After a short conversation with Seraphine-sii, I dismissed myself and headed to the library once more. I know I am supposed to meet the princess here in a while but might as well get some more spells before that level 10 issue. Speaking of levels, I was wondering about the Blood Thirst levels, they only seem to rise when I level up. The notice said something about my body becoming more like that of a resident here, does that mean I will need to feed more often? I also remember that if my Blood Thirst Levels gets too high, I will go temporarily insane.

I may need to warn people, before hand. So far my appearance is that of a sickly elf for better or for worse. I also know that if a person were to get close enough and observe long enough, they will know that my appearance is deceiving at first glance.

I think back to the events of today and yesterday, they are my first two days on campus. The battles were easy, but I don't know if I can take a blow from any of the mages here, what Seraphine-sii said shook me a little, “Usually those in strong magic, have weak bodies.” I felt a tiny shiver run down my spine. I know that I was in a Life Aid area and it would be nearly impossible for me to die, but this world I live in now is very hazardous to my health.

Ah, I promised to join the Blue Order, I know it was a bit impulsive to agree to that, but I had to diffuse the situation somehow. She loosely said that she has a spy network that can follow me around and give her a constant news feed like she was listening to a radio station back on Earth, that is terrifying. I may have put myself in more immediate danger than I know. Oh, well it is good to be young, I can be reckless at times I suppose.

Enough of giving myself excuses for my actions that are in the past, I look at the giant wooden doors again and I quickly focus on the spirits casually floating by, ah these plant like ones are Dryads I believe. I immediately had the thought of using them to alter the wood on these doors, to see if I could, but I dismissed the thought as soon as it emerges. I might get in some big trouble for something like that, instead I just open the doors and walk in.

I glance at the window on the left and notice the sky has a rather pinkish hue, indicating that it is the evening. My thoughts return to Aya, I wonder how everything is doing.

I opened the grimoire strapped to my side and I write down the same summoning circle I used last time, but this time I use Aya's name to summon her. I put the grimoire back in it's resting place and set the piece of paper down on the table while placing both hands on the edge of the paper, pushing my mana into it.

The circle lit with a dim blue glow, and the edges of the paper start to burn away. I look up but I do not see Aya. The paper then caught fire and instantly became a ball of flame that disappeared as quickly as it started, leaving nothing but ash. “You are lucky, sometimes they blow up all together.” I break my gaze from the failed magic circle to see a smallish girl in a blue robes with intricate embroidery to signify her as an Elite Water Mage. “Greeting Jack, I apologize for interrupting your experiment, but I would like to keep this library intact. It seems that the summons failed, they do not wished to be summoned, whatever it is.” She fixed her glasses that just slid back down her nose again.

She turned to walk away, I was about to call out to her and ask her name, but I figured that there would be class introductions in a day or two anyway. So Aya didn't want to be summoned? Now that I think about it, it makes since, she is in the middle of travel and would probably have to start all over again, if I called her back to this place.

I start work on the magic circle once more, though the words I use are; Aya, Friend, Communicate, Mana Currency, and Invisible Person. This time the when the circle shined there wasn't any burning of the paper, but I did notice a constant drain on my mana instead of a bulk purchase. Next I heard the same chirpy voice, that I have come to know as Aya, “Hello Jack. I am glad you used the communication circle. Ha, People only know how to copy circles, no longer do they know how to create them, I hadn't known if you knew the circle or not.”

I smiled at her sighing, I am not sure how this affects her any, but it maybe like when I saw old men complaining about their past glories only being in the past. “How is the progress? Are you getting close?”

The tiny voice scoffed, “Do you have any idea how big this world is? I am pretty small comparatively, even if I wasn't receiving help.”

I laughed, “Comparatively? You are small end of discussion. Anyway you mentioned help?”

“When you've been around as long as I have, you make friends.” she giggled. “Though, I think some are only in it for the possibility of seeing an Ancient Dragon. I had no luck with the Diamond fields, but I have a good feeling with the Mountain of Souls!”

