Eseli: “Welcome to the Yellow Academy of Magic in Orchard Hills, Amulet and Orana!”

Orana: “I believe it is time you tell Amulet what you told me yesterday”

Eseli: “Yes, I am sorry-but not sorry, Amulet. It seems like you are long overdue an explanation.”

[You’re damn right!]

[I don’t care]

[Do tell]

[I think I already understand what this is all about]

[So, just who are you Eseli?]

[Are you going to be teaching me magic?!]

[*Remain Silent*]

I feel like all of these options will pretty much lead to the same response, so it doesn’t matter which one I pick? Maybe I shouldn’t pick [I don’t care] because I actually do care. Let’s go with this one…

MC: “Are you going to be teaching me magic?!”

Eseli: “Ho-ho, not so fast Amulet. If you meant right now then I must say It’s still morning, and I am *yawn*, sleepy as you can tell. But, if you truly wish to learn magic under the Master Professor of Enhancement Magic (that’s me!), then I will gladly teach a Divine Spirit!”

MC: “I had a feeling that you’re an adept magician.”

Eseli: “Not merely an “adept magician” … but a professional, master class! Are you surprised to have made an acquaintance with someone as skillful as me?”

This lady-cat sounds way too pleased with herself.

MC: “…”

Eseli: “Ahem… I’ll introduce myself once more in a more adequate fashion, to my new dear friend. My name is simply Eseli, I have no distinct family which I hail from. I used to introduce myself as Eseli of Malus-Severi, but now I am more popularly known (in the magical community) as Eseli the Clear Enhanceress. I was one of the best students at this magical academy, and now I am one of its best practitioners. You do not need to know more than simply that I am a renowned and respected individual here, and a nexus for the students of enhancement magic. You met me on the road (accidentally captured by Marauders) as I was heading to the Holy Temple in the search of meeting Divine Spirits. It was not a cheap journey, not because of the peril, but because of the high-level entry barrier it is for foreigners to enter the Holy Lands. Afterall, if there was not one then the masses would have all stormed to meet and plead for aid from the angels falling from the heavens. As you already know, I wish to be a travelling companion with you, Amulet Pond, because as an individual I have put my trust and curiosity into you…so you best not disappoint! And now, I am back where I have started a week ago. At this place, but now with you who is a Divine Spirit wishing to learn magic…why, how could I deny such a novelty!”

MC: “I’m very glad to have learned about who you are. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now.”

Eseli: “Well, there it is. Let us hurry and get the introductions for this academy underway. I wish this to be over quickly because I need rest! Do you want to hear the short version or the long version?”

MC: “The short version”

Eseli: “Why thank you!... So, the Yellow Academy of Magic is an ancient magical institution located here in Orchard Hills in the foothills near the Hipeak mountain range. It was established by the ancients, we do not know who, but they were likely racially Lumenian like most people here in Orchard Hills, except they probably are the direct ancestors of the mountain folk tribes that populate the barrier between the monsters of the interior mountains and the rest of civilization below the mountains on this western side of the range. History over. Now, what will you be doing here? Normally, even if you are a Divine Spirit, the entry to this academy requires preparation and trial. But you have me, so you do not need to worry about that. After entry, there is only more trials. No official exams except official recognition of skill, unlike those in pointy hats in the Marchdom of Sonder. A large portion of this academy is made up of districts (1/3 of the land). Each district is like its own little school, focusing on a specific style of magic unless you wish to free-fly and do your own practice, then go out to the fields and hills in the south. Do not head far east unless you wish to be chewed on by wolves or any monster which drops down from the mountains. I assume you’ll wish to learn enhancement magic under the very best, me! I will be disappointed if you decide to learn enhancement magic under someone else… *Sigh* Now go! Leave me to my beauty sleep!”

*Eseli bends down and raises her two arms up high as she rises back up. She then quickly pushes Orana, Amulet, May, Krafty, and Wise outside her wizard-like room*

Orana: “It seems like I have found myself as neither the student nor faculty in a training ground for magicians… it feels like a dream, but I know when I’ll wake up the next time I won’t be back in Susana. Oh well, I will head to the inn outside the building and tomorrow I shall also explore this area. Let me know if you’d like cake anytime.”

MC: “Alright, I understand. See you next time Orana”

*Orana leaves the hallway*

Krafty: “So…how do you learn skills, abilities, spells, or whatever in this game? Are we even allowed to?”

WiseMaster667: “Given that we have proceeded this far into the academy after we left Malus-Seversi, I would say, yes we have.”

MC: “That’s cool you guys were able to get in here because one of us were able to”

May: “Nice job Amulet. Without you, I don’t think I would’ve ever convinced Krafty to a part of a game like this.”

Krafty: “May, I’m pretty sure you didn’t even care about wanting to use spells before…so don’t even start!”

May: “Just be grateful that I reminded everyone that we should be in a group party. Imagine if only Amulet entered this place while the rest of us would’ve been stuck back on the road”

Krafty: “I’m pretty sure this group wouldn’t have mattered, right Wise?”

