Department of Dungeon Studies: A Magic Academy LitRPG, page 49
“A lich is a mage who has turned to necromancy to live forever as an undead,” a high-pitched voice near the front of the class answered.
“That’s an undead lich. Not all liches are undead liches.” The professor looked to the back of the class when no one else contributed. “Anyone else?”
Much to Nox’s surprise, it was Lillin who answered. “A lich is a mage that successfully transfers their consciousness and memories into a phylactery. They focus their magic around a central concept while expanding their system into the physical world. This usually involves tying themselves to a demesne, which is no different from a dungeon.”
“Not concise enough,” the professor said. “But Miss Grey’s answer would receive full marks if it were to appear on your final exam. I’d, of course, ask for an example with location and history. But yes. The phylactery reserves the mage’s memories and personality. Whether it’s the same consciousness or not is a whole other debate. Many scholars and mostly philosophers debate whether they’re the same person or a new entity who thinks they were once human. Meanwhile, their mana merges with their demesne. The bigger a lich’s territory and the more inhabitants it has, the greater its power.”
“And they only have the core concept,” the class know-it-all reiterated.
“Yes. The lich will lose all concepts and planets not connected to their central theme. For example, if your core spell set is dedicated to shaping and manipulating stone, your lich magic will only do that to an extraordinary level. Haste, Farsight, or planets dedicated to a summon will all be lost for eternity.”
“What about summoners who become liches?” Nox asked. “How would that work?”
“Theoretically, it doesn’t,” the professor answered. “As far as we know, it’s never been tried. We’ll explore liches, lich dungeons, their history, and the forbidden processes used for the metamorphosis in Intermediate Dungeon Theory. Feel free to read ahead, but it’s a complex topic with thousands of research papers and an advanced course dedicated to the many aspects of this topic. For now, let’s focus on the curriculum. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can start revision lectures. You’ve got two weeks until your final exam, and it won’t be easy.”
Nox wasn’t worried about the final exam. He was confident about the course matter and knew he’d have little trouble passing it. Advancing his delving license further would require passing the course and its intermediate version. The curriculum for it intrigued Nox. Beyond studying liches and magical-beast-run dungeons, they’d also learn about the expert and archon-ranked dungeons around the continent.
Sundarshahar was bound to be in the course matter. After all, it had changed life on the continent over the past eighteen years, causing many blights, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and several mass migrations. The dungeon’s birth was the largest disaster the continent had seen in close to half a century. Lillin also wished to learn about the dungeon and her mother.
Intermediate Mana System Theory further explored binary star systems. Even though Nox knew the chances of him developing one was near impossible—it was an anomalous occurrence—but that didn’t stop them from dreaming. Witnessing Wilson’s magic firsthand filled him with hope. His odds of developing the same magic with a binary system were even lower. Whatever entity he bonded with and dedicated a planet to would contribute to the hypothetical star’s focus.
Ideally, Nox wanted some sort of physical enhancement or crystal growth. While researching mages who manipulated and shaped crystals, he encountered magic that made the little sequential patterns self-replicate and lock into each other. If Nox got his hands on a method of multiplying rare essences, he wouldn’t just make a killing with alchemy but also be a terror in battle.
Alternatively, physical enhancement spells would greatly benefit Nox. He didn’t want defense or strength. Instead, speed, agility, and especially enhanced reflexes would significantly help his archery and general survivability. Haste would help in the department, but it was no match for someone who dedicated their mana system to the cantrip or one of its many variants.
Elyza Tarth was one such mage. If she faced anyone besides Louis in the tournament’s semifinals, she would’ve come out the victor. Queen Mercer probably knew so, too. Nox guessed it was the reason why she decided on the pairings instead of leaving it to the lots. Besides, the image of zipping around Slowed enemies amused Nox. He imagined moving so fast in a Slow field it felt as if time was stopped, and he couldn’t imagine anything more entertaining or pleasing.
