45 A Message (2/2)

Elijah stared in wonder at the second Spatial Ring. If the first only gave a chance that the Foreign Lord Magus had an incredibly high status, the second on what looked to be his mate confirmed it to Elijah. As well as to the rest of the 2nd Tier experts around.

In this world, there was no tradition of ring symbolizing marriage, but as a Spatial Ring, it clearly meant this Wolfkin was important.

”Might I ask your interest in these matters?” Elijah asked. It was a question on all their minds.

”Charles has become a friend, after an unfortunate misunderstanding involving his son and a bounty on my mate,” He laughed a bit to signal it was in the past, ”With his loyalty to his country, he would not flee here. I'd not see him die,” Rainer revealed the past with Carver to show that the relationship between him and Mier was not burned. With his Charisma, his words were more believable to the group from Mier.

[Skill Gained: Acting lvl 1/10]

Rainer hid his surprise, something that suddenly became a bit easier to do. He understood that perhaps [Acting] was an incredibly difficult to acquire skill, given all he's done in the past. Gaining some more knowledge with the first level of the skill, he found himself correct.

It wasn't just acting a certain way but careful controlling of facial reactions, some incredibly minute. Muscles, he couldn't use in the past, he could feel slightly. Too were techniques for the cadence of one's voice.

The group headed outside the gate and toward the North, but not entering the forest.

Suddenly a flame erupted in the sky. Everyone but Rainer's party flinched. They recognized it not as an attack but the arrival of the [Fire Sage].

The Ball of fire descended and, with but a puff of smoke, returned to the [Flame-Touched Goblin] it was.

”You…” Elijah, stunned, looked over at Rainer. No one knew of the Flame-Touched nature of the [Fire Sage], and seeing it gave them a sudden revelation.

That the Goblin asked for a parley solely because of the Foreign Magus.

”We meet again,” The Goblin said while stretching his formerly removed arm, ”The others may call me the Fire Sage, but you two may know me as Furtak,” He ignored everyone other than Rainer and Matheus.

”Rainer,” He replied his name in turn.

”Matheus, Hunter's Guild Master.”

”Let us talk alone first, Rainer, unless these people are related to you?” Furtak said waving his arm toward the Mier Kingdom experts and Skyborne Mages. They all flinched at this, causing Furtak to laugh.

”They aren't,” Rainer still maintained his [Arcane Awakening] as low as he could, ”But the city is,”

”No matter. Let us speak alone. Unless you are afraid?” Furtak asked with a toothy grin.

Rainer, unperturbed, followed the Goblin who had turned his back to the group.

Rainer stood across from the [Fire Sage] far out of hearing range from anyone but Kara.

”So?” Rainer asked.

In truth, he was quite interested in what the [Fire Sage] had to say. He reacted instantly and attacked last time, but now he had other thoughts. The [Fire Sage] could be his first potential Mage member of his academy. As well he considered the possibility of him knowing much about the forbidden lands to the far North.

”I'm curious as to your stake in this fight. Other than that Fae, none of the others give me worry. But I imagine he has personal interests rather than national ones,” Furtak spoke.

”So long as you don't slaughter the town or kill the Baron, Charles, I couldn't care less. But, I've learned some interesting things recently…”

”About the deposits of Mana Crystals, Azure Haze, Karator's Fungus, and the Magicite,” Furtak said.

Rainer hid his excitement within. Not even the Mage Guilds knew how the Arachne acquired the Magicite. This could mean Furtak was a far more valuable person than initially assumed.

”Exactly. I have my own interests.”

”Then for your non-participation, I can simply give you more than you could use in your lifetime. The effects of Magicite do fade, what have you for entire mines?”

”I had something else in mind. You may be able to handle them, but if they can't win the North on their own, what happens when other Guilds get involved. Can you fight their Guild Master on your own as well?”

Furtak's wrinkled face frowned.

”Your point?”

”Can you make sure we are not overheard?”

Furtak nodded and following a pulse of magic, one of his rings lit up. A square barrier of air blocking sound around them formed.

Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.

”I wish to gather a group of mages. Interested in studying, learning, and researching magic freely. Away from the politics and secrets that hold back the growth of magic. Of course, to free possible people from their guilds and other affiliations interested in such a thing…”

”You need resources,” Furtak answered excitedly. He viewed the deposits as belonging to his tribe even if they lacked the number of mages ever to use even a fraction of it. But this option interested him greatly. And it gave the possibility of an ally.

A large problem among his tribe and others was the lack of spells. Were it not for the Great Fire Sage of the past who founded their tribes they wouldn't have any spells above the third tier. But now, they could only truly train those who had a fire affinity.

”And you care not for race in this group?” Furtak asked. He didn't discount the possibility of him being used for even a moment.

”Not in the slightest. How about a show of good faith and the advantages such an Academy of Mages could bring? Which Element?”

”Light Element, a healing spell,” Furtak answered after a shocked pause. To trade Magic so freely was unheard of. He hoped he had assumed Rainer's intentions correctly.

