TheRuisu
I think that I'm the Dragon
- Location
- Best Location, of course. Keijoverse
...We would have to repay him
Magus Ascendant (Warlock of the Magus World/The Gamer inspired quest)
- Thread starter Kolarthecool
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy
- Location
- USA
Of our two affinities, we have voted life to the primary one during character creation.
So naturally we would major in our major affinity.
what do you mean?
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
Sure... assuming nothing happens before you can scrounge up the cash and he decides to call in your debt in a different manner.
It's not like these Magi are all borderline sociopaths that are long overdue another war to cull their numbers. Oh wait.
A very good point actually. Your street smarts trait and Observe skill can definitely help you avoid trouble but there are still a number of pitfalls you can fall into. Both sides have their manipulations but the light is more likely to see you come out relatively unscathed.
Edit: the MC certainly knows what each side believes and that she shouldn't trust any one but the point remains, it's a teenage street urchin against decades old Magi whose entire culture is built around ruthlessness and manipulation.
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We can change sides. Or pretend to change sides, or whatever.
But the thing is, the Light Side plays at LOOKING fair and righteous. The Dark Side IS scrupulously fair, but not giving a damn about looking at all fair. Neither side gives a damn about being actually righteous.
We are a street urchin with zero courtly or social skills beyond street smarts, so that means going with the Light Side means we get scammed on a surface level while everyone plots how to get us under their thumb...and going to the Dark Side means they're going to eat us whole, because you don't want to join people who make a big deal of Deals and Permissions while your social skills are oriented for immediate survivals.
So we join Light, pick up all the advanced life skills, particularly the not dying skills, pick up social awareness and a basic education...then we might have a chance in the Dark Side. To be safe in the Light side, you need power, and the ability to avoid immediate dangers. To be safe in the Dark side, you need cunning and education.
Otherwise, as it is, we're going to be selling our body and soul without even realizing they're on the bargain table.
- Location
- USA
I really don't see any way we would have survived on the street by being that naive.
And we already got a primer and ample warnings from Klaus
Pretty sure we already have lots of social awareness. it is a key trait for street survival.
I think at the end of the day none of these options are a trap option that will get us auto game over.
Rather, it is a question of what we want this character to be. Do we want them to be white or black mage, and which spells/elements we want to learn
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Explicitly:
The Light side is the better start, once Gamer kicks in properly we can deal with things.
But relying on Street Smarts is unlikely to be nearly sufficient.
False duality:
We COULD just fuck off from one side to join the other or join the Neilis, and the Light side explicitly makes a practice to dress up as Dark whenever they want to do illegal experiments, so you know,, Soul development isn't exclusive.
It's not something impossible under Gamer. We don't need very long to pick up a shitload of skills to go rogue at need.
But the weakest part of Gamer is right at the start, before they go exponential, and that is where Dark is dangerous.
- Location
- USA
Pitfalls exist =! you are screwed, forfeit your soul ye who enters here.
You are vastly over exaggerating the SOCIAL risk of the dark magi and making it out to be a trap option. You are misinterpreting QM's warning in this instance
The warning by the QM is "if you choose this, be careful not to vote to do something stupid"
you are taking it as "this is a trap option, if you take this it's game over"
A far bigger risk in the dark magi side would be that we simply die to a powerful beastie during a resource gathering mission... or to meeting a fellow student in the "wild" where they can get away with it.
I know, you are missing the point.
Our starting side will shape our character, a lot. So it is entirely legitimate to say that our choice here will have major consequences on the formation of our character and life views.
It is also worth noting that we do not actually have to defect. We can acquire research from the other side by stealing it when strong enough. And if we are careful we could get away with doing illegal research in the light magus side. Maybe even trade for such illegal resources through a neutral city.
Dangerous, but not suicidally so. And rewarding.
The light magi grow a lot of resources... but as an acolyte we don't own any of those.
Of course, as a gamer / talent 5 we need much fewer resources than others. But again, a lot of this character forming. Also, keep in mind that we can only switch sides once realistically.
Also, at the start we are really not in that much danger on either side so long as we don't do something stupid. Politely but firmly refuse our mentors offers for compensation in exchange for "assisting in experiments" as we were warned. and that's pretty much it.
Vote Tally : Crossover - Fantasy - Magus Ascendant (Warlock of the Magus World/The Gamer inspired quest) | Page 5 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.9.2
Task: academy
[x][academy] Obsidian Vault of Eternal Sleep.
No. of Votes: 2
[X][academy] Misty Woods Academy.
No. of Votes: 1
[X][academy] Sovereign Saints Bell Tower.
No. of Votes: 1
[X][academy] Oakenbrook Academy.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 5
##### NetTally 1.9.2
Task: academy
[x][academy] Obsidian Vault of Eternal Sleep.
No. of Votes: 2
[X][academy] Misty Woods Academy.
No. of Votes: 1
[X][academy] Sovereign Saints Bell Tower.
No. of Votes: 1
[X][academy] Oakenbrook Academy.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 5
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[X][academy] Oakenbrook Academy.