WiseMaster667: “Hmm. It is interesting to think of what kind of things you can get away with…”

Krafty: “Wise??”

WiseMaster667: “Ah, well… in honesty. I cannot tell you the truth since I do not really understand myself. But I would wager that we wouldn’t have gotten passed the second checkpoint when we entered this place without having been in a group with Amulet. So, we are indeed lucky to have May remind us about forming a party before continuing on.”

Krafty: “Traitor!”

May: “Ha. Ha. HA!”

When we arrived at Malus-Seversi, we were immediately put into prison because of a misunderstanding. A moment after just entering the prison, we were set free because Eseli woke up and explained what had happened. Eseli must also have special status in this region because when we soon left the prison, we even sooner practically ran towards the castle that seemed far away when I first saw it from the gates. But it was not long until I immediately met the duke alongside other NPCs who I assume were nobility. The duke primarily spoked to Eseli so it was like a cutscene for me and my friends, but I was part of that conversation for a little bit as well. Afterwards, Eseli told me that she wanted to have a good reason to explain why she returned back home(?) so soon, and so she conveniently used me as a pupil who wanted to study at the magic academy. As it turns out… I do actually want to learn magic. The game probably assumes that most players are going to be using magic anyways, so it makes sense to create an event where the Player as the opportunity to enter one of the magic academies in this game. As WiseMaster667 explained, magic academies are special because they basically allow the player to specialize in using magical powers versus simply learning spells casually in a town. So, if someone wants to me a wizard (me!), they’d probably want to enter one of these academies.

Ever since we finally arrived at this magic academy, I’ve been super excited. Actually, ever since we entered Malus-Seversi. The environment of this area is a lot more alpine than what I saw in the Holy Lands. That’s one thing, but I feel like there are many other reasons. Perhaps it’s because I feel like I’m already on a higher stage in the game, simply because many of the Players on this server are still around the starting area.

Me and my friends have now just left the building where Eseli and her personal room is at. On the outside, this building reminds me of the way the other buildings at the castle town looked like back in Malus-Seversi. They are fairly tall up close but compared to the rest of the castle (specifically the keep), they aren’t that large. These are the buildings that I imagine fantasy nobles live in. So, does that mean Eseli is rich?!

Anyways, besides those few buildings…everything else here at the academy is like a ruin. Literally. What I see is an environment where nature has taken half the area. Districts? What districts?! Eseli, did you mean these little villages? I guess they aren’t exactly villages… but they do remind me of the starter town back at spawn. Between the trees and ruined buildings of what look like medieval monasteries or ancient structures that have fallen to ill repair, there spots around this land that have a bunch of buildings clustered together. I assume these are indeed the ‘districts. Why did I expect a proper academy in a medieval world like this one?

WiseMaster667: “This is a bit of a shocker.”

May: “What is?”

WiseMaster667: “I haven’t been at the Marchdom of Sonder either, but I’ve read posts and seen images posted by other Players who have. To cut to the chase, this place is like a sandwich and the academy at Sonder is like a full course meal.”

May: “Even when you use more ‘normal’ words, your sentences are still just as hard to understand as usual.”

Krafty: “Why is it hard to understand…Maaaay?”

MC: “This doesn’t look like the academy I was imagining”

WiseMaster667: “Yes, but it has its own regional charm. The images I saw of the one in Sonder is very polished and magnificent.”

MC: “While this is calmer and cozier?”

WiseMaster667: “Exactly. I normally don’t care about appearances in games, but many times they obviously serve a purpose in Divine Mortality.”

Krafty: “You know the point?”

WiseMaster667: “Of course. Each magical academy your character can learn magic at is in some ways unique, so stuff like this affects your character’s progression and power.”

Krafty: “I get it!”

MC: “Honestly, I really like calmer and cozier places.”

WiseMaster667: “If I needed to choose based of appearance, then I personally would’ve gone to Sonder instead”

May: “I don’t know about character progression or whatever, but this place doesn’t look super calm to me. Look to the right where my character is point to.”

MC: “Below this slope?”

May: “Yeah, look there is a fight!”

Krafty: “Oh crap!”

I see a bright orange, red, and blue spectacle. I can’t see who it is down below because of the flashing light and because the valley down below isn’t receiving sunlight.

Explosive and cracking sounds are echoing from down below. This is definitely a magical fight!

WiseMaster667: “The way those two people are Players.”

May: “Yeah, they look like human movements instead of an AI’s”

Krafty: “Are they fire mages?”

MC: “I guess you could technically call them that. But those are fire spells, so if we wanted to do that then we’d need to learn a style of magic”

May: “Hey! One of them isn’t actually casting any spell.”

WiseMaster667: “I think either of them are…”

May and Krafty: “What- really?!”

MC: “See, one of them is using a staff. So it’s their staff that’s shooting a fireball.”

May: “What about that guy who is constantly running towards the person using the staff?”

MC: “I bet that’s a battlemage”

May: “They’re battlemages?!?”