From his Spatial Ring, he removed a piece of magically constructed paper and wrote down a tier 2 healing spell he planned on learning when he had time. In truth, a healing spell was of little interest to Rainer. Kara and Luna could be healed with [Mana Manipulation] and Gunthar and Theodore, of course, required no such thing.

Finishing the formula, Rainer wrote down the chant next.

He handed over the finished product to Furtak. With Luna's skill, he could write in Muknar if he thought of the language.

Furtak read it for quite some time. He couldn't cast it, but he could verify whether it was indeed a spell. And with the Chant, the general purpose could be seen.

”Might I ask a question in regards to our fight?”

”Yeah?”

”Where did you learn that fire-breath spell?”

Rainer told the story of how a Goblin raid had captured a village he was indebted to. And how he ended up fighting them after they refused to release the prisoners. And then how he found the notes of the Great Sage. Even with his [Acting] skill, Rainer felt the need to add half-truths to his lie still.

Furtak didn't show any displeasure. This was clearly a tribe removed from his own, and he could not care as he believed Rainer's telling of the story. It wasn't a wanton slaughter. But at the mention of the notes, his eyes lit up.

”The completed notes…with Inferno….”

Rainer nodded, knowing this could finish the negotiation. Even if Furtak learned all the spells on the notes, it would be a long time before he could cast them, let alone without the chant. By then Rainer had full confidence of surpassing this Goblin if need be.

Of course, Rainer wouldn't give away his version with the Mana output and input runes until his Academy was fully in motion.

”I thought Inferno was truly lost…”

”I don't mind giving a copy to you. Let's talk how we'll handle this situation, however.”

Rainer and Furtak continued their conversation. Furtak revealed the location of their tribe and gave Rainer a token he could display so as not to be attacked. With Theodore, Rainer planned on visiting before leaving. Furtak already confirmed they had some understanding of the Forbidden North though they did not explore too deeply.

Rainer walked back to the group. Furtak had agreed to ignore the dungeon and the nearby town so that Matheus would no longer be an enemy either.

He also agreed not to attack the town as well as ignore the surveyors for now. Monitoring them, until they began taking away large amounts of resources.

More importantly, Rainer came out the Hero. He'd rather not truly anger the higher ups of Mier. He imagined there might still be some personal vengeance from the Prince, but after this, he didn't think the country would attack him.

Looking at the experts, the reveal of the [Fire Sage]'s level, from an appraisal orb, as well as his identity as a Flame-Touched, caused them all to understand how unprepared they were for such a fight. They awaited Rainer's words, as they saw the [Fire Sage] had no more interest in speaking with any of them.

”Matheus. He's agreed not to touch the dungeon town or any hunter's guild member so long as they don't attack his tribe.”

”Good enough for me, thanks, Rainer,” Matheus responded before walking back to town. He decided to head to the Dungeon town and stay a while before leaving, to confirm Rainer's words.

”And his horde?” Elijah asked.

”He's backing off and heading back north.”

”Might I ask what you traded…”

”I promised not to cut off his head. Given his recently reattached arm, he valued that greatly,” Rainer summoned his hilt and spun it in his hand as he walked passed the stunned group.

They looked over to the [Fire Sage]. Showing a bit of fake fear and resentment in his face he nodded in agreement, before becoming fire and flying off.

In truth, Rainer's threat was something planned. Furtak had underestimated and played around in his duel with Rainer. The result of a second duel was by no means clear.

The 2nd Tier experts had known the magic blade he used was extremely powerful. But not to the degree of damaging one Touched by magic.

”Thank you for your assistance, Lord Magus. The Prince was certainly in the wrong; I shall try to talk him down from anything rash.”

”Do as you wish.”

Returned to his room, Rainer told of his conversation with the [Fire Sage] to the party and now they discussed their next destination.

”I'd like to take up the Arachne's offer and visit their city. At the very least we should be strong enough to run away if need be.”

”Then I shall remain here. I am quite interested in these deposits as well, though I shall be careful. ”

”After visiting Furtak's village, we'll make way to the Arachne Tunnels. Theodore, before I leave, we should see if I can use Luna's connection to you as a means of [Void-walking].”

”I can go over a way with the Lady of the Fae as well on how I can let her know I require you to come to me.”

Rainer nodded. He assumed with the new skill of [Void Manipulation] and his improved [Arcane Blade] he should be able to Void-walk any non-world crossing distances. But with [Void Detection] limited sensory range he needed a target.

Only Rainer remained in the room. He went over and decided to commit all the tomes to memory while waiting for Elru. So long as he properly looked through, with extra time on the Magical formula itself, he could burn or bury the books and free up space in his ring.

He was in the middle of reading one of the books from the hidden library on [Devil Summoning]. He earlier ventured there truly wern't any evil magics, but he now knew he wasn't entirely right.