- Location
- USA
Wow, that is a lot of oakenbrook votes all of a sudden.
Pretty cool choice. Very scenic place to live, high concentration of life energy means we cultivate faster.
We would do well there as we learn to grow magic plants and perform earthworks construction.
With so much magical plants being grown they probably have a decent alchemy program too, which as a gamer we would do well in. which means we could print money.
Pretty cool choice. Very scenic place to live, high concentration of life energy means we cultivate faster.
We would do well there as we learn to grow magic plants and perform earthworks construction.
With so much magical plants being grown they probably have a decent alchemy program too, which as a gamer we would do well in. which means we could print money.
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
Closing the vote. Oakenbrook takes it by a landslide.
- Location
- Netherlands
I was going to vote Damned Reef Temple because it seems a good fit for her Affinities. Sure Dark looks more dangerous but hey, who dares wins.
But it seems i am to late and it would not have made a difference anyway.
Still there is something to be said for playing it safe (safer?) until Cat's stronger.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
But it seems i am to late and it would not have made a difference anyway.
Still there is something to be said for playing it safe (safer?) until Cat's stronger.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Unseelie
(Verified True Fae)
- Location
- Tír fo Thuinn
Hmm, I'd have preferred to start in a Light school and to defect later on.
How do you even make bread bitter? Do they burn it?
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
The winner, Oakenbrook, is light so there you go.
Who even knows. I'm just gonna chalk it up to some low grade but eqsy to grow fantasy wheat and leave it at that.
Unseelie
(Verified True Fae)
- Location
- Tír fo Thuinn
Oh, I didn't notice the landslide after the tally.
Okay xD
(I was just wondering because I like black bread.)
- Location
- USA
From the way they describe it in all those CN LNs they apparently make it out of sawdust instead of wheat.
That is also how it is so hard that it is impossible to chew without softening it in water.
(well, then again, ciabatta bread is that hard)
Unseelie
(Verified True Fae)
- Location
- Tír fo Thuinn
All those what?
- Location
- USA
Chinese Light Novels
A light novel is more or less fanfiction posted online.
Fans are translating a bunch of them, reviews and release updates can be found here
Novel Updates - Directory of Asian Translated Novels
This quest is based primarily on this story
Warlock of the Magus World (巫界术士) – Index
incidentally, wuxiaworld does have a licensing agreement with the chinese sites on which stuff originally gets posted.
Unseelie
(Verified True Fae)
- Location
- Tír fo Thuinn
Oh, those. But if they're anything like the Japanese light novels I know, they often have good ideas executed badly and aren't written very well, are they?
- Location
- USA
Usually, yes.
Cut the flour with ground acorns or grass seed instead of grain. Sawdust is a little too blatant and not really edible at all, but the previous should give you something theoretically digestible.
A1C4: Recruitment and Peers
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
[X] Oakenbrook Academy.
-x-
Magus Ascendant
Arc One: Initiate.
Chapter Four: Recruitment and Peers.
-x-It is only after you've passed through the recruitment area of the various academies, that you being to realize just how unprepared you might be for this new world. The continent of Gelenos, upon which your home city can be found, is not a place steeped with magic. While there are monsters that roam the wilds and stories of the great Magi, it is not something that the average person will encounter in their lifetime.
According to Klaus, the entire island continent is a 'low particle area'. This means that there are so few of the magical particles that Magi need to improve, that very few Magi would actually choose to live here. Of the fifty or so million people that live on this small continent, there are perhaps a total of three thousand Magi and Acolytes. A majority of those being criminals that had no choice but to flee the South Continent, or Acolytes unable to ever advance and have thus returned to their homes. Those numbers do not lean to magic being a prevalent force.
What you know about the capabilities of a Magus can be summed up on one hand. What little Klaus has explained to you and what you have actually seen; a ball of explosive fire that could easily lay waste to a squad of soldiers. Still, there is something else that you are beginning to understand about the Magi. Something that you are slowly beginning to piece together on your own.
Magi are crazy.
Take the Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent for example. Tents, as everybody knows, are temporary structures built with wooden poles and cloth sheets. The sizes and shapes might vary a little but all tents are relatively the same. Well, apparently the Magi wholeheartedly disagree.
Your walk past the recruitment 'tents' has revealed one absurd sight after the other. From a tent shaped structure formed entirely out of mist and light, to a towering bell tower built of spiraling sheets of gold and silver with an actual bell formed of cloth at the top. The Magi here have completely reinvented the meaning of the word tent.
The most normal looking one of the whole lot, a regular shaped tent constructed of wooden poles and leather walls with strange patterns inked on them, actually tried to trap you in an illusion. Trapped as in, there were other initiates collapsed around the tent and everyone was carefully avoiding looking in that direction. And this is only the Light Magi side of the campground, you shudder to think what structures have been set up on the side of the more callous Dark Magi.
The Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent, which you've managed to find thanks to directions from Klaus, is as absurd as all the rest in its construction. The entire tent is like a showcase to the magnificence of nature. Standing before you is a might tree, an oak you presume, with an expansive canopy that covers much of the surrounding area. A myriad of bushes, shrubs and the like have all been grown around the tree. Then, long, thorny vines hanging from the branches of tree have been used to lash the whole thing into a tent like shape. All in all, it looks like a tent that has been naturally grown from the ground. You'd spotted the top of it when overlooking the whole area from the carriage but dismissed it as just a normal tree. How wrong you were.
Sighing for what feels like the thousandth time today, you adjust your bag straps and enter the tent.
The inside of the tent is more spacious than you are expecting, with dangling vines separating the front area from what looks like another room. Bulbous fruits hang from the vines and branches above. Each pear shaped fruit glows with an inner light bright enough to illuminate the tent. In the center of the room is a wooden desk, also grown directly from the ground, with a man seated behind it.
The man is... beautiful. This is the only word that seems to fit. He is too effeminate to be considered handsome but retains enough masculine features that you can't mistake him for a woman either. The man is tall and thin, with regal features that would make even Deacon and Klaus steam with envy. His hair, lashes included, is a platinum blond that seems to glow under the light of the fruit above. He is robed in White cloth. Not the white that Klaus and the others wear, but a white so white that those others may as well have been decked in black.
It actually hurts to look directly at those robes.
What do you do?
*whether Lucifer notices the scan or not is undecided. Don't take the following conversation as proof that he didn't notice.
[][observe] Use Observe on Lucifer.
Chance that Lucifer, and all future Magi of a higher rank than you, will be able to sense your scan of them. How they react to it is up to them.
[][observe] Don't use Observe on Lucifer.
The MC will absolutely avoid using Observe on anyone that could sense it or can reasonably retaliate for it.
For that matter, what do you do regarding your other hidden ability?
*Magi tend to carry everything of importance on themselves. It won't be weird for you to always have stuff on hand, though the question of how you store it is up to you. Bags of Holding are a thing… if you're a really high ranked Magus that is.
[][inventory] Don't use the Inventory.
Any collected items will be kept on your person and the Inventory will only be used if you run out of pockets and pouches.
[][inventory] Use the Inventory (when no one can see).
All items will be stored in the Inventory. The MC will also collect random items such as food or resources on her own but only if there is absolutely no one around that might see it.
[][inventory] Write in.
"Ara? Another student come to apply? How joyous. This one was beginning to think there would be no more." Lucifer says, sitting up from his seat and looking you over. His voice is soothing and melodious, you feel like you could just lay down and fall asleep listening to it.
An illusion has been resisted!
You have gained the status [Radiation Sickness].
[Radiation Sickness] - Your proximity to a source of great radiation is causing you harm.
You eyes narrow as the feeling of relaxation fades away and you quickly read the text box. That... what? What is radiation? This isn't the first time you're hearing that word. Your lack of knowledge is really starting to annoy you.
"Oh ho." The Magus chuckles. There is a great deal more interest in his gaze now. "My, oh my. To think that the side effects of this ones' radiation, suppressed though it may be, would be so easily resisted. How fascinating."
You have lost the status [Radiation Sickness].
Your eyes widen slightly as something in the air seems to shift. A pressure you didn't even notice is lifted from your shoulders and your breaths come easier. What... what the hell?
Lucifer chuckles again
"Indeed, you must surely be a student of great talent. Ah, perhaps this one has not wasted their time coming on this errand." He sighs, leaning forward to place both elbows on the table. His chin comes to a rest on the bridge formed by his fingers. You notice that they are decorated with an assortment of rings. "Come child, allow this one to see your testing results."
You nod and step forward with the sheet held out. Included is a folded letter from Klaus in some language that you can't understand. Lucifer takes them with a wide smile and begins reading. His smile widens as he reads your test sheet-
"Oh my, a commoner yet you have a fifth-grade aptitude? You lucky girl!"
-only to slowly fade as he reads more and more of Klaus' letter. By the end of it, Lucifer is clutching the crumpled letter in one hand while angrily biting the thumb of the other. The tent is silent as the Magus stews in anger while you watch on with some trepidation.
"Damn it. Damn those Neilis' bastards!" Lucifer growls, angrily muttering under his breath. He is practically gnashing on his thumb. The crumpled note explodes in flames, and his eyes flick down to you. Startled, you take half a step back.
A new skill has been gained!
Detect Bloodthirst (Passive) | Lv: 13.
You inspire a desire to maim and kill in others. Be wary.
You find yourself pinned under his gaze, stuck fast by a pair of icy blue eyes. Breathing becomes difficult. Even the thought of moving is impossible. It's not fear you feel. Feeling fear is an impossibility for you. No, this isn't fear or terror. This is certainty. The certainty of approaching death.
"Answer this child. Did the Neilis have you sign a contract?" Lucifer asks, voice low and sibilant.
It takes every last bit of effort for you to shake your head in the negative. You are as calm and collected as always yet you still find such a simple motion difficult. It takes several silent seconds of effort but you manage it.
