40 Maiden Elru (1/2)

In the background, Gunthar, Kara, and Luna still organized the tomes that were brought back as Rainer looked toward the basic exercises for budding enchanters. In the end, he wouldn't level anything beyond level 1 until he was in a position to select an [Enchanter] class. Enchanting was not something he needed to rush in [Sleep Learning].

Creating something truly useful would be a time investment he couldn't afford to make. At least until he had a modicum of safety.

But understanding the basics and possibly using them to improve [Arcane Awakening]? That was a priority.

Whether it was his Shield Mode or Final Arcanum, they surpassed all magic he knew. He recalled the [Arch-Lich]'s ability, that prevented him from casting magic, and sapped most of his strength. Yet even this did not stop [Arcane Awakening: Final Arcanum].

A countermeasure against anti-magic attacks.

Reading the book, Rainer noted the first exercise encompassed both the most important and simplest part of enchanting, inputting mana.

Even when using an external source of Mana, your own Mana would still be consumed in manipulating it. How much then can be preserved in the transfer is paramount. Using a Mana Storage Device one can see how much of the Mana they input is lost in the transfer. A beginning enchanter should try for the ratio of 1/50 before anything else. Anyone incapable of such a ratio should abandon their hopes of enchantment.

Rainer cursed under his breath; he had just remembered the [Mana Storage Ring] taken from the male [Fae Enchanter] was in the guest mansion. At the time, given that it couldn't be used for magic or replenishing one's Mana pool, Rainer left it behind with the mithril. He could only hope his magic didn't destroy it.

The items had been hidden in a back room, so he had some hope, though his spell carved a wide swath of destruction. A glowing fire visible to the whole town.

Martin, currently traveling south in the mountain tunnel of Grimlar's Pass, reminisced over the past night. His father had been tightlipped as to why even he showed such deference to the foreign Lord Magus.

George did not mention the whole conversation, only the trade involving the mithril and the fact that he wasn't from the north, but Martin could see why now. He had stayed behind, having since forgiven Carver, for a minor vacation.

The violet pillar of flame which erupted in the center of town. The surge of magic, Martin had only ever felt once in his life before. The streak of fire that glowed across the night sky and the powerful Fae who had somehow blocked it.

He was not an heir to power; he was power himself!

Martin now assumed his lack of a Mana pool, one that increased between their two meetings, resulted from passive magic. Spells which increased status or had special effects. The rarity of such magic was to the point where he had not even originally considered it possible for the foreign Lord Magus to possess such a thing. At least in power or number to suppress his mana pool to such a degree.

And given his father's mood, a mood often only resulting from studying matters related to the far north, Martin decided to head back home and await their future meeting. He was not sure why the foreign Lord Magus returned earlier than he had told George, but he did not consider himself in a place to inquire.

As Rainer reached the end of the first book on the Basics of Enchanting, he thought over what he had learned in comparison to the past.

Struggling with [Mana Manipulation] was an understatement. Rainer's original 14 Mana was a hard-earned amount that even then related to his Grandfather's direct help. Whether it was the technique Rainer attempted to practice for expanding his Mana pool, or increasing what he now knows as Affinity; he had little success in either. He did not know what his grandfather did, only that he helped him whenever he practiced them.

Rainer took a moment, focusing inward toward his Mana pool, to mark these skills under the system.

[Skill Gained: Nvos Affinity Attuning lvl 2/10]

[Nvos Affinity Attuning: To attune one's body toward Mana. A specialized skill for such attunement.]

[Skill Gained: General Affinity Attuning lvl 1/10]

[General Affinity Attuning: To attune one's body toward Mana. A general skill covering all and basic forms of attunement.]

Where are the Mana Pool Expansion skills?

Rainer thought while focusing inwards. A sigh escaped him as he covered his face.

He realized he had never actually been successful in the skill designed to expand his mana pool, hence his Mana points being directly equal to Affinity. Not even a single time. He would have to use what he knew about it and the [Archon] class bonus to gain the skill. But even gaining the skill, he had no plans to waste time on it, only seeking to actualize it for the future.

