Chapter 176 – Preparations are Completed
Chapter 176
Preparations are Completed
Date : Day 17 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The small library fell silent once more.
Only the faint crackling of the fireplace disturbed the stillness.
Elise looked from Hyoren. To Oria. Then to Arianna. The three of them had suddenly become completely quiet.
She had absolutely no idea why. Still, seeing how seriously they were thinking, she wisely kept her questions to herself.
Meanwhile, Arianna simply waited.
A small, knowing smile rested on her lips as she patiently allowed the other two magicians to reach the same conclusion she already had.
After nearly a minute. Oria was the first to break the silence.
“Arianna...”
She tapped the unfamiliar rune.
“This rune… Am I understanding it correctly? It essentially performs the work of multiple runes... all by itself?”
Arianna's smile blossomed.
“Yes, Lady Oria.”
She nodded gracefully.
“This single rune can replace at least the Shoot and Forward runes.”
She looked back at the notebook.
“And depending on the spell… It may even substitute for Straight as well. Ohoho.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see… So that's why...”
Arianna continued.
“Yes. Headmistress Thavenessia employs several ancient runes like this. Runes that modern scholars have long forgotten. They carry meanings far broader than modern runic language.”
She nodded.
“So a single ancient rune may accomplish what would normally require two... or even three modern runes.”
Oria finally smiled.
“So that's the trick… She wasn't violating the twelve-rune limitation at all. She simply condensed multiple functions into fewer runes.”
She softly laughed in admiration.
“Clever… Very clever… No wonder she's the Truth Seeker.”
Hyoren thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
“I understand now. This rune would solve the concentration problem for my second-tier spell.”
He paused for a moment before asking.
“Am I right? This spell couldn't be cast without a magic conduit, then?”
Oria was curious as well. Since the spell specifically incorporated the Conduit Rune, the question naturally arose.
Arianna smiled before giving a soft nod.
“That is indeed the rune's drawback. Without any magic conduit on the caster, the spell would fail.”
She shifted slightly in her seat before continuing.
“That's why Headmistress Thavenessia has multiple magic conduits as backups.”
Oria nodded in understanding.
“I see. That makes sense…”
Meanwhile, Hyoren furrowed his brow.
“But...”
His expression became awkward.
He looked at Arianna. Then at Oria.
“I don't actually own a magical conduit."
Oria sighed.
“Well… I suppose you'll have to buy one.”
She folded her arms.
“A ring would probably suit you best. Or perhaps a bracelet. You're a frontline fighter. You can't very well carry a staff or a wand while wielding a sword and shield.”
She shrugged.
“The amplification won't be as strong as a proper wand. But that isn't your objective. You only need a conduit to serve as the focal point from which the spell originates.”
Hyoren nodded.
“I see. That makes sense. I'll look for one later.”
Before the conversation could move on. Arianna slowly raised one finger.
“Leader.”
She gracefully covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
A playful smile appeared.
“Aren't you forgetting something? Ohoho.”
Hyoren blinked.
“Hm?”
Arianna pointed toward the storage bag hanging at his waist.
“My esteemed father gave you one just last night.”
Hyoren frowned. Then his eyes widened.
“Wait… Don't tell me… The Dawn Breaker?”
Arianna crossed her arms. A satisfied smile appeared on her face.
“Yes, Leader. The sword is already attuned to both Light and Dark Aethell through a permanently inscribed runic array. That also makes it a magical conduit for those two elements.”
She lightly adjusted the brim of her hat.
“In essence...”
She smiled.
“It is simply a wand. In the shape of a sword. Ohoho.”
Hyoren stared blankly for a moment.
Then slowly looked down toward the storage bag at his waist. The heirloom sword Baron Guts had entrusted to him—wasn't merely a finely crafted mithril blade.
It had been designed from the very beginning. For a magic swordsman.
Oria's eyes narrowed with interest.
“Hoo… So it's a magic sword.”
She glanced toward Hyoren.
“It's made of mithril, isn't it? Unless the blade is forged from mithril... a bladed weapon can't function as a magical conduit.”
Hyoren nodded.
“It is.”
He reached into his storage bag.
A moment later, the long white blade of Dawn Breaker emerged. He carefully laid it upon the table. The mithril blade gleamed beneath the room's light.
Its polished surface reflected a faint silvery-white sheen, while the runic engravings embedded directly into the blade shimmered subtly.
Oria immediately picked it up.
She slowly rotated the sword in her hands, examining every inch with the eyes of both an alchemist and a craftsman.