Lucifer grins at the reply.
His emotions seem to do a complete one-eighty and he's suddenly standing, bearing over you with a beatific expression on his face. The feeling of certain death vanishes in an instant and suddenly you are able to breath again and move freely.
"Oh? Truly? My, my. How fortuitous." He chuckles darkly. "Tell me little kitten, how would you like to become this ones' personal apprentice?"
You frown, unsure of what that means. Your thoughts and emotions are still in turmoil after what you just experienced but now isn't the time for that. Your power grants you exactly what you require. Focus.
Seeing your expression, Lucifer stands upright. Tall and imposing, the sight fills you with trepidation. His hair, eyes and robes are glowing brightly in the light.
"This one is head of Oakenbrook Academy's Department of Illusions. This great one specializes in illusions, nature manipulation, and the conversion of energy. In these topics, there is no one better than this one to instruct you." He boasts, voice filled with pride and satisfaction. "If you agree, this one can promise you a personal laboratory and greenhouse of your very own. This one will even provide you with information on five topics. For free! Truly, this one is magnanimous and generous in their offer."
He looks back to you and frowns at your blank look. Sure, that sounds like it might be a good deal but really, you have zero context here. You have absolutely no idea what any of that means or it's value. Klaus mentioned that Oakenbrook was renown for it's Alchemy and Potioneering department, as well as the resources they grow and sell. Lucifer doesn't seem to have anything to do with that.
Lucifer sits down and slips back into his relaxed, regal appearance. His arms are crossed over the table and there is a calm smile on his face. Clearly, you're both going to pretend the flashes of rage and prideful boasting didn't happen.
"Well? What do you say child?" He asks, smile widening.
You worry your lip as you muse over the issue. A moment passes, where he seems to be patiently waiting, before you reply.
[][mentor] Accept.
You gain Lucifer Noctus as a Mentor.
[][mentor] Refuse.
You gain Lucifer Noctus as a Minor Enemy. Lucifer dislikes the Neilis family and will connect you with them. As you are technically protected, he will not go out of his way to impede you... but he will certainly not help you either.
-x-
As it turns out, the spread of cabins behind the Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent is reserved solely for the students of the school. As such, you are granted one of the cabins to use as your own. Only for a single night however, as it seems your group was the last to arrive and the various Magi will be shipping out with their recruits tomorrow.
Making your way around to the back of the tent, you're met with the sight of various other initiates sitting around a campfire. The fire is burning low and surrounded by various logs that can be used as seats. Off to the side is a long table holding a large quantity of food and drink. There are quite a lot of items you have never seen before on the table.
One of the initiates by the fire, a young boy with tanned skin, dark red hair and emerald green eyes, sees you and smiles. Standing up, he makes his way over with a pleasant smile on his face.
You nod and smile in reply. Might as well be polite.
"Hello, I'm Cat. It's nice to meet you." You reply. His smile slips just the littlest bit before returning to normal. "Yeah, I just got accepted into Oakenbrook."
"Ah, welcome." Leo says, turning to lead you towards the fire. "Come on, I'll introduce you."
You follow behind him with a slight frown. You recognize two of those initiates around the fire. Both are girls that liked to hang around Deacon and bully you. Annoying.
"Everyone, we have a new companion!" Leo yells, drawing all attention to yourselves. He turns sideways and holds a hand out towards you. "This is Cat and she managed to pass Master Nocturne's test as well. Let us treat her well."
You get a few muttered greetings and nods as you look around the fire. At a quick glance, you count nineteen other initiates. A couple share the same level as Leo but most are just in the ones and twos.
"Hello everyone." You greet with a nod. Both of the girls you recognize frown and glare at you.
"Tch." One sneers, drawing attention. "That girl is just a commoner one of the White Robes took pity on, there is no way she deserves to be here."
The other nods along. You just roll your eyes. Leo frowns and looks between you and the two girls. Seemingly coming to a decision, he turns to the two girls with a stern expression.
"Come now Magritte, we are going to a new continent to become Acolytes. Things like family names and backgrounds shouldn't matter." Leo says, shaking his head. "Besides, Cat must have some talent if she managed to get accepted to our Oakenbrook Academy despite her background."
He turns back to you with a soft smile.
"I myself am a fourth-grade talent with a great chance to advance to official Magus. The same is true with Kulwin and Glen here." Leo says, pointing to the two others of the same level as him. He then points to a cluster of kids sitting somewhat separate from the rest. This cluster includes the two bullies, Magritte Helmway and Alicia Lerbin. "Those seven there are all third-grade talents with a small chance to still advance to Magus."
You nod and he points to the final cluster of kids, nine total and seated farthest from all the others.
"Over there are all the first and second-grade talents." His voice is lower now and takes on a tone of distaste. "They have a very small chance to ever advance to official Magus. They will likely be stuck as Acolytes forever."
You nod again in understanding and he gives you an expectant look. Sadly, it takes you a moment too long to realize what he, and the rest, are waiting for.
