Spell Weaver [Book 2 Complete]

The Head of Staff's room was past the kitchen and down the hall. Even in the early morning, Edwin was perched at the edge of his chair, scanning the finalized documents on his desk. He traced the lines and felt satisfied with the two most recent purchases that he had made for Master Moore. In truth, he had had most of the property sales already waiting in their final state, simply waiting for approval.

Two small windows at the back of the room gave a pleasant view of the backyard and now-empty training area. Beams of morning light splashed against the nearby wall as he tapped his finger on the paper.

Edwin couldn't help but wonder if he should look at getting a bit of help. With the guaranteed addition of these two properties and the potential for two more soon to follow, he wondered if even his enhanced self could keep up with such a workload or if more staff should be brought in on retainer.

In the background, a video played from his half-closed laptop, playing a live podcast segment filled with anxious energy. The main speaker was currently rereading the martial law declaration for the third time, though the reactions seemed no less subdued.

The secondary host chuckled nervously and attempted to make a joke that fell quite flat. They suggested a new life as a farmer might provide safety from the increasing chaos in the Safe Zones. However, they realized that the potential for actual monster attacks from broken Rifts would spell almost certain death for the unawakened.

Edwin couldn't share in the fake laughter.

He could feel the tension rising. With an announcement like this and such strict measures being enforced within all the Safe Zones, many people would prefer to take their chances in the wilds. To him, people flooding out from the Safe Zone and into the surrounding countryside meant it was a potential problem for him.

It was certainly a bad time for Master Moore and his companions to be away. The one consolation was that he had taken the time to approve the hiring of two guards for the mansion, who had only just begun to get settled in the previous night.

He turned off the podcast and felt that the odd sense of tension that followed was more relaxing than reading a declaration on curfews, checkpoints, and regulations.

He stood, moved to the mirror, and began putting on his work attire. As he did so, Edwin couldn't help but admire the changes in his physique. Even as he buttoned his vest, he could feel the difference in the muscles of his stomach and chest, which had previously turned flabby and soft in his old age. It made him thankful each morning to Master Moore and the opportunities that the system brought with it, and its integration. He considered his newfound strength and how much easier it had made each and every day, bringing a brightness back to the work he loved so much.

Taking a deep breath, he stretched from left to right with his arms over his head before releasing it explosively. Adjusting his clothes again, he studied his reflection and pushed aside the worry as it crept back in.

Master Moore and his friends had been gone for a full day now, though he knew that to them, it would have felt closer to eight days having passed. He hoped they were safe and resolved to have the estate as prepared as possible for his return.

Before stepping out of his room, Edwin pulled up his status screen to see the changes that had taken place over the last two months since awakening in the Rift.