No matter how high one's skill in running, it mattered little if they were a fish. They would never get faster. And Rainer was somewhere between two such extremes, of human and fish.

With the attunement skills, he only saw improvement with his grandfather's direct help. He didn't fully understand what his grandfather did, but he knew practicing these skills alone would not help in any noticeable amount of time.

He, however, was a bit different in the past having the [Archon] class bonus that affects all skills, but he had no interest in closing himself off to the world to practice these skills. He needed also to check just how much a Mana Talent would affect the training, as even his [Archon] bonus may not amount to much in comparison. And unable to use [Aura Meditation] to increase his Aura capacity in [Sleep Learning], the same was likely true for Mana.

Brought out of his self-depreciating thoughts, he noticed Gunthar walking over to him. Off to the side Luna was translating a book for Kara.

”How is your progress, Sorcerer?” Gunthar asked.

”Not bad, but until I set my 2nd primary class as some kind of enchanter, I'm only looking for level 1 skills.”

Gunthar sat down next to Rainer and paused a moment before speaking.

”I never did get the chance, Sorcerer. To thank you for coming back for me,” Before Rainer could interrupt Gunthar continued, ”Whether it was all else that was left behind or the Mana-Well…you reached for me first…when I saw your hand appear from nothingness, I was sure my hope had caused me hallucinations,” Gunthar paused before continuing.

”Judging from your conversation with my father I imagine you might know I spent most of my time alone. I had not but a single person to call my friend. Yet, even still, I can tell you, Sorcerer, that I shall not ever find a greater friend than you.”

Rainer became a bit embarrassed by Gunthar's words. He still placed a hand on Gunthar's shoulder and spoke, ”Whether it was a few seconds or a few years, I'd never leave you there.”

”It is good to see you are capable of embarrassment,” Gunthar returned the gesture with a laugh.

”Hah, well then you should know I only took you back first on accident,” Rainer said with a grin.

”It's too late, Sorcerer, you cannot take back your words,” Gunthar continued his laughter.

Rainer thought for a moment before speaking again, ”And don't worry about your current state Gunthar. We'll head to the North after meeting up with George.”

However, Gunthar shook his head at this, ”Whether it is 1 day or 20 years, I am in no rush, Sorcerer. I spent centuries with little hope, and you have brought it back to me. Not even the strongest of Nalmar dared to venture to Magic and Aura debilitating lands. You must understand, the strongest of Nalmar, died to the strongest of the [Arch-Lich]'s undead, and in turn oft took them along. What was left of the [Arch-Lich]'s undead did not represent our city.”

”I know,” Rainer said recalling Yalin's spell, one he gradually understood more and more of. The [Arch-Lich] too, were it not for Rainer's [Arcane Awakening: Final Arcanum] would have likely killed him. His skill to stop magic and weaken one's strength, combined with teleportation, was too powerful. He'd need to speak with Theodore on the subject, alone.

Rainer didn't wish to reveal to Kara how close he had been to death, lest her recent lack of worry end.

”Take your time. Your potential is without limit. I shall wait as long as need be. I have faith that whether it is through the [Arch-Lich]'s work or your own, you shall never fail me in this.”

Rainer nodded. He wished to give Gunthar, and his father, a semblance of humanity as quickly as he could, but he knew Gunthar was right. If those even stronger than the current him would fear such land, for him to take it so lightly was foolhardy.

Gunthar left the room, with Luna jumping over to his head bothering him about a new idea to get him to breath fire.

Most of the skills dealing with the basics of enchantment required large amounts of Mana, and Rainer had no plans to put himself in a position of low Mana at such a time. So, Rainer took out a second book on enchantments. The whole book was dedicated to the [Ring of the Nalmar Knighthood] and its creation, along with the cloaked, but less permanent version given to most soldiers of Nalmar.

In fact, Rainer soon understood, given the difficulty in both enchanting and Mana required, that more permanent items were not often made.

But he found his thoughts interrupted by a kiss on his neck. Rainer ignored Kara completely as he continued reading. Hearing Kara's defeated sigh, Rainer grinned and used [Void-Walking] to appear right in front of her.

