Class went well.
Despite me standing out enough in class to gain 1000 SP, it didn't change much in the overall scheme of things it seemed.
Roland still treated me well, though he was happy that I was starting to show off what I could do. Evelyn was still weird around me and kept hesitating about whether or not to approach me. And my other classmates were impressed, but it was more along the lines of knowing that a particular classmate was good at studying or something.
Basically, I was starting to make a positive impression on people, but I hadn't done enough to be a crazy standout person that'd be MC material.
But that made sense.
After all, while it was impressive for me to have gotten past Professor Endless's trap in the beginning of class, it was pretty much forgotten by the end of it when he finished up his lectures on the various dangers you could encounter in a Gate.
It was the equivalent of a person in Calculus solving a few derivatives and limits in class before they were introduced. Impressive, but nothing groundbreaking.
But that was fine by me. I was just glad I didn't have to deal with the usual cliches of idiots trying to bully me or anything for being so weak.
Thank god I didn't go with those usual cliches.
...Well, there was Isaac, but his irrational behavior was because he was infatuated with Evelyn.
Anyway, class had ended, so we were sent off to our free training periods.
I, of course, immediately headed back to the magic facilities in the northwest quadrant.
There was still that 'intense encounter' queued up for this evening.
Right now, it was just 2 PM, so I had at least a few hours. If I was lucky, it'd be anywhere from 7 PM to curfew at 9 PM.
If I was unlucky, it'd be at 5 PM or so.
Either way, it was important to prepare.
I was still weak. And this weakness of mine wasn't a problem I could fix any time soon.
The
The
But I was still in trouble.
Although I hadn't used it yet, it was a Rank 5 artifact that could summon a corresponding level spirit to help protect me.
The problem with that though was that I hadn't established where I got it from, and it'd no doubt lead to even more questioning after my ambush.
No, what I needed was a way to plausibly increase my power in a short time period. And again, the best way to do that was magitech.
But I lacked 'credibility' in that regard still. Sure, Alexander Smith was known for his theoretical work, and Sophia herself had seen my handiwork. But if I suddenly got ambushed or involved in something with the Void Arbiters, it'd look like I was part of them.
I still didn't know everything in my background, so there could be issues popping up that would be troublesome to deal with.
If only there was someone here who was knowledgeable in magic and famous enough that I could use to deflect some of the attention later-
"E-Excuse me!" A shy female voice called out from behind.
I paused and turned around to see who it was.
And surprisingly, it was Marisa.
Marisa Sagewind.
The girl who was destined to be a Sage in the future. One who came from a long lineage of sages. Also the girl who was the top in our class for both theory and practice.
And in short, just the perfect 'shield' I was looking for.
Marisa hesitantly approached and then bowed her head. "I'm sorry for intruding, but I-I just wanted to say that I admired your performance in class today! A-And if it's not too much trouble, I wanted to ask if we could train together!"
I froze.
Those lines and those words.
...Weren't they the ones she was supposed to use on Roland?
Okay, yeah. I'm nipping this in the bud.
I completely turned to face Marisa and nodded. "I don't mind training together. But before we do, I want to make one thing clear."
"Y-Yes?"
I pointed at her and said, "At most, we can only be friends. Do not think about falling in love with me. Understood?"
There. A clear line in the sand. With that-
"Understood! It shouldn't be a problem since I prefer a face like Lionheart's!"
I froze.
Marisa noticed my reaction and then turned red. "N-No! I-I don't mean you're unattractive or anything! It's just that in comparison... I mean.... Uuu..."
Hah...
===
Marisa stared with sparkling eyes at the pile of gemstones stacked up on the countertop. "Are you going to create a magical artifact? Or maybe use these to enhance your mana?"
I slipped on some protective gloves and then said, "Something like that."
The plan was to start making workable trump cards and use Marisa's presence as validation. After all, genius recognized genius.
Now, I wasn't a real one, but the result was the same. After all, if someone showed up with the proof for a Millennium Prize Problem and understood how it worked, even if they weren't the one who solved it, they brought the solution.
Or in other words, even if it was something only a genius could come up with, if you had it, then you must be a genius. That validation is what I needed right now for what I was planning to make.