“What a magnificent sword...”
She traced one of the engraved runes with a finger.
“The craftsmanship is exceptional. The runic array wasn't engraved afterward… It was forged directly into the blade itself.”
She gave an appreciative whistle.
“That preserves the sword's structural integrity while allowing the runes to operate at full efficiency.”
She smiled.
“A masterpiece. Only a master blacksmith from Khor'Menduun could produce workmanship like this.”
Leaving Oria to admire the blade.
Hyoren turned toward Arianna.
“So… Only mithril can become a weapon-shaped conduit?”
Arianna smiled softly.
“Technically... for weapons, yes, Leader.”
She folded her hands neatly before continuing.
“A magical conduit must be fashioned from a material capable of efficiently conducting and processing Aethell.”
She began listing examples.
“Processed magic stones. Materials harvested from monsters, such as an Elemental Slime Core… Or even a Dragon Core.”
She paused.
“And wood… Wood naturally conducts Aethell far better than ordinary metals. That is why most magical conduits take the form of staffs or wands.”
She then crossed her arms thoughtfully.
“Of course… Silver, gold, and platinum also possess respectable Aethell conductivity. That is why rings, bracelets, pendants, and other small magical conduits are commonly crafted from those metals.”
She gently shook her head.
“However… Neither silver nor gold possesses the durability required for practical weapons. So when one wishes to forge a weapon that also functions as a magical conduit...”
She laughed softly.
“Mithril becomes the natural choice. Ohoho.”
She smiled.
“It combines excellent Aethell conductivity with the strength expected of a true weapon.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see… So Dawn Breaker wasn't merely forged as a fine sword. It was designed from the beginning to serve as both a weapon… And a magical conduit.”
Arianna smiled.
“Precisely, Leader. It is the ideal weapon for a magic swordsman.”
Oria finally lowered the sword onto the table. After giving it one last appreciative glance, she slid it back toward Hyoren.
Hyoren carefully returned Dawn Breaker to his storage bag.
Oria nodded with satisfaction.
“It truly is an excellent sword. And an equally excellent magical conduit.”
She pointed toward where the sword had been resting.
“With this… You no longer need to determine the spell's point of origin and direction. Simply point your sword. The tip of the blade becomes the spell's focal point.”
Arianna lightly adjusted the brim of her hat.
“Precisely. That is why the Magical Conduit rune is so valuable.”
Hyoren's eyes brightened.
“So instead of concentrating on where the spell should appear… I simply point my sword… And the spell automatically originates from its tip.”
He looked between the two women.
“Is that correct?”
Oria and Arianna answered almost simultaneously.
“Exactly.”
“That's correct, Leader.”
Hyoren slowly crossed his arms.
“That changes everything. I no longer need to divide my concentration between fighting and casting.”
A grin spread across his face.
“I simply fight as usual… And wherever my sword points becomes the origin of the spell.”
He turned toward Arianna and gave a small bow.
“Thank you. That insight solved my biggest problem.”
Arianna smiled gracefully.
“The pleasure is mine, Leader.”
Before the conversation could continue. Oria suddenly grinned.
“See?”
She pointed a thumb toward Arianna.
“I told you before. You should ask her these kinds of questions instead of me.”
She crossed her arms again.
“She graduated from the most prestigious magic academy in the kingdom. She was personally taught by the Truth Seeker herself.”
She shrugged.
“I'm merely an alchemist from a rural town.”
Arianna immediately shook her head. Her long crimson hair swayed gently.
“Please, Lady Oria. That is far too modest.”
She smiled warmly.
“You are renowned for your Advanced Water Magic. Especially your Water Spirit Magic. Your practical experience far surpasses mine. I am still greenhorn.”
A faint blush appeared across Oria's cheeks.
“Sh-Shut up!”
She folded her arms and looked away.
“I already decided I'd become an alchemist! Not a mage!"
Hyoren couldn't help smiling.
Elise had once mentioned that Oria abandoned the path of a full-fledged combat mage. Even so—it was obvious that Oria's knowledge remained extraordinary.
Across the room, Elise smiled fondly at the exchange.
Arianna gave another small bow.
“If that is the path you have chosen, Lady Oria… I respect it.”
Oria hurriedly clapped her hands. Her pointed ears were still noticeably red.
“Enough! Back to the spell! Stop talking about me!”
Hyoren and Arianna looked at each other. Then quietly smiled.
Arianna picked up the pen once more.
She thought for only a few moments before writing another six-rune array.
