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Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School (119/?)
🕑 Added 2025-03-02 16:48:09 +0000 UTC[Author’s Note: Hey guys! I just had my OSCE exam earlier today, but I still tried my best with editing and getting this chapter out, so I really hope it’s alright! ^^;]
21 Hours Later
20 Minutes following the conclusion of Professor Articord’s class.
The Transgracian Academy for the Magical Arts. En Route to the Apprentice’s Tower. Local Time: 1720 Hours.
Emma
Ilunor did, in fact, find last night’s impasse to be quite unacceptable.
Which was why much of the previous night was spent concocting a plan, one which was devised primarily to alleviate Ilunor’s growing concerns over the green book.
Ultimately, we agreed that we’d be going to Larial’s office today, regardless of her absence.
So following a surprisingly tame lecture courtesy of Professor Articord — on topics that seemed to once again reinforce the Nexus’ perpetually-expanding, forever-discworld — we now found ourselves barreling head-first into the unknown.
But at least we weren’t alone.
“OHHOHOHOHOHO— WHAT?! WHY DIDN’T YOU START OFF WITH THAT?! OF COURSE I’d be happy to entertain this discourse, M’LORD!”
Though whether or not that was a boon or a burden… was most definitely up in the air.
But I knew one thing was for certain.
The fact he was able to make it work was definitely the most magical thing I’d seen him do so far.
Because through some odd combination of wishy-washy words, with enough empty and vapid grand sweeping statements… he was able to actually convince the overly-dramatic Apprentice Ral Altaria Del Narya Sey Antisonzia the Second — henceforth shortened to ‘The Bridge Apprentice’ — to take us to Larial’s office.
…
Or at least, as close to Larial’s office as was possible.
As our destination technically wasn’t her office, but instead, the bridge apprentice’s.
“If I mayyyyy— while this is NOT my prerogative nor duty, my own exploits behooves me to ask! Why is it that you have kept your drake-jockeying exploits hidden for so long, M’LORD?!” The apprentice practically bellowed out, eliciting the attention of literally everyone currently sharing our hallway.
“Oh, shush now my dear fellow! I am nothing if not a modest man! I mean, why else would I have even entertained the thought of leading this sorry troupe I call my peers if it weren’t so?” The deluxe kobold jeered, garnering a vapidly friendly, snooty laugh from the likes of the apprentice.
“A drake-rider, and a gentleman! It would be an honor to discuss your aerial exploits, M’LORD!” The man replied boisterously. “I am, after all, something of a sky-jockey myself.” He chuffed through an uncomfortable series of haughty, nasally laughs. “So if you would be so willing, perhaps we may trade stories of this GENTLEMANLY pastime?”
“Of course of course! Where would my manners be if not with those who have earned their place amongst the skies!” Ilunor continued the mind-numbing flattery… until he didn’t. “Though, of course, I assume we can disregard pretenses if you would be so earnest.”
“Pretenses, M’LORD?”
“Let us not be beside ourselves, apprentice. We both understand the ultimate conclusion of this discourse, no?” Ilunor continued, his social facade contorting to a more coy one. “Why else would the Second-Apprentice-Lead of the Student’s Flying Organization be so forthcoming with this discussion… if not to offer me a place amidst their ranks?” Ilunor went for the jugular there, causing the apprentice to stiffen up, if only for a moment.
“Am I THAT much of an open book M’LORD?” He grinned cheekily.
“Perhaps I am merely an expert at deciphering the abstract and profound.” Ilunor spoke in a way I rarely saw him do. As he went back to flattering the man, inflating his already eccentric ego. Though seconds later in the midst of their collective laughter, did Ilunor finally glance sharply in my direction, as if to remind me of our ad-hoc plan as we finally crossed the threshold and into the apprentices’ tower.
====
The Previous Night
“Remember earthrealmer, our plan is not to court this buffoon, but instead, to play the spymaster! Now, it is commonly known that the apprentices live, breathe, and work in their own exclusive tower. Thus, all we require is a passing stroll through their offices, and a glancing mention of Larial’s, at which point… I would humbly demand that you utilize two of your manaless creatures. One to confirm the whereabouts of the green book, and the second to act as our permanent sentry within her office. While I believe stealing the book to be a more straightforward solution, I will acquiesce to your demands. Ensuring the book’s whereabouts will be sufficient. Moreover, so long as a second manaless insect remains to notify us of Larial’s return, I shall be satisfied to simply request the book from her when she returns.”
“Just to be clear Ilunor, I’m only doing this because it’s pertinent to your quest. I’m not going to go around bugging the whole school. The more assets I deploy, the more I run the risk of people finding out about these drones. If that happens… we can say goodbye to the single most useful asset I have.”
=====
“EVI?”
“Yes, Cadet Booker?”
“You got those drones ready?”
“Affirmative. INFIL-DRONE01a… STATUS… READY TO DEPLOY. INFIL-DRONE02a… STATUS… READY TO DEPLOY.”
“Good, just be ready to deploy them the moment we find our opening.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Cadet Emma Booker!” The bridge apprentice quickly turned in my direction. “I can only IMAGINE the sorts of awe-stricken faces to be garnered once the taming of sky beasts and the introduction of aerial vehicles finally reaches your realm!”
I responded with a tired nod, defusing the man’s intentions as he went back to the mindless back and forths with Ilunor.
Our walk through the Apprentices’ Tower was surprisingly normal all things considered.
As unlike the faculty tower, there seemed to be markedly reduced instances of geometry-defying anomalies.