So, with that thought in mind, I grabbed a ruby, sapphire, and then some clumps of gold and copper before saying, "I'm pretty weak, but I can't afford to be at my rank. So I'm going to make some things to help me out."
Marisa hummed and said, "I don't think there's a lot that CAN help you though? N-Not to be mean, but you only have a single mana circle and mana star."
"Right." I nodded and said, "So that's why I need something that'll help me out until I can close the gap."
Gold and copper were excellent conductors of electricity and heat. Mana flowed like electricity, so they were excellent base metals to handle the flow. As for the heat portion... Sapphires and rubies symbolized water and fire, so they could be used as stand-ins for the extremes of hot and cold. Symbolically, at least.
But when it came to something as metaphysical as magic, symbolism was all you really needed.
I grabbed a small carving knife from nearby and then nicked my palm to let a bit of blood flow.
Marisa blinked and then said, "Um. What are you doing?"
I grabbed the clumps of gold and copper and placed them in my bleeding palm. After that, I started circulating my mana towards it and said, "Mana flows from the mana circles around the heart, but mana also is dissolved in blood due to its proximity. Therefore, when making personalized mana equipment, using blood, and fresh blood, is best."
"I understand that. But what's the point when you only have a single mana-" Marisa suddenly stopped talking. Her green eyes grew wide as she saw what was happening.
I resisted the urge to smirk and instead focused on my work.
Blood had iron in it. And since blood was bathed in mana if one had mana circles, and carried mana if one had mana stars, the iron in said blood also had mana, turning it into miniscule amounts of magical iron. Copper and gold could be alloyed together, but iron and gold was rare. Yet, it could form an alloy if outside forces like magnetism held it together. And since there was mana... well, the result was clear in my hands.
Following my will, the copper and gold dissolved before spinning together to form a ring, suspended over my palm.
"H-How...? Mana shouldn't be able to persist in lifeless metal. And metal doesn't generate mana. It shouldn't. But... right there...?"
I grabbed the uncut ruby and sapphire before placing it in my palm as well.
The remaining blood smeared on the gems as they were naturally drawn into the flowing mana. But now came the hard part. Metals were inherently 'channels' of energy, but gems were 'vessels.' Diamonds were clear and untainted, allowing them to hold any sort of energy. But colored gems like rubies and sapphires had traces of impurity, filtering the energy that flowed in and out.
I had to carefully and painstakingly weave the flow of mana throughout the structure of the gem and back into the metal alloy, make a revolution while passing it into the other gem, and then weave it back in.
It was like threading a needle with fingers covered in oil.
But that's where using my blood came in handy. Since it was soaked with my mana, it was essentially a part of me and automatically reacted to my will. Normally, that fact didn't matter. After all, you'd die from blood loss before being able to muster up enough mana to cast a worthwhile spell. But in times like these requiring finite control, it was perfect.
And so, after one, two, and three revolutions... A soft chime echoed and a matte gold ring fell into the palm of my hand.
I turned it over to examine it, checking how the sapphire and ruby had shrunk and now seemed to be pierced by thin golden tendrils. And as I did, a message popped up.
===
> You have used otherworldly knowledge to alloy gold, iron, and copper!
> The magical alloy Orichalcum has reappeared in this world!
> You have created a magical focus beyond your apparent means! +1000 SP! Current SP: 11000.
> Marisa Sagewind is shocked at your miraculous achievement! +100 SP. Current SP: 11100.
> You have created the personalized equipment Aquaburn Orichalcum Ring!
> Aquaburn Orichalcum Ring: Grants the Traits
> Aquaburn: You can summon unquenchable flames that burn even water as fuel.
===
Hm. Well, not quite what I was planning, but useful enough-
*swish*
I blinked and then saw that the ring was gone. I frowned and glanced over at Marisa to see her holding the ring with wide eyes.
"This is possible?" She spoke with a hushed whisper. Almost reverent.
I started to sweat. Uh... this wasn't going to raise any flags, right?
Marisa slipped the ring on her right index finger and then held out her palm. And the moment she did, a translucent flame emerged, distorting the air around it.