Lord Oakheart summoned his daughter and the man courting her—since there was no ring or official ceremony, he didn’t recognize it as an engagement—for dinner. It was customary for a man in his position to dine with the future father-in-law occasionally. Since Annabelle appeared displeased with him, Nox agreed to attend the dinner. Her father would probably be pleased if he didn’t. However, Nox still owed Annabelle.
Their relationship was still in the early days. If Annabelle wanted to return their dynamic to just friends and party members, Nox believed it wouldn’t sting too hard. Even though he liked her and would like things to escalate, the party came first. Annabelle would eventually leave the party, and he’d need to find someone to replace her, but until then, she was an excellent presence. Lord Oakheart would also probably send Wilson or an extra guard for her. Despite the scrutinizing eye, it wasn’t the worst thing ever. He didn’t need to worry about Annabelle, and they got an extra party member who needed no cut or pay.
“I hear business is going well,” Lord Oakheart said as they sat down for dinner.
Fortunately, Annabelle was ready when he arrived. So there was no awkward silent time with her father. They rode the carriage to another restaurant, where the staff seated them at a large table in the center of the room. It wasn’t long before they had wine with names Nox couldn’t pronounce and eating food containing ingredients he didn’t think were inedible.
“We’ve got a great growing client base,” Nox said. “Everyone leaving the city bought out our half stock. The people staying behind during the semester break purchased the rest when they found out I won’t be around.”
“Have you thought about expansion?”
“I was hoping to use Oakheart contacts to find a broker,” Nox said. “I’ve got the necessary capital for expansion. It’s not enough for a shop, but I reckon—I believe it should be enough for a deposit, first and last month’s rent on a new workshop.”
“For large-scale production?” Lord Oakheart asked.
Nox nodded. “We’ve got three products in high demand. I’d like one set up dedicated to the trio and rotate through them as needed. Then another brewing station for my signature recovery pills. And finally, one to a contraceptive we’re developing.”
“A contraceptive? You’re developing a contraceptive?”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Annabelle said.
“It’ll make life better for a whole lot of people,” Nox stated. “Nothing is going to stop people my age from having sex. If they’re unhappy with the consequences, they need to deal with a child, scar their insides, or shell out obnoxious amounts for a healer. My product can change their lives. This won’t just affect the nobility but also regular folk.”
“You’re doing this all wrong,” Lord Oakheart said, frowning. “Marketing this to just young folk is a huge mistake.” He leaned back in his chair and glanced between Nox and his daughter. “Start with their parents and people close to my age. The aristocracy gets frustrated and into the most trouble with their affairs and scandals. It’s how feuds start and people die. If you get them to have it and see the benefits, they’ll have no complaints regarding their children consuming the same. There’s no stopping the inevitable. We might as well make it safe. However, you’ll need to work in something that staves off disease.”
“Thank you for the insight, Lord Oakheart,” Nox said. “I didn’t think of that.” The older man’s input surprised Nox. He expected the older man to turn his nose up at the product. However, as a house deeply invested in alchemy, the Oakhearts were probably more progressive than most other noble families. “Perhaps we could put together a supply contract? Your farms grow most of the ingredients I use for my alchemical bases. Using a regular supplier will ensure my quality doesn’t waver too much, and it will also save me the trouble of dealing with competing alchemists buying out all the products in the market.”
“That can be arranged,” Lord Oakheart said. “Since you’ll be bulk buying, we can provide you a discount, too.”
“Perhaps a hefty one, Father,” Annabelle said. “The greater Nox’s profits, the more money comes back to House Oakheart.”
“No, love. The more money comes back to you. Investing in Noxian Brews was your decision—terrible name, by the way. Until you’re the one in charge of House Oakheart’s finances, anything you make with private investments belongs to you. However, I’d be willing to sell to Noxian Brews at the same discount I offer to close friends and allies.”
“Thank you, Lord Oakheart,” Nox said.