"Oh, uh, I'm a fifth-grade talent." You say and his eyes boggle. The circle goes silent and you realize that everyone is staring at you in either awe or envy. "I think that's supposed to be good?"
No one says anything for the longest moment. Then Leo laughs and places a hand on your shoulder.
"See Magritte? A fifth-grade talent! A genius!" He crows, looking around the circle of faces. "You better apologize while you still can, Cat here is definitely going to be a Magus someday."
Unsurprisingly, Magritte and Alicia don't take this well and glare at you with sour faces. You shrug and Leo laughs again.
"Never mind, never mind. Come on Cat, I'll show you where you can put your things." Leo says, shaking his head and leading you off to the side.
Following Leo, you are lead to one of the cabins near the back of the area. It looks exactly like all the rest.
"This one is still empty." Leo says, opening the door. You both cough as a cloud of dust pours out of the doorway. Leo steps in while waving a hand to clear some of the dust. "They're really not the best, these old cabins, but at least you only have to put up with it for one night."
Stepping in, you look around with a frown. The cabin is as decrepit as Klaus' is extravagant. The walls, and roof, are cracked and moldy. There are two windows, both grimy and thick with dust. There is only a single, rusted sconce for a torch on the wall and a rickety looking cot at the back of the room. It's not the worst place you've had to sleep in but really…
"Ah, don't mind it." Leo says, waving a hand negligently. "Just put your stuff away and come sit at the fire."
You nod and thank him.
"Ha ha, think nothing of it. I'm just glad you're not like that jerk Aaron." He laughs sheepishly, scratching his chin while looking away. You give him a questioning look. "Oh! It's just a bad guy that I had to travel with. He got tested before the journey and found out he has a fifth-grade aptitude. He was acting very arrogant the whole trip."
You nod again in understanding. If you actually knew what it meant to be a fifth-grade aptitude before all of this you might have acted the same. If only to get Deacon and the rest to leave you alone. Oh well. Knowing that you have such great, and highly desired, potential is enough.
"Well, I'll be seeing you." Leo says with another wave, turning to leave. The door closes behind him and the room descends into darkness. You can still see, if barely, from the light shining through the dirty windows.
Stepping into the room, you drop your bag on the floor and collapse onto the bed. A cloud of dust has you coughing again for several minutes. When it settles, you lay back and sigh. Today has been a very long one and it's not even sundown yet.
What do you do next? (Choose up to two).
[][action] Return to the campfire.
[][action] Stay in your cabin.
[][action] Write in.
-x-
Voting is Closed.
-x-
Magus Ascendant
Arc One: Initiate.
Chapter Four: Recruitment and Peers.
-x-
According to Klaus, the entire island continent is a 'low particle area'. This means that there are so few of the magical particles that Magi need to improve, that very few Magi would actually choose to live here. Of the fifty or so million people that live on this small continent, there are perhaps a total of three thousand Magi and Acolytes. A majority of those being criminals that had no choice but to flee the South Continent, or Acolytes unable to ever advance and have thus returned to their homes. Those numbers do not lean to magic being a prevalent force.
What you know about the capabilities of a Magus can be summed up on one hand. What little Klaus has explained to you and what you have actually seen; a ball of explosive fire that could easily lay waste to a squad of soldiers. Still, there is something else that you are beginning to understand about the Magi. Something that you are slowly beginning to piece together on your own.
Magi are crazy.
Take the Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent for example. Tents, as everybody knows, are temporary structures built with wooden poles and cloth sheets. The sizes and shapes might vary a little but all tents are relatively the same. Well, apparently the Magi wholeheartedly disagree.
Your walk past the recruitment 'tents' has revealed one absurd sight after the other. From a tent shaped structure formed entirely out of mist and light, to a towering bell tower built of spiraling sheets of gold and silver with an actual bell formed of cloth at the top. The Magi here have completely reinvented the meaning of the word tent.
The most normal looking one of the whole lot, a regular shaped tent constructed of wooden poles and leather walls with strange patterns inked on them, actually tried to trap you in an illusion. Trapped as in, there were other initiates collapsed around the tent and everyone was carefully avoiding looking in that direction. And this is only the Light Magi side of the campground, you shudder to think what structures have been set up on the side of the more callous Dark Magi.
The Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent, which you've managed to find thanks to directions from Klaus, is as absurd as all the rest in its construction. The entire tent is like a showcase to the magnificence of nature. Standing before you is a might tree, an oak you presume, with an expansive canopy that covers much of the surrounding area. A myriad of bushes, shrubs and the like have all been grown around the tree. Then, long, thorny vines hanging from the branches of tree have been used to lash the whole thing into a tent like shape. All in all, it looks like a tent that has been naturally grown from the ground. You'd spotted the top of it when overlooking the whole area from the carriage but dismissed it as just a normal tree. How wrong you were.
Sighing for what feels like the thousandth time today, you adjust your bag straps and enter the tent.