Wait. I thought that was a 'personalized equipment'? How the heck could- Ah, no. Marisa was a genius. They were exceptions to the rule. Though... Now I was EXTRA sure to never pull out Diamond Mana Galaxy. Heavens knew what crazy stuff that would result in...
Marisa closed her palm, crushing the flame. Then she pulled off the ring and handed it over to me. "Sorry about that."
"...It's fine." I took the ring and said, "But definitely don't expect me to ever give you a ring."
It was a joke.
I definitely intended it as a joke.
But why did Marisa seem seriously thoughtful when I said that?
I started to sweat and then cleared my throat. "A-Anyway. I presume you understood the principles of what I did there?"
Marisa nodded. "I did. But... how?" She frowned and said, "Metal isn't alive, so it should be able to generate mana. And furthermore... how is it possible to artificially create mana circles and mana stars?"
I slipped my new ring on my right index finger like Marisa had, and then I grabbed the rest of the gems and scrap metal. "If you understand the principles of what they are, it's simple, isn't it? You just need to create the same circumstances."
"Yes, but..." Marisa trailed off and then shook her head. Instead of pondering more, she looked at me and said, "Are you doing it again?"
"...Maybe?"
Marisa nodded. "Show me."
"...You've become awfully pushy-"
"I'll pay you a hundred thousand credits."
"..."
"...I'll also pay extra if you explain the steps."
Well. I guess this... shouldn't hurt?
===
> You have created the personalized familiar
> You have clarified some questions that Marisa Sagewind had been pondering all her life! This will have great ramifications down the line! +10000 SP. Current SP: 21100
> Marisa Sagewind sees you as a true Magical Genius and feels remorse at the lack of your innate mana potential, believing you could change the world if you weren't so limited.
> Sophia Lux no longer suspects you of being a danger to the academy, but she is now convinced you are a danger to yourself.
> Warning! Excessive entanglement in the main characters and the plot risks you drawing the role of Protagonist! Be cautious to protect your carefree life!
===
I ignored the messages popping up in front of me and focused instead on my surroundings.
It was late in the evening now. Marisa and I had spent a long time discussing the intricacies of magic and the fundamental nature of mana while I worked on creating a useful trump card.
...I was a bit worried about the ramifications of this if rumors got out. But I'd deal with that later. The most important thing was that I was sure Marisa saw me as a rival and source of inspiration rather than a love interest.
Though, considering how stories developed, that could change in the future...
I'd have to make sure to restrict the flags I raised. I'd also have to make sure to start raising flags for her with Roland... Maybe I should convince my pal to show off some fancy healing magic shenanigans to get her off my back.
But in any case. After the crafting session turned impromptu mana tutoring session, Marisa and I were walking back from the magical facilities. The blue sky had long been replaced by a starry one, and the lamps had turned on, lighting the path back.
It was calm and peaceful, but I remained alert.
There was an 'eventful evening' scheduled, after all.
And while I was walking with Marisa right now, I could be certain that they'd separate us somehow. The plot demanded it, after all.
"I still cannot believe how brilliant you are, Alexander." Marisa stared at me with shiny eyes and said, "I understand that becoming a Hero is your goal, but with your knowledge and intellect, the Mage Tower would gladly accept you. And I could even have my grandfather recommend you."
I smiled and said, "Thanks, Marisa. But here is where I need to be."
That was true in more ways than one.
While I'd love to chill in a safe place like the Mage Tower with near infinite resources to munchkin my way up the ladder, I needed to be around Starlight to check the flow of events. And also to make sure Roland was up to par.
The Hero was a necessary tool against the Demon God to ensure the least number of casualties.
And since only I knew if there were plot divergences, I had to be around to make sure he still got enough power ups to prepare for the major disasters.
Marisa sighed and said, "Well. If you ever want to talk about magic, or if you have anything you want to publish, you can leave it to me!" She let out a bright smile and said, "I'll be your best ally!"
...Was this how being a 'Gary Stu' felt like? I seemed to be getting favorability and items all too quickly. Things were also going way too smoothly, so-
*swish*
A black flicker swept across the surroundings.
I blinked and then saw that Marisa was suddenly gone.