The spell itself required blood sacrifices. Which was fine, but it was almost impossible without improving the sacrifices and having sentient ones. Improving, by causing suffering during a long sacrifice. This was needed to increase the emotion and empower the summoning enough to connect to a Devil.

But his interest in [Devil Summoning] was more related to navigating between worlds. He too would like to visit Nalmar again. But more than anything he wanted to visit home. He hoped to use some powerful tracking magic to seek out his family, but other than that he didn't have a plan.

His greatest worry about visiting home, though, was that he'd lose connection to the system. At the very least, Rainer wanted to find a way first to get strong enough with the system's added attributes before heading home. Things like Fairy Dust or [Nvos Affinity Attunement], improved him regardless of the system.

He needed at the very least to be strong enough to void-walk back.

Rainer dove back into the books.

”What do you think?” Elijah asked his Prince, David Hathor. He had just explained the result of the parley.

”Of course, we'll send scouts and remain here for some time, but if he's [Flame-Touched]…”

”We'll have to ask the Guild Master to come personally. Prince…I do not think you should involve the Guild Master in any attempts of ven-”

David held up a hand interrupting him.

”He's at least stronger than a level 22 Flame-Touched Fire Sage. I don't want to see Father-in-Law hurt even though I believe he could kill him. There is no point if he has let the matter go. I spoke rashly.”

Elijah couldn't help but be surprised at the Prince's words. He had watched him grow arrogant as of late, but now he seemed genuine in backing off.

David, however, thought in a completely different direction. If his father-in-law died, a good portion of his support and power would vanish. Without him, he thought his fiancée had little value as well. But if he simply abandoned a grieving daughter his relationship with the Skyborne Mage Guild would plummet even further.

Added on was the current Vice Guild Master was antagonistic to him, though not openly.

He did believe Skyborne's Guild Master could win, but nothing was determined in life and death. The Prince now only wished to get away from this strange Foreign Magus as soon as possible.

”Let's go send a messenger for Father-in-Law then,” David said standing up.

Taking a break, Rainer decided to try and level [Void Manipulation].

Using [Void Detection] Rainer reached his will out into the void. He focused on a point where he wanted to Void-walk to. Just before casting the spell Rainer manipulated the void to try and reduce the cost. Yet the moment he acted, a chilling feeling touched him.

He jumped back, canceling the spell, but the Void did not close.

A black clawed hand reached out through an opening in the Void. A powerful language attacked Rainer. The words shook his very soul.

[Soul Resistance has reached level 2]

But he was unyielding. His training with Theodore had not entirely been for naught.

[Arcane Awakening] flared to the maximum. Rainer used [Void Manipulation] to try and close the gap he created. If he lost but a moment of concentration, he felt the powerful Devil would climb through. And its power, he had never felt something so strong before.

His violet runic lines flared as Arcane seeped into the air. Sweat covered his face as his mana depleted.

[Void Manipulation has reached level 2]

[Experience Gained: 1488%]

The Void closed shut as he slammed his hands together.

The clawed hand, separated from its body, fell onto the ground. Theodore burst in through the door, having sensed the soul of a Devil.

”Rainer, what happened?!”

”That happened.” He said pointing to the severed arm. Not having a moment even to use [Appraisal], Rainer knew not how strong the Devil was. Only that it petrified him.

Theodore walked over to the severed arm, and stabbed it once, to be sure of its death. But found his sword unable to penetrate the skin until he used the recently learned [Aura Blade].

Kara rushed over to Rainer's side.

”You look exhausted, are you alright?”

”I'm good. It was a scare, but I'm safe now.”

Probably…

”Luna doesn't like it…” The Fairy recalled the ordeal in the Dungeon. She felt ill looking at the severed arm.

”It's alright, Luna,” Rainer said comforting the Fairy in his lap as he sat down.

”How did you even summon a devil, what did you use as a sacrifice?” Theodore asked.

”I manipulated the Void, trying to loosen the Void a bit, and that thing reached out to me out of nowhere.”

”The Void?” Theodore asked. He had never heard of such a place.

”It's hard to explain, let me rest, and I'll try to.”

Rainer looked at his messages. Already having crossed the level 3 to 4 barrier the barriers up until level 9 to 10 weren't too high. His [Voidwalker]'s experience was at 89%, just a jump away from level 10. Even though the situation had devolved in a direction he didn't expect; he had been rewarded.

He was a bit surprised at the experience. But he remembered that leveling up [Arcane Sight] had given him experience in his 2nd Tier. A skill like [Void Manipulation], that depended on his [Archon] class in both its gaining and leveling, that was assisted by the looseness of the Devil world and [Sleep Learning], was not ordinary by any means.

He understood it wouldn't give a small amount.

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 5/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 6/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 7/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 8/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 9/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed.1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

However, thinking it over, Rainer smiled genuinely. This meant his thoughts on [Devil Summoning] being able to help him navigate the Void proved far truer than anticipated.

He had hope.

Hope to see his home, and his family once more.