After leaving the shop, I headed towards another one through the back streets. This time, with a notebook with me, I plan to make some new cards.

I see Ducky high up in the sky. It seems that… the girl… Shiina? Well, Alice is doing her job, at least.

After many twist and turns, I finally stopped in front of a weird shop. Compared to all the buildings, it was out of place. It looked like a house from the marshes to the south, moved to the city. I walked over, and knocked the door.

The door flew open, and a gigantic arm appeared, grabbing me and pulling me inside, before the door slammed with a loud bang.

“…So this time it’s giant hands? I’m a little disappointed.”

“Huhuhuhu…” The old lady, the owner of the magical store, also a master in alchemy, chucked, “How was it?”

“The dragon claw was still more effective. I’m sure that if you use it, nobody would ever come to your store, ever.”

“Dragon claw? The one that cut you up and left you crying your eyes out, saying ‘I’m dreaming, I’m dreaming’ over and over until Drax came? I can’t remember already.”

“DIDN’T YOU JUST PERFECTLY DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED THERE AND THEN?”

“Hm, no, I can’t remember at all. Anyways, what are you here for?”

“Damn this old hag.” I muttered to myself, before giving her a reply. “More cards, stones, and your experiment room.”

“New cards? Be careful, you know. You might break yourself one day.” She pulled out a small chest, and opened it, revealing various colored mana stones. “How much do you need?”

“I’m already broken anyways.” I examined a stone. This is good, brittle enough, and the color density is quite high, which means higher element component. “All of them. You can spare all of them, right?”

“That many? Why? It’s 22 gold and 53 silvers, including tax.”

I handed her 2 10-gold pieces and 3 gold coins, “I won’t be returning for a long time, at least. And the cards?”

“It’s in the room. Take care, you know? I’m sure you still remember how broken you ended up last time.”

With a light nod, I carried the small chest into the backroom. In the middle of the room, there was a crystal floating in a pedestal in the middle of the room, and the magic power from the crystal lingered in the room.

The power it is emitting is a uniquie one, called [Damage -> Pain]. It converts all harm into the sense of pain, which makes it safer during dangerous experiments. The pain is artificial though, and it is almost impossible to get used to, and it doesn’t exactly increase the pain resistance of a person, and instead, from personal observations, all pain that I take afterwards are amplified.

Even so, it’s a perfect place for me to try out new magic circles without actually endangering myself.

Spells, in part of the world, are usually casted with 2 ways. The first, made for newbies, is known as Incantations. By chanting the magical words, one can activate a spell with minimal knowledge on how it works. All the spell caster needs to do is to input mana, and their spell is cast. It’s the ideal way to learn spells, and to supplement the next technique.

The other technique is known as imagination. After knowing how the spell works, one can imagine in his brain what he wants his spells to be like. It is much faster, as it is chantless, and more versatile.

For extremely strong spells, pure imagination is impractical, as it drains too much mana as well as mental power. That's why mages usually combine both technique to ease off the brain. This results in a shorter chant but uses a little more mana. This is the common technique for one to cast strong and efficient spells.

There is also an old technique, one that has been outlawed a long time ago, and now only appears in books, known as magical formulas.

It comes in many forms, including magic circles, magic runes and magic codes. There are also much more, but I could only find information on these 3 techniques.

In some forbidden stories, I have read of legendary heroes casting huge spells easily. And with further research, all of them used magical formulas in one form or another. With that revelation, I spent many years researching this, from an age of 11, 2 years before I started adventuring. I was 16 when my first circle, with the spell [Flame spark] worked. Using that as the base, I created and improved on the magic circle drawing techniques.

Due to the minimal records of this technique, I would prefer to say that I’m doing a good job. But the power I have now is nowhere near the epic power the stories depicted. I think that is because I’m not drawing the circles with mana, and instead, is using mana from the mana stones.

Still, it is more versatile and easier to use, even compared to imagination, much less mana drawn circles. It requires a lot of out of combat preparation time though, and with the way I use it, it is hard to maintain my stock of spells.

Today, from looking at Shiina’s ducky, I planned to make some new cards. While I usually focus in Time and Space circles, I can craft magic circles of all types as I know the basic algorithm.

I started drawing a prototype on a piece of paper, the circle base starts first. It is a basic diagram for each spell, and each type of spell has a diagram. Of course, I don’t think know enough to cover all types of spells, but I know the one I needed.

