Department of Dungeon Studies: A Magic Academy LitRPG, page 36
The more Nox got entangled with the production department, the more he learned about its cutthroat nature. Competing artisans would steal from one another and register patents first, stealing months, if not years, of work. Once something was registered with the United Artisan and Researcher’s Guild, the magically created records became permanent. Nox had heard changing them was near impossible, and the offended artisan would need to rely on local powers to punish the offender and figure out compensation.
Time spent with Annabelle outside of class and training sessions increased considerably. She started dining with Nox in the paupers’ cafeteria. It drew surprised stares from the regulars. People of her social class also shot her surprised looks whenever they saw her exiting or entering the building.
Even though Nox often felt tempted, he didn’t broach romantic topics with the woman. He was just as happy spending time with her. Annabelle had spent most of her life locked in subservient daughter and sister roles. Then Victor forced her into the position of dutiful fiancée. Nox understood that she needed time to be just her. He didn’t have much time for romance due to his schedule and current ambitions anyway. If he got desperate for carnal release, he could always visit the taverns outside of campus. Pudge and Lillin had become close friends and spent time regularly together. They often invited Nox to tag along, but he rejected the offer.
Nox got to know Annabelle on a deeper level. The young noblewoman told him about memories of her late mother, her favorite handmaids and tutors while growing up, and her interests outside of magic. He couldn’t help but feel astonished by her sharp mind and unique view of the world.
Their conversations got him thinking about topics he often pushed to the back of his mind. Nox wondered about how Ratra’s Bow had spent almost two decades in the vault without anyone picking it. Annabelle got him questioning the curious conditions around which Kris approached him with an apprenticeship offer just after his mother exiled him. Annabelle didn’t say the exact words, but she got Nox to question Queen Mercer’s role in everything.
“People in positions of power have to make difficult decisions,” Annabelle told him. “My father occasionally treated me poorly because he knew preferential treatment would draw Victor’s wrath. As the heir, he had backing from the maternal side of the family and our grandparents. Punishing him was always difficult because of the number of people speaking in his defense.
“Then there were times Victor and his loyalists would leave the estate to explore some southern beach or to visit a distant festival. Father and I would end up in the Oakheart castle alone, and he’d display tenderness I didn’t think possible from the stoic Lord Oakheart. It took me forever to figure out the contrast in behavior, but I understand now. He wanted to ensure my life wouldn’t be completely terrible after he was gone. Don’t get me wrong, some of the things he let happen are inexcusable, but he’s human at the end of the day. We almost make as many mistakes as the gods. I’m not telling you to forgive your mother for everything she has done. Just consider it all from another angle.”
The conversation frustrated Nox. It wasn’t because it sounded like Annabelle was defending Queen Mercer. Instead, a lot of what she said sounded plausible. Nox wondered whether his mother had placed Ratra’s Bow in the vault after their private meeting. He questioned the possibility of her sending Kris to meet with him and orchestrating the banishment so Nox could attend Woodson University without any powers in the kingdom protesting. The Mercer and Gedge families despised Nox’s existence, after all. They acted as if he didn’t exist but, in reality, wanted to keep the queen’s firstborn under constant surveillance. Now, as a banished man, he was no threat to the empire’s stability.
Then Nox pushed idle thoughts out of his head, reminding himself of the nearly two decades of negligence. He struggled to believe Queen Mercer cared about him. Mou was the only mother he knew, and he could think of no one better to fill the rule.
FORTY-NINE
A MENTOR’S GUIDANCE
On the first Sixthday of the third month, Kris summoned Nox to her apartment for another mentor-apprentice sit-down. He didn’t think it possible, but her apartment was messier than the first meeting. The professor had several chalkboards littered around her office and living room. Some contained mathematical formulae and spellforms Nox couldn’t begin to understand. Others listed Dungeon Lord cults, businesses, noble houses, and individuals, many of which Nox recognized.
It occurred to Nox that his mentor did more than help with campus security. She used her powerful detection magic to work as a detective, too. Invisibility also allowed the woman to get around unnoticed. Kris never spoke about her magic system or spells, but he theorized she used sound cancellation cantrips and some variant of Farsight to improve her sneaking and information-gathering magic. He often wondered whether her power set suited her for war better than dungeon studies. Then again, Annabelle had taught him that the departments had a lot of overlapping disciplines despite their animosity toward one another.
Light magic intrigued Nox. Dean Woodson shaped and manipulated sunlight and used a unique phenomenon called hardlight for her in-class demonstrations. He didn’t know whether she could focus it for heat blasts and imagined it was too destructive to use in an enclosed classroom full of wooden furniture. Given the speed and flexibility of hard light, he doubted she needed to use sunlight for much else.
Meanwhile, Kris’s use of the essence felt much more delicate and specialized. He was sure she used invisible light. It was too hectic during the Cloud Hunter attack to get a close look, but he was sure she had burned and destroyed tentacles with spells with no visible effects. He only recalled her palms growing red and orange. However, the fight was chaotic, and he was so engrossed in figuring out his new spell it could’ve been his mind playing tricks on him.
