Chapter 65: Flame-Touched (2)

Waking up from [Sleep Learning], Rainer had yet to decide which skill he’d purchase first and instead left it for later. He looked over the recent messages he received.

[Arcane Wind’s Ascent has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 4 spell for the first time: Rewarding 60 skill points.]

The massive boost in skill points revealed the difficulty of a level tier 4 spell. Without [Sleep Learning], Rainer couldn’t even imagine how long it would take. But with [Arcane-Wind’s Ascent] he had circumvented the difficulty to a degree.

He guessed the addition of Arcane had pushed the spell to tier 4, without making it fall under the same complexities as other tier 4 spells. After reaching level 10 with [Arcane-Wind’s Ascent], he had spent the rest of the night on auto-pilot. With his increases in attributes and [Arcane Awakening], his ability to level spells increased significantly.

[Arcane Lance has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]

[Arcane Lance Armament has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]

[Arcane-Fire Lance has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]

[Arcane-Fire Lance Armament has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]

[Arcane-Wind Burst has reached level 10]

[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]

Rainer opened his Arcane spellbook. He knew he'd have to create new spells soon.

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[Spellbook: Arcane]

[Tier One: Arcane Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane Candle Flame lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Orb lvl 10/10, Beam of Arcane-Light lvl 10/10]

[Tier Two: Cone of Arcane-Fire lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Bolt Armament lvl 10/10, Spear of Arcane lvl 10/10, Arcane Lance lvl 10/10, Arcane Lance Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Lance lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Lance Armament lvl 10/10, Arcane-Light Lance lvl 1/10, Arcane-Light Lance Armament lvl 1/10, Arcane-Lightning Bolt lvl 10/10, Arcane-Wind Burst lvl 10/10]

[Tier Three: Spear of Holy Arcane-Light lvl 10/10, Spear of Arcane-Fire lvl 10/10, Arcane Combustion lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fireball lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Whip lvl 10/10, Arcane-Fire Breath lvl 10/10, Arcane Blade lvl 10/14, Arcane Bolt of Death lvl 10/10, Arcane-Death Runic Skeleton Raising lvl 1/10]

[Tier Four: Pillar of Arcane-Fire lvl 2/10, Arcane-Wind's Ascent lvl 10/10, Arcane-Lightning Channeling lvl 1/10, Arcane-Deathbolt lvl 4/10, Arcane Spear of Holy Judgement lvl 1/10]

He saw Kara already awake but meditating. He smiled, seeing she still remembered their past conversation. Gently nudging her, she joined him in heading to speak with Charles.

Charles’ office was still in the process of being cleaned. Rainer found Charles in the dining room of the mansion, sitting alone. He had some papers in front of him and noticing the numbers from afar, Rainer assumed it was tax related.

“Charles, good morning,” Rainer said walking into the room.

“Good Morning, Lord Magus,” Charles responded, noting the guards in the room.

“Charles I was hoping you could do me a favor,” Rainer asked. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Before Charles said anything, he pointed towards one of the guards and waved him away. The others understood, and all left the room.

“Of course, Rainer, how may I be of aid?”

“Erik of the Winter’s Guardians. Deceased. I’d like to find his family and give them some money. Enough for them to live the rest of their lives comfortably. If they are in this town, make a note, and have guards make sure people no not to trouble them. Use this,” Rainer said flicking one of his extra [Rings of the Nalmar Knighthood] to Charles, “as payment on my part.”

He didn’t wish to meet them personally. Had Erik not saved Rainer, he may very well have instead been killed by him later.

Rainer didn’t regret his decision. After understanding the difficulty of a dungeon, he knew the group had taken advantage of him, and perhaps Kara for that matter. Were they not as unique, they would have all died together. Leaf understated the difficulty of a dungeon to the naïve Rainer.

“Rainer this…” Charles said after slipping it on and checking its effects, “Is a bit too much for such a favor.”

“It’s fine, consider it another gift then.”

“I shall do my utmost to accomplish this. You should note your future Chef is doing quite well. ” Charles said. After now believing Rainer’s spatial rings were truly from a Dungeon he imagined such a ring was not even in his view. While still grateful, he did not argue further.

Constitution was an interesting attribute for many. How often people die because of an arrow going an inch too deep or live from the alternative. And so, a single point of Constitution could mean the difference of life and death. To an [Archon], a single point of Constitution was just the result of a level.

And this ring which gave 2, along with Vitality and Endurance, was far more valuable than Rainer imagined.

They separated after their goodbyes. Rainer headed back to his room to study some of the information he had yet to read from Nalmar’s Mage Towers.

Elru returned as Rainer, and the party came back to his room. He noted a slightly panicked expression. She had, before him falling asleep for the first time, already left to see if she could find the supposed main force of Goblins.