If anything, it seemed to resemble Dragon’s Heart tower… if only a little bit more dressed up.
With white and black checkerboard marble floors adorning the lobby, and chandeliers appointing practically every hallway intersection that led way to the magical elevators.
Indeed, there seemed to only be one set of stairs in this entire tower. Though not grand, what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in verticality. As this spiral staircase quite literally went all the way up about thirty or so stories.
We passed by hundreds of Elven portraits on our way up, through the second, third, fourth, and then finally the twentieth floor.
At which point, Ilunor was practically gasping for breath.
“Apologies M’LORD! I’d have assumed—”
“Is. This. The. Apprentice’s. Office. Floor?!” The Vunerian managed out in between unsteady breaths, leaning against one of the ornate pillars, and pointing at what was effectively a hallway with door upon unmarked door.
This posed a problem, as identifying them would be practically impossible.
“Indeed it is! Now, my office is just this way…” The man continued, walking down the corridor.
At which point, did Ilunor finally strike, in between bouts of vapid conversation.
“Does the Academy insist on keeping your doors so… bland? So completely… unadorned?”
This prompted the man to stop, as he cocked his head in Ilunor’s direction.
“Without any form of personal embellishments as is the case with any noble occupying any of His Eternal Majesty’s ministries?”
“That ISssss Academy rrrregulation, M’LORD!”
“For shame.” Ilunor tutted. “‘Tis but a blank canvas. Just think… if given the opportunity, what brilliant gilded works would you adorn your door with, Apprentice?”
This one question… opened up the floodgates of torrential yapping. As seconds bled into minutes, prompting me to turn to the EVI.
“It takes a yapper to know a yapper, but I assume I don’t go that far when I really get into it, right?”
“ERROR: Query is unquantifiable.”
I was about to question exactly what the EVI meant by that, if it wasn’t for Ilunor’s gambit quickly panning out.
“Now, what would you say Apprentice Arlan Ostoy would prefer?”
“Oh, that dark and brooooody sycophant?! Why I’d assume his door would be completely gone! Buried! Entirely overrun! Hidden, entombed, and interned beneath the crests and sigils of those victims of his insincerrrre FLATTERY!”
“I can understand perhaps why personalization would be quite troublesome then.” Ilunor chuckled. “But, even so, I doubt it would be an issue if his office weren’t adjacent to your own, no?”
“HAH! While that may be so, there are others whose… aesthetic differences would be entirely unacceptable!”
The conversation snowballed on from there.
So that’s how he’s going to subtly draw out intel from him. Feigning interest for each and every apprentice, and by extension, their hypothetical door-makeovers. I guess loose lips really do sink ships…
My mind was practically sludge by the end of it, at which point, he finally started talking about Larial’s door.
“Jackpot.”
But I still couldn’t deploy the drones though.
I needed just the right window of opportunity…
“Here, allow me!” The apprentice beamed, opening the door to his office, while utterly enamored by Ilunor’s conversation.
He’s distracted.
“Deploy!”
[INFIL-DRONE01a… DEPLOYED.]
[INFIL-DRONE02a… DEPLOYED.]
Seconds was all that was needed.
A second to undock, a second to take off, and another second to book it towards Larial’s office.
[OBJECTIVE 1 COMPLETE]
[COMMENCING PRIMARY SURVEYS]
The first phase of the mission was a success.
“Oh Cadet Emma Booookeeeer, would you care to join us for a spot of tea?” The Apprentice hollered, his voice booming from within his room.
But now comes the real challenge… actually following through with our asinine pretenses.
…
2 Hours Later
“And thus I proclaimed: YOU. SHALL. NOT. PASS!”
We both stared at the apprentice blankly.
“Just to clarify, this was during your stint as the library’s bridge guard, right?”
“Oh, no no no, by His Majesty’s word, no! This was during my first instance as an exam proctor!”
We both breathed out a sigh of exhaustion, our eyes collectively turning to the clock behind the man.
This prompted him to quickly follow suit, his eyes widening in horror.
“BY HIS MAJESTY, HAS IT BEEN THAT LONG?!” The Apprentice stood up, his head now glancing back and forth between the door and his window. One that overlooked the grand dining hall, and the dinner which we were now all late for. “LET US MAKE HASTE!” He yelled, quickly grabbing his keys, and then promptly shunting us out the door.
From there, it was every man for himself.
As the apprentice booked it by leaping and jumping straight through the central chasm in the middle of the spiral staircase.
This left just Ilunor and I to blink at each other blankly.
“Well… that was—”
[INFIL-DRONE 1A: MISSION PARAMETERS… ACCOMPLISHED. RTB.]
I stopped in my tracks, my eyes quickly focusing on the targeting reticle highlighting the return of INFIL-DRONE 1a.
Ilunor, with visible disgust upon noticing the drone’s docking procedures, spoke urgently. “Well?! Is it—”
[DATA UPLOAD COMPLETE. PRIORITY TARGET LOCATED. REPORT AVAILABLE.]
“Yeah, it’s there alright.” I nodded, my eyes quickly scrolling through the brief one-page report complete with embedded video. “Behind some fancy glowing magical barriers, but it’s there.”
“By His Eternal Majesty’s Light…” The Vunerian breathed a sigh of relief.
“You're welcome.” I chided. “Well, with that over with, the second infil-drone will report Larial’s arrival as soon as it detects it.”
The Vunerian nodded, his features locked between relief and a still-latent nervousness.
