“Thank you for seeing me us on such short notice.” Max said to the Mage Guild Master, Domic.

“It’s no problem, no problem at all. I take it you are here about your classes. They are starting in the morning, right?” Domic replied after setting down a warm drink similar to tea.

“They are, but that’s not why we are here.” Max gestured to Reep. “Our adventuring team has been unbarred. I was able to teleport to Esmel earlier today, and-“

“Truly? From here to Esmel?”

“Yes, it was a lapse of judgment, I should have tested a closer location but…”

“A mage will always calculate the risks. May I see the spell?” Domic asked with a glimmer in his eye.

“Sure.” Max willed the system box to him. The Flame Devil let out a low whistle.

“Mythic, huh? That’s really something…”

“We were wondering what villages you want me to be able to teleport to. I need to visit them before I can jump between here and there, so the earlier I can map out the locations…” Max said.

“I’ll get you a map, hold on.” Domic stood and searched a small cabinet. He returned with a roll of parchment which he subsequently unrolled and spread over the table. “Here, here, here, uhh here, and here. Five villages. Three to the west and two to the east of Lesterwood. I suggest breaking up visitation into two days. Are you going to take your team? It may be unwise to travel alone.”

“Clammy is out of the city for the moment and we are not one-hundred present sure when she will return back. But Reep has told me of a few of her friends from the volunteer guard and their wish to have practical training so if Shatterwind allows, I’ll take them along also.”

“How many are we talking?” Domic asked.

“Two, maybe three.” Reep answered.

“I see… Can you postpone for a few days? I commissioned a few shaker stones, and I don’t think they are ready yet.”

“Shaker stones?” Max asked.

“A pair of connected stones. One is labeled the ‘child’ and the other the ‘parent’. The child stone can be activated to cause the parent stone to rumble or shake. One way communication.”

“Oh, I see. If the village is attacked, they can notify me.”

“Exactly.” Domic hummed softly. “Alright let’s see. Mondays and Tuesday will be your busiest class days. Thursday not so much, Wednesdays and Friday have a similar schedule.”

Max thought it slightly amused that Domic knew his class schedule, but then again, he was the one who created it.

“Thursday right after your class? Leave Lesterwood by noon. Sound good?” Domic asked.

Max looked to Reep who nodded. “Sounds good Domic. Thanks.”

“The same man as last time. I was- HE was… He was sitting at the tavern’s bar, drinking alone. Hours passed as he sipped and sipped… The tavern was quiet, only a few tables were full, and nobody was loud. Not a somber quiet, however, more like… Like… Everyone already knew every else’s stories. There was no need to talk because there was just nothing to say… The man drank imported Dwarven whiskey, he told the [Bartender] to pour him the ‘good stuff’. Three maybe four drinks in, a man sat on the stool next to me- I mean him- at first, they acted like they didn’t know each other. But as they conversed, it was apparent that the two men knew each other very well. I don’t think I would have noticed that if I wasn’t seeing it through the main man’s perspective…

“Eventually the tavern was closing. ‘Last call’ the [Bartender] yelled, causing the patrons to groan. But not the two men. The other man passed a note to me- I mean him- and left alone. The vision ended as soon as the man returned to the same plain old room as last time. I couldn’t read the note, nor do I have any idea where or who these people are.” Clammy quietly spoke.

“Describe the second man.” Bishop said as he continued writing.

“Beastkin… Maybe cat or tiger… Tall, more fur than normal. Orange and black along with some blonde hairs. I’m not sure, but the dark hairs were really contrasting with his lighter-colored skin. No scars or discerning identifiers. Wore a hat, a big one. Like he was trying to keep the sun off his skin, or fur, rather. Two curved swords on his hip but no callouses on his hands…”

“That’s enough. What else about the tavern. A band, piano, maybe a small stage? Could you tell the temperature? Could you see outside?”

