Magus Ascendant (Warlock of the Magus World/The Gamer inspired quest)

A/N: my thanks to @mrttao for his help with this chaptee. Hope you all enjoy.

A/N2: going to bed directly after this post. If you have any questions, you'll have to wait for answers.

[X][gender] Still female, yay?
[X][elements] Primary of Life, secondary of Soul.
[X][personality] Aloof and Ambitious. Your focus is on gaining the power to not only survive, but to thrive in this dangerous world. You will ignore slights against you so long as they don't impede your goals. Should they do so, you vengeance shall be terrifying.

You gained two skills last post that were quickly dismissed.

Life Affinity (Passive) | Lv: 1 / 50.
You have a major affinity for the Element of Life. It clings to you like a warm blanket.

Soul Affinity (Passive) Lv: 1 / 50.
You have a minor affinity for the Element of Soul. It is drawn to you like a moth to a flame.

The two of you reach Klaus' cabin far too quickly for your liking.

After making sure you are following, Hansel leads you through a maze of cabins and tents towards one in particular. The crowd of excited initiates parts like water around the two of you, the other children wisely getting out of the way when they see him advancing through. You duck your head at some of the pitying looks you receive. They seem to assume that you can only be in some sort of trouble if a black robe is leading you around.

Arriving in front of a cabin that is just the slightest bit larger than all the rest, the black robe turns and leaves with only a grunted 'go inside'. You watch him vanish into the crowd before turning back to the now imposing looking door. You're really not looking forward to this.

Klaus…

Klaus Neilis is not a bad man, not to you at least. He has, to your knowledge, never tried to deceive or manipulate you. Something you are willing to bet that others in his position would gladly try. Instead, Klaus has told you plainly and bluntly why he is helping you, what he expects in return, and the difficulties you might face in repaying his aid. He has, as far as you can tell, been completely upfront and honest about everything. You might not have come on this trip at all if that wasn't the case. So yes, the Klaus you know is not a bad man... but he's not someone you can trust either.

Klaus is one of the nobility. One of the rich elite that rule over the commoners of the land. More than that, he is a noble born of a Magus family. Just as nobles stand above commoners, Magi stand above nobles. If Klaus were to take up residence in the court of the king, it would be he that the king bows and kowtows to. That sort of power, of privilege, it does not sit well in the hands of a good man. Klaus might be all smiles and kindness with you but you've seen how he treats the black robes and the other 'commoner rabble'. He is not a bad man but he is most certainly not a good one either.

More than that, he is someone that holds power over you. On but a simple whim, he has granted you a future of power and authority. A future that won't see you dead and rotting on the streets before adulthood. All it would take is another whim, a changed mind, and you will be no more than a destitute street urchin so very far from home. Klaus is the one that holds your fate in his hands. You do not like that, not one bit.

Sighing, you reach out and grasp the doorknob. He probably already knows you're out here, better not to dawdle. Turning the knob, you open the door and enter the cabin.

The room you enter is beyond extravagant. Looking around, you can only think that something like this is more belonging in a lords castle rather than in some cabin. The walls are of some type of polished, white stone with various paintings and golden ornaments hanging from them. The floor is a lush, black carpet that looks like the furry hide of some great beast. There is a golden chandelier hanging from the stone ceiling above, the dozens of candles it holds serving to brightly illuminate the entire room.

Off to the side is a bed. It is far too long, far too wide and piled with far too many pillows. The frame is made of a dark wood with an intricate and arcane looking pattern carved in it. In the center of the room is a round, deep brown, wooden table piled high with all sorts of delicacies. There are two chairs, both the same color as the table and with a cushioned seat. Sitting in one chair is Klaus.

The noble lord, Klaus Neilis is a somewhat androgynous looking man with sharp, angular features. He is quite tall and thin, with shoulder length black hair, kind and inviting brown eyes, and a pair of very pronounced cheekbones. He is the sort of man that women like to sigh over. The sort that can have them fainting with only a smile. There is such a smile on his face now, warm and welcoming. It just makes you want to flee this place.

"Ah, my dear Cat. Welcome, welcome." Klaus greets, his smile widening and his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Come, sit and eat. You must be quite hungry after such a busy day."