Allow me to explain to all of you how the base circle of the formula is like. The base circle includes a circle and a word, or phrase in the center. Everything else will go around the word, and within the circle.

[Summon]

I want to make it one day that I could just write [サモン] or [召] as a variable instead of a while circle with the word [召] (The first is in Japanese, the second in in Chinese)

Normally, I need to add a second base circle for an element, but since this is a no-element spell, there was no need to.

Following that, I have to add the base variables.

[Mana][Storage][Orb][Float][Track][Caster][Time][Null]

Of course, with a [Mana: Storage] type card, I have to stick a mana crystal onto the card as a mana storage.

Now, for the actual functions.

[Feed][Trigger][Choice]

[Beam][Fast][Track][Enemy]

[Orb][Tiny][Track][Enemy]

[Shard][Float][Multi][Tiny][Explosive][Track][Enemy]

[Contact][Explode]

[Return][Null]

With that, the circle is done. Of course, most of you might not get it, so allow me to explain what this spell does.

This spell, called [Summon: Turret], when activated, creates a floating orb of mana, which is powered by a mana storage, a small crystal. It will follow the caster for as long as the crystal has mana, for an indefinite amount of time. When I feed mana into the circle, it will activate one of the 3 functions, depending on what I choose. The first is a beam attack, which is almost instant, and it tracks an enemy I specify. The next attack is a mana bolt, again, it tracks whichever enemy I want it to hit. The third attack allows it to shoot multiple mana shards out, and it will fly towards an enemy, striking them and exploding. If the orb touches an enemy, it will explode. After the orb runs out, it will disappear.

That’s how the card works. Of course, what I had stated above is in fact the translated form. What is looks like from here is a huge complex diagram that makes no sense even to me if I never did my research.

I copied the circle to a card, and tested it for a bit. I had to put the card over my palm, and when I used it, the circle printed itself on my palm, it would when the spell ends, but for now, it worked as intended, except that I can’t control the location of the orb around me. I fixed that by adding a variable [Movement] [Manual] in the choices of [Feed]. Confirming that there are no other problems, I started making multiple copies of the card.

There are still more new cards, but that’s for later.

I reached the engineer’s guild soon, and, while it was far compared to the castle, it was huge, and beautiful. When I got close to the guild, the street torches and lamps turned into electrical ones, using light bulbs, an invention from a few engineers 2 years back. Compared to torches, it was far brighter, and less dangerous, although it was more prone to breaking.

There were guards in front of the guild. Without an engineer’s, mechanic’s or visitor’s pass, one cannot enter the guild. Of course, with my S rank pass, it wasn’t a problem. There were few who stopped in their tracks when they saw the blue card, but with my small stature, I was able to disappear from them before they could corner me.

I was here today because I needed a few parts that wasn’t available in Elanor’s workshop. Since the guild in Ostmont is the main guild in name, Elanor told me that the supplies I need should be available in the shops here.

Of course, with the government regulating everything, I would only be able to get few items. For example, a D ranked engineer or mechanic can only obtain 5 C ranked parts a week, which will be carried over if one does not get his or her 5 parts of the week, and unlimited D, E and F ranked parts or gears or materials. For me, an S rank, I could get a single L ranked part every month, which will accumulate if I don’t get one for the month, as well as 2 S ranked parts every week, with unlimited A ranked and below parts.

Since, officially, I was an S ranked mechanic for 4 months, I can get 4 S ranked parts.

Of course, they aren’t for free, but luckily Elanor had given me money for this.

I entered the L ranked shop, after showing the guards my pass. Inside, there was a single shopkeeper, with many various parts around.

The shopkeeper, a thin and sickly looking man who was wearing glasses, looked up and smiled. He looked like someone who never went outside, with his pale skin and shaggy appearance, but he didn’t seem to care about it, “Elanor’s kid? I was expecting you, my name is Fron. Fron Thunderclaw, and as you know, I’m the head of the guild at the moment.”

“Erm. Thanks. I need a few parts…”

“Yes, I was told. You can get 4, right? Now…” He left the counter, walking around the store. “Block of manasteel…. Dampener…. Black dragon scale tube… and… a high purity mana concentrator.” He picked out the 4 items I needed, and placed them in front of me, “That’s all, right?”

“It is.” I said, as Alferdo came in, placing the box on the counter. “I also need to lend your personal labs, is that fine?”