“I hear things are going well with Michelle and Ernest?” Kris asked, opening Nox’s mana system journal as they sat down.
“They’re an interesting pair,” Nox replied. “I won’t lie. Ernest gives me the creeps sometimes. I know he is a person like you and me, but his body language and demeanor at times are unnerving, especially when he disappears into his own world. He goes still like a statue, and I’m left wondering if he’s still alive.”
“It’s a result of his consciousness trying to contain the monster parts in his body. Don’t quote me on this. I’m no expert. But there is research claiming that dungeon-born creatures, especially elites and boss-ranked beasts from high-ranking dungeons, can store their memories in their tissues. So if they die and the Dungeon Lord recreates them, everything they learned during their lifetime isn’t lost. The monstrous elements of Ernest’s body may get overexcited during battle and want to expend their energy. Since he can’t let them release them on campus without raising questions, he needs a moment to contain them.”
“I’m not sure if that helps me feel any better. There’s no denying his combat prowess. Michelle is a maelstrom of knowledge in rarely discussed fields, too. The applications of her work beyond necromancy are endless.”
“Careful with that word,” Kris said. “It has far too many negative connotations. I know a phylactery and soul-trapping are involved, but I’d rather everyone call it golemancy. We can’t afford to draw the Imperium’s ire.” Her eyes narrowed. “Life will get difficult for all of us if the Imperian Inquisition insists on increasing their presence in the city. Almost half the disappearances involve their citizens. They’re breathing down our necks already.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
They sat in silence for a while as Kris studied his journal. Several minutes passed before she broke the silence. Nox took the time to investigate the spellforms spread around the study. He noticed she focused a lot more on Manipulation than Shaping. The mathematical formulae made the scribblings harder to follow. Some of the equations and symbols looked alien to Nox. It delved into fields of physics he had never explored.
One alchemist house in the Trade Empire created a handful of specialized brews using variants of invisible light. Unfortunately, they closely protected their secrets. Neither he nor Mou had figured out the recipes or the processes involved. They couldn’t even tell how to produce the same spectrums of light or find the relevant essences. Nox hoped to earn enough of Kris’s trust someday to learn her arcane secrets.
“I’m glad you got Advanced Alchemy out of the way,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “It takes most students multiple semesters to pass the course. I believe this is Vys’s second semester taking it.”
“To be honest, if not for the resulting relationship with Professor Das and the production department, I would’ve called the course a waste of time.”
“That’s precisely why I had you do the module. Connections are everything if you want to rely on alchemy for your income. Professor Das knows a lot of useful people, and a good relationship with the department will get you beneficial rates.”
“Have you made any progress toward your adept qualification?” Kris asked.
Nox shook his head. “I was hoping to save that for after I finished my Shaping Planet. Unless Noxian Brews faces any challenges, I plan to get it all done before the next semester starts.”
“I’m not sure if that’s going to be possible.”
“Why not?” Nox asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Unless I fail to solve the issue with the abductions, I plan to investigate a dungeon leaving blights and poxes in its wake. Since you’re my apprentice, I’d like you to accompany me. Your party is welcome to join me. A lot of delving and your alchemical expertise will prove useful. It should be profitable. I predict you’ll make enough gold to cover a third of your and Lillin’s tuition.”
“I might have to delay expanding Noxian Brews beyond the university, but that sounds excellent. If you embark on such an expedition, I’d love to join you.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Kris closed the mana system journal. “The spell looks ready. Why haven’t you completed your Shaping planet yet?”
“It’s not for a lack of trying.” Nox had prepared for the question, yet he struggled to hide his embarrassment. “I’m not sure what’s wrong. It’s like the spellform refuses to lock. I’ve spent the past three evenings and nights doing nothing but going through the recommended mana exercises to prepare the planetoid. The overlay fits around the mana cage script but then destabilizes the second I try to lock it in place and complete planet formation.”
“The usual exercises?” Kris raised an eyebrow. “Why would you do that? Do you think it’s usual for mages to use such a complicated spellform for their first planet?” She tapped his journal. “This rivals my mana system in complexity, and believe me, that’s saying something. Besides, your conditions are far from ordinary.”
“You mean my scarred magic circuits?” Nox asked.
The professor nodded.
“I didn’t think that would be an issue since I had no trouble with star creation.”
“That only worked because you picked one of the easiest known cantrips. Mostly artisans use it but not as their focus because of how weak it is. Most mages are stupid for not considering the greater applications, but that’s an entirely different story. You would’ve failed miserably if you tried implementing Crystalize Essence in your star from the start.”
“So what do you suggest, Professor?”
“First, tell me why you bothered with this arduous task instead of just making a two-dimensional spellform,” Kris said. “It would’ve made your life so much easier.”
“I want to be able to use each stage individually or modify them without doing the same for the whole spell,” Nox answered. He struggled to figure out the objective of the question. It was basic Spell Weaving logic. “A two-dimensional linear spell means my planet can do just the one thing unless I add moons with modifications.”
“Exactly. You’re using techniques meant to create planets dedicated to two-dimensional spells. This is a complicated foundation and needs appropriate adjustments. On top of which, you can’t use a technique for an intact magic circuit in your condition.”