MC: “I’m pretty sure, I saw a list of “possible” classes in the game from an online article. Not only is she constantly charging at his opponent, but I think he’s deflecting the fireballs away from himself with his weapon or armor.”

WiseMaster667: “I saw that too. Also, just so everyone knows, there aren’t any actual classes in the game. But because some things obviously are better than others, and some things work well when combined with other things…then there are obviously good strategy builds which you could call a ‘class’.”

Krafty: “Wait- so why does Eseli call herself a Enhanceress? Are Enhancers not an actual class?”

WiseMaster667: “Nope”

Krafty: “Whaaat?! My life has been a lie!”

May: “Relax idiot. You can still be an enhancer, just like how I can call myself a “warrior” just for using a spear.”

MC: “Krafty why do you want to be an enhancer?”

Krafty: “Becau- “

May: “He just really likes Eseli. Lame I know.”

MC: “I thought- “

Krafty: “Stop stop stop! Let’s not talk anymore about this!!!”

For the first time in Divine Mortality, I saw a proper magical fight. Okay, technically while playing the game because I did take sneakily looked at videos from the internet just to spoil myself. Anyways, just before we started to leave, it looks like the ‘battlemage’ Player won since he caught up to the guy with the staff shooting the fireballs and knocked him down.

MC: “Hang on, so those two really where players?”

WiseMaster667: “I’m certain”

MC: “Does that mean the other people we’ve passed by were players too?”

Krafty: “Uh, I saw some Sunmel.”

May: “I saw elves and dwarves around too, like 10 of each.”

MC: “Were all those people also Players?”

WiseMaster667: “Not all of them, but I’d say half”

MC and Krafty: “That’s surprising!”

May and Wise: “Not really, you didn’t notice?”

And here I thought I me and my group were pretty special being at this place. Like- I expected other Players to have already entered this academy before us, but I didn’t think there would be so many other Players here. I guess it make sense, since if you are trying to speed through the game and want to be a magic caster then you’d go to one of the few magic academies there are in the game. Whatever, it’s pointless trying to be the world first in something. I’ll just continue enjoying…this awesome scenery! I haven’t seen the magic academy at Sonder but…look at this light shaft from the sunlight passing through the holes in this cobblestone wall?!

May: “Amulet, let’s go already”

MC: “Right sorry I was just looking at the- “

*Ding! Ding! *

Huh a message? From whom?

Fate-fan?

Oh…

It’s FATE-FAN!

“Hey-yo Amulet Pond! Funny name for a funny little guy. Just joking.

I see you’re online right now, wanna talk now?

It’s been several days since you started playing but you haven’t even bothered to message me once!

Don’t be afraid to chat up with me just because I’m a developer. Developers are people too y’know!

( > _

Remember our deal? If you have time, tell me what you think of the game! Areas of improvement? Or just talk about the game to me because I’m tired of doing actual work, so you’ll do me a service by conveniently helping me “work” semi-officially!

From, Fate-Fan!!!”

…WHY does this simple text message sound like an email??? This looks like an email sent that was sent by an old person trying to stay young and relevant, but instead it’s actually a couple decades behind with that text emoji! Is this because Fate-fan is used to sending business emails all the time? As a level-design developer? Is she actually an old person? I don’t think so…

Oh right, I should stop overreacting.

So, she wants to talk now? But I’m in a party right now. I guess it wouldn’t hurt since we aren’t in a rush anywhere. Plus, we’ve already arrived at the Yellow Academy of Magic, so they can do whatever they want now.

MC: “Hey guys, you go on ahead. Someone sent me a message and I want to talk to them, is that fine?”

May: “Yeah of course”

WiseMaster667: “Certainly go on ahead”

MC: “Should I leave the group party?”

Krafty: “I don’t think we need it anymore to be able to do magic stuff here, but you can stay because whenever I log out and May is online, we are still in our party, and it doesn’t affect anything that I know of.”

May: “Yup, it should be fine.”

MC: “Alright cool. Oh- and don’t sneak up on me by finding me on the minimap!”

May: “Suspiciousssssss.”

Krafty: “Her big sister senses are alerted!”

MC: “Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal! I’ll just be talking to someone on my friends list.”

May: “Here?”

WiseMaster667: ““Not a big deal!” he says…hmmm?”

MC: “Please?”

May: “Fine, just this time. How rude! Leaving us just to go sneak off somewhere!”

Krafty: “Don’t worry Amulet, she’s just playing around”

MC: “Ah okay, well cya guys!”

As I move farther away from them, the proximity of the voice chat diminishes but just before it became silent, I heard:

May: “Krafty…you sound like a criminal covering up for another criminal…what should your punishment be?”

Krafty: “Wait- I- “

Hehe, I think Krafty and May are a funny combo. Maybe I should instead whatever class May is playing right now!

I’m going to go walk up those stairs…and have my character lay down on the rooftop of this collapsed ruined building, it’s mostly flat. With this posture… I can now *stretch* fully relax in my seat with just my headset on and without having to move my VR controllers around.

Okay, I’ll call Fate-fan now.