“It’ll be fine, Ilunor. Trust me. Now, let’s get some well deserved downtime, shall we?”
With a surprisingly polite nod, we were off. Taking the long way down the spiral staircase, though about half way I began fantasizing about simply jumping straight through the middle hole with Ilunor in tow.
The suit is rated for it… I thought to myself, just as our silent little jaunt came to an inexplicable halt.
“Students? In the Exaltorium?” A hardened female voice broke me out of my reverie.
A voice brimming with both urgency and authority, carrying with it a cadence I hadn’t yet heard on this side of the portal.
A cadence that immediately brought back memories of Aunty Ran’s ‘drill instructor’ tone.
And one that I’d gotten used to following the instructions of for the past year of training.
I instinctively stopped, my muscles tensing reflexively, as I turned to face the source of this voice.
One that the EVI had yet to assign a name or a face to.
In front of us, or rather, a flight of stairs below us on the next floor down, was an armored elf.
Though unlike Sorecar’s full-form plate armor, leaving everything to the imagination, this elf’s uniform was something else entirely.
A design that screamed officer-material.
With a sloped and elegant chestplate that ended just above her lower abdomen, two glowing pauldrons with aiguillettes tethered into some hidden side-pocket, a half-helmet nestled in the crook of her arm, and a flowy Age of Sail captain’s jacket set over the armor — both her aesthetic and presence was set in stark contrast to everything I’ve seen at the Academy so far.
And it wasn’t just her outfit that was doing it for me either.
If anything, it was her gaze.
Her piercing, no-nonsense expression, that lacked the signature look of haughty superiority found on other nobles, instead replacing it with a relaxed look of assured authority.
It was something that only the Dean, and to a certain extent, Mal’tory, had been able to embody.
Except this time… it was being done effortlessly.
“Yes ma’am.” I replied instantly, leaving barely any time for dead air to form.
“They allow first years to roam freely now, do they?”
“No ma’am. We were granted permission by one Apprentice Ral Altaria Del Narya—”
“Save your breath, girl.” The armored elf interjected, much to my surprise.
A quick glance to Ilunor’s pale-blue face confirmed that this… brevity was definitely out of the ordinary.
“Now tell me, I don’t imagine you can fly, now can you?”
That question… caught both of us by surprise.
As Ilunor attempted to address it, opening his mouth, only to be shot down.
“Not you, Vunerian.” The elf quite literally snapped her head in Ilunor’s direction, the only part of her to even move, with the rest of her remaining as still as a statue.
“I was addressing the candidate.”
Her head quickly snapped back in my direction, those dark-purple eyes piercing sharply through my lenses.
“Not through conventional means, ma’am.” I answered bluntly.
“Let me be clear — can you, or can you not, ride a winged mount?”
“No ma’am. Not anything Nexian or otherwise, at least.”
“And yet you were present, for what was ostensibly a recruitment campaign for the Academy’s Flying Club.” She reasoned, deducing everything in what felt like a heartbeat.
“Yes ma’am. I was present, though it is worth noting—”
“I require no further explanation.” She cut me off once more. Her features… betraying neither dissatisfaction nor malicious intent. “I appreciate your honesty, candidate. Not many would be so forthright, so willing to admit to what would otherwise be a cause for suspicion to oneself.”
The elf cleared her throat, her features… intentionally softening.
“Such earnesty is refreshing.”
A few seconds’ pause suddenly punctuated those words. Though barely a drop in the bucket in most conversations, the rapid back and forth nature of this one made this feel unbearably long my comparison.
This pause… was uncharacteristically broken by a soft snicker, and a genuine smile across a face second only to the armor for its stoicism.
“I won’t take much more of your time. Moreover, it is not my place, nor do I care to enforce the Academy’s rules.” The elf’s words, just as surprisingly, started softening by the tail end of things. Not so much switching between authoritative and lenient, but moreso, skirting the gradient of both. “I take it your time has been well-spent thus far, candidate?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Your experiences… satisfactory?”
“In all honesty, given I have nothing to compare this experience to, I’d have to get back to you on that one, ma’am.”
That response… elicited a slight change in the elf’s features. Namely, the barely noticeable growth of her friendly smirk.
“A diplomat’s response. Admittedly terse, but stately all the same.” She acknowledged with a genuine smile. “Very well. If there is anything I can do to improve your experience, please — as they say in the common tongue — don’t be a stranger.”
“I’ll certainly keep that in mind. Thank you.” I dipped my head slightly in response.
“Both of you best be off now. I wish you both a pleasant dinner. If we ever cross paths again, I do wish to extend my offer in providing you your first winged mount experience, candidate. Seeing as you have yet to have the pleasure of doing so.” She offered, as that tone of authority gave way to genuine warmth, if only for a brief moment. “Carry on as you were, candidate. Vunerian.”
A thousand and one questions flooded my mind now.
All of which were poised straight at this mysterious armored elf.
Though I knew this wasn’t the place for it.
We were just offered an out… and I was sure as hell going to take it.
Ilunor most definitely agreed with this, as he began pacing much faster than he did earlier.
However, just as we passed by the mystery-elf’s stoic figure, did she suddenly decide to throw a curveball our way.
“And students?” She uttered politely, yet refused to turn my way.
“Yes ma’am?”
“...I don’t suppose either of you have seen Apprentice Larial around have you?”
I froze, my whole body tensing inside of the armor.
Ilunor, thankfully, remained cool all throughout, his poker face really coming in handy now more than ever.