It was still the same school setting. A paved path leading back to the dorms, with lamps lighting the way. But it was also distorted. The shadows a bit too long and the night sky a bit too vibrant...
===
> WARNING! Urgent Event
> Objective: Survive.
> Failure: Death.
> The first attack will be from behind.
===
A flicker of messages.
I read them in a glance and then felt a brush of cold against my neck. I immediately ducked and swung out my right hand, sending a blast of flames.
Black shadows caught and burned up. But all that did was reveal a person who had been hidden beneath them.
I froze. That man... I recognized him.
Pale white skin. Neatly side-parted black hair and crimson eyes, along with elongated fangs. A man who looked like a vampire and was modeled on them. Swishing his black robe to the side, he chuckled and said, "My. It seems that the information was incorrect. You are far from harmless."
I straightened and then lowered my hand before assessing the situation.
This man was someone who shouldn't have shown up until the later half of the book. 'Ten,' the Tenth Apostle of the Void Arbiters. A Rank 6 Warrior whose domain was
I had used him as a plot device to kidnap Marisa later on while revealing Roland's ability to cut through the untouchable with Durandal.
But now we had a problem.
After all, I was the target here.
Ten slowly paced back and forth, eyeing me up and down. "The Sovereign was interested in you... And I can sense you have something 'different' as well. Would you happen to wish to join us?" It was a casual and gentlemanly offer.
But I knew that was a lie. That guy was just saying it to gauge my reaction and relay the info back to the Void Sovereign who was watching through his eyes.
"No?" Ten shook his head. "A pity. You seem quite special... But I suppose the Sovereign can do as much with your corpse as he could with you alive."
A sudden flash of cold on my neck, heart, and thighs. My eyes widened and I instinctively jumped back while swinging up my hand to send a burst of flames.
The air caught fire before revealing Ten standing right in front of me. His eyes widened and then his lips widened into a fanged grin. "Indeed, it was no coincidence. Precognition? Or perhaps a finely tuned sense of danger?" He straightened and then said, "You seem like a man who has danced on the edge of life and death quite often, Mister Smith."
"...Something like that." I spoke for the first time since the encounter began and wracked my mind on how to deal with this.
If it had been anyone else, it would be fine to pull out some trump cards. But this was an Apostle.
Anything I used right now would be seen by the Void Sovereign. And that guy had a crazy ability to reverse engineer pretty much everything as well as 'guarantee' results that could be predicted. Fate manipulation and all that jazz.
Which meant that pulling out something like my Mana Amalgamate right now would be reckless. Using Aquaburn was unfortunate, but it wasn't anything too special. That'd be fine.
...But I couldn't win like this.
Ten tilted his head and then reached to his side before pulling out a crimson blade from the shadows. "The Sovereign is interested. And I am as well... Just how far can you go with that weak frame of yours?"
I reached into my pocket, palming a few gems.
Increasing stats wouldn't help right now. There wasn't enough to spend on traits or talents to help out either. So, although it got nerfed, what I needed to use right now...
===
> You have targeted "Flawless Diamond x 4" in your inventory!
> You have charged the targeted item(s) with mana!
> You have targeted "Mana-Charged Diamond x 4."
> You have spent 11100 SP to enhance the target!
> You have obtained "Mana Storm Diamonds (Rank 5) x 4."
> Your current SP is 10000.
===
Only Rank 5, huh? That definitely wasn't enough to kill an Apostle. But it should be enough to fight back a bit. Just needed to do a bit of sleight of hand-
A dozen cold lines spread across my body.
My eyes widened and I immediately used one of the diamonds.
> Mana-Charged Diamond is being used from your inventory!
> The Rank 5 spell 'Diamond Wall' is executed!
Crimson lines flashed but crashed against a translucent diamond wall. Shortly after, a refined laugh echoed. "My, my." Ten stared at me from across the wall and said, "A trickster, I see? But." He idly pressed his crimson blade against the diamond wall and grinned. "Tricks can't save you."
I nodded. "I know."
> You have targeted "Artio" in your inventory!
> You have spent 10000 SP to enhance the target!
> Rank 5 Artifact "Artio" has been refined by 100%! All of its attributes have increased by one magnitude!
