1078 Bytra’s Legacy Part 2 (1/2)

”Our lessons will be mostly theoretical. First, I'll teach you the basic alphabet of the runes so that you can learn how to design different pseudo cores on your own. Then, I'll teach you the Forgemastering diagnostic spells that will help you to both understand what went wrong with your prototypes and to steal the secrets of your competitors.

”Last, but not least, I'll teach you how to craft basic artifacts with runes. Bytra's method requires careful planning because you must be careful that the set of runes you apply have no side effect on the pseudo cores. Any question?” Faluel said.

”Just one. Do you think I can obtain the same effects with my Royal Forgemaster wand? I'm no Awakened, but most of the things you explained I had already learned from my father.” Quylla said.

”Well, I guess we'll find out. Remember that just like I don't ask you to share with me your father's knowledge, you can't share mine with him. Also, whatever you make is mine to study.” Faluel replied.

”I'm not a Forgemaster. Should I skip those lessons?” Friya asked.

”No. If you really want to become my Harbinger, you'll start from scratch as a true mage and learn Forgemastering on your own. Learning the runes will help you to improve your Warden magic while Forgemastering spells will allow you to separate the wheat from the chaff when you buy enchanted items.

”Even if you're just a beginner, my teachings will have several practical applications.” Faluel said.

”What about me? I'm not an Awakened and I don't have one of those goddamned wands.” Nalrond had a hard time keeping the edge off his voice.

”I'm sorry, but unless you manage to become the first Awakened among the Werepeople, after we're done with the runes, you should practice something else. Forgemastering spells require Spirit Magic.” Faluel shook her head.

”That said, it's lunchtime. This afternoon Nalrond will teach me, Lith, and Solus Light Mastery. Phloria, Tista, and Quylla, you three will come back here so that I can train your bodies.

”I'll teach all three of you how to fight against an Awakened. While I'll focus on making sure that Tista and Phloria don't need help to survive their future breakthroughs anymore, Quylla requires some basic training first. Even the best strategy is pointless if your body can't keep up with your mind.

”Friya, here's a book about tier four Forgemastering. Study it until your eyes bleed or reading one more line makes you want to puke.” This time it was the Ernas sisters having a hard time keeping their envy at bay.

”Why does everyone get combat training but me? I'm not interested in Forgemastering!” Friya said.

”What do you want to do? Do you want to have lunch together or to go back home?” Lith asked, eager to get back to the tower and discuss with Solus what they had just learned.

”I'll stick with you.” Nalrond replied. ”I would love to help Selia with the cooking, but our lunch break is usually short and Protector's kids are great at making trouble. You can't drop the kids whenever you want, those little monsters demand a lot of attention.”

”I'll eat with you guys and then go back home.” Friya sighed. ”Gods, I didn't practice Forgemastering exactly to not compete with you all and here we go again.”

”Going back and forth from home takes too much time.” Phloria shook her head. ”We'll eat here and use the little free time we have to arrange our notes.”

”Agreed. I was so happy to have a theoretical lesson for once. No muscle aches nor getting covered in sweat like a miner, yet it turned out much more difficult than all the other subjects so far. I need to rework my Forgemastery from scratch!” Quylla said.