Chapter 52: Descent into Hedonism

Chapter 52: Descent into Hedonism

Nathan took his time with the door, laboring over the fiendishly complicated enchantment with single-minded focus. It didnt hold the elegance or power of many of the more ancient enchantments he'd interacted with, but it made up for it in sheer bloody-minded paranoia and layers of reinforcing and authenticating enchantments.

He erred on the side of caution in disabling the lock, and was forced to dissolve a chunk of the enchantment with his aura. It was possible that somebody would figure out that it had been disabled by antimagic instead of bypassed with normal mana, but it was the only way to be sure he wasnt going to set off an alarm.

After double- and triple-checking that the security enchantment was properly disabled and the bar had been magically raised, he cautiously pulled the door open.

Wizards Intuition 4 achieved!

Mid-tier Aura Manipulation 6 achieved!

Jeez, that thing was like a swiss watch. Some poor guy probably spent three months putting it together. But it was probably a Giantsrest artisan mage, so I feel more concern for the slave craftsperson that built the door.

Faline was keeping watch, though she was shooting looks at him as he worked. Anxiety was clear on her sculpted face, but it transformed to murderous glee when the door swung open noiselessly. She stepped forward and seemed about to kiss Nathan, but he pulled back and gestured her through the portal.

She murmured softly as she passed, tapping a small makers mark set into the lock. That was an adamant-rated ward. With your Talent, the only target we cannot strike is the Academy itself.

Then they prowled through the door, finding an empty hallway stretching into the building. Doors opened left and right, but they were all closed. Laughter and the clanking of cutlery echoed from deeper in, and Nathan followed Faline as she ghosted down the corridor. He wasnt the target of her stealth skills, knew she was there, and had perception and mental protection skills. She still became a black-robed blur that was hard to focus on.

The hallway opened out into a fancy sitting room well-provisioned with couches. Side tables were well-supplied with fancy bottles full of colored drinks ready to pour into crystal glasses. A few trays held ground herbs Nathan didnt know, and the tray of pipes made their intended use clear. The room looked like it was prepared for later on, when the guests had finished their business and retreated to a more intimate setting for relaxed socializing.

A maid stood statute-like in front of another door leading out of the room. The black blur of Faline closed in and she gave a faint gasp and crumpled.

Nathan winced, crossing the distance to check the fallen woman. She still breathed evenly, and he looked up towards Faline in surprise. He hadnt been expecting her to be merciful.

She twirled an enchanted rod that looked a lot like a taser before it vanished back into her robes. [Sleep] enchantment. Slow to recharge, and must touch bare skin. But the death of a slave may trigger an alarm, and this lays a trail saying that mages were here. Now, stand straight. We are guests, invited to show that the Nails live beyond their archmage.

He nodded. What if there are other Nails present? He pulled in his aura, containing it inside a close radius around his body. Some of the mages here would be able to directly sense mana, and he couldnt have his aura spilling out everywhere.

Faline shrugged offhandedly, her voice dropping to a whisper. Then we represent a different faction of Nails. Only Cala knew all in their ranks, and none will be surprised that they have splintered at her death.

She opened the door, letting in a wave of sound and light. Faline strode authoritatively out onto a second-floor landing, where a small group of mages were huddled around a small table loaded with a small buffet. They were looking out over the balcony at the crowd of mages below, gossiping in anxious whispers.

Nathan recognized Niray dha Norenusk, the young war mage who had pushed to be involved in the decision-making process and been invited to the party as a result. The others with her were all similarly young, and it seemed theyd been taking a break from the politicking of the party. To Nathans eye they looked overwhelmed by the pressure.

They turned as the door opened, jumping at Falines sudden appearance and shrinking slightly under her knowing smile. Their eyes widened as the black robes of the Giantsrest secret police registered. As one the younger mages pulled together to present a united front to the duo.

Faline didnt give the surprised mages time to recover. Wary of placing your hand in the blaze? No surprise, given your lack of value here. You lack power, money and friends. Her attention turned to the crowd below. Friends who matter. You should be down there, seeking patrons. They may be able to protect you from what is coming. Faline snorted slightly, as if amused by a private joke. Then she turned away, making for the staircase with a dismissive wave. Choose wisely.

None of the younger mages said anything in response, though one of them whispered a spell. It was barely audible to Nathans enhanced senses.

[Tracking Mark]

He felt the spell reach towards him and whirled, bringing up his hand in a cutting gesture and pretending to cast a spell of his own. [Dispel]. His antimagic lashed out and shredded the spell, also cracking through the offenders [Mage Armor] like a club through a thin pane of glass. Nathan took an aggressive step towards the clustered mages, a predatory smile on his face as they all shrunk back from the implied threat.

Low-tier Disguise 10 achieved!