“I still don’t approve of whatever this is,” Lord Oakheart said as he continued eating. “I respect your entrepreneurial spirit and how you’re making your way in life with no familial backing. However, I can’t have my oldest daughter end up with a disinherited and banished son. We work closely with the Trade Empire. I’d rather not befoul our relation with Queen Mercer. I understand there is also friction between you and the Gedges. They’re too powerful a family to have as enemies. Especially when we’re trying to make allies in the Imperium.”
“Father!” Annabelle exclaimed, dropping her fork. “Nox has done nothing—”
“I’m just offering my candor. Enjoy your freedom, my love. You’ll see the truth before long. However, I’m willing to separate business from personal matters. You’re a good economic investment, Nox, just not a social one.”
SIXTY-NINE
OF PROGRESS AND INVESTIGATIONS
Annabelle and Nox’s relationship improved significantly after the dinner, and he struggled to figure out the cause. He expected her to hold on to her resentment and end their tryst. Annabelle had decided to move past the issue, and he couldn’t tell why. Much to his annoyance, it became a topic of discussion in the apartment.
“I bet it’s because her father disapproves of the relationship,” Lillin said. “That seems to be the case in a lot of my books. Girls always go for the man their father doesn’t like. The more he disapproves of the relationship, the more she wants it. They don’t even care that it’s bad for them.”
“I’m sure that mostly happens in your books,” Vys said. “It might be more a case of you winning Lord Oakheart’s respect. He might disapprove of the relationship, but it sounds like he respects your business acumen and alchemical skill. A trade contract with House Oakheart is quite an accomplishment.”
“Annabelle says I’m paying thirty percent less than the standard bulk rates,” Nox added. “That’s no small amount. Lord Oakheart especially sounded pleased with the contraceptive idea. The product is almost ready, I think. Let’s wait until the next semester to ensure there are no side effects. Then we can present it to the market.”
“Stop trying to change the subject.” Lillin smacked Nox’s shoulder. She put on a lousy farm girl accent as she continued. “We’re more interested in how you managed to bed a noble lass. I don’t care why her esteemed da is willing to turn a blind eye.”
“Can we just talk about something else?” Nox asked, but no one paid attention to him. Frustrated, he returned to simultaneously preparing two concoctions off the adept list.
“It’s because our lovely Nox was there for her,” Pudge said. “Annabelle gave the sweet lad the cold shoulder for a week. To be fair, he deserved worse. Our lovely noble lass begged him to stay and not leave her with Ernest and Wilson, yet he went off with another beautiful woman. Most girls I know would drop a man for less. Anyway, Nox didn’t let that affect his promise to the young lady. She needed him to put on a show for her father, and he went even if it meant the end of their affair. That’s enough to win a maiden’s heart and open her legs.”
The group’s debate went on for quite a while longer. Nox begged them to leave his workshop, but his words fell on deaf ears. Despite his protests, he didn’t mind as much as he claimed. Their presence and banter felt nice. He felt appreciated and loved. They took a genuine interest in his life and weren’t even family. He never thought there was more to life than his ambitions. Now, Nox had people he cared about and would risk his life for, and he liked to think they’d do the same for him.
The final week before exams was more relaxed for Nox than most people. Not everyone had availed of early pass options like him. While everyone was stressed over multiple exams, project deadlines, and more, he brewed, practiced Shaping, and studied for the Intermediate Mana System Theory paper. The advanced course was optional for any delving licenses, and Nox didn’t plan on taking it. However, he felt compelled to shoot for a high mark on the exam. The subject matter intrigued him. He especially enjoyed the study of essences and foci. Binary Star Systems were fun to dream about, but Nox knew it was well outside of his reach. Statistically, he was more likely to encounter a cosmic or primordial entity and end up a pact warlock.
Meanwhile, he started spending most nights at Annabelle’s. She had taken him home after dinner with her father, and they had slept together. Since then, they had met for meals every evening and then either spent time together in his workshop, the library, or the training rooms before returning to her apartment. She had a clawfoot bathtub with a heating enchantment. They’d often have a roll in the hay, have a quick supper, and then soak together before bed.