You do as he says. You're not all that hungry, or thirsty for that matter. You can barely even remember the last time you were affected by such feelings. Still, you like the taste of food and any chance to indulge is a welcome one. Especially when it's such high quality fare as this.

Walking up to the table, you place your bag to the side and take a seat on the empty chair. A few moments pass as you make you choice before you reach out and pull over a saucer with a slice of red and white cake on it. There are far too many forks of varying size on the table, so you just grab the largest one and dig in. Klaus winces at the action but you pay him little mind as you scoop a piece of cake into your mouth.

…..delicious.

You have consumed Hagenberry Cake.

Hagenberry? It tastes like that Lemon Tart Flesha's parents gave you on your birthday years ago. You'll never forget that taste.

You take another bite.

Klaus smiles. Damn it.

"I'm glad you enjoy it." He says, looking at the table with a slight frown. He shrugs. "It's not quite up to my usual standards but what can you do? At least, I'll be back home in a months time. Then I can get some proper food."

You glare, trying to set the bastard on fire with your eyes. Unfortunately, it doesn't take.

Your first night with the caravan was your very first time tasting white bread. White bread is the sort of food only nobles can afford, commoners have to suffer with the bitter black bread. Street kids like yourself would be lucky if the bread wasn't stale. It is so bad, that after gaining your power, you were more likely to go days without food than eat a slice of black bread. After years of only being able to eat stale, bitter black bread, that single bite of soft white bread was enough to bring tears to your face. That heavenly food, food that no ordinary commoner can ever hope to taste, is the sort of thing bastards like this consider trash. You could really see yourself hating him for that alone if he wasn't helping you so much, if he wasn't the reason you could eat such wonderful food now.

"Ah, never mind that. How was your aptitude test?" Klaus continues, smirking at your glare. He seems to find your attitude 'precocious' and 'adorable', it's the only reason you even dare to act this way.

You just shrug and hand him the paper, you learned your lesson after the first lecture on talking with food in your mouth. He takes it and quickly skims through while you keep eating. There are seven cups of different colored liquid on the table. You pick a bubbly red one and take a sip. Fruity, like a grape but with a hint of something else. Apple? Who knows. It's still delicious.

You have consumed Vinewroth Extract.

You quirk a brow at the vanishing box. Resistance… something to look into another time. For now, Klaus has finished reading the paper and is looking at you with a wide grin.

"Marvelous! A grade five aptitude, just as I suspected." Klaus praises, clapping his hands together in excitement. "And a primary affinity for Life, that is quite lucky."

You give him a quizzical look and he rolls his eyes. He leans forward in the seat and you prepare yourself for a lecture.

"A Magus needs to cultivate in an area with suitable elemental particles dear girl. The more particles of your element there are in the area, the better and faster your cultivation. These particles are naturally released, and increased, by Magi of a like nature operating in suitable areas over a number of years." He explains, taking an orange and red colored tart from the table and cutting into it with a small fork. "A place full of corpses and death, like a cemetery, will be saturated with Darkness and Death type particles. A volcano will have plenty of Fire type particles, a forest will be flush with Nature type particles, and a cave will be chock-full of Earth or Metal types. Things like that, but only if powerful Magi or creatures have saturated the place with their radiation."

He pauses to look at you. You nod to show your understanding. So far it makes sense. Klaus smiles and jabs his fork in your direction.

"Now you, you my dear have a primary element of Life. Life!" He exclaims with a loud laugh, startling you. "Where can you go that you won't find life? What academy can you attend that has no living beings? Ah, you may as well have gotten Air or Dirt with such luck."

Oh. You understand the point now. So long as there is something alive in the area you study at, there will be the Life element particles that you seem to need for whatever reason. It really is lucky.

"Oh yes, and more than that, you have a strong secondary of Soul. You really are quite the lucky girl. Such complementary elements." He sighs, looking wistful. You, in turn, just look confused. Something that causes him you chuckle.

"Ah, I forget how little you know about this world. Truly, you are lucky to have one such as myself to guide you through this." Klaus boasts and now it's your turn to roll your eyes. He chuckles again and takes a bite of the tart, seemingly savoring it before speaking again. "Soul is perhaps one of the few elements that work best with Life. You wouldn't think it but Life can be very finicky. A… not better, but more suitable element would have been Earth or Light."