“How about this combination? Dark. Conduit. Wave. Cone. Curse. Blind.”
She set the pen down.
“Shadow Bloom. This should meet all your criteria, Leader.”
She looked toward Hyoren.
“The spell originates from the tip of your conduit. A cone-shaped wave of Dark Aethell expands forward. It damages every enemy caught within it… And inflicts the Blind curse.”
She folded her hands upon her lap.
“Since your Enchant Maledict already grants you access to a weakening curse which reduces attack, defense, and speed… I chose Blind instead.”
She smiled.
“That allows this spell to remain useful not only against groups of weaker monsters… But also against powerful single opponents. A blinded boss is still a disadvantaged boss.”
Oria crossed her arms.
After studying the runic array for several moments. She slowly nodded.
“I don't see any flaws. This is solid.”
Hyoren carefully examined the completed spell. His eyes followed each rune one by one. Then a smile slowly appeared.
“Shadow Bloom… A second-tier Dark Magic spell. One that requires very little concentration… Yet still has meaningful battlefield impact.”
He looked at Arianna.
“Perfect.”
A comfortable silence settled over the room.
The kind that naturally followed a difficult problem finally being solved.
Arianna removed her wide-brimmed hat. She quietly produced her comb once again and calmly brushed her long crimson hair back into perfect order.
Across from her. Oria continued studying the runic array with an approving nod.
Hyoren remained absorbed in the notebook. Already imagining how the spell would function in actual combat.
Meanwhile, Elise simply watched the three of them. Her emerald eyes were warm.
Truthfully—she understood almost nothing they had discussed over the past two hours. Ancient Runes. Conduits. Most of it was beyond her.
But seeing Hyoren, Oria, and Arianna finally reach a satisfying conclusion, that alone was enough to make her smile.
***
The atmosphere gradually relaxed afterward.
The intense discussion surrounding runes and spell construction finally came to an end.
Elise quietly stood and prepared another fresh pot of tea. The soothing aroma soon filled the small library once more.
Hyoren carefully gathered his notebook, the borrowed reference books, and loose sheets of paper before returning them to his storage bag. With everything neatly packed away, he leaned back into the sofa.
He accepted the cup Elise handed him and took a slow sip.
For a while. No one spoke. The four of them simply rested. Even magicians needed time for their minds to cool after lengthy scholarly discussions.
Eventually, Oria set her teacup back onto its saucer.
“So.”
She looked toward Arianna.
“Any interesting stories from your academy days?”
Arianna gracefully lifted her own cup. She took a small sip before answering.
“Hmm… Other than having the privilege of studying under Headmistress Thavenessia...”
She smiled apologetically.
“I fear my academy life was rather ordinary.”
She paused to think. Then her eyes brightened slightly.
“Oh. Perhaps this may be considered interesting.”
She gently placed her cup down.
“During my final year… A rather unusual student enrolled.”
Hyoren looked up.
“Unusual?”
Arianna nodded.
“She was… The Elven Princess.”
Silence settled over the room. Oria and Elise instinctively exchanged glances.
Even Hyoren leaned forward with renewed interest.
“The Elven Princess… She attended a human academy?”
He looked toward the two elves.
“Is... that normal?”
Oria slowly shook her head.
“Actually… No.”
She folded her arms.
“Within the Silverwood Enclaves, we have several institutions dedicated to magical education. My homeland, Korian Enclave, has the Korian Archive.”
She turned toward Elise.
Elise nodded in agreement.
“That’s right, my homeland, Silentwood, has one as well. The Silent Library.”
Oria continued the explanation.
“But the most prestigious academy among the elves… Is located in our capital. At the foot of the World Tree.”
Her sapphire eyes glinted.
“Sylvana's Repository. It is regarded as the highest seat of magical learning within the Silverwood Enclaves.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“So an elven princess studying in a human academy really is unusual.”
Arianna smiled.
“Indeed. That is precisely why many professors discussed it for quite some time.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“Aethellium Arcanum Academy has never restricted admission based upon race. Any individual possessing sufficient talent may enroll. Whether they were humans or other races. And even commoners could attends.”
She smiled softly.
“Provided, of course, they can either afford the tuition… Or earn one of the academy's scholarships. The tuition is undeniably expensive. So the student body is still largely composed of noble families and wealthy merchants…”
She paused.
“However… Each year, numerous scholarship students also enter.”
She nodded with admiration.
“Many of them are true prodigies.”
She rested one finger lightly against her chin.