“No problem, no problem. Elanor’s kid is definitely subjected to the absolute best treatment.” He flicked a switch, and the store closed instantly. The guards outside, of course, didn’t react at all. After that, he flicked another switch, and one of the cupboards moved, revealing a special workshop behind it. “Go ahead. Remember to show me what you are going to make with that.”

I bowed lightly, and with Alferdo, we entered the workshop. With tools just slightly weaker than Elanor’s personal tools, it would be perfect.

The weapon I’m making is a replica of the ‘Gungnir’. It is a huge artifact that fires a huge mana beam when fired, something like a crossbow, but without the actual bow. (It is a huge, gigantic sniper rifle) It was a mystery for a long time, but Elanor made a tiny version of the weapon, called a hand gun that shoots metal shots, called bullets, and from that, we slowly expanded it.

The Gungnir was an insanely strong weapon, but with the size and weight, it was useless for humans except as a mounted weapon. At the moment, it was on the Ostmont Castle, on a rail to move it around, and is used as a defense.

I started this project 2 years ago, after completing Alferdo. It is supposed to be a weapon similar to the Gungnir, but smaller, lighter, and is possible to carry around. Thanks to Elanor, I got the information that the Gungnir absorbs mana from the surrounding air, but Elanor’s stock of manasteel, the only known metal that can absorb mana, is running out. Not to mention, I need a barrel that can stand the power of the shot, hence I had to come here to get some of the materials.

I have 3 dats, and I plan to make more than the Gungnir replica. Alferdo needs a weapon, and I have an idea for it.

“So, how is it?”

“Nice. I suppose. This is the last card.” I said, pulling out a [Summon: Ultimate] card. “It’s extremely complicated, although its mana cost isn’t that high. At least, the cost to summon it.”

“Will it work?”

“I highly doubt so.” I said, activating the card. It started burning.

And then it exploded in a huge cloud of smoke.

The loud bang caused the people outside to scream and run, and the old hag glared at me, “You knew that would happen!”

“Of course. The circle was so large that it’s impossible to get the order right. To even use such a circle, I would have to simplify the basic formula more. Luckily it was just a minor syntax error. It if was a fatal one, the whole room would have been gone.”

“Ugh, now those shitholes will come over and look over everything! I hope these spells are worth it!”

“Remember, don’t spread it out,” I gave her a warning, before quickly leaving the store, stopping at the entrance as she spoke her final words.

“Heh… I’ll be dead before I could spread it anyways.” She said. Both of us knew that she won’t have much to live. “Good bye, Dusk.”

Without giving a reply, I left.

I returned to the spymaster’s store 3 days later, in the evening. He was still in there, reading through many reports, and the corpse was still a corpse.

“The mission this time is located far north, near the A ranked location. There was a strong illusion magic over the whole area, and when it was dispelled, there was a giant pit, and a pillar in the middle with many holes. It is unknown how the structure was made, imagine a ring that is cut out of the ground. From inside, a rank 9 mana signature was detected, and the mana volume was huge. It could be a dragon, but somehow, they have identified the object as a mana artifact.”

The spymaster sipped on a cup of coffee, “It is probably like the Gungnir, and the nobles and government wants to get their hands on it. Because of the level of the monsters, and the final boss, they decided to use it, for this mission. Our first job is to scout out the monsters and bosses, and possibly cut down their numbers. You will be accompanied with Kim. Remember him?”

“No clue. So, go in, scout, and flee while destroying?”

“Yep. That would be all. Go, Kim is waiting already. He will have additional advise for you.”

With a nod, I quickly left. I jumped up the roof, using a grey [Force] Spell card, and ran over the roofs of the buildings, heading towards the walls. As I got close, I activated another grey card. [Space distortion], which distorted the space around me making me invisible. I gathered mana on my legs, and with the mana, I leapt over the walls, landing in the forest. ()

I ran north, scanning for people and the pit, and dashing through monster ambushes with the spell [Haste: Single].

I reached the pit soon enough thanks to [Haste], and I stopped at the edge, looking down.

There was a huge amount of monsters, almost a whole army worth. I could guess that there are a mix of at least 4 thousand ghouls, orcs, goblins and skeletons. There were also many skeletons hiding in the caves of the middle pillar. They were out of sight, but they were definitely there.

There was also a giant Minotaur patrolling below. It would be at least S ranked, and it seems like it’s the commander of the army. I wonder if the thousand newbies chosen could even beat them.

