Chapter 473: Testing the Staff and Testing the Nerve

Chapter 473: Testing the Staff and Testing the Nerve

Curious students paused their combat practice, watching as Alex used his staff for the first time. Calling on the Mark, he guided his mana through the fibres of powerful crystal and mana-infused wood, finding each control faster and with more precision.

He conjured elementals, devil-vipers, hell boars and flicker dogs in small packs. Elemental beetle swarms appeared in such great numbers that their buzzing dronedthroughout the stadium. In mere heartbeats, with staff firmly in hand, the young wizard conjured an army that would have normally taken him minutes to call if hed been casting summoning spells while fighting the Marks customary interference.

He also discovered that the inner powerthat strange magic that solidified his connection to other planesworked just as well when he conjured through his staff than when he didnt.

Makes sense that it would, he said to himself as he summoned a small pack of hellhounds with little more than a quick flick of mana, and his wrist. It helps me when someone else casts a teleportation spell on me, so why wouldnt it help me use that type of magic through a staff.

Fatherwhat about protecting yourself? Claygon asked.

Oh, this staff can do that too. Take a look.

He waved the staff, getting a little creative.

Within, he split his mana into two streams, using them to reach two controls at once. Power flaredbut mana only poured into one control.

A familiar spell manifested before him: force shield, a much thicker one than hed ever conjured himself, veritably humming with power.

Awww, he said. Well, I didnt expect Id be able to conjure two sets of magic at oncebut maybe if I hit one control after another one real fastthatll be something to test later. And speaking of tests!

He turned to Claygon.

Hey Claygon, could you do me a favour?

Whatis itfather?

I want you to hit me. Well, no! Wait, dont hit me, if you do, Ill turn to paste. I want you to hit my shield.

Yesfather.

Claygon brought his fist back, then slammed it into the shield.

Alex watched with bated breath asthe shield was instantly shattered.

Ibroke itfather Claygon said, a note of pride coming through their link.

Yeah, yeah that you did. You did wellbut I guess that was a bit of a poor test, Alex admitted. Too much power would shatter any shield. I have a better idea.

Through his staff, he conjured another shield, then turned to his summoned creatures. I want you to attack this shield with everything youve got, he switched languages for each different creature. Well, not everything! Physical attacks only, please!

The shield rose, inviting his summoned monsters to test it, and with all the enthusiasm they could muster, they didnt hold back, rushing in, snarling, biting, tearing and mauling the force spell.

Hellhounds, viper-devils, elemental beetles and hell-boars charged, ramming the shield with full force. Terrible crashes resounded through the stadium, drawing attention from curious students, but Alextoo busy watching the assault on the shieldpaid them no mind.

Yesss! Its stronger than my other ones. It whipped around, facing his summons. And it even responds faster. This is good. Real good. And nowoh wait, all of you! You can stop now!

One by one, he switched languages, calling off his summoned army, then once again, reached into the staff with his mana.

It touched a control and power raced through crystal and wood; crimson lighttinged with other huespoured from the staff, enwrapping his body in a flexible mesh of force magic.

With a flash of light, it disappeared.

What wasthatfather? Claygon asked.

Greater force armour, Alex said excitedly. One of the best pieces of protection magic you can have. But we wont know how tough it is until I test it out.

He turned to a nearby hellhound, speaking to it in a tongue of devils. Would you mind biting my arm?

Alex presented his arm to the creature, it didnt hesitate. With malicious gleeas is within the nature of devilsthe hellhound chomped down on his armimmediately recoiling, yelping when its fangs simply glanced off steely force magic.

Well, theres an idea, but I dont think hedwait Alex paused, giving his golem a suspicious look. Are you suggesting that because he punched me?

The golem stared at him for a long moment, then slowly looked away.

By the Traveller, you are! Youve learned how to hold a grudge. Now, remember, alls forgiven between Cedric and me so you shouldnt really hold a grudge for that.

...yesfather

That said! Alex gave him an evil grin. I am very proud of you. As a matter of fact, this is a good teaching moment! On the way home, Ill teach you about a wonderful conceptcalled revenge.