“Among the non-human races… Beastkin are actually the most common students. Not because Beastkin naturally produce many magicians.”
She gently shook her head.
“Quite the opposite. Beastkin mages are rather rare. But… The Theriarchic Union possesses no dedicated magic academy. So those wishing to pursue formal magical education generally study within human kingdoms.”
She continued.
“The situation is somewhat similar for dwarves. They possess excellent institutions dedicated to craftsmanship, engineering, and forging... But not magical scholarship. So dwarven magicians also frequently study abroad.”
She took another elegant sip of tea.
“However… Elves are different. The Silverwood Enclaves already possess magical institutions rivaling any academy on the continent.”
She smiled.
“That is why elven students almost always remain within their own homeland.”
She looked around the room.
“Which made the arrival of an Elven Princess at Aethellium Arcanum Academy… A rather memorable event.”
Hyoren tried to recall what Elise had told him before.
There had been an elven princess. Princess Eleanora.
The Platinum-ranked adventurer who had lost her entire party—including her own fiancé—while stopping the rampage of an Earth Dragon. Remembering that story immediately piqued his curiosity.
He looked toward Elise.
“Elise. There are more elven princesses than Princess Eleanora?”
Elise turned toward him. Her emerald eyes softened before she giggled.
“Of course, Hyoren. Fufufu.”
Oria sighed in exasperation. She folded her arms.
“What? Did you think there was only one princess in the entire royal family? Good grief.”
Hyoren scratched his cheek.
“Well… When you put it that way… Hahaha.”
Elise smiled before looking toward Arianna.
“There are quite a few princesses. So… Which one is this, Arianna?”
Arianna's light blue eyes brightened ever so slightly. She answered with her usual graceful composure.
“She is Princess Eveys. If I recall correctly… She is the Fifth Princess. The youngest sister of Princess Eleanora.”
Oria thoughtfully tapped her chin.
“Princess Eveys...”
She slowly shook her head.
“I left the Silverwood Enclaves before she was even born. So I'm afraid I know very little about her.”
She glanced toward Elise.
“What about you, Cow Tits?”
Elise rolled her eyes.
“I don't know either, Pipsqueak.”
Her gaze drifted toward the window for a moment.
“If she only entered the academy last year… She should be around fifteen or sixteen now. When I left the Enclaves… She would've only been five or six. She was far too young to be introduced publicly.”
Hyoren nodded.
“I see. So neither of you really knows her.”
He turned back toward Arianna.
“Then… Could you tell us more about her?”
Arianna shifted slightly in her seat before answering.
“I unfortunately never became acquainted with Her Highness. My final year was... rather occupied.”
A small, amused smile appeared.
“Between writing my thesis and enduring Headmistress Thavenessia's relentless guidance… I scarcely had time for anything else. Ohoho.”
She briefly fixed her hat position before continuing.
“However...I did hear the academy rumors.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“The primary reason Her Highness enrolled at Aethellium Arcanum Academy… Was her unusual Attunement.”
She paused briefly.
“As you know… Most elven magicians possess their highest Attunement toward either Wind or Water. Sometimes both. But Princess Eveys was different. She possesses approximately ninety percent Fire Attunement. The remainder of her elemental Attunements are comparatively low.”
Oria slowly nodded.
“I see… That certainly is unusual.”
She leaned back.
“We elves have long been blessed by Goddess Sylvana. So Wind and Water naturally become our greatest strengths.”
She smiled wryly.
“A Fire specialist among elves would find fewer suitable teachers. It makes sense that the royal family chose to send her elsewhere. Aethellium Arcanum Academy would simply provide better guidance.”
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
“That does make sense.”
The conversation naturally drifted onward.
Oria became curious about academy life and continued asking questions.
Arianna answered each one with the poise expected of a noble lady, occasionally sharing amusing stories about professors, examinations, and student life.
Every now and then, Elise joined the conversation as well, asking about Arianna friends and her daily life.
Hyoren mostly listened. Occasionally offering a comment or asking a question.
More often than not—he simply watched. His gaze moved between Oria. Elise. And Arianna.
The two former mentors. And their once troublesome student.
Five years had passed since they had last spent time together. There were countless stories to exchange. Countless memories to revisit.
Watching them slowly bridge those lost years. Hyoren couldn't help but smile.
***
When Oria finally emptied her cup, she gently placed it back onto the saucer.
Her sapphire eyes drifted toward the window. Outside, Silver Luna had already begun its slow descent across the winter sky. In only a few more hours, night would arrive.