“I could tell that the patrons of the tavern are used to heat, but winter is coming, and a few were now wearing long sleeves. More southern than Lesterwood, I would guess, but more north than the Marshes. What do you think it means, Bishop? Why have I seen this same guy four times now?”

“I… I don’t know. Either he is important in some way or something he does is? Maybe he’s dying or going to kill… He might even walk by someone on the streets, and they would be the true reason you are seeing these visions. Regardless, you are remembering more. That’s good. I think.” Bishop tucked the journal away softly. “I think we should stay a few more days. There is still much of the Mountain for you to see.”

A resounding angry growl sounded from Clammy’s stomach. “Can we get some dinner?”

“Of course.” Bishop said with a deep smile. “Afterwards let’s try and visit the library again. Maybe a different set of [Librarians] are working and they could help us locate more specialized books.”

Since talking with The Prophet, Clammy and Bishop had spent a majority of their time talking with specialized individuals and reading journals and books. The same as they had been doing in Lesterwood, but with an increased reverence. Under the pretext that Clammy was already on the right track in understanding her magic, the two continued through Sky’s Deep’s vast resources. After some lengthy discussion, they finally decided it was best to keep the cataclysm under wraps. It would no one any good knowing, and if what The Prophet said was true, it wouldn’t even come to fruition.

“Before we go, I want you to try again. Slower this time. Take your time, feel your mana…” Bishop said.

“But I’m hungrrrry”

“Then do it correct, so next time it takes less time.” Bishop added a cheeky smile to punctuate his point.

“Uhhg!” It took her a few seconds, but she eventually fell into her Battle Trance. While trances were specially trained for combat, every master knew that they could provide valuable resources and experiences for non-magical techniques. In her case, Clammy was actively trying to feel her divination mana. The concept was poorly researched but as the theory goes, divination works using mana slightly different than normal magical spells such as Fireball. In Fireball’s case, mana floods out of the mana system into the caster’s body and out into a physical manifestation of flame. Divination on the other hand, takes mana from the mana system and integrated it into the body.

The concept was similar to body enhancer classes such as [Iron’s Reincarnation] or the basic [Self Empower], where the class holder uses mana to cause their skin to turn into iron or increase their muscles tenfold. But instead of fueling the body, divination mana locks on to futures and certainties and projects them directly into the brain. With that in mind, Bishop was able to create an experimental training regimen for Clammy using past knowledge and new information they found in books and interviewing others. The first step; feeling the flow of her divination mana.

The longer Clammy stayed in a tranced state, the more her lungs and blood vessels burned. By now, it was a familiar feeling, but painful non the less. She traced her mana as it flowed through her blood, circulating, and eventually fading. She watched as her breath turned misty blue-white as her breathes elongated. She felt her mana system shuddering similar to an overused muscle. As time passed, her knowledge of her own body, her own mana, and her own power was becoming increasingly easier to remember. As Bishop described, the next step would be mapping the differences in her body and mana. Hopefully then she will be able to discern divination mana from her normal gravity mana. But that time was not today, her trance abruptly faded as each breath filled her lungs with fire and her veins with tar. She was at her limit.

Now it was time for the ‘cool down’ portion of trance training. A way for her not to damage her weakened body. It was a slow and arduous next few minutes, as Clammy slowed her breathing by holding in painful lung full of air and slowly releasing them over set intervals. She relaxed her tense body and fully submitted to the pain. Her skin pricked and tingled, but she did not scratch, she did not rub. It would do her no good here, and in the long run could cause serious problems. At this moment she simply was alive. In pain, sure, but alive and actively fighting for herself. Just knowing that, removed all pain that she was in, instead filled her with hope and pride.

Eventually she sat up and focused on Bishop who had just handed her a towel. With dry lips, she spoke. “Sooo, food?”

Congratulations, you have killed four level 53-54 Giant Clamp Nautilus!

You have gained 8,961,668 Experience!