Ilook forward to learningfather Claygon said.

Oh yeah, and this is an important lesson, becauseand dont let anyone tell you any differentwhen used right, revenge is absolutely awesome. But youve got to control it. Youve got to know who you want to take revenge on. I think Baelin might agree with that.

Isee his golem mused. Have you ever taken revenge on anyone before?

Oh, Claygon. A glint of malice shone in Alexs eyes. Let me tell you the tale of McHarris.

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Well, you have been busy, Baelin turned Alexs staff over in his hands. Very busy. Its light reflected in the chancellors goat-like eyes. This is truly a work of art, my young friend. You have done quite well using such fine materials.

Thank you, Alex said, beaming and shifting his weight in the chair.

You are most welcome, I merely am reporting what I see, the ancient wizard said, as the staffs light shone through his office in the Research Castle. I daresay that our young friends will be most impressed. WellDrestra most likely will be, in any case. Hart and Cedric should also appreciate it, but I doubt on the same level as she will.

His eyes twinkled as he handed Alex the staff, then rose to his hooves and rounded the desk. When they see it in action, they will be most impressed.

I can only hope, Alex swallowed and standing, he followed Baelin. Theyll be here soon, wont they?

Indeed, Baelin said. I was told that they entered the fae roads a few short hours ago. No doubt that means theyre almost here. Come, let us gather in the classroom and wait for them. I take it our other hell-raiding friends have already assembled?

Yep, Alex said. Theresa, Brutus, Claygon, Khalik, Najyah, Thundar, Grimloch, and Isolde were heading to the classroom right after breakfast. So they should be there and ready. Im just wondering if I am.

I should think so, Baelin chuckled as he waved a hand at the double doors. They opened in silence. You did, after all, craft a staff so mighty that you could not resist rushing to my office to show me before our briefing even began.

Yeah, well, Alex muttered as they stepped into the hall. Its a damned good staff, but I keep thinking about enemies like Zonon-Inlike the demons we fought. They were tough to beat in our world, so I have to wonder what theyll be like on their own territory.

You should not be wondering. The ancient wizard looked at him critically. You have had quite a bit of time to research your enemy and their location. As such, should you not know exactly what awaits you?

Alex snorted. A Proper Wizard does their research, yeah, but they also have to prepare for surprises. Not everythings in a book, otherwise we wouldnt need these practical lessons in the first place, am I right?

Hah! Baelin clapped him on the shoulder. Thats a good man! It is good to see you are taking on my lessons, even when I try to mislead you. He looked ahead as they strolled down the corridor. You are right to worry, Alex, as long as your emotions do not dull your senses and coordination during battle. A Proper Wizard does not consider themselves invincible unless odds are truly, utterly, and completely in their favour. And even thenI have seen the powerful laid low by a lucky beast-goblin spear due to carelessness.

As he opened the door to the stairs. Cleave to that caution, my young friend, but do not allow it to control you.

Alex took a deep breath. Yeah, that makes sense.

Good, Baelin chuckled darkly. Now, let us proceed with the briefing so we can discuss how well be eviscerating demons. Well, once our guests arrive, that is. HmmmI wonder if Careys made it yet.

Carey? Whats she got to do with this? Alex asked.

Ah, do you remember thatas part of our negotiationswe would be sending teams to aid the Saint while the Heroes were learning alongside us?

Yeah? Alex cocked his head. Then his eyes went wide. WaitCarey volunteered? Shes going into the field? But, shes terrified of monsters!

Indeed, but oftentimes a brush with death can inspire greater fears, or greater courage, Baelin said. And in Careys case? It seems to be the latter. For the present, at least. I only hope that she will be ready for the rigours of what is to come.

Yeah, Alex sighed. Shes not a fighter. Brave or not, I dont know how shell deal with monsters.

Oh, that I am not too worried about. The Saint will be there, and we have sentsignificant forces with her. She will be quite safe, I should think andshe requested the assignmentI would not rob her of agency. No, to me, the risk comes from within. Her faith has been shaken, from my understanding, and now she goes to visit one of the strongest symbols of Uldar within your kingdom. I only hope that her spirit is fortified.