She let out a quiet sigh.
“Alright. I still have work to do. So...”
She casually waved her hand toward the door.
“Go away already. Please.”
Hyoren chuckled. Oria truly never changed.
He stood and gave her a slight bow.
“It seems we've occupied far too much of your time. Thank you again. For helping me decide both my second-tier Light and Dark Magic spells.”
He smiled.
“I'll come bother you again once my magic reaches level five and I unlock third-tier spells.”
Oria immediately frowned.
“Why? You already have Arianna.”
Hyoren laughed softly.
“You're still my official mentor, Oria. So unless you're unavailable… I'll still come to you. Of course, I'll ask Arianna for her opinion as well. But I'll always want to hear yours too.”
Oria clicked her tongue.
“Tch. You're such a bother.”
She deliberately turned her face away.
“But… Suit yourself.”
Everyone laughed.
Hyoren rose to his feet. Elise and Arianna followed.
“Alright. Thank you again for today, Oria. We should get going.”
Oria suddenly raised a hand.
“Wait.”
She turned toward Arianna. Without another word, she reached into her storage bag.
After rummaging around for a moment—she produced a small ring.
It was a simple gold ring without elaborate ornamentation. Only a single ruby rested upon it. Its crimson color matched Arianna's hair beautifully.
“Here.”
She unceremoniously pushed it toward Arianna.
Arianna accepted it with both hands. She tilted her head slightly.
“What is this, Lady Oria?”
Oria looked away again.
“It is a Ring of Meditation. It slightly increases Aethell regeneration.”
She paused. Then awkwardly added,
“Think of it as… A congratulatory gift. For graduating with Outstanding marks.”
A brief silence followed.
“...No.”
She immediately corrected herself.
“Forget that… It was just collecting dust in my storage bag. So take it. It'll lighten my luggage. Huft.”
Arianna's light blue eyes shimmered. She gently clasped the ring against her chest.
“T-Thank you… Lady Oria.”
Oria stubbornly refused to look at her.
“No need to thank me.”
Elise covered her mouth as she giggled.
“Fufufu. Pipsqueak. Would it really hurt to be honest for once?”
Oria spun around. Her pointed ears had turned bright red.
“Shut up, Cow Tits!”
Hyoren couldn't help laughing.
Watching the exchange—he found himself smiling warmly. Just like Elise, Oria genuinely cared about Arianna. She simply expressed it in her own stubborn way.
The two elves really were surprisingly alike.
Perhaps realizing everyone had seen through her. Oria hurriedly reached into her storage bag again. This time she produced a wooden crate filled with pale blue potion bottles.
She shoved it toward Elise.
“Here.”
Elise accepted the crate and briefly examined one bottle before storing everything inside her own storage bag.
Oria then looked toward Hyoren.
“And these are for your party. Magic Potions. With a proper magician joining your party… You'll need them.”
She folded her arms.
“They're much better than the ordinary ones sold in town. So be grateful.”
Hyoren smiled. He bowed sincerely.
“Thank you, Oria. For everything.”
Elise couldn't resist teasing one last time.
“Fufufu. Pipsqueak really can't be honest. You were worried about Arianna all along.”
Oria's face reddened even more.
“Shut up! Shut up! Now get out! Shoo… Shoo! I'm busy!”
Hyoren and Elise burst into laughter again. There was simply no winning once Oria became this embarrassed.
Hyoren nodded.
“Alright. It really is getting late. Thank you again, Oria.”
Elise smiled mischievously.
“Thanks, Pipsqueak.”
Arianna, finally recovering from her emotions, gave another elegant bow.
“Lady Oria. I shall treasure this gift. Thank you very much.”
Oria only waved her hand dismissively.
“Yeah, yeah. Just go already.”
With warm smiles still on their faces. Hyoren, Elise, and Arianna quietly left the workshop.
Leaving behind one very embarrassed—and very kind-hearted—small elven alchemist.
***
The journey back to Wyvern Street Manor was uneventful. A cool winter breeze accompanied their walk through the city.
For most of the journey, Arianna remained unusually quiet.
Every so often, her light blue eyes drifted toward the simple gold ring now resting upon her finger. She would gently turn it beneath the fading light, the ruby reflecting the crimson hue of her own hair. A faint smile would appear—before she quietly looked ahead once more.
Hyoren noticed. So did Elise. The two exchanged small, knowing smiles. Neither said anything.
Some feelings were better left undisturbed.
They passed through the Merchants’ District.
