In the bustling cafeteria of Magic Tower University, students mingled and chatted, their voices blending into a symphony of youthful energy. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stews filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that offered a brief respite from the rigors of academic life.
At one of the long, wooden tables, Amberine Polime sat with a group of her fellow freshmen, her face still flushed with embarrassment and indignation. The incident in Professor Draven's lecture was fresh in her mind, a humiliating encounter that she couldn't shake off.
"I can't believe he just dismissed me like that," Amberine fumed, her fingers tapping impatiently on the table. "Who does he think he is, talking to me like that? I was just trying to learn."
Her friends exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of sympathy and curiosity. It wasn't every day that a freshman had a direct confrontation with the formidable Professor Draven.
"You did kind of jump in without introducing yourself properly," one of them offered cautiously.
Amberine snorted, crossing her arms. "Please, even a fool wouldn't have answered that question the way he did. 'Illusion magic combined with explosion magic'? What kind of nonsense is that?"
As she spoke, Amberine's eyes darted around the cafeteria, watching the other students as they went about their meals. Some were engrossed in animated discussions about their classes, while others were lost in their textbooks, cramming for upcoming exams. But as her gaze swept the room, she noticed a few students casting furtive glances in her direction, whispering among themselves.
One of them, a girl with bright green eyes and a shock of curly red hair, approached Amberine's table, her expression hesitant but grateful. "Hey, Amberine," she began, her voice soft yet earnest. "I just wanted to thank you for asking Professor Draven about that magic circle. My friends and I saw it too, and we were really worried about what it could be. His explanation made a lot of sense. Lucky none of us tried infusing it with mana or it might be dangerous,"
Amberine blinked in surprise, her indignation momentarily giving way to confusion. "Really? You found his answer helpful?"
The girl nodded vigorously. "Absolutely. We've been trying to figure out what it was for days. Knowing it's just a prank puts our minds at ease. So, thank you."
Amberine's irritation began to ebb away, replaced by a begrudging realization. Despite the professor's brusque demeanor and her own mortification, his explanation had indeed provided clarity. She hadn't expected anyone to appreciate the exchange, let alone thank her for it.
As the girl returned to her own group, Amberine's friends leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued. "So, what now?" one of them asked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Are you going to challenge Professor Draven again?"
Amberine sighed, her frustration softening into a weary acceptance. "I don't know. Maybe I'll just focus on my studies for now. There's no point in making an enemy out of a professor, especially not one like him."
The group fell into a contemplative silence, the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filling the space around them. Amberine took a deep breath, letting go of her earlier resentment. She would find her way in this world, just as she always had, but perhaps with a bit more caution and a lot less defiance.
As she finished her meal, Amberine couldn't help but wonder about Professor Draven. Beneath his cold exterior and sharp tongue, there was a mind brimming with knowledge and power. Perhaps there was more to learn from him than she had initially thought. And maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to earn his respect, one step at a time.
Before executing her revenge.
___
As I left the restroom and made my way down the grand corridors of the Magic Tower University, my thoughts were consumed with the implications of the store currency system and the precarious state of my domain. The brief respite had done little to alleviate my concerns. Each step I took echoed against the polished marble floors, a reminder of the weight of the responsibilities that now rested upon my shoulders.
The Herculean Physique I had just acquired was a significant boost, but it was only the beginning. In this world, where Draven's enemies lurked around every corner and my domain teetered on the brink of ruin, I needed much more than physical strength. The store currency system, with its array of enhancements and items, was a vital resource. But I had only earned one currency so far, and there was a long road ahead.
As I navigated the labyrinthine halls, I couldn't help but reflect on the dire state of my domain. Draven Arcanum von Drakhan had been a character woven into the fabric of countless rivalries and vendettas. His parents, his hometown, even his peers—all had reasons to loathe him. His relentless pursuit of fame and power had left his lands neglected and vulnerable. Enemies both old and new would seize any opportunity to strike.
I had to be smarter, more strategic. It wasn't enough to simply survive; I needed to thrive, to rebuild my domain and secure my position. The thought of facing the myriad threats alone was daunting, but I had no choice. The legacy of Draven Arcanum von Drakhan demanded it.
The corridors were sparsely populated at this time of day, with most students and faculty engrossed in their own pursuits. I passed a few who acknowledged me with respectful nods, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. It was a strange sensation, being recognized in a world I had once only known through a screen.
