Chapter 26 Who's Teaching Who?!

"Kid… wanna learn Magic by any chance?"

The ghost of Archmage Dainsleff couldn't have seemed prouder. He floated there, semi-translucent, blue glowing, and seemingly looking down on the world! Well, until came the foxes…

"Woo! Woo!" The fluffy creatures were already menacingly pouncing on the newcomer!

But as they collided with him… they simply passed right through?! Tongues out in stupefaction, they kept jumping and jumping through the poor ghost curiously.

Talk about shameful! Had he preserved his soul for 500 years only to suffer such humiliation at the paws of silly foxes?! Apparently, yes.

"Pfft— Don't mind them. Archmage Dainsleff, I presume." Jack saved him from the situation, the latter focusing his gaze and studying him once more.

"W-what?!"

The more he observed Jack and the more baffled he felt. What kind of crazy being was this kid?! Why did he feel both like he had divine providence…and was utterly worthless simultaneously?

"Kid, do you perhaps... not have a blessing?"

How had this even happened?! He had somehow managed not to catch the eye of a single deity… even after having learned to speak and use the most primitive of magic by himself? Was this even possible?

But the more he observed the kid, the more baffled he became. This one was a gem, a complete and utter gem! The light in his eyes went from pride to greed.

"You, become my student right now! Together we'll change the fate of Eternia forever! What do you say? All I ask in exchange is that you help me get my body back!"

Jack merely took a second to think about it. Sure, this New Quest would bring its share of trouble for sure… but it was worth it for MAGIC!

"This young one acknowledges, Teacher!" Without hesitation, he flopped to the ground, kowtowing, his forehead solidly banging on the stone floor.

The Ghostly Archmage raised a perplexed brow. "Kid, what are you doing? Why would one ever acknowledge a teacher like that? Who told you such ridiculous stories? Was it this guy?"

He pointed at the "Wise" old man who had been "Teaching" Jack a few words. The poor man was still here, foaming at the mouth and trembling all over, akin to a lamb at a slaughterhouse.

He finally seemed to return to his senses as he slowly raised a trembling finger toward the ghostly Archmage and…. "G-Ghost?!!!!" before tumbling to the ground.

… That was it? What a shining beacon of wits and wisdom this man was! How could he not even handle a little ghostly master? Talk about narrow-minded!

Not only that but… was he having a heart attack?! Jack couldn't sense the sound of the poor old man's heartbeat. In a matter of minutes, he'd be dead.

Jack was instantly presented with a choice:

1. Save the man? He was a fool that had seen too much, was utterly useless to him, and was so old that his death wouldn't even be suspicious.

2. He could also do nothing and wait for time to pass…

There wouldn't be any consequence, only his eternally loyal silly foxes knowing the truth along with his new Teacher. The latter's chuckle made it clear he didn't care either way.

All that Jack wanted was an ordinary life, so he approached the man's body and… stomped as hard as he could on the man's chest!

The sound of ribs breaking was heard, but then.. Ba-dump! Ba-dump! This kick had restarted the old man's heart thanks to the Mana Jack had imbued in it.

"Oh? That's a creative use of Mana, albeit the shittiest one I've ever seen. You really do need my help, in more ways than one!" The Ghost Teacher sighed, slightly disappointed.

As expected of such a young kid, even if he was intelligent for his age, he was still naive. Showing kindness was the fastest way to die! Still, this could very well become a teachable moment.

"Now, why did you bother saving such a useless thing? Do you perhaps think that he'll be grateful?" The Ghost asked, expecting a naive answer…. But instead…

"Whether he lives or dies matters little, but this is an opportunity. Why don't you show me how to handle the problem with magic? You do know how, right?"

Jack's gaze didn't waver in the least, his meaning obvious. If you can't even deal with one old guy, what kind of Archmage are you?

Teachable moment? Who was bloody teaching who?! Was he really telling his new Teacher how to do his job properly? The scariest part was that he was 100% correct.

"Good. Good. Good. Young one, watch and learn!"

The ghostly archmage's glow became even stronger, arcane energy oozing out of his silhouette and burrowing into the unconscious man's head like countless tiny insects!

[Teaching Mode Set to Active!]

[Detecting Mind Altering Nightmare Spell!]

[Caster's Added Note: "Muhaha! How's that, kid!]

[Congratulations! Seen a New Function of the System!]

Jack opened his eyes wide, not wanting to miss any second. It was as if he was watching a 3D movie, even able to see the inside of the target's head!

The old man's brain flashed a couple of times, his body starting to tremble violently. More foam appeared at his mouth, and just as it seemed he'd kick the bucket, he woke up.

"GASP! W-what the heck happened to me?!"

He turned around, suddenly seeing the Ghost nearby…and went unconscious again! Never had Jack seen someone so cowardly before…

"Hehe, that's the effect of my magic. He won't be able to remember anything about today, and he'll go unconscious if anyone tries to access that part of his memory too."

Jack couldn't help but be impressed but suddenly frowned.

"Wait, won't people still know that something happened in the Flame Mansion? What about if they mention your name? Will he go into a coma too?"

"Worry not. As long as I'm merely mentioned in passing, he won't react. As for anything happening here…. This place clearly ain't normal in the first place!"

He pointed at the foxes staring at the scene as if watching a play. Only someone insane would put foxes in charge of a baby!

"True…"

"Anyway, enough of that. We need to do something about that scrawny body of yours. Otherwise, you'll blow yourself up anytime you use real magic rather than tricks."

"Please don't tell me I'll have to wait to grow older," Jack asked, fearing the answer. How many more years of helplessness would he have to go through?

"Pfft— Kid, I'm an Archmage! Defying the laws of the Universe is what we do! Now, you wouldn't know where we can find Magical Catalysts, would you?"

The foxes all rose, their tails happily swatting. They knew what this meant! It was time for another robbery. It was time for FUNNN!

At that moment, even the Archmage felt threatened by their shiny eyes. What the fuck was wrong with those creatures?!

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Jack Bright (Classless)

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BODY 9 (STR 3 / AGI 3 / RES 3)

SOUL 43 ( MAGIC 8 / SENSE 17 / WILL 18)

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(NEW!)

- Say Hello to my Little Friend! (Freed an evil soul!) ????

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[A/N] Hey all, I added a picture channel on discord! Currently, there is a cute fox pic with the other characters soon to appear ^_^v