He pauses to think, taking another bite of the tart. Nodding to himself, he continues.

"Most Magi with Life tend to lean towards Plant magic. Usually, their secondary is nothing outstanding but with just Life, they can quickly grow and control all manner of plants. Spell models for this type of magic are also relatively cheap and quite abundant. It is one of the most popular paths for those that cultivate Life." He pauses to take a sip of a steaming, purple drink and sighs in contentment.

"This isn't the only way Life can be used however. So long as something is alive, and sometimes even if it is not, Life can be used upon it. Some use it to heal or stave off death. Others use it to better understand the mysteries of undeath. When Soul is added to Life… well, that's when things get interesting. Magi are a suspicious and solitary lot, but even the most untrusting Magus will pay a fortune to have a Magus skilled with Life and Soul assist them in creating a clone. It is simply worth it."

He pauses again and you find yourself wanting to squirm under his intensified gaze. You can practically feel him reevaluating your worth. He sighs after a few seconds and reclines in his seat.

"Unfortunately, such advanced practices and spell models are near impossible to come across. Any Magus with such in their possession would guard it vehemently. It would be a difficult path to walk." He continues before shaking his head. "Never mind that, we've gotten quite off topic. Tell me dear Cat, have you decided what type of academy you wish to attend?"

You blink at the sudden conversation change before shrugging. You take another sip of your drink.

"Uh, I don't know. A good one?" You ask in reply, wincing at the uncertainty in your voice. You didn't get a chance to look at any of the academy buildings or meet a recruiter. How are you supposed to know which to pick?

Klaus sighs again and rolls his eyes.

"Of course, that is a given, but which type of Magus do you plan to be? Your elements are well suited for both so it's a matter of which philosophy you subscribe to." Klaus explains. At your blank look, he curses under his breath and frowns. A moment passes before he sighs and continues. "Tell me, what do you know of the two Magi factio- never mind, I should have expected this. Very well, I shall explain."

You try not to wince. All of these explanations are probably going to end up costing you. Maybe you should have accepted Flesha's offer of a book or two to read.

"Now, listen closely Cat. There are two types of Magus on this continent, the Light and the Dark. Both factions are Magi in every sense of the word but they have vastly different philosophies. Light Magi follow a certain code of benevolence. They protect and cultivate resources, growing what plants they need or keeping livestock and commoners in their territory safe and in high numbers. In turn, they are more strict and enforcing of certain laws. If you follow this path, then you will find yourself limited in what you can study regarding your Soul element. Most types of study in that area is considered 'evil' and thus, illegal" He explains, taking on a lecturing tone. You're quite sure you don't like how commoners like yourself are lumped together with livestock. "Dark Magi on the other hand are more… wasteful. They subscribe to a philosophy of the strong crushing the weak and will use up what resources the can find with little to no thought to the consequences. They have very little in the way of laws and so long as one has the power, they can do as they please. Due to this way of thinking, Dark Magi often make raids into Light territory for resources. As such, most Dark and Light Magi tend to fight one another on sight. There is more to it than that but really, you should only choose based on what best benefits you and your studies."

"And what would that be?" You ask, mind reeling from all of that information. You haven't even started school yet and you're already sick of learning.

Klaus shrugs.

"It depends really. If you wish to best cultivate your Life affinity, then go with the Light Magi. They have had more Magi of that element and know it better than most. The head of Sovereign Saints Bell Tower is one of the best healers in the entire South Continent, their route of cultivation and focus of study is best if that is the path you wish to walk. In turn, the Consecrate Chapel of the Exalted Five are superior in purification and defense against darkness users. Their methods are more suited for those that use Light but they can be just as effective with Life. The other three schools are of middling importance in this regard but can teach you some of this, in addition to the use of plants and such." He explains, finger tapping on the table. Then he frowns. "Your studies regarding your secondary affinity will suffer however. As I mentioned, the Light Magi have strict laws in regards to the soul. There are certain… experiments and studies one must perform in order to fully explore the mysteries of the soul. A majority of these are illegal in the territory of the light Magi."

He pauses until you nod in understanding before continuing.