They would easily beat it if Shii… calls for Elanor’s , but I’m not sure if Elanor gave her permission for it, or is it even repaired.

The last time Elanor used it, the vessel, machine, mechanical artifact that is used to activate the attack, shattered into pieces after one use. (It’s a satellite) It is very likely that it isn’t repaired, not to mention, if it was used when the nobles are watching over, there will be no doubt that they will try to recreate or capture it. After all, it is a mechanical artifact that rivals the magical artifact we are supposed to capture. (Note that the skill to call the Starfall will be )

“Dusk, is that you?” Someone, who wore a black body suit, and a black mask spoke behind me. His green eyes shone like light in the surrounding darkness, and I knew that he was a Shadow. I removed the [Space Distortion], and he sighed in relief. “Thank god that it really is you. The patrols had gone through like 9 times, and they almost got me twice!

For a shadow, you are pretty lame at hiding.

“Let’s go now.” I handed him a grey card, and both of us activated our cards. Causing both of us to disappear for each other. “Come on.”

We slowly got down the cliff, the Shadow, whose name I can’t remember, climbed down, while I used a [Float] spell to fly down. What a handy spell. We snuck through the monsters, none of them detecting the weird space distortion, entering the pillar through a cave entrance. There was a turn the moment we entered, but no patrols. It was a perfect spot, stuff outside couldn’t see us, yet there are no patrols. Taking this chance, I got the Shadow to create an alcove at the side, where I placed a teleportation receiver.

Honestly, it isn’t a required object for teleportation, but instead of getting the exact coordinates, this was more efficient.

“Done? We better go fast. How long does your spell last?”

“At the very minimum, an hour. More if you power it with mana. Just focus mana on your right hand. The circle will absorb mana naturally if it’s running out.” Since he used his right hand to activate the card, the circle will be on his right hand. As for me who used my left hand, I would have to focus my mana on my left hand.

With that problem settled, we continued going deeper. We quickly navigated through the caves while mapping them down. Occasionally, we would see a few skeletons waiting nearby an exit, but we would just ignore them and move on.

I hope the newbies don’t plan to let the archers stay up the cliff to snipe monsters below. They’ll be in for a nasty surprise.

Actually, they probably will receive the surprise. I doubt any of them had fought enemies that actually used tactics. Naturally, this was considered when they chose the people who would join the raid…

I might need to help them kill most of the skeletons.

After some time, we reached the bottom of the caves, which entered a huge chamber. There is a lizardman inside, and a stairs downwards.

The lizardman is looking directly at us, not turning away to check the other entrances to the chamber.

“He can see us.” The shadow stated the obvious, and I shrugged. That just means that the scouting ends here. With that done, we should move on to the next plan.

“So, deal with the monsters? Can we just destroy everything here?”

“Master advised us not to. If we destroyed the whole place, the assassins would just simply assassinate everyone anyways, and everyone is at the town now, they won’t survive. It’s better to let them start the whole thing, while the people silently evacuate. Not to mention, if we force this wave of adventurers to survive, they might just go and strike us down, by refusing to give the adventurers rewards while pinning all the blame at us. These people were chosen to die, because they won’t help the top dog easily, and we don’t need to give them bonus allies.”

“It will result in many deaths among the beginners though.” I pointed out, but the Shadow shook his head.

“There are many good people among them.” He agreed, but unlike me, he had resolved for their deaths.

I suppose I’m weak like that.

“Let’s just kill the monsters in the act of ‘random magic failure’?”

“Keep it moderate so that the enemy will be strong enough to wipe most of the newbies.”

“I really want to wipe all of them… Here.” I handed him a [Teleport] card, and placed a card on the floor. “You ready?”

“Ok.” He nodded and activated the card, disappearing with a small space distortion. There were chatters heard all around instantly, and I heard monsters rushing over. With that confirmed, I activated the card on the ground, and warped away.

I reappeared at the roof of my home, with the Shadow beside me. We were both facing towards the north. “You missed the explosion. Is there a delay in teleport?”

“Time moves when you move through space anyways. How loud was it?”

“The whole Ostmont would have heard. I hope you didn’t kill too many for them.”

I shrugged, it was just a rank 5 [Mana burn] instead of the rank 9 [Mana Collapse].

“We’ll know soon enough anyways. I’ll be reporting now.”

I waved my hand at his retreating figure, before returning to my room. With that job done, now I only need to continue replenishing my cards.

I’m getting too tired…