“No, ma’am.”
“I see. Very well then, as you were.”
We began pacing out of there following that.
And despite not overtly showing any signs of malicious intent… I couldn’t help but to keep my eyes plastered on my rear-view camera.
As it showed the armored elf’s static and stoic form just… standing there, remaining completely still within eyeshot until we were finally out of a direct line of sight.
=====
Several Hours Later.
Dragon’s Heart Tower, Level 23, Residence 30, Living Room. Local Time: 2100 Hours.
Emma
“What the hell was that?” I managed out under an unsteady breath, having just replayed the entire sequence of events to an incredibly wary Thalmin and an equally apprehensive Thacea.
“She’s a goldthorn, that’s what.” Ilunor hissed out through a sooty breath.
[‘GOLDTHORN’. No known translations found within the Working Language Database.]
“I’m… sorry, that’s not really translating well—”
“A member of the Inner Guard. Specifically, those granted investigative authority, primarily in policing and intelligence duties. Goldthorns, is simply a term for those performing public investigations in the public light. That’s how she deduced, quite easily, the ‘business’ we had in the Exaltorium. No doubt she saw that buffoon jumping off the twentieth floor…” Ilunor trailed off, before reorienting himself with a cough. “In any case. Goldthorns tend to be… problematic, but harmless if you do not walk into their line of sight. They are, in their own strange way, honor-bound to the rule of law and noble justices.”
“This is in stark contrast to the blackthorns, who work exclusively in the dark, performing ancestors’ only knows what in the shadows of the Nexus, and beyond.” Thalmin growled out, his eyes locked onto the armored elf’s friendly smile.
[New esoteric colloquialisms added to the Working Language Database]
“Right. That makes sense.” I nodded. “A thorn in one’s backside, is probably where this originates from right?”
A few blinks were exchanged between both Thalmin and Ilunor, each narrowing their eyes at my statement. “Roughly, yes.” They spoke unanimously.
“Though when you phrase it so… blatantly, you lose the transformative participle which elevates the word from common to High Nexian.” Ilunor explained, eliciting an affirmative beep from the EVI’s active learning algorithms.
However, no sooner was that beep heard, did another assault my senses.
This one… actually offering something vital to the conversation.
[Alert: Current topic of discussion matches recorded footage from MAL’TORY’S OFFICE. Accurate to minimal extrapolative parameters.]
My eyes grew wide as a rapid analysis report (RAR), as a few seconds was all that was necessary to connect the dots.
“Thank you, EVI.” I acknowledged inwardly, before turning to everyone present.
“Guys.” I announced, garnering everyone’s attention. “I think we may know who she is and what she’s doing here.”
With a quick flick of my tablet, I began replaying the INFIL-DRONE's footage from Larial’s investigation of Mal’tory’s office.
Honing in on Sorecar’s questions as to the apprentice’s involvement with the ‘inner guard’.
“Though, forgive me if I am overstepping my bounds here… but I do assume that the seal on your notebook belongs to the inner guard. Dare I say it, it reminds me of a sub-order within the guard, the Beholders of His Eternal Majesty, to be precise.”
Ilunor plopped back against the couch at this reminder, his hands cradled in a ‘triangle’ around his snout.
“So this must be the investigator the Dean mentioned too.” I acknowledged. “A member of the inner guard, the—”
“The Beholders of His Eternal Majesty.” Ilunor interjected. “That… narrows it down somewhat, but not precisely. However, this is admittedly, one of the tamer sub-orders within the inner guard.”
“Which explains why she seemed rather hospitable—”
“I still wouldn’t dare entertain anything she says or offers, Cadet Emma Booker.” Ilunor warned gravely. “If anything, her earlier actions could be explained away as a dragon toying with its food.”
“But in any case.” Thalmin sighed out loudly. “The dean says he’s covering Lord Lartia’s death, is he not?”
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“And if anything, she seems much more focused on Larial.” He continued.
“Yeah… maybe there’s some game going on behind the scenes. Maybe she’s more focused on Mal’tory’s responsibility with the library, or maybe it’s a little bit of everything… let’s just keep on our toes for the time being.”
We all nodded collectively at that, breathing a sigh of relief, with everyone reaching for this evening’s tray of delectable snacks.
But just as everyone was about to settle in, homework in one hand, tea in another; a series of knocks threw us back into the deep end.
KNOCK! KNOCK!! KNOCK!!!!
Everyone held their breaths, as both Thalmin and I stood up first.
Though it was Thalmin who ultimately decided to take the plunge, as he marched forwards, opening the door to reveal—
YAAAAWWWWWNNNNNN
“OI! I THOUGHT I WAS DONE WITH YOU LOT! NOW YER EXPECTING PACKAGES AT THE CRACK OF MOONLIGHT?!” The bridge apprentice drawled out, handing Thalmin a package.
“And ‘ere I thought: OH! That should be IT for all you worthless busy-bodies’ tailored CLOTHES, and bespoke PENS! I guess they MISSED a package now DID THEY?!” He chastised. “You oughta pick the more reputable establishments in town. Ones that actually FINISH their orders on time!”
We all stared at the man in varying levels of confusion — though he did offer Ilunor a little head-nod through the doorway.
“We—”
SLAM!
The lupinor barely had any time to counter him before he was struck by a gust of wind generated by the magically-augmented doorslam.
“Emma?”
“Yes, Thalmin?”