Nox loved spending time with Annabelle and discovered a form of intimacy he had never encountered before. There was more to their relationship than carnal pleasures. The pair enjoyed holding each other and talking late into the night. Neither of them brought up the swinging pendulum axe over their head that was Lord Oakheart. They both knew that sooner or later, the man would put an end to their relationship, so they spent every evening like it was their last before everything imploded.
The couple walked arm-in-arm around campus and drew many stares. Neither of their identities was secret, nor was the knowledge of how Victor supposedly died. Far too many people believed Nox had a hand in the nobleman’s death. Some called him a vile scoundrel for bedding the sister of the man he killed. Others said Annabelle and Nox planned his murder so they could be together. Many fans of the latter story thought it romantic and also happened to be amongst Noxian Brews’ clientele. Nox and Annabelle didn’t care what the rumor mill had to say and just took pleasure in each other’s company.
The Beginner Dungeon Theory exam came and went. Nox believed he aced the paper. The first half demanded several definitions and dates of historic godfalls. Meanwhile, the second half contained five essay questions, and examinees needed to answer any two.
Having taken an interest in liches and their demesne, Nox had spent several evenings reading up on the topic. The knowledge was fresh in his mind, so he picked it as one of his choices. Nox had intimate knowledge of the second topic. It was about anomalous beasts who broke free of their dungeons and then went on to create or steal a dungeon of their own. The essay questions demanded at least a thousand words or parchment with inch-tall script on both sides. Nox ended up writing a lot more. He asked for more sheets and was among the last to finish the exam.
The best part of exam week wasn’t the lack of crowds and lines in the cafeteria. Instead, it was the lack of Professor Stefann Lorenzo. During the lead-up to the final seven days of the semester, Nox attended the defensive spell class but spent it creating layered barriers in different shapes, thicknesses, and layers. He didn’t interact with the professor, and the older man didn’t speak to him. Nox couldn’t tell what it was, but he sensed an air of undeserved animosity from him. It cemented his decision not to apply for any of his advanced courses. However, he finished the class without burning bridges or as the lesser person. It was a victory in his books, and he slept well at night, not obsessing over the professor’s disdain.
“Just one more exam, and you’re done,” Kris commented when they met up for their final mentor-apprentice meeting for the semester. “How do you feel about your first term at Woodson University?”
“In all honesty? It was far better than I expected. When I agreed to come with you, I thought it would be tedious, but I’d get into dungeons and rifts quicker than with the more traditional methods. Only the latter half of my expectations turned out to be true.” Nox smiled at the older woman, accepting the glass of amber liquor she poured her. It came out of a nicer bottle than her usual beverage. “I’ve made amazing friends, learned a bunch of new things, discovered talents I didn’t know I had, and started a business.” Nox chuckled. “I never thought I’d start a business. I always thought alchemy would pay for my meals and travels between delves. Now, alchemy makes me money so that I can delve without the pursuit of profit. It’s not constraining, and I can use the expeditions to learn and sharpen my skills.”
“I’m glad.” Kris offered Nox a bowl of roasted mixed nuts. He rejected the drinking snack and nursed his beverage while she drained half of hers. “You should be proud of everything you’ve achieved in just four months. I know Mou would tell you the same if she was here. Ascending one’s star from novice to journeyman in that timeframe is unheard of. As far as I know, only warlocks with powerful patrons have achieved such a feat.”
Nox chuckled. “If I had a patron, I wouldn’t have to work as hard as I do.”
“You’re wrong about that. A warlock might give you access to more essences and perhaps a signature conjuration or two, but what you do with them is based on how you develop your mana system. I know warlocks twice your age who’re still on the low end of journeyman after decades of working with their patrons. They might’ve dedicated their time and skill to other pursuits, but that doesn’t change the fact of their stagnation.”
