Mortis Nacht stood in the practice chamber, the echo of his final spell dissipating in the reinforced room. The flames from the Fireball spell still lingered in the air, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. He felt the surge of power within him, the tangible difference in his magic after reaching Rank 3 Apprentice. The transformation had been profound.
Mortis left the practice chamber, his mind abuzz with thoughts of his newfound strength. He knew better than to underestimate his enemies, despite his increased power. Vigilance was key, and he would never allow arrogance to cloud his judgment. As he walked back to his quarters, he planned his next steps with meticulous care.
That night, Mortis lay in his bed, the events of the past three days replaying in his mind. The potions he had brewed, the spells he had trained, and the breakthrough that had elevated him to a new level of magical prowess. Tomorrow, he would face Daniel Asmodes and make a decision that could shape his future. As he drifted into sleep, he vowed to use every opportunity to his advantage, never relying on anyone but himself when it truly mattered.
The next morning, Mortis awoke with a sense of purpose. He dressed in his usual attire, his robes clean and crisp, and made his way to the dining hall. The hall was bustling with activity, apprentices enjoying their morning meal. Mortis scanned the room, his eyes falling on Daniel Asmodes seated at a table near the center.
Mortis approached the table with measured steps, his expression carefully neutral. Daniel looked up as he approached, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Mortis, it's been three days," Daniel said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Have you made your decision?"
Mortis nodded, his face showing a hint of reluctance. "I have," he said. "I will join you."
Daniel's smile widened. "Excellent. You won't regret this, Mortis. Together, we'll achieve great things."
Mortis kept his true thoughts hidden. In his mind, he was already calculating how to use Daniel and his people to his utmost advantage. Daniel and his men could be useful, perhaps even serve as meat shields when he sets out to retrieve the items he had left in the cave. However, Mortis quickly dismissed the idea; even with their help, he was still not strong enough to face the dangers that lay within. For now, he would bide his time and use this situation to further his own goals.
Daniel leaned back in his chair, regarding Mortis with a mix of amusement and something darker. "You made the right choice," he said. "But let's be clear about something, Mortis. From now on, you serve me. You follow my orders, and in return, you will gain power and protection. Fail me, and you'll find out just how unpleasant life can become."
Mortis's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Understood," he said, his voice calm. Internally, he felt a mix of irritation and intrigue. Serving Daniel was a means to use him, nothing more. He would play along, but he would never let himself be truly subjugated.
"Good," Daniel continued, his tone lightening. "Tomorrow, we will meet in the central courtyard. There, I'll introduce you to the rest of my group and we will test your abilities. After all, we need to know if you are good to our cause or not."
Mortis inclined his head. "I'll be there."
The conversation turned to more mundane matters, Daniel asking Mortis about his recent activities and progress. Mortis answered with calculated honesty, revealing enough to satisfy Daniel's curiosity but keeping his most important discoveries to himself. As they talked, Mortis studied Daniel, noting the confidence in his posture and the sharpness in his eyes. This was a man who was used to getting what he wanted, a man who wielded power with ease.
"Tell me, Mortis," Daniel said suddenly, leaning forward. "What do you think of the Myriad Demons Academy?"
Mortis took a moment to consider his response. "It's a place of great opportunity," he said slowly. "But also great danger. Only the strong can do whatever they want."
Daniel's smile returned, more genuine this time. "Exactly. And strength comes not just from power, but from alliances, from knowing who to trust and who to use. Remember that."
"I will," Mortis replied, a faint smile touching his lips. The words resonated with him. He had no illusions about trust, but he understood the value of alliances, however temporary they might be.
As they finished their meal, Daniel stood up, signaling the end of their conversation. "Remember, Mortis. Tomorrow in the central courtyard. Don't be late."
"I won't be," Mortis assured him.
With that, Daniel walked away, leaving Mortis to his thoughts. He remained at the table for a few more minutes, contemplating about the conversation. Daniel was a formidable ally, but also a potential threat. Mortis would have to tread carefully, ensuring he stayed in control of his own destiny.
After breakfast, Mortis made his way to the trading post. The bustling marketplace was filled with vendors and buyers, the air thick with the scent of various magical ingredients and potions. Mortis headed straight for the official trading counter, where a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a calculating expression stood behind the counter.