This is getting ridiculous. Max said to Emi through their connection. Why are these enemies not even putting up a fight? Sure, the hydra sort of attacked, but the nautilus? It just sat there and took it.

Safe experience. Emi replied and sent a mental roll of the eyes.

I mean, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy having no challenge and gaining plenty of experience, but I feel I shouldn’t be awarded for killing the weak.

Emi sighed and sent a mental nod.

Crabs and anglers aren’t even worth it anymore and that was the last nautilus. Do we go deeper? Do we investigate the giant scar in the middle of that reef?

Scar had hydra…

So, you want to down the scar? Max asked eyeing the small monster.

Maybe. More challenge. Big experience.

It was Max’s turn to sigh. Alright, we’ll investigate it.

The duo teleported in the general direction of the reef. This iteration of hunting had brought them deeper than they had previously gone. It had been a boring swim until they abruptly stumbled on a nest of nautiluses. Well, maybe nest was a strong word, there was only four. But they were the first enemy that could shrug off barrage of ice spells, their shell proving to simply be too strong. The hydra had protective scales but even they couldn’t match a compacted shell. After two break periods of refilling their mana, Max and Emi were able brute force and kill the cephalopod. An embarrassing win, but the prospect of eight million experience and a level in [Astral Dimensionist] made Max turn a blind eye.

The deep-sea coral reef seemed to be livelier and healthier than before. Schools of small fish and casts of crabs were easily visible against the bright and contrasting backdrop of the illuminating coral. Deeper into cracks and crevices eels and clams made their homes along with barnacles and anemone. As Max investigated, a sweat scented syrup flowed out of a few bright pink branches of coral. It didn’t affect Max or Emi minds, but the effects were clear on the fish lower on the food chain. They swam blindly into the coral only to be collapsed upon by a pseudo mouth.

Venus flytrap coral… You don’t see that every day. Max said.

Faster. Morning is coming. Emi huffed.

Uhg, don’t remind me.

The conclusion Max made was that the hydra was a plague and that killing it allowed the local reef to flourish. Its home, the scar, was also becoming more inhabited. Before no living being would even come near the ledge, but now fish swam all over. The area was free reign and a gold rush of habitable rocks and sand. Prime real estate for any curious creature willing to venture into uncharted territory. But for now, Max and Emi were the curious ones. Without the light from the bioluminescent reef, they chose to descend slower than they would normally.

But, as the pair drifted down, it became very apparent that the artificial ravine has devoid of life. An occasional bone skeleton of a very large fish would appear, stuck on a jagged rock or flat ledge. Until suddenly Max could feel thousands of skeletons. They were only a few dozen meters down when they came onto a wide cave. Inside was the nest of the hydra, that much was apparent. Flesh sucked victims were piled in the corners while a weathered central area was obviously the beast’s bed. Shinny rocks and gems were carefully lined against light bearing… runic crystals?

Max rushed straight to the crystals. This was the first indication of sentient life besides Tiodepth he had found in the infinite ocean. He couldn’t tell much about the runes, not recognizing the pattern or design, but their use was apparent. They were simple mana lights. Much more primitive than the ones he’d seen elsewhere. Maybe older? Maybe created by less advanced civilization? Maybe both? He didn’t know, but with classes starting soon he knew just the person to ask. The teacher Domic deemed difficult. With some luck she’d be able to identify the runes without asking very many questions.

After carving a set of very simple obscuring wards Bishop had taught him, Max removed the aquatic skeletons. A perfect spot for later greater teleportation. He thought as he created a very vivid memory of the cave. Finally, he gathered the gems, shiny rocks, and mana lights. It was time to head back to the real world and get ready for class. Water exploded out as Max and Emi found themselves sitting on a bed in the prepared diving room. Max had come up with that one himself and was oddly proud of the name. Vel woke with a sudden shock but visibly relaxed once she saw the perfect health boy and his bond.