The inside of the tent is more spacious than you are expecting, with dangling vines separating the front area from what looks like another room. Bulbous fruits hang from the vines and branches above. Each pear shaped fruit glows with an inner light bright enough to illuminate the tent. In the center of the room is a wooden desk, also grown directly from the ground, with a man seated behind it.
The man is... beautiful. This is the only word that seems to fit. He is too effeminate to be considered handsome but retains enough masculine features that you can't mistake him for a woman either. The man is tall and thin, with regal features that would make even Deacon and Klaus steam with envy. His hair, lashes included, is a platinum blond that seems to glow under the light of the fruit above. He is robed in White cloth. Not the white that Klaus and the others wear, but a white so white that those others may as well have been decked in black.
It actually hurts to look directly at those robes.
]-The Dream of Gaia-[
Lucifer Nocturne | Lv: ???
Magus (Peak Rank One)
…what? That… title? aside, why are there a bunch of question marks for his level. This... this is new. Should you... should you Observe him? The last time you used the skill was on a strange looking man in the marketplace. Shortly after that, said man confronted you with claims that you had the potential to become a Magus. You don't know if Klaus was able to sense your power being used on him. You've been too wary to try. But this is strange. This is something you've never encountered before.Lucifer Nocturne | Lv: ???
Magus (Peak Rank One)
What do you do?
*whether Lucifer notices the scan or not is undecided. Don't take the following conversation as proof that he didn't notice.
[][observe] Use Observe on Lucifer.
Chance that Lucifer, and all future Magi of a higher rank than you, will be able to sense your scan of them. How they react to it is up to them.
[][observe] Don't use Observe on Lucifer.
The MC will absolutely avoid using Observe on anyone that could sense it or can reasonably retaliate for it.
For that matter, what do you do regarding your other hidden ability?
*Magi tend to carry everything of importance on themselves. It won't be weird for you to always have stuff on hand, though the question of how you store it is up to you. Bags of Holding are a thing… if you're a really high ranked Magus that is.
[][inventory] Don't use the Inventory.
Any collected items will be kept on your person and the Inventory will only be used if you run out of pockets and pouches.
[][inventory] Use the Inventory (when no one can see).
All items will be stored in the Inventory. The MC will also collect random items such as food or resources on her own but only if there is absolutely no one around that might see it.
[][inventory] Write in.
"Ara? Another student come to apply? How joyous. This one was beginning to think there would be no more." Lucifer says, sitting up from his seat and looking you over. His voice is soothing and melodious, you feel like you could just lay down and fall asleep listening to it.
An illusion has been resisted!
You have gained the status [Radiation Sickness].
[Radiation Sickness] - Your proximity to a source of great radiation is causing you harm.
Max hp is reduced by 1 every hour.
This status can only be removed by distancing yourself from the source.
This status can only be removed by distancing yourself from the source.
You eyes narrow as the feeling of relaxation fades away and you quickly read the text box. That... what? What is radiation? This isn't the first time you're hearing that word. Your lack of knowledge is really starting to annoy you.
"Oh ho." The Magus chuckles. There is a great deal more interest in his gaze now. "My, oh my. To think that the side effects of this ones' radiation, suppressed though it may be, would be so easily resisted. How fascinating."
You have lost the status [Radiation Sickness].
Your eyes widen slightly as something in the air seems to shift. A pressure you didn't even notice is lifted from your shoulders and your breaths come easier. What... what the hell?
Lucifer chuckles again
"Indeed, you must surely be a student of great talent. Ah, perhaps this one has not wasted their time coming on this errand." He sighs, leaning forward to place both elbows on the table. His chin comes to a rest on the bridge formed by his fingers. You notice that they are decorated with an assortment of rings. "Come child, allow this one to see your testing results."
You nod and step forward with the sheet held out. Included is a folded letter from Klaus in some language that you can't understand. Lucifer takes them with a wide smile and begins reading. His smile widens as he reads your test sheet-
"Oh my, a commoner yet you have a fifth-grade aptitude? You lucky girl!"
-only to slowly fade as he reads more and more of Klaus' letter. By the end of it, Lucifer is clutching the crumpled letter in one hand while angrily biting the thumb of the other. The tent is silent as the Magus stews in anger while you watch on with some trepidation.
"Damn it. Damn those Neilis' bastards!" Lucifer growls, angrily muttering under his breath. He is practically gnashing on his thumb. The crumpled note explodes in flames, and his eyes flick down to you. Startled, you take half a step back.
A new skill has been gained!
Detect Bloodthirst (Passive) | Lv: 13.
You inspire a desire to maim and kill in others. Be wary.
Detects any desire to harm the user within 13 ft.
Reveals the source of danger.
Reveals the source of danger.
You find yourself pinned under his gaze, stuck fast by a pair of icy blue eyes. Breathing becomes difficult. Even the thought of moving is impossible. It's not fear you feel. Feeling fear is an impossibility for you. No, this isn't fear or terror. This is certainty. The certainty of approaching death.
"Answer this child. Did the Neilis have you sign a contract?" Lucifer asks, voice low and sibilant.