> Rank 5 Artifact "Artio" has become Rank 6 Artifact "Artemis"!
> The targeted item can no longer be enhanced with SP!
> You have used "Artemis"!
> You have insufficient mana!
> The duration of "Artemis" will be drastically reduced!
> The scope of "Artemis" will be drastically reduced!
> You can use the Art "Unerring Lunar Arrow" once!
An immediate throbbing headache, along with immense fatigue. As expected of using a Rank 6 item, it was extremely draining. But the price would be worth it.
"Hm?" Ten seemed to sense something off and immediately stepped back.
"Pierce."
A single word to activate the Art.
I stared directly at my target and waited for the attack to unfold.
Because of Ten's domain of Isolation, the entire area was cut off from the world. The starry sky and crescent moon above was fake. And accordingly, nothing from the world could reach it.
...But my attack wouldn't miss.
Although I wasn't sure if the gods really existed in this world, traces of their powers definitely did. And for the Goddess of the Hunt...
*sching*
...There was nothing she couldn't hit.
A beam of white light shot down from the crescent moon, piercing through the isolation and shattering it into glass-like shards.
Ten's eyes widened and he tried to dodge. But he couldn't.
White light pierced through his right side, gouging a clean circle out from his chest.
...Ah. That wasn't enough.
Ten cackled and said, "You really ARE a bag of tricks! But it looks like you're out of them now."
I tried to move. But before I could even take a step, I was lifted into the air by my neck.
Ten stared at me, his crimson eyes flashing. "It has been a long while since I was injured like this, Mister Smith. And while you possess many secrets... it seems like it will be safer to return with your body to divulge them instead of your life. So, I bid you-"
> Mana-Charged Diamond x3 is being used from your inventory!
> The Rank 5 spell 'Diamond Spear' is executed!
> The Rank 5 spell 'Explosion' is executed!
> The Rank 5 spell 'Healing V' is executed!
Crystals materialized from thin air and pierced into Ten. In the next, an explosion erupted, blasting me away from him.
I felt everything white out and start fading. But then a surge of energy and pain came back in the next instant as golden light enveloped me from the healing spell. Landing on the ground, I coughed before rolling and scrambling back to my feet.
"You...!" Like a proper undead vampire, Ten stood up and glared at me while his flesh was completed ripped off his face. A barren skull and seared facial muscles. A tattered black robe and burned torso. A missing left arm and holes riddling his body... But he wasn't dead.
I stared at him and smiled. "Indeed. I'm a bag of tricks to the bitter end. And tricks can't win against a proper opponent. But you see, I'm also a bottomless bag of tricks." I pulled out some normal gemstones from my inventory and flashed them to Ten. "Shall we dance some more along the edge?"
Ten growled and then wrenched his crimson blade out of the air with his left hand before charging forward.
But that was exactly what I wanted.
Before Ten could take a single step, more beams of white light fell from the sky.
This time, it wasn't from me.
Ten's eyes widened and he tried to avoid them. But it was futile. With a flash of white light, the Tenth Apostle vanished. And in his place, Sophia Lux appeared. When she did...
> The subquest
> You have obtained 10000 SP!
> For making a great showing and trolling both the Tenth Apostle and the Void Sovereign, you will be granted a matching reward!
> You have gained the Trait
> Dramatic Effect: All actions are enhanced by one magnitude when playing out a 'role' or an 'act.'
> Your current SP is 10000.
> Additional rewards will be tabulated at the end of the day.
I let out a deep sigh. Finally, it was over. Though short, it was definitely a lot longer than I expected... Freaking amateur writers, putting in nonsensical plot developments...
"Are you alright, Mister Smith?" Sophia walked over to me and gave me a once over.
I waved my hand and said, "I'm fine. Didn't expect to get ambushed by a crazy guy like that in the academy, but I've got plenty of trump cards to deal with it."
Sophia ran a hand through her lilac hair and said, "That's what I'm concerned about..."
"I'm honored that you're worried, Headmistress. But I can handle it." I smiled and said, "I wouldn't be here if I couldn't, right?"
Sophia furrowed her brow. She clearly wanted to refute my words, but didn't seem like she was able to.