“Mountain of Souls? That sound ominous. Why is it called that?”

“It is translated from the elvish tongue, it was when they discovered huge amounts of soul gems and various mana crystals. It is said to have a guardian.”

I gave this a ponder before I heard grumbling in the background and responding to gleefully, I was about to ask what was happening, but then I could feel the energy of the conversation drop from further grumbles and Aya's response turning into that of somber understanding.

“Is everything fine?”

“There are many rumors of a dragon being on the Mountain of Souls, but the island mountain is overrun by Undead, I cannot go there. Where there are undead walk about, the Shadow Puppets lurk as well. I wouldn't want to be touched by one.” She seemed off the conversation, and continue her conversation with the third party. Suddenly the glowing magic circle burnt away and I could hear Aya no more.

“That language, Old Elvish, right?” I look up to see the girl from earlier just a short distance from me. “I apologize for my rudeness, my name is Hotari Iceshield. I am in the Elite class of mages here, I am to be your future class mate. Perhaps you can teach me some of the magic language, as it would make endeavors much easier. However, I am busy at this moment, so it will have to wait.” As suddenly as she showed up, she exited from the wooden doors of the library. Hmm, that was strange, but I guess she is more forward about her intentions.

Shaking my head to get to focusing, I look toward the massive amount of books. I might start with a history lesson, I kind of wished that I listened to Ray a little more during the wagon ride. I might need another lesson in geography here as well. With this in mind, I went on the hunt for knowledge.

…

I found the books that I needed after hours of looking, I wouldn't be surprised that it was morning already, glancing out the available window, I realized that my suspicions were false, but I have to say that it really felt like it. I set down the three books that I thought might be useful, 'Age of an Empire', 'Eons: As We Rise!', and 'Key Locations, Local Maps'. I reach into my pockets and notice that my stash of writing paper has been depleted. I quickly scan my surroundings and I notice a stack of blank parchments on a nearby table.

I glance in a few directions before I took some of the parchments from the stack to keep as my own. They may be for public use, or I may have committed theft, there was no one to point out my questionable moral choice here. I return to the desk I assembled the books and fish out the quill pen and ink well that I stashed in my pockets. Seriously though, I think everyone has ink stains in their pockets, I guess that is why the mage robes have extra thick pockets.

I set the pen in my right hand and open the book, 'Eons: As We Rise', with my left. I start reading this rather large book and I notice that the wording is very heavy and scholarly like, the type of book that forces its readers to sleep, but I shall prevail!

A few chapters in and it is established that not much is known about the beginning, and it sets up a simple Timeline that gets explained bit by bit each chapter. The known timeline could be broken up into Eras, starting with the Creation Era, then the Chaos Era, the Era of Man, and lastly the current Era, the Era of Power. Each Era is started or ended with an event.

The Creation Era was described roughly like how Aya had described it. 14 out of the 19 deities created the world, 8 became the first of the Immortal Elves, 6 became divine, and the 5 that didn't help at all had turned jealous and became twisted by it.

The Chaos Era started when the Demon Gods materialized in the Mortal Plane. The crisis ended after the Divine Gods had also materialized and fought the Demon Gods. The Era of Man started after the race of man became the betrayal of Allovian Elves to the Common Elves, quickly letting the race of man hold undisputed power in the Silent Continent. The Era of Power started with the Celestial Empire finally ruling over the entirety of the Silent Continent.

I also jotted some notes down about significant events that happened in each era. In the Creation Era, races known as the Immortal Elves, Humans, Allovian Elves, Common Elves, Beastmen, and Xernurochs come to be. The Immortal Elves enslaved the Common and Allovian Elves, they also migrate from the Hidden Continent to the Silent Continent. Beastmen start colonizing the Northern shore of the Silent Continent due to close proximity.