“You’ve found something?”

“You should come as well; I will lead and explain on the way.”

Rainer nodded and with no disagreement from the rest of the party followed Elru. She kept quiet until they left the earshot of others and into Rainer’s room.

“I believe Kara’s summation was correct. A massive gathering of goblin, orc, and monster….No given their size padding may have only been a side goal. A few groups of Yeti would not be enough to gather a worthy experience gain for this group.”

“Let’s inform Charles and head there ourselves. At worst, I can fly us away. At best, Gunthar’s and Luna’s low levels will no longer be an issue. But…”

Rainer paused. There was a chance upon reporting this news; actions might be taken to collapse the tunnel. In his guess, such a plan already existed. To be enacted for any circumstance. Long before evacuations could be completed, his own included. He knew he could head through the Arachne tunnels, but given their last encounter, he wasn’t sure how much he could trust the previously given warm welcome.

“No, we should see the horde ourselves, first. Causing unnecessary panic may lead to the Kingdom of Mier collapsing the sole safe route south. How far is the horde?”

“By walking, I would take it as a week’s distance. In flight, we can reach there before dark depending how much speed you can hold.”

“Plenty of time for us to see the situation before informing Charles. Let’s go now.”

“Sorcerer, what of the townspeople. If they know ahead of time, then…” Gunthar asked.

“Then someone might panic and close the route early. And Charles is clearly loyal to his country. He rejected two better offers, offers that could save his life in favor his nationality. He’s lucky one offer was free of strings attached,” Rainer sighed, “I don’t know what choice he’ll make. To inform Mier first, or to see the townspeople safe first. Perhaps he even believes the country wouldn’t be willing to abandon any of its people…and by getting the news to Mier he was helping them.”

“The tunnel…” Elru spoke. She had traveled it before, “Is not so easy to collapse. They would have to prepare ahead of time to make sure the goblins couldn’t get through later. Which means they may start collapsing it as soon as the news is confirmed.”

Rainer was a bit confused but soon had some understanding. He remembered how quickly the dungeon town sprung up, and how well built it was. He imagined that the city of Nalmar was not unique as he once thought. It's enchanted strength may have been unique, but not its actual construction. He would only know for sure upon visiting the capital of Mier and the tunnel.

With no more argument, the group followed Elru’s lead, flying directly from the Baron’s mansion. At level 10 now, Rainer easily maintained the flight spell, and if he desired could overtake Elru. The swirling Arcane-Wind far calmer, yet within this calmness the violet wind contained a latent power.

They flew off into the north.

--

Elru entered Rainer’s flight spell at his direction. No longer did the rushing wind prevent conversation.

“So how many were there?”

“Thousands…however their leader may be the greatest issue. He is like Yulia; his mana is touched by fire, however. It is clear he leads them. But…you will see for yourself. Once we are close enough, I can cover you with a Glamour and you may inspect him.”

“Thank you,” Rainer said. Underneath his calm was a growing excitement. He did not discount the possibility of this goblin being the one he learned the magic from. The [Goblin Mage]s spoke of the notes as an inheritance, but that did not mean he was necessarily dead.

The [Arch-Lich] was a Necromancer. No different than a general, that the long past battle of Nalmar and then Rainer stripped of his troops. And once more with Arcane-Death, prevented his artillery, Death Magic. So, this Goblin could be the true first mage of power he faced.

“Tell me when we are only a few miles away, I’ll recover and we’ll walk the rest of the way.”

Hours passed. All but Rainer and Elru sat in meditation, with Luna practicing her new Glamour. Occasionally poking out her head to see if there was anything of interest before returning.

“How did you meet, if you do not mind me asking?” Elru asked a smile on her face seeing the little fairy and her antics.

“She was captured by a group of goblins…They wanted dust. So I killed them,” When lying, Rainer preferred as much truth as possible. And here, there was no reason to lie in this case.

“I’m glad you came in time. Should you ever wish to visit our city, I would be happy to guide you. There is a Fairy Ring not too far from here. It is how I imagine Yulia’s agents reached you in the past,” It was a rare offer. An offer only given due to Rainer’s answers about Luna’s dust.

“I would like that.”

Looking at her earnest expression, Rainer felt slightly bad about mistrusting as much as he did. But such feelings were incomparable with his desire to keep Luna safe.

After a few more minutes of travel, Elru spoke again.

“Here should be good.”

Rainer nodded, descending from the sky. Hearing her, the rest left meditation and prepared to land. Rainer’s mana was at about half capacity. Which, given Gunthar’s new drain on his Mana pool, it would only take around 45 minutes to recover the lost 60 Mana.