Now what? Ive done well acting the part of the thug, but if I need to move beyond threats itll be pretty obvious Im not a mage. Mages dont punch people.

He was glad to feel Falines gentle hand on his shoulder, gentle but restraining. It was accompanied by a low chuckle and a gentle admonishment. We all weave the same color for tonight. Leave the young ones to their schemes. Her gaze refocused on them, icy and threatening. But my indulgence is done. Do not attempt to interfere with the Nails.

With that he and Faline turned and left together, leaving a group of thoroughly cowed young mages behind and descending the sweeping staircase to join the party below. They joined the party in a bubble of silence, moving through an open space as the guests reacted to their robes and scurried out of their path. People avoided their eyes, seeming not to want to give any invitation to talk.

The Nails have cultivated a reputation, I see. Seems fitting to take advantage of it.

A tall, imposing man in a green robe in the center of the next room turned away from his conversation and frowned deeply at their presence, his stately brows coming down in a thunderous expression. The rest of the party went silent and the space between them cleared as he inhaled angrily and addressed them. The Nails show themselves. Cala dha Drex is gone and you look for a new sponsor in my home? I dont know you, but the Nails did not earn themselves an invitation.

He seemed to be working himself up into a fury, and paused to look around the room. Who invited you? What fool brought you into my home? His tone promised disfavor, and nobody responded until his gaze landed back on Faline.

She met his gaze evenly, a slight smile across her sumptuous lips as she gave a measured and respectful dip of her head. Honored mage Nol dho Chokiz. Your party is a place to speak and mingle with the Giants fingers, so that the Giants Nails may know how best to serve the Academy. In this time of Ascension, we seek to know the people who should be known.

Who. Invited. You. The man ground the words out, his face reddening as he stared at Faline.

She tilted her head, as if innocently confused.Nobody. We came on our own. You have a gorgeous estate.

The blood drained from the mans face as quickly as it had come, and he gasped like a beached fish. You stole into my house? Past Adamant wards? But the Nails cant

Falines expression was a work of art, with a warm and friendly smile paired with eyes like sharpened icicles. The bearer of that expression would not start a fight, but she would finish one. We are here to speak and listen, if we are welcome. If we are not...

I suppose she is trying to avoid a fight? It would be pretty obvious we werent Nails if we actually started here. I can probably survive a fight that starts like this, but Im not so sure about Faline. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

Everybody had taken another few steps back, leaving the center of the large room empty. But several mages had moved to flank Nol, ready to act on his command. He looked around and seemed to gather confidence from his supporters, sneering in response. Bah, this is a trick. You disguised yourself as other guests to enter, though you will tell me how you fooled the divination enchantment. He brought his hands up and spoke deliberately to cast a spell.

[Mage Armor]

He cast the spell provocatively, baiting for a reaction. Faline didnt give him one, but the tension in the room ticked upwards. The mages to either side of the enslavement mage mirrored the spell, becoming sheathed in their own protective magic. But Nol wasnt leaping straight to a fight, and he spoke dismissively. Cala was the hand that guided the Nails. Now she is dead, and you pretend more than you have. But I know of your weakness, and here you

Faline interrupted his tirade. Did you think Cala the only power of the Nails? She tipped her hand towards Nathan.

He stepped forward, frantically trying to figure out what to say now that hed been prompted.

The cardinal rule of improv is yes, and. You take what your partner gives you, agree and then add another layer on top of it. So lets do that.

Nathan brought his open hand up between them, palm up. He sneered at Nol and spoke in a grating voice. The Nails have Insights beyond what you know, old man. Insights from the Founders. Then he clenched his fist, and slashed out with his aura. Nols [Mage Armor] shattered, along with that of every other mage who stood with him.

Status of Nathan Lark:

Permanent Talent 1: Aura of Antimagic 9

Permanent Talent 2: Perfected Body 9

Permanent Talent 3: Airwalking 4

Class: Void of Magic level299

Deepened Stamina: 8874/9270

Void of Feeling

Antimagic Momentum

Raging Thrill

Implacable Inertia

Unarmored Resilience

Magic Anathema

Airborne Agility

Hand-to-hand Expertise

Voluminous Aura

Denial of Wizardry

Mana Severance

Class: Magekiller level 139

Regenerative Focus: 1197/1490

Catastrophic Blows

Battle Stealth

Mage Infiltration

Forgettable

Unsuspecting Strike

Antimagic Stealth

Spell Redirection

Lethal Index

Utility skills:

Battle Meditation 10

Inspiration 1

Acceleration 2

Wizard Senses 4

Alertness 5

Wizards Intuition 4

Effortless Dodge 1

Mental Fortress 7

Tutoring 2

High-tier Tumbling 10

High-tier Noticeability 4

Mid-tier Disguise 2

Mid-tier Battle Cry 7

Mid-tier Aura Manipulation 6