"Anyway." I casually laced my hands behind my head and said, "I've got class tomorrow, so I'll be heading back to my dorms... Is that fine?"
"...Go ahead. I'll handle this somehow."
I waved again and then quickly walked off towards my room. Now to get some proper rest and start planning on what to do for the real story quest...
===
Sophia watched Alexander head back towards his room and frowned. "Perhaps I should push the princess towards him a bit as well..."
There was no doubt that Alexander was a magical genius the likes of which would only be seen once every few thousand years.
But it was also clear that he had no care about his life at all.
Sophia wasn't sure if that was because he was so focused on his goals, or if he truly didn't have any attachments towards life at all.
In a situation like this, a student would be shaken at the least. But Alexander had been completely calm and nonchalant. As if being attacked by a Rank 6 Master was a matter of course.
...Was it? Sophia frowned and stopped to think about that.
Alexander's background was clear cut. An orphan who lost his family due to a sudden gate appearance, and one who worked diligently to be able to obtain the bare minimum and enter Starlight Academy. A man who was excellent at theory, but lost points due to a lacking physique.
...Was there more to his background? There had to be considering that he was targeted by such a powerful individual from 'that' organization. Moreover, there was the manner in which he fought too.
'Plenty of trump cards' and 'an endless bag of tricks.' Alexander was a man who made up for lacking abilities with wit, knowledge, and the unwavering determination to throw his life as a wager to buy an escape route.
Sophia saw that with the Gate Exploration class incident, and she saw it again tonight.
Considering how Alexander was able to severely wound a Rank 6 Master and even break through the man's domain despite being a mere Rank 2... Well, Rank 1 Mage now, it seemed like he was used to life and death encounters.
But how? Why?
Alexander was 18 years old. He was orphaned merely three years ago.
Just what in the world could he have experienced to have such composure and tactical prowess...? Sophia sighed and shook her head.
Regardless of his background, he was still a student of Starlight Academy. A troublesome student, no doubt. But a student nonetheless.
And while he was here, Sophia would ensure he was able to thrive. But to do that... "Just what unfolded tonight?" Staring at the devastated terrain, Sophia closed her eyes. When she opened them, her rainbow colored eyes turned a pure gold and peered into the past.
===
In a well-lit marble room, an ambiguous figure stood before a screen, watching what the Tenth Apostle had just experienced.
"Incredible."
Void Sovereign smiled and said, "Such wit and preparation. I should be annoyed, but I'm pleasantly surprised."
Alexander Smith. A seemingly ordinary man, but one with extraordinary capabilities.
Void Sovereign hummed, staring at Alexander's face.
He was a weakling. Considering the average student at Starlight Academy was at least a Rank 3 Mage or Rank 3 Warrior, a mere Rank 1 was nothing in comparison. And yet that 'nothing' had not only survived against a Rank 6 monster their spy planted in the Artificial Gate, but he had also survived against the Tenth Apostle.
It was unthinkable. But even more unthinkable was that he used pure knowledge and wit.
To Void Sovereign's eye, all was revealed. The nature of their abilities, the intent behind one's actions... Although weakened at a range like this, it was still enough to unravel the nature of one's abilities.
And Void Sovereign saw how Alexander's 'tricks' worked.
Charging gemstones with mana and weaving the mana to resonate in order to cast Rank 5 spells. Overloading a Rank 5 artifact to use a Rank 6 Art. Predicting lethal attacks through a finely tuned danger sense. And a composed mind obtained through experience to pick and use the proper tactic at the proper time to escape lethal situations.
Again, impressive. And even more so for a child barely an adult.
The number of men and women who could replicate such a feat could be counted on a single finger. Elio Endless, that was all. But even then, he relied more on his 'Path to Victory' Talent to perform such a feat than his raw intellect.
Alexander did no such thing. Pure calculations, preparations, and execution.
Void Sovereign respected that. Even if it happened to clash with the plans to revive their god, being able to oppose them with raw human potential instead of granted power was incredible.
Perhaps there was some worth in this world after all?
For some reason, Void Sovereign felt like that Alexander could revive the world even after Demon God turned it all to ash. "...Should we have a conversation?"