“What exactly did you order from town? I assumed your nick-nacks were already all delivered—”
“They were!” I countered. “Let me see what that—” I walked up, grabbing the package, before realizing just what this was before even opening it.
“God.” I muttered, furiously tearing the festive wrapper apart, to reveal a boring white box.
Within it, however, were a pile of stones—
Probably to add weight to it so it wasn’t too suspicious…
—and a simple note.
One written in some sort of cypher that Thacea promptly decoded.
“The guild master requests your presence tomorrow, Emma.” She uttered softly. “Late afternoon, early evening preferably.”
“So they’re back that early huh?”
“Not necessarily.” Thalmin corrected. “It is customary for guild leaders to provide ample warning before the return of an adventuring party out of courtesy for the issuer of a quest. Given the professionalism of Sym’s Troubleshooters, I assume they more than likely sent a messenger bird out in advance.”
“Right.” I nodded. “Alright then.” I took a breath, steadying myself at the two major paths in front of us. “The library quest and the green book, I think, is safe for now. With the book firmly in Larial’s office, and the drone there as an early warning measure, I think we should be fine. So with that quest on hold until Larial’s arrival… let’s focus on catching ourselves an amethyst dragon.”
=====
20 Hours Later
The Grand Concourse of Learning. The Hall of Light. Local Time: 1700 Hours.
Emma
Larial was, once again, nowhere to be found.
Which meant that the class was, by rules of succession, temporarily under Sorecar’s reign.
All of this was to say, this was actually a fun class for once.
Combining that with the whole Class Sovereign posturing between the Big Two, and today’s class was less of a boring lecture with a few practical examples thrown in.
Instead, it was mostly magical dueling, with lectures seamlessly embedded during, between, or at the tail end of each fight.
Moreover, I wasn’t flying blind this time around.
Because thanks to some forethought last night and the day prior, I was able to successfully install and calibrate the Mast Mounted Manasight.
And Light Magic Class just happened to be the absolute best place to field test it.
Or so I thought.
While the first few demonstrations were rather straightforward, the EVI managing to compute rough scanlines, superimposing vague directional cues onto the HUD, the latter fights were nothing short of blinding.
With advanced, powerful, and complex displays of magic-use quickly overpowering the still-nascent sensor algorithms, and causing the EVI to reallocate processing power to simply skirt by.
All in all, it was a good first trial.
Though just as with bleeding edge tech, it’d need some time to properly hammer out all the issues.
“Hohoho! I have yet to see such heated theatrics between two sovereign-candidates-to-be!” Sorecar beamed out boisterously, his laughter echoing within the armor, generating this tinny voice that caused some students to flinch in annoyance.
“Young lords, I urge you to pace yourselves. While I am more than happy to provide a stage to upstage one another, I would not dare ask you to risk life and limb for a simple lecture… at least, not until the Academy changes their minds on such matters.” The man spoke coyly. “Ahhh! I still remember the days when—”
TOO-TOOO-TOOOOOT!
“Ah, well, that’s that then! Please remember to do your homework!”
All eyes were on the empty blackboard, prompting the man to clarify himself.
“Your homework, of course, is to improve the skills you’ve observed today! For next time… there will be more practicals!” He beamed.
Sighs were exchanged all throughout the hall, as everyone started filing out.
However, contrary to the flow of students, I, along with the rest of the gang, remained behind.
Only after the students and the band had left did we approach Sorecar.
The man cocking his head clearly in curiosity at our unprompted conversation.
“Professor?”
“Yes, Cadet Emma Booker?”
‘There are only a handful of ways to leave the Academy for town during the weekdays. Though it is not uncommon for students to ‘fabricate’ their own reasons, to enjoy the freedom of town life as opposed to the bland sameness of the evening dinner.’ I recalled Thacea’s words last night, as I took a breath, hoping this little gambit would work.
“I was wondering if you could give me a night pass into town. I need… some modifications done to my school uniform.” I smiled brightly.
The professor’s visor slowly lowered itself at that question, mimicking what I could only imagine was a ‘narrowing’ of one’s eyes out of suspicion.
“Is that so? And what exactly is wrong with your uniform, Cadet?” He shot back coyly.
“Wellll, I’m thinking I need to loosen the sides of the cloak a bit, they sorta get in the way of my movement.” I managed out with a sly yet nervous smile beneath the helmet.
“Oh? Is that so? Why, we most certainly can’t have that holding back our students!” The man’s visor suddenly flipped up, the plate of steel snapping up so fast that it reached the end of its hinge with a solid — clank! — forcing it to rebound back down into a closed position. “Well… as acting Professor, this is something I can easily do.” He chuckled boisterously, that tinny voice causing Ilunor to squint.
You’re really the MVP here, Sorecar. I thought to myself with a satisfied smile, watching as the man began drafting up a small letter.
“Just make sure to return before the portals close.” He dipped his tone for just a moment, making sure to hammer home that one non-negotiable clause.
“Will do, Professor. Thank you.” I bowed deeply, the man following suit as we eventually bid our goodbyes for the time being.
“And do stop by the workshop some time, Cadet Emma Booker!” He beamed, flailing his arms around from the bottom of the lecture hall. “I have much to discuss!”
=====
Nexus. The Crown Herald Town of Elaseer. Ambassadorial District. The Adventurer’s Guild Hall of Elaseer. Guild Master’s Office. Local Time: 1754 Hours.
Sym the Honeydew
thump. Thump. THUMP!
SLAM!
We entered through those double doors with ragged breaths and mud-stained boots.