Rainer held her face as he brought hers to his. Lips joined, and tongues intertwined as Kara then retreated for a moment.

”Do you think fooling me in such a manner can go unanswered,” She whispered into his ear, but couldn't stop her lips from forming a smile and her wolven ears from slightly twitching. She pushed Rainer down on the bed behind him, yet before he could get a word out, he felt a strange influx of Aura.

He felt overcome with pleasure, perhaps understanding what she was doing with Luna and that book, yet having no desire to be passive, he vanished.

Appearing behind Kara, he rolled her over while manipulating mana into her. Her breathing became ragged as she felt her clothes dissipate from his magic. She tried to manipulate Aura once more but found herself receiving a small shock.

”It's still my turn.”

She could barely hear his voice over the waves of pleasure she felt. His hands moved down her shoulders, each pulse of mana eliciting another breath. She struggled as she tried to untie his belt, unable to keep her hands steady, losing all control as she felt a small shock on her breasts, fitting perfectly in his hands.

She growled aloud and lightly bit Rainer's ear. Only hearing his laugh as she was pushed back down. She managed to remove his coat, throwing it away from the bed. As she felt his hand move down, slowly caressing the side of her body, she shoved it aside and instead pulled him forward. She felt more than ready.

He took only a moment to enter inside her, long since wet enough. Kara recalled all the days she waited, every time she'd listen to his heartbeat as she fell asleep. Every time she'd feel the pulse of his magic, or notice him look at her for more than a glance, she thought of this moment.

Her slender yet toned legs were lifted over his shoulders as every movement brought them both pleasure. His hands gripped her thighs, the smooth white skin pulsing blue under his fingers with each burst of mana. Her nails tore through the sheets as she tightened herself around him, nearly forcing him to a halt.

Violet runic lines pulsed across his body as Kara gave a final gasp, her back arched and her nails tore through the bedding as well. Recovering quickly, she grabbed him and threw him onto the bed. Her tail moved back and forth as she crawled over to a now seated Rainer.

She sat on his lap as they kissed once more. In a single maneuver, she placed herself on top of him. Aura and Mana passed through their lips as they both lost themselves. They both shivered uncontrollably as their energies became in sync and he finished inside her. She joined him, biting his shoulder to keep her voice down, failing.

They laid back down, satisfied. Rainer holding Kara noticed how small she seemed compared to her usual, curled up on his chest. As he looked at her, a light glistening from the sweat on her skin, he felt the desire to protect her swell.

After some time, Rainer left Kara feigning tired on the bed, the day not entirely over.

”I have some things to discuss with Theodore and Gunthar.”

”Good, I'll take a nap,” Kara said stretching out, still lacking clothes. Looking at her, it took Rainer all his willpower to head outside the room. Luna flew past him, running her flame across him, and after a small giggle entered into the room with Kara.

Rainer closed the door behind him and walked a bit down a hall. Gunthar sat in meditation while Theodore leaned against a wall.

”Theodore,” Rainer called out as he walked over, ”I have a matter about the [Arch-Lich] I need to discuss.”

Theodore looked toward Rainer and only nodded his head. Recounting the fight, Theodore only listened to Rainer's words and then finally to the added theory.

”Perhaps his strength is directly related to a skill he built based off those strange lands,” Rainer spoke.

”No, I do not believe so. The lands only affect Magic and Aura, not one's strength in the slightest. The [Arch-Lich]'s skill is related to the soul. It all makes sense…” He spoke the last part quietly, though Rainer still heard.

Theodore too did not know how the [Arch-Lich] managed to kill the guards at the Mana-Well and subsequently raise them. Yet he understood now.

”It is a skill of the soul, I believe. In all honesty, I do not know how your [Arcane Awakening] was not subjected to its control.”

”Then learning for me, it's unlikely…” Rainer noted. If he could operate the skill immediately following Shield Mode, he imagined few warriors could match him.

”Unfortunately, I know not even where to begin.”

”Well, that's fine. I came here about another matter, Gunthar's advancement.” As Rainer said this Gunthar stood up out of meditation.