Bustling shops gradually gave way to familiar guild buildings and weapon stores as they entered the Adventurer's District.
From there, their footsteps eventually reached Wyvern Street. Music drifted from taverns. Laughter echoed from entertainment houses. Brothels and escorts welcomed passing customers with practiced smiles.
The district remained lively as always.
Yet, the three simply continued walking. Not long afterward—the familiar manor appeared before them.
Hyoren stepped onto the porch and opened the front door.
“We're home!”
A familiar voice immediately answered.
“OOH! Big Bro! Everyone! Welcome home!”
Jackey peeked out from the dining room. A wide grin stretched across his face.
Hyoren smiled.
“We're back, Jackey.”
He glanced at him with amusement.
“So… Already finished with your... adventure?”
Jackey puffed out his chest proudly.
“YES! Today was a BLAST!”
He enthusiastically raised three fingers.
“Three brothels visited! HAHAHA!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Hyoren could only shake his head.
“That certainly sounds like you.”
He then looked toward Jackey again.
“Jackey. You're free right now?”
Jackey immediately nodded.
“YES!”
Hyoren smiled.
“Good. Let's head to the backyard. I want to test something.”
He turned toward Arianna.
“Would you mind helping as well?”
Arianna had largely recovered from the earlier excitement. The composed noble lady had completely returned.
She gave a graceful nod.
“Certainly, Leader. I believe you wish to test your newly developed spell.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Exactly.”
Elise smiled warmly.
“Then I'll start preparing dinner.”
She looked toward the three of them.
“You boys… And Arianna. Have fun.”
Hyoren smiled.
“Thanks, Elise.”
The three quietly watched as Elise disappeared into the kitchen.
Then—Without another word—Hyoren, Jackey, and Arianna headed toward the manor's backyard together.
***
The backyard of Wyvern Street Manor was still largely bare. No flowerbeds. No decorations. Only packed earth stretched across the open space.
However, over the past few weeks, it had naturally become the Freedom Party's training ground.
Hyoren and Jackey often sparred here. Sometimes with wooden weapons. Sometimes with real ones. Whenever Hyoren wanted to refine his swordsmanship or practice his footwork, this was where he came.
Hyoren turned toward Arianna.
“Arianna. Unlike learning first-tier magic… We only need to successfully cast the spell once for it to become registered, right?”
Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“That is correct, Leader.”
She folded her hands neatly before her.
“When one first learning an elemental magic skill, the practitioner must repeatedly cast the most basic spell. Only after sufficient understanding is the spell permanently etched into one's mind, and the caster would receive the corresponding magic skill.”
She nodded gracefully.
“However… From the Second Tier onward… The process is different.”
She smiled softly.
“One successful casting is enough. The spell becomes permanently engraved within the caster's magical memory.”
She looked directly at Hyoren.
“That is why magicians choose their spells with great care. Once a spell has been etched into the mind… It cannot simply be removed. Nor can it be replaced.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I understand.”
He smiled.
“Alright. Let's start with my Light Magic.”
He turned toward Jackey.
“Jackey. This spell will increase movement speed. It affects both me and my allies.”
He briefly explained the spell's concept.
Jackey immediately nodded.
“Easy, Big Bro!”
He pointed at Hyoren.
“I stay near! I go ZOOM!”
He pointed away from him.
“I go far! I become normal!”
Hyoren laughed.
Arianna covered her mouth with the back of her hand. She was truly amused with Jackey’s antics
“Ohoho. That is... a surprisingly accurate explanation.”
Hyoren chuckled.
“Yes. That is essentially how it works.”
He walked toward the center of the training yard.
He closed his eyes. Everything around him faded away. He imagined the completed spell.
A perfectly circular field surrounding his body.
A persistent area sustained by his own Aethell. One that he could dismiss at will. Or one that would naturally disappear should his Aethell reserves become exhausted. Within that field. Both he and his allies would receive enhanced speed.
The image gradually became clearer.
Then, he pictured the completed runic array. Light. Endow. Area. Speed. Self. Allies.
Again. And again. Until every rune became vivid within his mind.
Finally, his consciousness turned inward.
Toward the Aethell Core deep within his body. He gently guided its flow. Transforming raw Aethell into the Light element.
Then, he released it.
His eyes slowly opened.
“Accel Zone.”
A pulse of Light Aethell spread outward.
Soft golden light shimmered across the ground. A perfect circle expanded from beneath his feet. Before stabilizing. Its diameter measured roughly ten meters. The air itself seemed lighter within the glowing field.
