Faerun is a realm of swords and sorcery, where the mighty can raze cities and topple nations single-handedly, even challenging deities and shattering continents. This world is not short on masterful schemers, yet it is a lamentable truth that, often, even the most astute minds cannot prevail against certain overpowered adventurers who forcefully turn the tide through sheer strength.
Such is the state of affairs in Faerun—one must acquiesce to the reality of the situation.
Lynn has recently begun to explore the Three Rings of the Magic Web, which in gaming terms equates to a level of roughly five for a mage. Although this level signifies a departure from the novice village, it does not imply invulnerability; his combat prowess remains rather unimpressive.
Furthermore, Lynn is among the unfortunate crossers who arrived without a system. The most significant distinction between him and other legitimate mages lies in his possession of an additional advanced magical companion.
However, this is not merely a boon granted to travelers but rather a blessing bestowed by Ocas.
Though he harbors aspirations of treachery, it must be acknowledged that Ocas has been exceedingly generous to their family. The Reani family once basked in glory and wealth, having likely offered numerous sacrifices in their prosperous days. Consequently, Ocas has reciprocated with considerable favors, bestowing blessings upon nearly every member of the family.
This is also why Lynn refrains from defecting to the forces of righteousness: parading the blessings of Ocas within the righteous camp would almost certainly invite suspicion regarding his loyalty.
The greatest gift from Ocas to the spellcasters of their lineage is the magical companion: every member of the Reani family is entitled to receive an advanced magical creature as a reward from Ocas. Typically, their choices consist of small undead creatures like the Flying Headman, Ghost Face, or Deathfang Serpent, or perhaps a Quasit. However, Lynn's choice for his magical companion diverges slightly from the norm.
He opts for a swarm magical creature—the Death Beetle Swarm.
Swarm magical creatures represent a subset of magical companions. Some drow prefer to venture forth with spider swarms. In contrast to singular magical creatures, the hallmark of swarm companions lies in their sheer numbers: while individually they possess little combat efficacy, they are also not easily exterminated. As conduits for spellcasting, swarm magical companions are a formidable challenge to counter.
Typically, selecting such a companion necessitates proficiency in advanced magical creatures. Yet Ocas has generously endowed them with this capability—clearly, they are reaping the benefits.
However, how much does a single advanced magical companion contribute to enhancing one's power? In Lynn's estimation, it amounts to nearly zero.
As a transmigrator, he recognizes his own weakness, yet the harsh reality leaves him with no recourse but to accept it. Upon returning to his dwelling and setting down the cage, he gazed at the notes on his magical research sprawled across the table, letting out a rueful laugh.
Although he has become a mage, it does not guarantee immediate proficiency in spell research; in fact, his studies over the past few days have only exacerbated his confusion.
A slight rustling behind him prompted him to snap his fingers, launching three skeletal spikes that pinned the rat in place. The Death Beetles swarmed forward, burrowing into the rat's body to indulge in their sumptuous feast.
This unremarkable spell, which he had dubbed the Bone Fang, was merely a variant of the Magic Missile; in terms of both potency and quantity, it bore a striking similarity, differing only in that they were not forcefield missiles and could not be intercepted by magical shields.
This is good news, but the bad news is that they are infused with negative energy, thus susceptible to being blocked by anti-death barriers. While it might seem that being thwarted by a Four Ring spell is preferable to a One Ring spell, the issue lies in the fact that battling necromancers typically involves the deployment of such barriers, and their entire family comprises necromancers, making the use of anti-death barriers a commonplace tactic.
With his relentless efforts, Lynn's attacks have become more effectively countered by his enemies, his research inadvertently helping them conserve spell slots.
With a sigh, Lynn reflected: although he is now a mage, which should classify him as an intelligence-based class, he often feels his intellect falls short when it comes to the study of spells.
Enhancing one's power is paramount, but how is he to achieve such growth? It is not as simple as discussing ancient history; the enhancement of power lacks the experience he once had on Earth as a guide.
After a long sigh, Lynn resigned himself to collapsing onto his bed. He raised his arm to wave his fingers, hoping to activate some system that might grant him a point or two.
Yet, as usual, no luminous interface materialized before him. However, just as he had finished casting a spell, a flicker of light danced at the tip of his finger.
What is this?
Lynn sat up abruptly, peering at his finger. There appeared to be nothing unusual about it, but he vaguely recalled that this very finger had been singed by the strange egg's demon fire earlier in the day. At this moment, the scar from the demon fire had faded, yet after casting a spell, his finger exhibited a slight divergence from the norm.
With a sudden rush of energy, a translucent orb of blue-purple demon fire erupted from his fingertip and ignited within his palm.
Demon fire?
Lynn was profoundly perplexed; he had not prepared this spell, nor had he ever studied it. Yet, a ball of demon fire now danced in his palm, and he found that he could extend this flame, enveloping his entire arm and even his body.
However, when he attempted to project the flame as if casting a Fireball, he found himself utterly incapable.
This phenomenon seemed incapable of leaving his grasp, and its purpose remained uncertain. The only certainty was that this ability was far from typical for a mage.
"System?" Lynn softly called out, his heart racing with excitement: who could deny that many transmigrators possess strange and unique systems? Perhaps this was his opportunity?
Yet, no system materialized. He continued to play with the orb of demon fire, yet he could not discern its true nature. A long day filled with rituals and tea parties with noble ladies had wearied him, and though he longed to further his study of spells, the onset of overwhelming drowsiness compelled him to extinguish the demon fire and succumb to sleep.
His mind was in a state of utter chaos: the only thought he had before drifting off was that he would contemplate it later.
However, just as he collapsed, the previously tumultuous strange egg suddenly fell silent. It extended its tendrils, skillfully unlocking the cage, and swaggered out.
It waved its tentacles at Lynn and cast a Sleep spell anew: Lynn's unconsciousness was its doing. A young mage should not be so easily fatigued, but under the spell's influence, it was entirely reasonable for him to succumb to slumber.
It made its way to the table, gazing at the pile of manuscripts. Seemingly dissatisfied with its height relative to the towering table, the strange egg shook its body and swiftly transformed into a humanoid form.
Now, a tall mage stood at the edge of the table, gripping a fragment of a tattered scroll, casting a scrutinizing gaze toward Lynn.