”As of now, we can only assume it relates to the Necromancer. Gunthar and I are not like [Lich]s; we are not supposed to have reason or thought. I do not think even the [Arch-Lich] knew a method of raising an undead to the 2nd Tier from the 1st.”

”That's why we need to experiment. Once we deal with this Fae, we should head south immediately after and then I can try to make Gunthar my undead. With the effects of Arcane-Death, even if we can't find a way to bring him to the 2nd Tier…”

”The class or undead variant created from your Arcane-Death would be astounding! And so long as Gunthar is first made your undead, there should be no risk!” Theodore exclaimed aloud. His only regret to this plan being he was already a holy variant and could not participate.

”Does not your experimental subject get a say?” Gunthar, joining the conversation, answered.

”No!” Theodore answered without thought before coughing awkwardly.

Kara came out in the hallway soon afterward, joining Theodore in training the Aura Blade. Gunthar, sat down to try and explain Kara's skill to make her blade weightless.

”The Aura acts as a transfer point, taking the weight and then putting it forward in the attack, without affecting the user. It is truly an ingenious and difficult use. For you, Sorcerer it may be best to watch Little Wolf use it with your powerful sight, and try to mimic the Aura's movements. What purpose do you seek the skill for? Little Wolf does not have one for lightening her body beyond her wolven claws. ”

”I want to incorporate it into my [Arcane Awakening] runes. But not the weightless, but the transfer of force. If I can use [Gravity Domain] to slam into the ground, and then transfer that force,”

”The damage would be untold…” Theodore added as he paused his training.

”Then, Theodore, let's spar. I've wanted to for quite some time,” Kara spoke.

Until night Rainer watched on as Gunthar explained him some other properties of Aura. Holding one of the enchanted swords in hand Rainer attempted the skill numerous times but decided he'd have to relate to a later [Sleep Learning] session.

He headed to sleep ahead of Kara, who with her large stamina and Aura capacity continued her training. Though, no longer sparring, they focused on the Aura Blade once more.

In the white void of [Sleep Learning], Rainer focused on recreating that strange space with the Devils he encountered. He opened up [Arcane Sight] and extended his [Spatial Domain] as he carefully recreated the experience he felt. Changing, the white void around Rainer morphed imperceptibly.

With a movement of his hand, he focused a [Gravity Domain] with his [Spatial Domain] and easily multiplied the gravity in a single point. The space resembled the looseness of the strange world perfectly.

Now to see what I can train in here.

Rainer thought as he used [Void Detection], seeking out the omnipresent void. Soon he realized, he was only detecting the area around him. Rainer's face froze as a wave of understanding hit him. He had called this place a white void by convenience, to describe its appearance, yet in truth, it was a space all too similar to the omnipresent void.

He had created [Void-Walking] from reverse engineering the Runes of [Sleep Learning] and partially [Arcane Bolt]. While he used Earth's knowledge and a year of experimentation alongside it, there had to have been a connection between [Sleep Learning] and [Void-Walking], so he reasoned.

And now he knew, his [Sleep Learning] space was a void all too like the omnipresent void. Rainer cast [Void-Walking] but only found that it immediately woke him up.

As he lay awake in bed he tried to use [Void Detection] to sense and then reenter his [Sleep Learning] space but, he had no luck. He still didn't understand the nature of how he existed in the [Sleep Learning] space. Whether it was just his mind, his soul or anything else.

”Luna,” Rainer whispered as he shook the sleeping Fairy awake. He was far too excited to fall back asleep on his own.

”If Rainer does such a thing…Luna will tell…” She mumbled in her sleep before Rainer managed to wake her up.

”Rainer?” Luna asked confused and groggy.

”Can you cast the sleep spell on me again?”

”Rainer always wakes up Luna only for Luna to do things. Luna feels used. Luna won't cast the sleep spell,” She said as she turned her head away from him in a pout.

Rainer picked up the pouting Fairy as he got off the bed. Extending [Void Detection] toward the roof, he vanished. While keeping a relaxed look on his face he still constantly operated [Soul Detection]. The two sat on a rooftop garden of the mansion.