Reaching my office, I paused at the door, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. The office was an extension of my authority within the university, a place where I could strategize and plan without interruption. I needed to assess my situation carefully, to identify my immediate priorities and chart a path forward.
As I settled into the leather chair behind my ornate desk, I opened the store catalogue once more, reviewing the options available to me. Each item and enhancement represented a potential advantage, a tool to fortify my position. But with only one currency spent, I needed to earn more—quickly.
To do that, I had to complete quests and face challenges, just as the players did in the game. This first lecture had given me a glimpse of how to earn currency, but I needed to maximize my efforts. Taking on more teaching responsibilities, perhaps even offering to mentor some of the more promising students, could provide opportunities for earning store currency.
It's still unknown how the side quest would appear and what the system is here since it's slightly different from the system of the game. But I should try the variety of possibilities to make sure I'm stronger.
For now, is it possible to see what traits and talents the current Draven's body have for now?
Then, as if reading my mind, the screen appeared again.
[Draven Arcanum von Drakhan
Skills: Chyrisus' touch (S), Comprehension (S), High Noble's Demeanor (S), Vision (S), Villain's Fate (S)
Attribute: Drakhan origin
Mana type: Control
Magic capabilities: Elementalism (Dark), Necromancy (C)]
I understand the use of [Comprehension], while [Vision] gives me the ability to see the potential of something. It's a skill that should be blocked by the curse of Draven at the game, but there's no curses such as the [Mediocre Potential], [Curse of Idiocy], and [Poor Mana Peformance] that should be at Draven. The reason for his mediocrity.
And what is this Chyrisus' touch?
[Chyrisus' Touch
Description: Chyrisus' Touch is a powerful ability that allows Draven to unlock and amplify the absolute potential of any object or being he touches, significantly increasing its quality and effectiveness. This enhancement comes at the cost of his own mana, making it a skill that requires careful management of his magical resources.
Mechanics:
Activation: Draven must physically touch the object or being he wishes to enhance.
Mana Cost: The amount of mana required depends on the complexity and potential of the enhancement. Simple enhancements consume less mana, while unlocking the full potential of powerful artifacts or beings requires a significant mana expenditure.
Duration: The enhancement can be temporary or permanent, depending on Draven's intent and the amount of mana invested.
Limitations: Overuse of this skill can deplete Draven's mana reserves, leaving him vulnerable. Additionally, certain cursed or magically resistant items may require additional effort or special conditions to enhance.]
This is a good one.
I didn't remember Draven use any necromancy except when he got revived from his death as a monster. I guess there is always a potential of necromancy inside him. Now the Vilain's Fate.
[Villain's Fate
Description: Villain's Fate is a unique and powerful ability that allows Draven to perceive the potential fate of individuals who pose a significant threat to him or his objectives, specifically those whose destiny is intertwined with death. This skill enables Draven to identify and target key adversaries, referred to as "Death Variables," and offers a path to gaining rewards by eliminating these threats.
Mechanics:
Activation: Villain's Fate is a passive ability that activates instinctively when Draven encounters a Death Variable. It requires no conscious effort or mana expenditure.
Death Fog: When Draven perceives a Death Variable, a spectral fog of death emanates from the individual, visible only to Draven. This fog indicates that the person's potential fate is death and that they pose a significant threat to Draven.
Death Variable: Individuals surrounded by the death fog are marked as Death Variables. These are key adversaries whose elimination can alter the course of events in Draven's favor.
Reward Mechanism: Upon successfully eliminating a Death Variable, Draven receives a reward. The nature of the reward varies but typically includes enhancements to his abilities, new spells, or valuable items.]
I see. This one is very important. This could help me defend myself and prepare for countermaeasures.
After assessing the capabilities of Draven, mediocre people would maybe got excited looking at the lots of S skills, but there's close to none abilities to fight. It's evident to see how weak Draven is.
Now I got the rough image of my current capabilities.
The next thing is about my domain.
Beyond the university, my domain needed immediate attention. The lands of House Drakhan were fraught with danger and unrest. Bandits, rival nobles, and discontented peasants all posed threats that could not be ignored. Strengthening my defenses and securing alliances would be crucial steps in stabilizing the region.
I also needed to consider my personal safety. The grudges against Draven were numerous and deeply rooted. My newfound physical prowess was a start, but I needed to bolster my magical abilities as well. Spells for protection, detection of threats, and swift escape could be lifesavers in the volatile environment I found myself in.
As I mapped out my plans, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Enter," I called, my tone brisk.