In the Chaos Era, the Divine Gods let themselves be known to the mortal races, establishing a religion. Fallen Elves, sometimes known as Orcs, come to be, many disputes are made with Beastmen with contests of strength, sometimes waging full on war. The Immortal Elves try enslaving the Beastmen and Humans, but met with resistance and a rebellion from their Elven slaves at the same time. Immortal Elves start losing battles. Fallen Elves, and their relatives the Allovian Elves are persecuted, Fallen Elves are pushed toward extinction. Immortal Elves go extinct.

In the Era of Man, the Fallen Elves go extinct. Allovian Elves betray the Common Elves, the Common Elven Kingdoms fall instantly to the races of man and are enslaved with the Allovian Elves by Man. Mankind build their own kingdoms on the Silent Continent, and exterminate the Beastmen on the continent, becoming the only ruling faction on the continent. Beastmen rule the Wild Continent, with only 72 clans left of the original 100, the Common Elves rule the Hidden Continent, sharing the continent with a kingdom of Man. Mankind start their explorations during this Era.

Era of Power saw the height of the Celestial Empire, and it's fall when the the four Demon Gods are summoned and they destroy the Palace, thus fracturing the Empire in two, the only two houses with any claim to the Marble Throne. The Dark Hand of Shadows creates its own country through intrigue and civil wars.

I laid my pen down and shake my hands from the cramping that my hand is currently going through, that was a lot of writing and a lot of notes on the history of this place. After I heard the wooden doors of the library open, I saw three students walk in as the started chatting about something. Why are they up at this hour? I glance toward the window and saw that a bright light illuminated the sky, indicating that dawn had passed long ago.

The man in the simple orange robe started speaking, “Hey, hurry up! The Battles are about to start.” To which the man in the gray robes ran to the table and took the many parchments that were on the table. Upon grabbing the parchments, he hastily ran back toward his group that ushered him out the door again. I guess I can give my hand a break and go view the battles going on.

…

After watching the matches today, I found that I couldn't find Ashley Smith, but I noticed that in one of the battles, a dark brooding man had simultaneously cast many spells at the same time, it was rather odd and amazing to see. I am pretty sure this is another player, though he gave me no other supporting evidence, I just felt it in my gut.

The battle results were called out and I followed the exodus out of the stadium, I then make my way to the Library, and I happened to see Princess Yumari on her way to the Library for the meeting. She was accompanied by her usual guards. It seems she has yet to notice me. “I am only doing this because I feel like we have enough magic knights to accomplish this. My mother is becoming obsessed with regaining the lost territories, if I do this, maybe she will return to her senses and become her kind self once more.”

The female knight that seems to be her right hand, spoke back in response, “Your majesty, if you would forgive me for speaking out, but I have something to say.”

“Come now, we have known each other since I was a child, you do not need to be so formal with me. Speak, what is it you want to say.” She spoke with a kindness.

“I couldn't possibly do that, your highness. I am knight of the Blue Order, I can not talk to my superiors with such casualness. I have concerns with the the lost territories, the territories lost to the Undead Quarter is swarmed with skeletons and zombies, especially the Mountain of Souls.”

“But I must prove my worth to mother, I must reclaim the island mountain. Surely we have enough Magic Knights for this mission.” She sounded desperate. I usually stop eavesdropping when I become conscious of me doing so, but this did concern me, so I listened on as they neared the door to the Library.

“I have concerns for the new recruit as well. Please hear the thoughts of this lowly soldier, just because we meet the standard quota for magic knights to go on these type of missions does not mean they are ready. Most of the squad are only basic mages, and all have no Martial Skills, with the exception of the veteran such as my self. They need training your highness.”

The group stopped just before the door and the princess turned toward the knight, “I realize this Mizo, how long do you think they need training to go on this mission?”

The knight stood there without answering for a moment, “My princess, from a veterans point of view, they would need at least a week of training before they can go on a simple escort mission, this type of mission should only be handled by veterans.”

Yumari seemed to sulk a bit, “I know, I know. But mother has recruited the magic knights from my Blue Order into her own Royal Army, I fear what she might do with the Army expanding like so, and her current state of mind. I will wait a week, make it an intense training that they can learn as much as they can, I will not hear any more about this. This is an order.”