A loud THUMP soon followed, as gear and supplies were dropped unceremoniously onto the guild’s hardwood floors.
Yet in spite of our loud and flippant arrival, not a single soul present seemed to be the least bit bothered.
What would’ve otherwise upended the chatter of the rowdiest of bars, was just another weekday around here.
If anything, the world within the guild hall seemed to accommodate this sort of unprompted arrival.
As adventurers-in-training quickly arrived to collect, organize, and sort our gear into neat little trolleys — the sort of service one would only expect to find in one of those upscale inns.
More than that, we were greeted with the soft and polite smile of one of the guild’s most prominent public-facing figures.
The Receptionist.
“I see you four have returned…” The elf noted with her signature perpetually-cordial cadence, flicking open her gold-tethered pocket watch in the process. “... earlier than expected, and right on time for your appointment.”
“Wouldn’t have sent a bird if we weren’t going to make the call.” I replied cockily. “So, are our quest givers here yet?”
“No, but I doubt you’ll be able to make yourselves presentable within a timely fashion. I suggest you make haste for the guild master’s office, as it shouldn’t take long now before—”
SLAM!
“—they arrive.”
We turned towards the door — some of us caked in mud, others in soot and ash — to find four neatly dressed, prim and proper nobles.
Two of which seemed to have their hands full with all manner of overpriced snacks.
Though only one — the Vunerian — seemed adamant on making sure everyone knew his presence, and his time, was not worthy of delaying his dinner over; munching down on said treats with a condescending glare.
“Hah! Well isn’t this a coincidence!” The blue knight spoke first, taking the reins of the conversation. “We have much to discuss!”
“Aye… that we do.” I acknowledged warily.
Comments
Michael Halpern
yup
Steve
You're damn right you do
CTsquad501st
(Accusatorily) Ik that pfp!💀
CTsquad501st
Ok, so we just skipped history from the last chapter to this one correct? And most of practical magic as well right? So now the next day is chem? I think its cuz I'm dumb/tired but I had a hard time understanding what happened time wise for a minute there
Jacob Hanson
The pointed ears and long lifespans came from their adaptation to mana, while our ruggedness and perseverance came from its absence. (#humansareapocolypseelves)
Swaren
I'm glad to hear I was remembering correctly! I look forward to it, whenever it comes about :) I couldn't imagine trying to write after a big exam myself, that seems like it would be really tough to pull off. I hope your other exam goes well too! At least they had the decency to give you a week between the two :)
Jcb112
Hello! :D The jetpack PE event is something that's being alluded to right now as foreshadowing for a future PE event! :D Meaning it will happen eventually! However, when that happens we'll have to see, as we have PE on the last weekday of every week, but whether or not Chiska will choose the natural gift trials, or other trials or events, will depend on what happens on the day of PE! :D I had Airit mention it in the previous chapter primarily as a means to slowly build up the tension that her character has against Thacea in particular, so that when the day comes, we can better understand her reasons and motivations! :D And I'll be sprinkling more of this as the chapters continue! :D Thank you for the best wishes for the exam too! I have another one coming up this Sunday as well haha, the MEQ portion of the license exam haha.
Swaren
Weren't we going to see the jetpack in PE sometime soon? I could've sworn that was coming up. The new pacing is very nice, I hope we get that jetpack scene sometime soon though! Side note, I hope that exam of your turns out well :)
Duplicitous Michael
Well she didn’t seem to have any qualms about killing the minor Phoenix that was delivering Ilunor’s letter, and didn’t mind shaking down entire flocks of birds. Not saying she isn’t empathetic towards animals, I just don’t think that will get in the way of the mission at hand, so she will do what she has to do. Though I think there will be a dialogue between them, it will ultimately end in conflict.
Marshel Helsper
She's probably going to have to be forced to do it; I don't get the sense that Emma would willingly kill the dragon. If she does have to it's going to tear her up and that will probably confuse the group. Emma very briefly touched on it in the Acela tour arc that animals have rights.
Michael Halpern
option 3 is the Dragon provides. realistically though the schematics for the communicator should contain the tools needed to calibrate it.
Skrzynek
Thacea, for all her smarts and talent, is a teenager. At the very least, she'd need to get info from the Library on how to do it, potentially necessitating Emma trades the practical engineering knowledge about crafting quantum entanglement comms. At worst take the above, but also Thacea is not going to make it on time, or she fucks up the only dragon shard they got. I really am rooting for the gang here, and they are quite capable. But this may be like giving the smartest kid in high school a schematic for a computer chip, being told to recreate it in her garage. Which brings me to my next point - what if she needs specialized artifice for this, not just a mere spell? Sure, the answer is "Sorecar", but how long can he bend the rules before having to report REALLY suspicious activity?
Michael Halpern
Honestly I think Emma is going to have to kill it, one way or another, it may divulge the prophecy stuff, but the foreshadowing is there, Emma cant let it get captured, nor simply let it get away if another party comes to capture it,
Michael Halpern
either Thecea or Sorecar do it or Emma recreates what the AIS did. or some combination.
Jacob
I'm waiting for Emma to have to bring in one of her elven allies in on the secret of how similar earthrealmers appear to elves, only to discover a secret deep-lore rationale for it
ghost01173430
Huzzah for the new pacing!
Zaxus Lanterus
I can see Void Knight coming as another nickname later after commoners witness her ignoring magic. One of those things people call you, but not to your face because they're afraid you'll rearrange your face.