At that same moment, a familiar voice echoed within his consciousness—Voice of Aethell.
“Accel Zone — Spell Learned.”
Hyoren looked toward Arianna.
“It worked. Success.”
Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“Congratulations, Leader.”
Hyoren smiled before turning toward Jackey.
“Alright, Jackey. Come over here. Let's see how it performs.”
Jackey eagerly nodded.
“Got it, Big Bro!”
He immediately dashed toward Hyoren. The moment he entered the glowing circle, his eyes lit up.
“WOHOO! I'm faaast!”
Without stopping, he sprinted back outside the circle. His speed immediately returned to normal.
“Nooo… I'm slooow...”
Then he ran back inside.
“Fast!”
Outside again.
“Slow!”
Inside.
“Fast!”
Outside.
“Slow!”
He repeated the process several more times like an excited child discovering a new toy.
Hyoren couldn't help laughing.
Arianna quietly covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho. It would appear Sir Jackey is rather fond of your spell.”
Hyoren chuckled.
“I think that's enough testing.”
He watched Jackey make another lap around him.
“The enhancement feels to be roughly twenty to thirty percent.”
He nodded in satisfaction.
“That is more than enough. Considering it affects every ally inside the area simultaneously.”
Hyoren then began walking across the training yard. The faint golden circle moved together with him. Remaining perfectly centered on his body.
“And… It follows me.”
He observed the spell for another few moments before closing his eyes.
This time, he focused not on the effect, but on his own Aethell consumption.
After several breaths, he slowly reopened his eyes.
“As expected… This spell consumes quite a bit of Aethell. If I keep it active continuously… My reserve would probably be exhausted after about one to two hour.”
Arianna folded her arms thoughtfully.
“That is only to be expected. A persistent area-of-effect spell constantly draws upon the caster's Aethell.”
She smiled softly.
“It also affects multiple allies simultaneously. So naturally, the enhancement granted to each individual is more subtle than a direct single-target buff.”
Hyoren nodded.
“That trade-off is perfectly acceptable.”
He looked at the glowing field surrounding him.
“I'll mainly use this against elite enemies. Or particularly hard battles which we need to give us everything.”
He smiled.
“And more importantly… It activates and deactivates almost instantly. That makes it practical.”
With that, he stopped supplying Light Aethell to the spell. The golden glow surrounding him gradually dimmed. Then quietly disappeared.
Jackey immediately slowed to his normal pace. His shoulders drooped dramatically.
“Nooo… I'm slow again...”
Hyoren burst into laughter.
Even Arianna couldn't suppress a soft giggle.
“Ohoho.”
With Jackey still dramatically slumping his shoulders, he wandered off to the side of the training yard.
Hyoren smiled before turning his attention back to Arianna.
“Alright. Time to test my second spell.”
He reached into his storage bag.
A moment later—Dawn Breaker emerged. The pure white mithril blade reflected Silver Luna's pale light, its runic engravings faintly shimmering beneath the winter sky.
Hyoren slowly raised the sword.
Then, he looked to his left. To his right. Finally, Straight ahead. Yet he hesitated.
Arianna tilted her head slightly, noticing his behavior.
“What is the matter, Leader?”
Hyoren smiled wryly.
“I'm worried about damaging something.”
He glanced toward the neighboring buildings.
“Wyvern Street Manor is surrounded by other buildings. If this spell proves stronger than expected… I'm not confident the walls will stop it.”
Arianna smiled softly.
“In that case… Allow me.”
She stepped several paces forward.
Closing her eyes, she gathered Aethell for only a brief moment. Then gracefully raised one hand.
“Earth Wall.”
A deep rumble echoed through the backyard. The ground trembled. Moments later—a massive wall of stone surged upward from the earth. Standing firmly between the training yard and the neighboring property.
Hyoren looked at it with genuine admiration.
“That's... impressive. It looks incredibly sturdy.”
Jackey's golden eyes immediately sparkled. His tabby cat tail spiraled..
“WHOA! A wall! It just came outta nowhere! Magic!”
Arianna covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho. This is merely a rather ordinary spell, Leader... Sir Jackey.”
She turned back toward Hyoren.
“I intentionally increased its thickness. It should comfortably withstand your spell.”
Hyoren nodded appreciatively.
“Thank you, Arianna.”
He walked several steps backward. Then slowly raised Dawn Breaker. The sword's tip pointed directly toward the towering earth wall.