I wasn't in a position to see the knights face, but she just bowed and the group entered the doorway into the Library of Ages. I then resumed walking and entered behind them.

Upon entering, I heard the same greeting the knight gave when we first met, “You are in the presence of the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Lunari, Yumari Lunari.”

I wasn't sure of the proper etiquette, but I gave a bow and stated my name and business, “I am Jack Frost, Elite Mage of the Divinity Academy of Mages, I seek audience with the Princess, Yumari.”

The princess spoke, “Rise, Sir Jack Frost, hero of Iglaku.” When I raised my head, I saw a smile on the princess's face. “I spoke to my adviser, and there is a small change in plans. You will not receive from you squad Captain, but from the General of the Blue Order, and adviser of the Crown Princess of the Lunari Kingdom, General Mizo.” As she introduced her the female knight from earlier stepped forward and gave a short bow. I decided to take a closer look at her face, she had a black hair that had some silver strands mixed in that was put in a tight pony tail. She had green eyes that seemed to have a shine of experience that came with some of the other knights in their company. She had several small scars marked on her face as well, with the biggest one running down the left side.

The princess continued, “Since we are lacking resources, since we are at Divinity, and not the Royal Capital, you will not be receiving the uniform that goes with the title knight. However, since you are in a squad known as the Magic Knights, your robes will suffice as a uniform. You will be given this pendant to let others know of your status.” She proceeded to hand me a silver pendant that was in the shape circle with many semi-circles in varying degrees in a radial pattern. I guess this is the royal crest. I slipped the pendant over my neck and looked back toward the princess. “Your training's intensity will be raised to prepare you for a mission that I believe to be in your skill to complete, but I will have you train with the other knights to polish up your skills.”

I guess fighting multiple rounds of the undead isn't completely beyond my skill, but how would she know this? I gave a nod and she continued. “The original course would have been just after class hours, but given your upcoming mission, you will be training during class, since you are an Elite Mage, and will be joined with the rest of the magic knights after class. You will continue well into the night, until you pass out from exhaustion. Exhaustion collapse will be different between you an others, so don't feel bad if you are the first one down. With this our meeting is adjourned, please meet with the new recruits down in the Life Aid Arena. Serve me well.” With that her knights with the exception of General Mizo accompanied her out of the Library.

When they had left, Mizo asked me a question, “Are you willing to lay down your life for the country?”

“Excuse me?”

She then stepped closer to me and pulled by my shoulders until we were face to face, “I said, are you willing to lay down your life for the country? Answer me, boy.”

I stared at the green eyes that shone with a ferocity, I then replied after I gave some thought to a response, “No. I am in no position that requires this, I will do the best of my abilities and not die in the process. Make no mistake, I will not give up in my endeavors, but I will refuse to die as well.” Mizo stared for a moment longer until her face loosened with some satisfaction and she released me.

“I am glad that you have a somewhat sensible head on your shoulders, I know that you were eavesdropping earlier. I forgive this instance, but I am sure you heard about the Queen?”

“The Queen is recruiting members for her Royal Army and expanding her forces, as if she preparing to attack something or preparing for an attack. Is this right?”

“Indeed, the queen is mustering forces during peace time, it has not gone unnoticed, the Royal Regent of the Solaeum Kingdom has done the same. There has been an increase in shady figures around the castle as well. I fear an all out war is to come soon.”

“Regent? The Solaeum Kingdom is in a regency?”

“ That is unimportant, if you seek matters of the Solaeum Kingdom, ask the other princess, preferably in your spare time.” She started to pace a bit. I won't have any spare time, she forgot about this point, but I guess I can ask about it after the mission. “The Blue Order has been all but completely depleted of knights after the queen recruited and promoted them to the Royal Army. This mission, you are likely to be the most skilled one on it, I can not go, because of my role as General and Adviser. Let us make way for the Life Aid Arena.”