”You're right, we haven't spent much time together,” Rainer said as he looked out toward the clear winter sky with stars far brighter than he had ever seen in his home on Earth. He armed a few bolts of Arcane-Fire around them to keep them warm, not that either truly needed it. With his new increase in attributes, he could arm them far easier. He still preferred the plain [Arcane Bolt]s, charged if needed, given their close combat nature, something not possible for the more explosive variety.

”Do you ever wonder, Luna, what's out there by all those stars…”

”Nope,” Luna answered simply. She laid on top his hair, supporting her head with her arms with her legs gently swinging back and forth.

”Not even a little?”

”I don't need to go to a world without Rainer.”

Lacking her usual joking tone, Rainer for the first time found himself slightly blushing at Luna's outright declarations.

”Of course, I'd be going too. You know, when I headed back from Nalmar, I ended up stopping by another world.”

Luna listened with interest as he described the black rock wasteland. No different than hearing a story of a hero being told, she did not worry for the protagonist.

”We could visit other worlds. Maybe one day my own,” Rainer added, but in truth, he could not even feel any world from here. No matter how he focused, without the familiar bond or some other anchor, he couldn't find any paths in the void beyond his current world.

”Luna would like that.”

Sitting with Luna here, Rainer felt entirely at peace. Time passed as the two gazed at the stars.

He stopped his relaxation noticing that he wasn't using [Soul Detection] anymore, causing his anger to rise. He was not angry at himself for a small lowering of his guard; he was angry at his inability to do such a thing without great risk. With his recent [Void-Walking] spell he thought of running, briefly, but so long as he was in this world, he'd fight back with his full force, create a home, and study all the magic he desired.

Rainer took out the Mana-Well from his spatial ring. Staring at its pulsating Runic lines, he found himself calmed. This was his answer, to all who pursued him.

An object feared by the Divine…

He thought as he twisted and turned the black cube in his hand.

Finding himself tired all on his own, he returned to his room. While his movement had startled Theodore, Rainer was still in his range, leading him not to act. That and the lack of any more Magic meant he was fine.

Entering [Sleep-Learning] again, Rainer easily recreated the loose space and opened a [Spatial Domain].

Recalling the spells that had been organized, he hadn't the time to properly input all of them into his memory, but he knew of their tiers. Apart from [Frozen Sun], there was not another tier 6 spell. Showing both the prowess and value of that Goblin's notes and even more so Yalin's [Deliverance] at the tier 7.

Yet all the higher tier spells, hidden away, were of long casts, of high mana costs, they would not be useful in battling a single Fae prepared for combat. Rainer couldn't help but be disappointed at the lack of utility spells, though he had thoughts on the matter. That these powerful spells from the Mage Towers of Nalmar were like hidden arsenals, whereas the rest passed between student and master.

He still needed to look through those he took from the general library as well as the black magic of the hidden, however, what he desired most was to improve his [Spatial Domain].

[Arcane Awakening] rose to 100%, its runic lines shining brightly as he formed a small wooden box in front of himself.

He focused all his will on this small box. He operated [Spatial Domain] and [Spatial Manipulation]. Whether it was his new bonuses from [Chronomancer] or his 10 additional levels to [Archon] his attempt this time compared not to his previous.

The space shuddered. The fabric of the world resisted his attempt. And yet the box moved forward, not by wind nor force, but by the very shifting of space.

[Spell Gained: Spatial Domain: Spatial Shift lvl 1/10]

[Spatial Domain has reached level 2]

Rainer relaxed as he saw this change, his goal completed. He couldn't help but be elated looking at the spell.

However, the mana cost matched the unreasonableness of the magic.

[Spatial Domain: Spatial Shift: Shift the very space in the chosen direction. Requires Spatial Domain to be cast.]

Immediately beginning a series of tests involving various objects, his understanding of the spell grew, even if the level did not. However, the shift was not free from basic rules. Trying to shift part of an object only resulted in that object simply being pushed in one place, not split in half. He lacked, as well, the control to shift a smaller space. He found Mana cost sharply increased the smaller he went, beyond the small box he created. Not that he could go that far smaller.