It takes every last bit of effort for you to shake your head in the negative. You are as calm and collected as always yet you still find such a simple motion difficult. It takes several silent seconds of effort but you manage it.
Lucifer grins at the reply.
His emotions seem to do a complete one-eighty and he's suddenly standing, bearing over you with a beatific expression on his face. The feeling of certain death vanishes in an instant and suddenly you are able to breath again and move freely.
"Oh? Truly? My, my. How fortuitous." He chuckles darkly. "Tell me little kitten, how would you like to become this ones' personal apprentice?"
You frown, unsure of what that means. Your thoughts and emotions are still in turmoil after what you just experienced but now isn't the time for that. Your power grants you exactly what you require. Focus.
Seeing your expression, Lucifer stands upright. Tall and imposing, the sight fills you with trepidation. His hair, eyes and robes are glowing brightly in the light.
"This one is head of Oakenbrook Academy's Department of Illusions. This great one specializes in illusions, nature manipulation, and the conversion of energy. In these topics, there is no one better than this one to instruct you." He boasts, voice filled with pride and satisfaction. "If you agree, this one can promise you a personal laboratory and greenhouse of your very own. This one will even provide you with information on five topics. For free! Truly, this one is magnanimous and generous in their offer."
He looks back to you and frowns at your blank look. Sure, that sounds like it might be a good deal but really, you have zero context here. You have absolutely no idea what any of that means or it's value. Klaus mentioned that Oakenbrook was renown for it's Alchemy and Potioneering department, as well as the resources they grow and sell. Lucifer doesn't seem to have anything to do with that.
Lucifer sits down and slips back into his relaxed, regal appearance. His arms are crossed over the table and there is a calm smile on his face. Clearly, you're both going to pretend the flashes of rage and prideful boasting didn't happen.
"Well? What do you say child?" He asks, smile widening.
You worry your lip as you muse over the issue. A moment passes, where he seems to be patiently waiting, before you reply.
Once you start the academy, there are a variety of topics you can study and ways you can study them. Each topic is rated out of 100 points, with 95 to 100 being the level of a Grandmaster in the topic. This is not a limit however, as your knowledge can always surpass that of the average grandmaster. Each method of study gives a different amount of points and has a cap on how much you can learn from it. You can also lose points from things such as a bad memory and the like.
Learning from a Mentor/Professor can give you the most points and has the highest base cap of 50 points in a topic. This cap can be changed based on your relationship with your mentor and how willing they are to teach you the more advanced topics.
Learning from a Mentor/Professor can give you the most points and has the highest base cap of 50 points in a topic. This cap can be changed based on your relationship with your mentor and how willing they are to teach you the more advanced topics.
You gain Lucifer Noctus as a Mentor.
You gain a head start on your studies.
All lessons from him will give double points.
Lessons on subjects he specializes in will give triple points.
Knowledge cap from this Mentor is increased to 75 points.
All lessons from him will give double points.
Lessons on subjects he specializes in will give triple points.
Knowledge cap from this Mentor is increased to 75 points.
[][mentor] Refuse.
You gain Lucifer Noctus as a Minor Enemy. Lucifer dislikes the Neilis family and will connect you with them. As you are technically protected, he will not go out of his way to impede you... but he will certainly not help you either.
[] Write in: Optional. What do you say? Maybe you can blunt some animosity.
-x-
As it turns out, the spread of cabins behind the Oakenbrook Academy recruitment tent is reserved solely for the students of the school. As such, you are granted one of the cabins to use as your own. Only for a single night however, as it seems your group was the last to arrive and the various Magi will be shipping out with their recruits tomorrow.
Making your way around to the back of the tent, you're met with the sight of various other initiates sitting around a campfire. The fire is burning low and surrounded by various logs that can be used as seats. Off to the side is a long table holding a large quantity of food and drink. There are quite a lot of items you have never seen before on the table.
One of the initiates by the fire, a young boy with tanned skin, dark red hair and emerald green eyes, sees you and smiles. Standing up, he makes his way over with a pleasant smile on his face.
Leonard Phale | Lv: 3
Acolyte (Initiate) | Preparatory Knight (Beginner)
"Hello there, you must be new here!" He greets with a slight bow, sounding exuberant. "I'm Leonard, of the Phale family. You can call me Leo!"Acolyte (Initiate) | Preparatory Knight (Beginner)
You nod and smile in reply. Might as well be polite.
"Hello, I'm Cat. It's nice to meet you." You reply. His smile slips just the littlest bit before returning to normal. "Yeah, I just got accepted into Oakenbrook."
"Ah, welcome." Leo says, turning to lead you towards the fire. "Come on, I'll introduce you."
You follow behind him with a slight frown. You recognize two of those initiates around the fire. Both are girls that liked to hang around Deacon and bully you. Annoying.
"Everyone, we have a new companion!" Leo yells, drawing all attention to yourselves. He turns sideways and holds a hand out towards you. "This is Cat and she managed to pass Master Nocturne's test as well. Let us treat her well."