Michael Halpern
Chiska really wants a Dragon Slayer among her students. politically it is a MOVE, also they don't want it being put back in a cage.
Michael Halpern
Emma (with help) is going to build a tilt rotor/jet before the year is out,
Michael Halpern
oops meant to post that in general, anyways this is going pace of major events now
Michael Halpern
“And thus I proclaimed: YOU. SHALL. NOT. PASS!” of course
Marshel Helsper
As far as I recall, even if the dragon is intelligent it is not sapient according to Nexus definition. JCB talks a bit about this in the art posts for the peer group.
harkange 585
Oh god it's so nice to finaly see the pace of the story accelerate. While I can't say I disliked any of the previous chapters it sure is nice to finaly see time pass.
TheEagerReader
Is the Dragon sapient? From what I saw and written it seems to be just an animal. Also how intelligent is it? Is it on the scale of a whale? And Chisaka did say no student has slayed a dragon for hundreds of years, that’s Chekov’s gun.
Marshel Helsper
She also needs a place to put the truck when not in use.
Marshel Helsper
Yeah, I don't think it would be an assisted suicide thing either. I'm excited to find out what shenanigans the dragon asks Emma to go through for a scale.
M
Why do you wanna see the dragon dead? From what we've seen so far, it's just a victim trying not to get thrown back into some magical prison zoo again.
M
I think it was mentioned that a rescue team will be sent in case Emma doesn't contact Earth in time. And I probably don't have to explain why that would be a very bad thing, potentially.
Skrzynek
We were talking with JCB in the voice chat on discord about it - about how "calibrating it" could mean using the gang for casting stuff with only singular mana types over and over again and how this could be fun to watch. And JCB seems to have decided to just scrap that part of the chapter, giving the topic more justice in near future.
Brachy LP
Unlikely. The Description and All other info we got Said "Ancient Amethyst Dragon" and Everything so far in the Story Paints Dragons as Priseful to a Fault, UNIMAGINABLY OLD, Older than the elves still and probably very Alien in there way of looking at the World. To them even his Eternal Majesty is a Child. And I doubt a creature considtent with the depiction of Dragons in the Story so far would be so cheap as to ask for Assisted Suicide, more Likely it felt the Destruction of a part of it's Kin and due to some property of their Ability knew that it was Emmas Doing, or Maybe it took interrest in something with Mana so well hidden not even it's senses could peer through it. Think about it, a curiosity Like this after being held captive by 6 yo's you'd be intruiged too
trebor
maybe something with standing up and staying seated
trebor
how to tame a dragon
trebor
I'm kind of a suckered for both a fight with the dragon especially since Emma already seems to be fire-resistant but I would also love a Emma dragon riding scene so the best would be a fight but ending with talking it out at the end
trebor
I think it would be more of an a-team like scene where Emma builds big gun then Emma shoots big gun
Brachy LP
Sorecar is funnily enough the Solution to that issue even if it'll draw eyes on The Yeargroup
trebor
I think there is a balance where we can have slower loreheavy content and then fast pace action.
trebor
didn't Tacea say she can maybe do it herself though I am interested in the repercussions of Emma failing this mission
trebor
I think we kind of got that the only change would be a mention like "I assembled the printed pieces" or something like that
Anton
@Fluffy No, after 70 chapters of nothing I'm not restarting my subscription over one chapter. But it was a nice change of pace, and I'll keep an eye on the progress as I said last week.
Ragnar Pendon
Hmmm... Sorecar is bugged so I'm guessing diplomacy with the dragon is the best bet
Hughes Andrew
*cough* sorecar *cough* That or they negotiate with the dragon and its capable of naturally shaping its own crystals.
B L
What a change in pace! One thing I would add is a scene where she builds the magic-radar-thing, since that is a major point in the story. Or at least what she has been trying to solve - a lack of mana vision
Skrzynek
It was mentioned before. They will need an artificer to change the alignment of crystal's internal structure, permanently attuning it to the one Earth has. Though it was also said that those mages are sworn to the Crownlands and finding one capable of working on Shards of Impart is not gonna be darn easy. Especially in this time frame.
Ragnar Pendon
I suddenly have a thought What if the replacement crystal isn't gonna work because it's not the QE pair to the one back on earth? I think they're gonna have to infiltrate the portal chamber and do the filtering themselves
Ragnar Pendon
You can reread the series better on reddit or royal road, tbh Patreon is for early access and pre-rewrite so there's no need for a "next" button
Marshel Helsper
If that's what the dragon asks for, and the gang is there, and the solution is a laser to the brain through the eye, then that's the segue into weapons and war for Thalmin specifically. Especially if the laser is unseen. Absolutely insane thing to watch your manaless newrealmer friend point her wrist at the dragon and then it dies.
Marshel Helsper
Pack bonding is a hell of a drug
Willow Arkan
true. It would be very funny if all 4 of them are there for Emma's face reveal, it wouldn't make any narrative sense, but it would be very funny. Maybe material for non-canon stuff.
Andrew Geiger
I really like the emphasis on Emma's background and training. There are so many great scenes that get lined up - like a power-armor knight flying a dragon - but the immediate connection between Emma and the goldthorn was great. Like knows like. Writing a story where fools bumble about is fun, but one full of clever and competent folk is so much more enjoyable. So setting up all this subterfuge to have someone immediately see through it was delightful subversion. Or maybe it's just a trope that I'm a sucker for. Reminds me of the Mage Errant series, which has academy students who are surrounded by faculty who both are experts and take their job seriously. And there are hilarious fools, too, but they're usually just tools. Great chapter!
lukeskylicker
This is Cooper & Li erasure and I will not stand for it.