Most humans were boring creatures who relied on external power or were so weak they could be blown away with a casual wave.
In the past millennium that the Void Arbiters had been in this world preparing, Void Sovereign had yet to see a human who was any different. That was, until today.
Alexander was still weak, yes. But he was able to clash against far stronger opponents through leveraging resources and making perfect decisions.
It ruffled Void Sovereign's pride a bit. For one who possessed the divine ability to 'cement' a path in place, seeing a mere mortal prune away lethal branches in such a way... It was beautiful.
Of course, though beautiful, it wasn't enough to change their course.
But... "Should I ease up a bit? Or should I lean forward?" Void Sovereign pondered on what to do.
Curious. Ever so curious.
Void Sovereign knew the inevitable path of Fate. But for some reason, Void Sovereign wondered.
If that weak man could dance along the knife of life and death and escape. If he could prune away the paths leading to his death so simply. Could he not too prune away the 'Dead End' awaiting them all?
Void Sovereign didn't know.
But the possibility of it-
"Enough." Void Sovereign spoke, silencing those thoughts.
The Void Arbiters would enact the descent of their god and bring this world to ruin. And even if a miracle occurred to prevent that ruin, there was no avoiding the 'end' that would come soon after.
That was already certain. So even if Alexander was interesting, he was just a trifling curio in the cogs of Fate.
Now.
Since their presence at the academy was discovered, Void Sovereign had to prepare the contingencies. It would take some time, but it should be enough to secure the path forward. Particularly with that prince's help...
===
"Why do you write?"
I remembered being asked that once in a comment when I first started out.
For most authors, writing was something that had to be done. An impulse that must be obeyed.
It was the same for me.
Life was good, but dull.
I had enough money to live a comfortable life. A stable career. A supportive family, good friends... But I still felt empty.
That was where writing came in.
I saw the dull world around me that couldn't be changed and envisioned one that was different.
The first story I wrote was a mess because of that.
I plucked pieces and drew inspiration from all sorts of things, trying to create a fun world with everything I loved. And while I enjoyed it, the readers called it a mess.
That was where "Three Disasters and an Ending" came in.
I was disappointed that no one liked my first story, but I was determined to try and write something people would enjoy. Because of that, I stuck to the basics. And while predictable, it was a clear success.
'But you weren't satisfied with that, were you?'
...Right. I wasn't.
Every author had their reason to write.
And mine was to escape into a fun world where I could change things as I wished and helped people I wanted.
"Three Disasters and an Ending" didn't match that. After all, it was formulaic and also a world without a true happy ending. Good people died for the sake of the plot, and although the hero lived happily ever after, it was amidst a broken world.
People enjoyed it, but I didn't. Still, I was satisfied. Since it was a commercial success, I could leverage that and write what I really wanted. That was the plan.
A cozy life where readers flocked to my stories and got lost in the worlds I created.
And stories where I could lose myself too, cheering for the main character to overcome all the tragedies and downfalls.
That was what I wanted. An opportunity to create a true masterpiece where the hero constantly escaped by the skin of his teeth but protected everyone and everything around him despite the chaos flying his way.
...Wait. Then why-
===
"...Am I clinging to the plot so much?"
Sunlight filtered in from a nearby window.
I blinked and then realized that I was sleeping in my bed. My body was sore, but not too bad- No, forget about that.
A dream.
I definitely had a dream. And it was an important one too.
What was it?
I sat up and placed my hand against my forehead, trying to remember. "It was important... Something I shouldn't forget."
Something about this situation was wrong.
I'd been in crunch-mode since I got here, but now that I had some proper rest, I could feel it.
There was something missing.
I was moving to mitigate variables and everything. But that was 'all' I was doing right now. Instead of 'acting', I was actually 'reacting.'
That was excusable because of the ridiculous situations that kept popping up. But it was almost like it was designed that way to keep me off balance. To avoid thinking about the bigger picture.
And my gut was telling me I was missing something important about this whole situation.
...Unfortunately, the epiphany was snuffed out before it could come to light.
I sighed and then got out of bed. "Whatever. We take things day by day."
There was time.
