idea just how far that extended.

”Archon, can you detect souls?” Theodore spoke, bringing the party to a halt.

”Yeah, you noticed? I just gained the skill for it.”

Theodore shook his head confusing Rainer, though, that was soon answered.

”The potential…The potential he disregarded. Had he but a tenth of your acceptance of darker arts this quest may not even exist,” Theodore paused for a moment before continuing, ”Within the hidden library, there are truly dark arts, that may provide you with much help against the [Arch-Lich], but…”

”Magic is a tool. Its user makes its morality,” Rainer interrupted.

Theodore laughed, ”Yes, Rainer, I too do not think it evil, even if most would. There is much for you to learn then. Perhaps, we may even steal an undead or two for ourselves…”

Theodore spoke as the party moved ever forward before resting one last time. When the living members next awoke, they'd make their final trek toward the City Hall, and see if the hidden entrance to Nalmar had remained as such.

Within the World Tree's Palace, in the City of Fae, the emerald haired Yulia sat across another. She had long, almost glowing hair of white. Contrary to Yulia appearing nearly 20 years of age she instead appeared in her 30s, though it did not affect her beauty.

Yulia appraised the woman sitting across from her, staring into her blue eyes.

Maiden Elru…she's improved since last I saw her, level 19 [Justicar], and level 9 [Grand Rune Knight] as well.

”Make this quick…Yulia,” Maiden Elru spoke with derision. While the Fae court did monopolize the Fruit from the tree over the years, they were not what one could call tyrannical rulers. In fact, apart from court politics, who was Queen had mattered little to most, until now. To Elru, Yulia was nothing more than a murderous upstart, seeking power.

It was an unspoken rule that the trial for the throne would not be a fight to the death. One Yulia broke many times over.

”Why so hasty, is it perhaps because your sister has little time before she has to take the trial, lest she becomes nothing more than faded mana? And because you know she'll fail…”

The teacup in Elru's hand shattered and she leaped forward only to be blown back by a fierce wind coming out of the still seated Yulia. In truth, it was a hollow attack, for if Yulia remained within the palace the World Tree's protection was upon her.

”Calm yourself Elru; that is why I called you. Besides, I do not believe you would reject my request even without a proper payment,” Yulia said, though, clearly understanding no one outside of her newly formed court would do anything without proper payment, ”A human captured one of my servants.”

”I'm listening,” Elru could not hide the anger under her voice as she sat back down. Yet this anger was not solely directed to Yulia. Compared to other races, the sheer lack of birthrate meant Fae were far closer to each other than others. They were not altruistic, by any means, but they were more likely to assist those in their community, especially if they were captured for dust.

Elru, however, took it to a different degree. Where most were willing to trade depending on who captured the Fae, or did not care about a member of their race they did not know, Elru would have none of that.

After a minor noble, had captured a young Fae, Elru went on a warpath. She slaughtered the whole minor noble's family. She went on a chain of vengeance toward the noble he was under and then everyone in their grouping of nobility. The only thing that saved the royal family was the intervention of the local Mage Guild forcing Elru to retreat. Such an ancient event had since been forgotten, given the Kingdom's lack of continued existence.

”He has already killed 7 of the Fae I sent after him, four were recently advanced to their 2nd class and could form a Sword's Ascension Formation. An [Archon]…I was told…he keeps the one he stole from me in a cage. Using her as some kind of token for trade and then betraying us even when we met his demand. He took a Fruit from me…” Yulia could not hide the rage in her voice. The emotion of her hate for the [Archon] was not fake.

”I offer you 1 Fruit as well as the one on him. If he lacks it, I will offer a second. He was only level 4, with a low-level subclass, even if he truly is the class of legends, he is but a fledgling.”

”Done. Bring me to speak with the one who saw him so they may tell me of your captured Fae's appearance and of his. I will handle it myself,” Elru automatically assumed this was second-hand information, given Yulia's inability to leave the palace.

Yulia smiled viciously while leading Elru to Maya. Elru would be one of the Fae to assist her competition. Whether Elru succeeded or failed, Yulia would come out on top. But if she failed…Yulia would have no choice, but to seek out her possession on her own. If she was meant to die, she would do so after exhausting every possibility.

In the white void of [Sleep Learning], a swirling vortex of Death Energy surrounded Rainer as looked over a copy of the spells Theodore had given him. Just creating this Death Energy out of him in this amount had caused him to age noticeably from the after effects.

Until tomorrow when they reached the city and Gunthar would head out to try and gather some useful tomes and items, Rainer's focus was twofold; adding Arcane to the Holy Shield spell and progressing his control over Death. The end goal and his only believed method for safely controlling the Death Energy as a member of the living was to merge it with the Arcane.

He spread the vortex further away from him as he stared at the spell formula in front of him. If he couldn't adjust his body to the Death Energy, then he'd create a proper defense against it. Creating a shield to block it would be to place force against force, and would be no more than a last resort, but guiding it away from him, could allow him to resist a far stronger power.

Neither spells took Rainer much time, but he found himself unable to mix Arcane with the [Shield of Holy Light]. Even as he raised his manipulation skills.

[Light Manipulation has reached level 2]

[Arcane-Light Manipulation has reached level 4]

He could do nothing about it. It would always explode, taking him painfully with it.

The [Spear of Holy Judgement], however, became quite mighty as the [Arcane Spear of Holy Judgement]. Given the original spell was at the fourth tier, he had gained a title, one that managed to raise his second class.

The new spell was at the peak of the fourth tier. Rainer judged it as only below [Spatial Domain].

[Spell Gained: Shield of Holy Light lvl 1/10]

[Spell Gained: Spear of Holy Judgement lvl 1/10]

[Title Gained: Wielder of Light]

[Experience Gained: 0.01%, 72%]

[Chronomancer has leveled up to lvl 5/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.]

[Spell Gained: Arcane Spear of Holy Judgement lvl 1/10]

[Arcane Spear of Holy Judgement: Forms a concentrated spear of Arcane-Light. Launches it upwards and descends Judgement on the directed target.]

Given the possibility of meeting an ambush at their destination, He deemed it prudent, to level up a spell as he slept automatically to save his mental faculties. The tier 3 version of his [Arcane Blade] while swirling Death Energy around him in [Arcane Awakening].

Rainer's eyes opened to see Kara in meditation next to him. While there were more specific techniques, [General Aura Meditation] could be used over a period of time to improve one's Aura pool. But to those lacking talent and time, they were better off with different methods.

[Arcane Blade has reached level 10]

[Death Manipulation has reached level 4]

He was no closer in understanding how to combine Death Energy with the Arcane nor how to have it within his body safely, but every level gave him just that much more control. And a further chance in fighting the [Arch-Lich]'s power.

As Rainer and Kara ate, Gunthar showed off his Aura blade he had created from Rainer's [Arcane Blade] to his father.