You get a few muttered greetings and nods as you look around the fire. At a quick glance, you count nineteen other initiates. A couple share the same level as Leo but most are just in the ones and twos.
"Hello everyone." You greet with a nod. Both of the girls you recognize frown and glare at you.
"Tch." One sneers, drawing attention. "That girl is just a commoner one of the White Robes took pity on, there is no way she deserves to be here."
The other nods along. You just roll your eyes. Leo frowns and looks between you and the two girls. Seemingly coming to a decision, he turns to the two girls with a stern expression.
"Come now Magritte, we are going to a new continent to become Acolytes. Things like family names and backgrounds shouldn't matter." Leo says, shaking his head. "Besides, Cat must have some talent if she managed to get accepted to our Oakenbrook Academy despite her background."
He turns back to you with a soft smile.
"I myself am a fourth-grade talent with a great chance to advance to official Magus. The same is true with Kulwin and Glen here." Leo says, pointing to the two others of the same level as him. He then points to a cluster of kids sitting somewhat separate from the rest. This cluster includes the two bullies, Magritte Helmway and Alicia Lerbin. "Those seven there are all third-grade talents with a small chance to still advance to Magus."
You nod and he points to the final cluster of kids, nine total and seated farthest from all the others.
"Over there are all the first and second-grade talents." His voice is lower now and takes on a tone of distaste. "They have a very small chance to ever advance to official Magus. They will likely be stuck as Acolytes forever."
You nod again in understanding and he gives you an expectant look. Sadly, it takes you a moment too long to realize what he, and the rest, are waiting for.
"Oh, uh, I'm a fifth-grade talent." You say and his eyes boggle. The circle goes silent and you realize that everyone is staring at you in either awe or envy. "I think that's supposed to be good?"
No one says anything for the longest moment. Then Leo laughs and places a hand on your shoulder.
"See Magritte? A fifth-grade talent! A genius!" He crows, looking around the circle of faces. "You better apologize while you still can, Cat here is definitely going to be a Magus someday."
Unsurprisingly, Magritte and Alicia don't take this well and glare at you with sour faces. You shrug and Leo laughs again.
"Never mind, never mind. Come on Cat, I'll show you where you can put your things." Leo says, shaking his head and leading you off to the side.
Following Leo, you are lead to one of the cabins near the back of the area. It looks exactly like all the rest.
"This one is still empty." Leo says, opening the door. You both cough as a cloud of dust pours out of the doorway. Leo steps in while waving a hand to clear some of the dust. "They're really not the best, these old cabins, but at least you only have to put up with it for one night."
Stepping in, you look around with a frown. The cabin is as decrepit as Klaus' is extravagant. The walls, and roof, are cracked and moldy. There are two windows, both grimy and thick with dust. There is only a single, rusted sconce for a torch on the wall and a rickety looking cot at the back of the room. It's not the worst place you've had to sleep in but really…
"Ah, don't mind it." Leo says, waving a hand negligently. "Just put your stuff away and come sit at the fire."
You nod and thank him.
"Ha ha, think nothing of it. I'm just glad you're not like that jerk Aaron." He laughs sheepishly, scratching his chin while looking away. You give him a questioning look. "Oh! It's just a bad guy that I had to travel with. He got tested before the journey and found out he has a fifth-grade aptitude. He was acting very arrogant the whole trip."
You nod again in understanding. If you actually knew what it meant to be a fifth-grade aptitude before all of this you might have acted the same. If only to get Deacon and the rest to leave you alone. Oh well. Knowing that you have such great, and highly desired, potential is enough.
"Well, I'll be seeing you." Leo says with another wave, turning to leave. The door closes behind him and the room descends into darkness. You can still see, if barely, from the light shining through the dirty windows.
Stepping into the room, you drop your bag on the floor and collapse onto the bed. A cloud of dust has you coughing again for several minutes. When it settles, you lay back and sigh. Today has been a very long one and it's not even sundown yet.
What do you do next? (Choose up to two).
[][action] Return to the campfire.
[][action 2] Socialize with Leo and the other Grade Fours.
[][action 2] Socialize with Magritte and the other Grade Threes.
[][action 2] Socialize with the First and Second grades.
[][action 2] Return to cabin early (allows you to select one cabin action)
[][action 2] Write in.
[][action 2] Socialize with Magritte and the other Grade Threes.
[][action 2] Socialize with the First and Second grades.
[][action 2] Return to cabin early (allows you to select one cabin action)
[][action 2] Write in.
[][action] Stay in your cabin.
[][action 2] Study the Orb Lucifer gave you (only available if you chose him as a Mentor).
[][action 2] Check your bag.
[][action 2] Check your power for changes.
[][action 2] Sleep.
[][action 2] Head to the campfire (allows you to select one campfire action)
[][action 2] Write in.
[][action 2] Check your bag.
[][action 2] Check your power for changes.
[][action 2] Sleep.
[][action 2] Head to the campfire (allows you to select one campfire action)
[][action 2] Write in.
[][action] Write in.
-x-
Voting is Closed.
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