Although I felt like I was missing something, I'd figure it out eventually. No need to rush. Instead, what I should be doing right now was checking if any other crazy developments had occurred.
Birds chirped outside. The sounds of doors opening and closing echoed in the distance.
I grabbed my phone and opened up the RPG app to check the logs.
===
> Reward tabulation complete.
> Your stats have been equalized and increased to a base of 19.
> Your Mana Pool and Stamina have been equalized and increased to a base of 200.
> While you were occupied, Roland Lionheart met with Marisa Sagewind and worked together to capture the Void Arbiter spy. They are also aware of the development coming this midterm. +1000 SP. Current SP: 11000
> In a casual conversation with Roland early this morning, Evelyn became aware of your situation and is extremely worried. +1000 SP. Current SP: 12000
> Certain important figures are aware of your existence and are slowly changing their ways. +10000 SP. Current SP: 22000
> As a compensation for overcoming an unfairly lethal encounter, the Trait Fusion mechanic has been added.
> As an initial bonus, traits with synergy are automatically fused.
> The traits: Mana Boost (Minor), Vitality Boost (Minor), Agility Boost (Minor), and Stellar Mana Storm have been lost.
> You have obtained the trait
> The traits: King of Drama and Dramatic Effect have been lost.
> You have obtained the trait
> The effects of your equipment have been updated due to acquired experience.
> Please review your status at the earliest opportunity.
===
[Status Screen]
Name: Alex Smith
Age: 18
Equipped:
Strength: 19 (+10)
Agility: 19 (+10)
Vitality: 19 (+10)
Endurance: 19 (+10)
Mana: 19 (+10)
Stamina: 190 (+1000)
Mana Pool: 190 (+1000)
Rank 1: Basic Elemental Magic
Rank 6: Divine Spirit
Mana Circle Overdrive: By shattering your mana circles and performing a forced fusion, can perform one Rank 6 spell at the cost of all stored mana and halving physical stats.
At the cost of my life - An undying resolve to eradicate monsters burns in your soul. After laughing in the face of death, you have forcibly shattered your limits. Growth in all stats is dramatically increased until Rank 5. Afterwards, growth in all stats are double the average growth rate.
Aquaburn (Equipped) - You can summon unquenchable flames that burn even water as fuel.
Stellar Mana Physique - All stats are increased by one rank. Physical attacks may be imbued with magic. Stamina and mana pool are combined. You have no cap on the total mana pool and stamina.
Playwright - You have an instinct for dramatic flare! You can decide a 'character' and a 'play' at any time. Actions taken in accordance to the character and play will be magnified in effect. Your lies become indistinguishable from the truth and your actions are seen in the best light.
Intuition (Equipped) - You will be able to sense and avoid danger with greater ease.
Clarity (Equipped) - You will be able to see through falsehoods and remain composed in all situations.
Water Magic Affinity (Equipped) - You can naturally use Water Magic up to your Mage Rank.
Fire Magic Affinity (Equipped) - You can naturally use Fire Magic up to your Mage Rank.
Artemis - A Rank 6 artifact. Formerly an effigy to the Bear Goddess Artio, now refined as an effigy towards the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis. Allows the use of Lunar attacks based upon the authority of Artemis.
Diamond Mana Galaxy (Lv. 1) - A unique magical artifact that replicates a seven-fold Mana Circle and Mana Star system. Greatly increases Stamina and Mana Pool when equipped in the inventory. When equipped on the person, elevates the user's Mage and Warrior Rank to 7. Grants the Domain
Aquaburn Orichalcum Ring (Lv. 1) - Grants the Traits
Clear Star of Intuition (Lv. 1) - Grants the Traits
Mana Amalgamate (Lv. 0) - A sentient blob of mana. While in the inventory, shares the owner's senses and experiences. Can communicate through mental transmission. Currently an infant. When summoned, takes a form that it finds most comfortable. Randomly inherits a version of the owner's Talent and two of the owner's Traits.
Rank-Up Voucher - Elevates either Mage Rank or Warrior Rank by one level.
Total SP: 22000
===
> Congratulations on clearing your first hurdle! I'll be rooting for you! ^_^
===
...This crazy motherfu-!