Michael Halpern
Emma builds scout bike, Thalmin rides rear saddle, Thecea flies.
Michael Halpern
Yeah but it's not exclusive to elves. you've also got Thacea.
Skrzynek
Reading the series is way more pleasant on Royal Road. I recommend that over Patreon or even reddit.
Michael Halpern
I think the condition for its aid will be to ensure it can never be captured again, in the most permanent way possible. It is most likely part of a hive mind, given what its shards do so sacrificing an individual to can be more likely
Ignacy Olszta
Time to introduce the Dragon to the Brothers Heckler & Koch, and rather promptly and to the “point”.
Michael Halpern
honestly it flows at pace of significant events, and that's fine
Marshel Helsper
Given the brief talk about animal bridges over the road at the Heritage Village, Emma very much does not want to harm anything if she can avoid it.
Marshel Helsper
It wasn't even boring. I reread the series, which Patreon does not make easy, and the flow has been fine the entire run.
dumbo3k
I feel like the Dragon might end up being a friend in the making. An enemy of my enemy situation. The Crown clearly wants it recaptured, probably for some nefarious use. Emma is probably not particularly interested in helping the Crown, and only needs some Fragment of the Dragon for her Comms equipment, I think. Mayhaps some deal can be devised, wherein Emma helps the Dragon elude capture.
Steve
There, is everyone happy? We skipped a crap-ton of the week. Personally, I liked reading the daily-life bits of the series, but God forbid people get bored...
Joshua Haylock
Please tell me, we nuke the dragon
Casualscifienjoyer
I’m glad he’s listening to some of the criticism.
Willow Arkan
Emma really has a way with elf women, huh. That's number 3, i think, that has taken an interest in her. You got life debt apprentice, baby revolutionary and now military intelligence.
Google Google
The question is is it going to be a weapon or a tool. Or maybe a ballpoint pen nothing special........... All right it is special. Super high precision tools to create just the ballpoint pen for everyone to use right.
Google Google
One more thing, oh my God!!! she's able to see the first stages of Mana!!!hopefully she'll be able to show her team about her progress.
Marshel Helsper
Thacea would still want to go, to help in any way she can. Depends on Emma's plan, which is probably just to talk to the Dragon and ask for a scale. Could be a cool scene of one-liners though. "What, pray tell, would you do, dear knight, if I gobbled up your Princess?" "I would rip you apart until I had her back."
Google Google
There's always a time and place for everything and this time is speed.
Google Google
Wow, things are moving pretty fast.
TheEagerReader
I wonder where Wand Step will factor in
TheEagerReader
I can’t wait to see Emma fight a dragon. I wonder how that’s going to go. Out of the Peer Group only Thalmin has the ability to help him. Illunor is a foppish noble who won’t risk his hide like that and Thacea isn’t a fighter.
TheEagerReader
It’s subtle. You applied good discretion. I would have gone overboard and used the “void knight” due to her lack of perceivable mana.
TheEagerReader
I am glad the plot’s picking up again.
Marshel Helsper
I don't think she'll fight the dragon. She's going to try to talk to it. And I wonder if that's the deal with the adventurers is that the dragon spoke to them. "Oh the Blue Knight? Yeah, I want to talk to them too." Over/under on Emma riding the dragon at some point? Also, if Emma has to go out into the wilderness to meet the dragon, would she allow her peers to go too? Thalmin would insist, of course. Thacea might, as she's sort of sucked into the idea of being part of a yet-unwritten legend.
Marshel Helsper
She more or less had the idea right away. Put the thing on a gyro, measure it's movement and point cameras at it.
Tainted_But_Thriving
Astronomical pacing. She got the mana viewer already? I definitely like this plot development though but we’re moving super fast. I loved seeing the goldthorn
Fluffy Lemur Tails
I'm sure they would re-pledge as soon as possible. :P
Marshel Helsper
And to think, Thacea was expecting a whole year of just ignoring everyone. Now she's with folks that really cannot catch a break; and she _cares_ about them.
Marshel Helsper
Foiled!
Marshel Helsper
There is probably a protocol for that when peer groups want to stay behind to talk to the Professors. Could be as simple as allowing the next group to pass.
Xylophone Smith
emma vs the nexus secret service
Skrzynek
*Oh the irony of everyone making a fuss about the slow pacing last week!*
owl loverhoot
Jokes aside, great chapter OP. I'll be really happy when they get the time to visit sorecar's workshop again
owl loverhoot
Join us next week for, Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School: Dragon Discussions
Ze1tar
Time to catch a dragon!
Michael Halpern
truck will take too long to assemble, its going to be the scout bike
Milklineep
Great chapter, thank you for putting it out despite the exams! Just had a small question: usually peer groups leave in order of points. How did our peer group indicate that they intend to stay rather than leave after the 6th peer group?
Jcb112
Thank you! :D It was super fun coming with that name! :D
Alfred Karri
Oh yea dragon vs laser railgun time
Michael Halpern
that's Also what Vanavans referring to her as in communique
UC-79
Emma better get the parts printing if she plans on driving the truck. Also can't wait to see what her dragon deterrent will be, though hopefully she won't need to use it.
Michael Halpern
time to assemble the scout bike
DarkValorWolf
"the blue knight" now that's a lovely nickname for Emma in the commoner circuit
Michael Halpern
damn
Veronica Sells
first