"In turn, your study of Life will not be as great or as easy in the lands of the Dark Magi. Most academies there will just have you focus on plant type magic and send you on your way. It will be up to you to better discover ways to utilize your power. The Dark Magi are also quite lax in regards to their laws so you may conduct any experiment you wish in pursuit of your studies. Like I said, Life can be used in such... interesting ways on the living." Klaus continues, smirking when you shudder in some understanding of what these experiments would entail. "Your study of the soul will also flourish with the Dark Magi. There are no restrictions to what you can do and a vast number of Dark Magi over the centuries have been powerful necromancers. If there is anywhere to learn the mysteries of the soul and spirits, it is with the Dark Magi."

You worry your lip in thought once Klaus has finished speaking. It really is a tough decision to make. This is your future as a Magus you're planning after all. You look up at Klaus and he gives you an encouraging smile. You scowl.

"What side is your family on?" You ask. That seems like the sort of thing you should consider when making this choice, even if it's so that you can choose an opposing faction.

Klaus laughs. Long and loud, it is the laugh of someone that finds the cause of their mirth ridiculously hilarious. Minutes pass before he stops long enough to give you an answer.

"Apologies dear child, I forgot how little you know of this world. No Magi would ever ask such a thing knowing my name." He says, still chuckling. You give him a blank look and he grins. "Well, as you know, I am of the Neilis family. We are… neutral as far as these things go. My family holds control of one of the few safe routes between the lands of the Dark Magi and those of the Light, what little trade there is between them has to pass through our territory. As such, both sides consider us allies and we remain neutral in their disputes."

He pauses, tapping his chin in thought before his grin turns conspiratory.

"Of course, those of the Neilis clan with certain... inclinations, can find ways to assist the side of our choice." Klaus continues with a shrug. "Really, it depends on what side of the route the one in question is operating from."

That doesn't seem like it should work based on all that he's told you of both factions. Wouldn't the Light Magi have laws against it? Wouldn't the Dark Magi just attack and take what they want?

"They let you do that?" You ask, curious. He scoffs and puffs his chest out.

"Grandfather is a Rank Three Magus and Father is Peak Rank Two. Even if the other members of the family are ignored, the other Magi would be foolish to deny us." Klaus boasts. You have no idea what any of that means but you guess it's supposed to be impressive. Klaus deflates at your lack of reaction and sighs. "Either way, it means that you are not beholden to choose any faction because of your debt to me."

He pauses, face scrunching in thought.

"Matter of fact... should you wish it later on, I could easily see to it that you are given safe passage from one faction to the other." He continues, expression turning sly. "It will cost you of course, the academies are quite strict regarding deserters and the like. For the troubles such would bring, only a signed contract to join the Neilis family would suffice."

You nod and frown. You really need to look up what this contract stuff means. This isn't the first time he's mentioned it. That aside…

"What are all the good academies then?" You ask. Checking with their recruiters might be good but you don't really know enough to make the right choice on your own. Better to ask Klaus while he's still in a good mood.

"Hmm.." He hums, tapping his chin gain. "Well, I suppose there's…"

The next few minutes are spent with you eating and listening as Klaus expounds on the merits of each school. He gives you a general overview of them all, before launching into a more detailed explanation on the ones he feels are best suited for your elemental affinities. The ones that can offer you the best benefits.

In the end, it comes down to nine academies. Five on the side of the Light Magi and four on that of the Dark Magi.

Which Academy will you attend?
Light
[][academy] Sovereign Saints Bell Tower.
A well regarded academy located within a large bell tower in the center of a city. The tower stretches high into the sky and can be seen even days away from the city. Its bell tolls once a day, when the sun is at its highest. Their main area of study is on the human body and how best to heal or treat it. The buildings around the tower are all hospitals where the students may practice their craft on injured volunteers.

When the holy bell atop the tower tolls each day, it creates waves of energy that invigorate the students and slowly raise physique, up to a point, for those who practice their meditation technique.

[][academy] Consecrate Chapel of the Exalted Five.
A militant academy based inside of a cathedral like building on the outskirts of a small city. Their main area of study is on purification type magic and combating Darkness. They focus on the use of Light type magic to combat Darkness element mages, demons and undead.

There is a maze of catacombs and dungeon vaults beneath the academy where they lock up dangerous dark/undead related items and remains so that time may cause them to decay. These areas emit powerful radiation that can cause mysterious beings to spawn. The academy has chosen to exploit this by having all mortals from their city interred within when they die, converting the whole underground into a natural training ground for their initiates. In effect, it is an attached dungeon with naturally forming, low level undead.