Hyoren closed his eyes. He pictured the spell.
A broad cone-shaped wave of Dark Aethell. Originating—not from his body—but from the tip of his magical conduit. His sword. Everything within that expanding cone would be struck by Dark Magic.
At the same time, the spell would inflict the Blind curse upon those caught within it.
The runes formed within his mind. Dark. Conduit. Wave. Cone. Curse. Blind.
Again. And again. Until every rune became perfectly clear.
Only then, did Hyoren turn his awareness inward. Toward his Aethell Core. Dark Aethell flowed outward. Traveling through his arm—into Dawn Breaker. The mithril blade faintly glowed as it accepted the flow of Aethell with remarkable efficiency.
The energy naturally gathered at the sword's tip. Waiting. Ready to be released.
Hyoren slowly opened his eyes.
“Shadow Bloom.”
Dark Aethell instantly erupted from Dawn Breaker's tip. Instead of forming a single projectile—it blossomed outward like the petals of a flower. A broad fan-shaped wave swept across the training yard.
The Dark Magic slammed directly into Arianna's Earth Wall.
BOOM!
A dull impact echoed through the backyard.
Cracks immediately spread across the thick stone barrier. A faint black aura lingered over the damaged surface for several moments. Before gradually fading away.
Silence returned.
Then, the familiar Voice of Aethell echoed within Hyoren's mind.
“Shadow Bloom — Spell Learned.”
Jackey immediately jumped in excitement.
“WOAH! What a BOOM! HAHAHA!”
Arianna calmly walked toward the damaged Earth Wall.
She gently rested a hand against one of the cracks, examining the spell's result. After a few moments, she smiled softly.
“The power is... greater than I anticipated.”
She turned toward Hyoren.
“No one would imagine this to be merely a second-tier spell. Ohoho.”
Hyoren looked at the cracked wall again.
“Really?”
Arianna nodded.
“The Conduit rune has made the spell remarkably efficient. Combined with your naturally high Dark Attunement… The result exceeds what one would normally expect from a spell of this tier.”
With another graceful wave of her hand, she quietly dismissed her magic. The towering Earth Wall crumbled back into Aethell. Within moments, nothing remained. The ground became perfectly flat once more, as though the wall had never existed.
Hyoren watched the spectacle with admiration.
“So you can dismiss it whenever you want...”
Jackey's golden eyes grew even wider.
“WOAH! It's gone! It really disappeared!”
He hurried over to where the wall had stood only moments before. Looking left. Then right.
He even stomped on the ground a few times.
“Huh? Nothing! Hahaha!”
Hyoren, meanwhile, ignored Jackey's amazement.
He closed his eyes and carefully sensed the state of his own Aethell reserve. After a brief moment, he nodded to himself.
“As expected… This spell also consumes a considerable amount of Aethell.”
He opened his eyes.
“If I relied on Shadow Bloom alone… I could probably cast it fewer than ten times before exhausting myself.”
He smiled wryly.
“In actual combat… Probably around five casts. I'll still need enough Aethell for other things.”
Arianna rested a finger thoughtfully against her chin. After considering it for a few moments, she slowly nodded.
“That is a reasonable estimate.”
She looked at the runic array Hyoren had memorized.
“I suspect the Conduit rune contributes to the increased consumption. It effectively condenses the function of several ordinary runes into one.”
She smiled.
“So while the spell formally occupies only a second-tier slot… In terms of performance… It may very well rival certain third-tier… Or perhaps even fourth-tier spells.”
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
“No wonder...”
He smiled.
“But that's acceptable. My primary role is still the party's tank. I was never planning to cast this repeatedly.”
Arianna returned a graceful smile.
“That is precisely as it should be, Leader.”
She covered her mouth lightly with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho. Please leave the task of clearing large groups of monsters to me.”
Hyoren's gaze slowly shifted.
Toward Arianna. Then, toward Dawn Breaker resting in his hand.
Finally, His eyes drifted north. Beyond the walls of Akela City. Toward the old quarry. Toward the dungeon.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
A new party member… A new weapon… And two new spells…
Everything they had lacked during their previous expedition, they now possessed.
He quietly tightened his grip around Dawn Breaker's hilt.
Now… We are ready to face the Goblin Ruler… And its army…
His thoughts settled.
Tomorrow… We depart…
A satisfied smile spread across his face.
He gave a small, resolute nod. The Freedom Party possessed every piece of the puzzle they had been missing.
The wall that had once forced them to retreat—was finally ready to be challenged once more.