“I think my channels are healing themselves. My mana zone has grown, and the Sigil of Immunity is helping, too.”
“That’s impossible, Nox,” Kris said. “Mana circuits can’t heal themselves after close to two decades. Your resistance to mana burns only stopped the ongoing damage. Hence the red marks have disappeared from your arms. Your body is growing new channels.”
“How can you be sure?” Nox asked.
“I checked you over for mana burn after the assault. It involved studying your mana circuits with invisible light.” She studied Nox thoughtfully for several long seconds. It appeared as if Kris expected him to come to some realization or make a mental connection. Unfortunately, Nox failed to get whatever conclusion she wanted him to reach. He checked his manameter, hoping to find an answer.
Nox Ratra
Apprentice
Crystalize Essence | Shaping
55/58 | 16/15
Unfortunately, the display gave Nox no answers. “How did you deal with your limitations before evolving your star?”
“Temporary tattoos with aether ink. Moving mana around my arms used to be a challenge. The artificial channels made it easier so I could practice and master my cantrips.”
“You just found the solution.” Kris smiled. “You don’t have the appropriate mana circuits to complete the planet. I doubt you’re willing to wait until your body grows new ones.”
“So, use ink?” Nox thought about everything he had learned during years of studying magic circuits. Circulating mana with the temporary tattoos was beyond uncomfortable. “That’s not going to be cheap.”
“Would you like me to loan you some money? You can pay me back after your next delve. It—”
“That’s fine,” Nox said. “I have more payments coming in today. Thank you. By the way, did you get anywhere with your investigation? Any idea who attacked me?”
“It was your stepbrother,” Kris answered without hesitation. “The evidence is circumstantial and honestly not enough for me to do anything. If we tied him to more crimes, we could have him expelled. Unfortunately, it’s not.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I really am. It’s just how things are.”
“It’s all right. I know how things are.” Nox sighed. “Politics makes everything far too complicated. I can’t wait for the day I can get away from all of this nonsense.”
“No one messes with you when you’re a big delver. You don’t even have to reach archmage. Just hit expert, and the continent’s powers will think twice before bothering you.”
The meeting went on for a while longer. Kris asked Nox about his progress in his theory courses and with Professor Lorenzo. Unlike in his other practical courses, the man still appeared unimpressed. Nox’s progress in defensive magic didn’t impress him. The man claimed the ratio of mental commitment required to the defense provided was abysmal. Nox needed to either make the triangular and dual disc defense more reflexive. Alternatively, Professor Lorenzo demanded he create a more solid defense. Nox expected to get there after completing his Shaping planet.
Overall, Kris appeared pleased with Nox’s development. In fact, she sounded impressed. Nox had started with seven challenging courses and had already completed one. If things went according to plan, he would complete two more soon. If he finished the Shaping Planet in a week, Nox would have five more until the end of the semester. He hoped it was enough time to get a pass from Professor Lorenzo, prepare for the final theory exams, and complete whatever challenge Professor Wolfhammer set for the combat course.
Despite all the challenges along the way, Nox felt hopeful. Even though he didn’t have the destructive power necessary for a damage dealer, he felt accomplished as a mage. The fact that his Spell Weaving and Shaping were well beyond that of his peers left Nox feeling cocky. He was making money, preparing an arsenal for destroying Sundarshahar, and best of all, Nox had friends.
FIFTY
IT’S NICE TO HAVE FRIENDS
It was Seventhday—Nox’s favorite day of the week. It was too early to call it a ritual, but he and his friends met at the eighth-morning bell for breakfast. Initially, it was just Nox, Annabelle, Lillin, and Pudge. Caitlin and Alexander joined them after the assault. They were an excellent addition to the gatherings.
The female half of the Woodson siblings was quiet and only engaged in conversations if someone spoke to her first. Caitlin appeared content just listening to conversations, people-watching, and enjoying her breakfast. Meanwhile, Alexander was as lively as one would expect of a person who summoned squirrels. He was a funny young man and never failed to make the group laugh.
Alexander’s broad range of skills—trap disarming, lockpicking, scouting, information gathering, and entertaining—made him come across like a bard from old adventure novels. He didn’t have much to contribute on the battlefield, but Nox doubted anyone would care. Alexander’s energy alone made him a loveable presence.
Necromancy, the taboo surrounding it, and their traumatic past had made the Beaufort siblings wary of the world. They avoided large gatherings and kept to themselves. Nox expected the pair to reject the offer when he invited them to the Seventhday gatherings. They jumped at the offer.
Nox was no stranger to isolation. He felt guilty when he saw the signs and finally understood their loneliness. Michelle especially appeared desperate for human contact. Ernest wasn’t much of a conversationalist and seemed lost in his own world most of the time. The monster parts in him probably messed with his mind as well. One moment, the giant was laughing and joking with Alexander. The next it looked like he was trying to contain rage or on the verge of tears. Nox guessed his condition made Ernest a poor conversationalist. His presence probably did little to alleviate Michelle’s loneliness.