[][academy] Four Relics Melody.
A major academy based in a mountainous region of the continent. A major city stands in the valley ringed by these mountains. Their main focus of study is on the casting of various types of illusions and ensnaring the souls of lesser beings.

The academy has been built high in the snowy mountains. Four of the tallest mountains have a large pagoda constructed at their peak. Inside of each lays an ancient relic that is constantly emitting an enchanting music. Contained within the lesser peaks are the rest of the academy. The highest peaks are constantly shrouded in thick fog and vibrant rainbows.

The academy cultivates multiple colonies of majestic, magical birds as a source of raw materials, flying mounts, and income.

[][academy] Oakenbrook Academy.
A resource generating academy with a spacious campus inside of a large city. Their main area of study is in the field of Alchemy and Potioneering, as well as a minor focus in the animating of inanimate objects. The entire city has been specially crafted by earth manipulation, the buildings all created out of seemingly perfect marble. The rooftops are used as gardens and through the center of the city runs a river. In the river itself there is a massive oak tree whose roots serve as a bridge, while the canopy spreads over an utterly massive area of the city. The fruits that hang from this tree shine with a mysterious light.

Despite the campus, a vast majority of this academy is actually underground. Its halls are greatly steeped in the essence of Earth and Life. Whole segments of the campus above are actually greenhouses for the resources the Magi require.

[][academy] Melodious Serenity of the Nurturing Mother.
A nature loving academy located deep within a magical wood. A city formed of magically sculpted trees surrounds the academy building. Their main area of focus is in the manipulation of plants and seeds.

Several of the forest's trees have been awakened to sapience, granting them the ability to cultivate as Magi or Elementals. They serve as guardians, teachers, and the source of highly prized, magical seeds. The aesthetic is similar to that of your typical, fantasy "elf" village.

Dark
[][academy] Obsidian Vault of Eternal Sleep.
A mysterious academy located deep underground. Its environs and tunnels are full of thorny bramblea and dangerous plants. The land above is a swamp shrouded with a miasma of toxic gas. Their main study of focus is on the mysteries of the soul and necromancy.

The academy keeps a population of enslaved gnomes imported from the subterranean world long before the connection was severed. Thanks to this hidden population of non-human slaves, it is cheap to buy souls or living subjects for experimentation.

[][academy] The Desolate Labyrinth.
A remote academy based in the ruins of an ancient structure. The labyrinth walls are covered in extremely detailed frescos which form an illusory world of their own. As such, their main area of study is that of illusions and the ways they can affect the soul.

Students who reach the age of sixty without breaking through to the ranks of official Magus, will have their soul extracted by the faculty and added to the fresco. Most become mindless ghosts, but a sizeable minority manage to retain their sanity and continue their training as a bodyless, spirit Magus.

The academy actually has several spirit magi as staff members

[][academy] Misty Woods Academy.
A deadly acadeny located on a desolate woodland. Years of work by the staff have transformed the trees surrounding the academy onto demonic trees. These serve as guardians for the academy, as well as mentors for those brave enough to form a contract. Their main area of focus is in the transmutation path of Alchemy, using magical plants and Plant type magic to augment the body and soul.

This academy produces a wide variety of bizzare mutated monsters. Their main staple is the plant zombie, a human turned into a great knight equivalent that is utterly obedient and has plant matter growing out of its body. There is also a nearby canyon into which many failed experiments have been tossed. Enterprising students might venture there, as even the failed experiment of an official Magus might contain valuable insight for them.

[][academy] Damned Reef Temple.
A devious academy based in a lighthouse like building on the ocean side. The light that shines from the top of this structure has a mesmerizing effect that can ensnare and draw in those that are unable to resist it. Any that fall prey to this effect are used as experimentation subjects by the staff and students. Their main area of focus is necromancy, primarily in understanding the mysteries of the human body and soul.

Located deep under the academy building is a massive cistern full of blood. Several creatures with powerful regenerative abilities have been slowly drained over many centuries to acquire all that blood. It is used to power a variety of blood magics and rituals.

-x-

Voting is Closed.