"Good morning," Mortis greeted the man. "I'd like to open a stall."
The man raised an eyebrow. "What are you selling, and for how long will you open the stall?"
Mortis laid out the potions he had crafted over the past three days: strength potions, healing potions, and refreshing potions. "I'll be selling these potions. I plan to open a stall for five hours
The man nodded, making notes on a parchment. "Each hour of trading requires two contribution points. That will be ten points for five hours."
The man handed him a parchment, which Mortis infused with a portion of his mana to complete the transaction.
"You're all set," the man said. "You can set up your stall over there." He pointed to an open space among the other vendors.
Mortis set up his stall, arranging the potions neatly on the table. As the morning progressed, buyers began to approach, their curiosity piqued by the quality of his wares. He interacted with each customer with a polite but detached demeanor, ensuring that each transaction was smooth and efficient.
The hours passed quickly, and Mortis found himself selling out of his stock. Each sale brought in valuable contribution points, which he could use to further his studies and experiments. By the end of the fifth hour, his table was completely empty.
Mortis left the stall, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He had successfully sold his first batch of potions for resources which he will use to utmost efficiency to rise in power and become an official magi. As he walked back to his quarters, he allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection.
The alliance with Daniel Asomdes was a calculated move, one that he would exploit to its fullest potential. Mortis knew that his path was one of solitude and self-reliance, but that did not mean he couldn't use others to achieve his goals. He was a man without moral restraints, a true opportunist who would betray and sacrifice anyone if it served his purpose
Back in his quarters, Mortis sat down to review the events of the day. The interactions, the sales, and the subtle machinations he had set in motion. His mind was a constant whirlwind of plans and contingencies, always calculating the next move.
As he prepared for another nightly routine of meditation, Mortis felt the weight of his decisions. Each choice and each action was a step towards his ultimate goal. He had no interest in fame, glory, or wealth. His pursuit was one of power and immortality, and he would let nothing stand in his way.
The next morning, Mortis woke up with the same sense of purpose. The events of the previous day had only strengthened his resolve. He knew that his path was filled with peril, but he was prepared to face it with the same relentless focus that had brought him this far.
After a quick breakfast, Mortis headed towards the central courtyard where Daniel Asomdes had requested to meet him. The courtyard was bustling with activity, apprentices practicing their spells, and senior magi engaged in animated discussions. Mortis scanned the area, his eyes landing on Daniel and his people standing near the fountain.
As Mortis approached, Daniel greeted him with a nod. "Mortis, good to see you again. Are you ready to begin?"
Mortis nodded. "Yes, let's get started."
Daniel introduced Mortis to the rest of his group, a mix of seasoned magi and promising apprentices. Each member of the group had a distinct presence, their auras radiating power and experience. As Daniel called out their names, Mortis took note of each one, committing their faces and abilities to memory.
"Mortis, meet the members of our circle," Daniel said, gesturing to each in turn. "This is Rael Thorne with fire affinity." Rael was a tall, lean man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His robes were adorned with intricate symbols representing the elements, and he carried himself with quiet confidence.
"Next, we have Lira Valen, a skilled potion adept." Lira was a petite woman with long, flowing black hair and striking green eyes. She wore a pendant with a green gem, symbolizing her affinity with nature and healing magic. Her demeanor was calm and composed, a stark contrast to the power she wielded.
"Here is Thalor Crane, with darkness and shadow affinity." Thalor was a shadowy figure, his presence almost ethereal. He had pale skin and dark, hooded eyes that seemed to see right through Mortis. His movements were fluid and graceful, blending seamlessly with the shadows around him.
"And finally, this is Aric Draven with a rare affinity for both darkness and fire." Aric was a muscular man with a commanding presence. His short, spiked hair and intense gaze gave him a formidable appearance. He wore robes that shimmered with protective enchantments.
Mortis nodded to each of them, his expression neutral. He could sense the power emanating from these individuals, and he knew that they would be simultaneously valuable allies but also dangerous enemies. Daniel had assembled a formidable group, each with their own strengths and specialties.