Book Three Chapter Three: Wiz_Academy Intro

Book Three Chapter Three: Wiz_Academy Intro

It was dusk by the time they set off, the twin suns sinking into the horizon. The Chosen One had been, for him, remarkably on target, deciding to return to hand in the Light Temple item later in exchange for no shopping, and had only insisted on a small detour to drop off several jars full of sand hed somehow acquired.

Mr. Igma had not appeared too pleased with this sale.

As soon as they were outside Cobbletown, the Chosen One summoned his faithful wyvern steed, Scaley-waley. Clambering aboard the permanently bored-looking lizard, he sat back in the saddle and stretched.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

So, he asked Sewer Bard, who was trailing behind somewhat. The Bard sped up a bit, trying to get next to the mounted Hero. You working on any new songs?

Sewer Bard and Definitely Bad Guy exchanged glances. The Chosen Ones mouth downturned slightly as he noticed the moment.

Hey, he said, a hint of sterness in his voice, no secret keeping. We agreed on that. Or, well, she said that and I agreed, he nodded at Qube, who was staring up at the sky, watching some Fire Birds, which means no secrets allowed or else youll make her sad. Is that what you want? You want to make her sad?

I would sooner cut off my own arm than do anything to hurt one as pure as our faithful Healer, Sewer Bard said earnestly. And I intended no deception. Its merely, well, we hadnt discussed the composing of any more songs, or the making of any additional spells.

Definitely Bad Guy lightly scoffed at the two men.

Naturally, I have already considered several different spells that we could develop, he said disdainfully. Unfortunately, it will require additional research to determine how best to combine our various abilities.

So it wasnt just a Light Temple thing? the Chosen One asked. You can straight up just make new spells whenever you want, thatll do whatever?

The Bard and the Mage exchanged looks again.

Hey! the Chosen One said, clicking his fingers. Knock it off! No meaningful glances! Dont make me make a sign!

Why would you need to make a sign? Qube asked, drawn into the conversation despite herself.

So I can point at it whenever they do that, the Chosen One explained as if it was the most obvious thing possible.

Qube wasnt sure if that made sense or not, so she just gave him an Understanding Smile. He winced.

Okay, okay! he said, warding her off. No sign! No sign!

The process is complicated, Definitely Bad Guy admitted. While I have, of course, invented spells in the past, they have always been variations on pre-existing spells. It is only thanks to the Bards ability to weave the components in with the [Sirens Song] that created an entirely new spell.

Sewer Bard pulled his lute off his shoulder and strummed it.

Its part of becoming the most famous Bard in all the lands, he said. Ever since I uncovered the ancient epic saga, I have felt as if I were able to create original, ever more powerful songs. One day, I hope to create a new epic saga, one that will ring out across the ages.

Oh, yeah, you had your own personal quest, didnt you? the Chosen One said. I completely forgot about that.

It has been my lifes ambition, Sewer Bard replied without any hint of anger that the Hero had forgotten something so important to him.

I thought youd gotten the song you wanted, and would kinda just learn some upgraded songs along the way, the Chosen One admitted. I didnt realise it would be ongoing. My bad. Is this what let you figure out how to make totally new song-spells, though?

Yes, Sewer Bard replied, I believe that to be true. Until I have managed to create a new, epic saga, I will continue to search for ways to improve my craft.

The Hero halted just before a blue sphere floating in front of the wall of white. It was a Save Point, one of the ways he could contact the mysterious and terrifying Devs.

After this, he said to Qube, remind me that we need to go check out the Water Temple shops. Those mermaids said theyd have stuff for us. Right now, though, my head feels like its about to split open.

Qube, horrified at the thought of him concealing so much pain from her, was about to [Heal] him, when he touched the Save Point. She instantly closed her mouth. She wasnt sure what would happen if she cast a spell while he was interacting with a Save Point, but she was very sure that she didnt want to find out the hard way.

Shed had enough of a scare the one time shed been touching his shoulder and hed connected with the sphere.

She pushed the memory of that event away, forcing herself to focus on the Chosen One who, as usual, appeared refreshed and revitalised by his contact with the Devs. Hed explained once that time moved differently in the Devs realm, and that he was able to rest there.

The Chosen One rolled his shoulders, and grinned at Definitely Bad Guy.

All right, he said cheerfully, lets see what you got.

Definitely Bad Guy gave the Hero a condescending look, before reaching out to the mists and intoning a series of strange, warped words that refused to stick in Qubes head. A doorway formed out of the moisture, looking nearly identical to the one that guarded Cobbletowns Wizards Tower. Its white eyes searched the party, before focusing on the Mage before it.

Apprentice, it said, a wave of cold, damp mist washing over the group as it spoke. You have returned to complete your training.

Wait, so youre not even a real Wizard? Youre just a student? The Chosen One broke down into laughter.

Chosen One! Qube exclaimed, shocked by the Heros ignorance. Hes not a Wizard, hes a Mage!

The Mage in question ignored the pair of them, instead folding his hands together and bowing to the door.

I have returned, he replied, with his characteristic preciseness.

You would bring outsiders into our domain? the guardian asked scornfully. Qube hadnt been aware that doors could be so judgemental, but she wasnt liking this magical entrance to the Wizards Academys attitude.

Tell him that youre bringing the Chosen One! she ordered Definitely Bad Guy, grabbing one of his sleeves. The Mage stiffened but didnt break eye contact with the door.

I bring the one chosen by the Golden Prophecy, he said. And his companions, he added as an afterthought. We have urgent need of the councils wisdom.

The door seemed to consider this information, before starting to dissolve.

Proceed, it said as it disappeared. Behind it there was a shadowy indentation.

Wait, wait, wait, the Chosen One said before anyone could move. The rest of the party paused, and Qube started frantically scanning the area for threats. The music she could hear was slightly spooky (leaving aside the inherent spookiness that she could now always hear music that seemed to react to the environment around her) but, while unsettling, there was no trace of any battle music.

What do you mean hes not a Wizard? the Chosen One asked Qube, still standing in front of the mystical entrance to untold knowledge. Qube strained against the urge to walk past him and plunge into the shadows. There were mysteries ahead! Magical mysteries!

Oh, its very simple, she said, trying to manoeuvre around him so that his back was to the shadow. If she could get him lined up just right there! Now his back was directly against the shadow entrance. There are different classifications, she continued, taking a step towards the Chosen One.

To her delight, the social urge to keep three steps away from the Hero also worked in reverse! To give her some personal space, the Chosen One took a step backwards, and disappeared into the shadows.

She was a genius!

Filled with glee, she followed him into the unknown.