“Hey Vel, I found mana lights in the nest of the hydra we killed last time.” Max said holding out the basketball sized crystal.

“Mana lights? Runes and everything?” Vel asked as Icarus formed besides her.

“Here take a look. From what I was able to tell, they are very inefficient and weak.” Max removed the gems and shiny rocks. “We also found these. They don’t look like anything special.”

Icarus eyed the gems. “Those are just normal gems. Nothing magical about them. Shame, mana gems are worth a lot.” The bird said.

The vivid memory of the water mana crystal he had recently bought and frowned. “What about the rocks?” Max asked.

“Rocks? Max, those are pearls.” Icarus laughed.

“Pearls? Oh. I did think them awfully silky and smooth…”

Vel laughed. “You boy surprise me every day. From creating an artillery modifier spell to teleporting to Esmel, to not recognizing pearls.” She laughed harder.

“Whatever, I’m getting ready for school.” Max huffed, grabbed Emi, and stormed upstairs. Behind him he could hear the cackles of his mentor echoing off the high walls.

In the time it took Max to shower, get dressed, and brush his teeth, Belopi and Celenia had finished making breakfast. It had become a morning ritual for the mother and daughter to cook together for everyone. Since [Druid] training lasted well into the night, breakfast became the only real time the two could spend together. It was only for about an hour, but everyone could plainly see that they were still rather awkward around one another. But they both thought that to be fine. Belopi didn’t want to infringe on her daughter’s new life, and Celenia didn’t want to give her reason to.

Max was given a hefty slice of something akin to gingerbread and a small mountain of butter to smear. Meat was becoming less easy to obtain and grain was becoming rather expensive. It was moments like this that made him wish he knew more about farming and cultivation techniques from Earth. Eventually Reep, Celenia, and Belopi filled the table. Vel was characteristically absent, most likely asleep or out for the day already.

“Celenia, is it possible for Lady Dreamstem to escort you home in the evenings?” Max asked.

“Hmm, if I asked, she probably would. Why?”

“Remember when we were being followed the other day? Well, Iris told us that it was an [Assassin]. The new Guild Master has already promised to handle him, but we can’t be too careful.”

The color drained from both Elves faces. “She most definitely will if I tell her that!” Celenia exclaimed.

“I’ll make sure one of us is available in the evening to walk with Reep. Either me or Vel, at least until Bishop gets back. Also, Belopi you shouldn’t walk with us in the mornings. It’s just too risky.” Max said.

“I… I see.” Belopi said visibly downcast.

“I’m sure Bishop would agree to walk with us when he gets back.” Reep said causing Belopi to perk up a bit.

Soon everyone finished eating and left. The first stop was the primary guard barracks. It was a bit out of the way, but both Max and Celenia didn’t care. And it was very apparent that Emi loved visiting the guards. By now, the small monster was something of an unofficial regular and the two [Guardsmen] always had a treat ready for her. Max was sure they had treats ready for any familiar but chose not to say anything. Today’s treat was a baked biscuit with minced steak and cheese.

Lucky little monster. Max chided through the shared link. Emi’s laughter filled his head.

Today was the first day of the winter class semester and the Mage Guild reflected it. It was by far the most crowded Celenia and Max had ever seen it. Every table was full and every [Receptionist] had a long line formed behind the counter. Patrons tried switching classes, making final payments, asking for directions, or tried to have mistakes fixed. Older members watched along the edges with certain glee, knowing firsthand what those lines were like and how they knew to have everything solved before today. Celenia and Max shared two classes. Intro to Magic and Spell Formations and Creation. But while Max also took a rune and math class, Celenia chose Herbology and Natural Magic as her focus area.

After fighting their way through the crowded lobby, they found the door to Intro to Magic. One of the classes Domic said almost everyone takes. The classroom was an atrium style lecture where seats rose in rows and were angled towards the main stage. They found seats somewhat close to the front and made idle conversation as others trickled in.