This far north the trees seemed to grow in height the farther they went. Rainer noted these reached 4 stories and blocked the view forward. A gentle rise was present as they walked forward, Elru at front.

“From here we can get a good vantage point. They are amassed in a valley at the edge of this forest.”

“What do you plan to do once we are there, Rainer?” Kara asked.

“We’ll gather the information we need. Depending on their forces, I’ll bombard them from afar.”

Kara had already rejoined the party, only Elru was not included. Gunthar was able to keep Luna’s translation skill through Luna using Rainer’s connection to him. She couldn’t change or set the shared skill, but it did not disappear.

Rainer, looking at the shield like symbol faded into his hand, recalled the other methods of forming a party. One was to have a Mage learn the spell from a World Tree Branch; another was the Hunter’s Guild plates.

“The spell from the World Tree, can It share the experience as well?” Rainer asked.

“No,” Elru answered.

Rainer knew how useful to anyone a Fairy would be, even without dust. He couldn’t help but feel it was a shame greed prevented any relationship with Fae for most. Even without the Mana factor, 10 years of life was quite the motivator.

The party was silent as they trudged forward.

After several miles, Elru suddenly turned around.

“From here I’ll cover you in a Glamour,”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Elru reached out and grabbed Rainer’s arm. As they moved forward, they both shimmered and blended into the forest around them. He remained on guard, [Arcane Sight], activated since the start. [Void Detection] in preparation as well lest he needed to make an escape.

Reaching the end of the forest, they both overlooked a small cliff. Rainer saw just what Elru considered massive.

[Jotin, Male, Young Yeti lvl 17]

Hundreds of Yeti roamed. Thousands of wolves dotted the valley and the continued forest in the distance.

[Lupin, Male, Frost Wolf lvl 16]

Large wolves, teeming with a strange Icy Aura lead dozens of the packs.

[Lupin, Male, Ice Wolf Alpha lvl 7]

A monster could not be judged solely on its level, as Rainer experience before. Their classes often took various spots between or above the tiers. With the [Scaled Wyvern] at level 1 being just below the second tier.

In the center, near a large tent, a Goblin and a Wolf stood out the most.

[Lupin, Female, Ice Wolf Queen lvl 9]

[Flame-touched Goblin, Male, [Fire Sage(2nd)lvl 22, Druid(2nd) lvl 9]

Rainer carefully inspected the Goblin with [Arcane Sight] before taking a glance at himself. Just faintly he could see his Arcane-laden Mana within his flesh and blood. But, the Goblin was as if a creature of fire. His entire body intertwined with Magic.

“Breathtaking…” Rainer whispered in amazement. As of now, he had no plans to attack the horde. To fight such a Mage, he knew his current self might not be enough.

Elru was unsure of his meaning. But before she could ask, the atmosphere changed. The [Fire Sage] stared at Rainer, meeting his gaze.

The Goblin grinned in excitement, and erupted in fire, soaring to the sky at an unimaginable speed. [Arcane Sight] showed Rainer the Goblin had seemed to become fire itself.

“Protect them,” Rainer shouted as he shoved Elru back. She nodded and immediately flew toward the group. He would have to trust her in this moment.

Rainer ran to his left, steering clear of his party. As they were now, facing such a mage was not ideal. Without Kara being able to shift into her demon form, he’d rather she stay by Theodore and Elru. And Gunthar had recently switched classes.

“Luna, only heal me when Elru can’t see,” He spoke running through the forest, at the edge of the valley. Several wolves howled seeing his figure. Immediately, [Arcane Awakening] rose to 100%. Violet Runic lines shined across his body and face. His [Overcoat of Arcane Constitution] shined in tandem. Its power increased with Rainer’s now doubled Arcane Attunement.

Suddenly a ball of fire descended in front of him. He jumped back and cast an [Arcane Bolt] immediately into the explosion.

The fire erupted outwards, but Rainer was already beyond its reach. In its center was an unharmed [Fire Sage].

“A fellow Mage, I was looking for some entertainment,” An aged voice spoke. He wore only a simple crimson and black robe. Undisturbed by the icy winds. The hood hid most of his face, but two orange eyes glowed in the darkness, the sun just setting on the horizon.

Rainer looked at him. Based on his own mana, he guessed the Goblin’s mana exceeded 500. The [Arcane Bolt] and its effects were nowhere to be found.

He wasted no time, his Arcane Power draining every second. [Spatial Domain] opened and Rainer leaped forward under a decreased gravity. An [Arcane Lance] formed in his hand.

“Cutting with the formalities then!” The [Fire Sage] turned back to flame again and met Rainer’s charge. A lance of Arcane rang out, charged with power. It passed through the Fire, only weakening slightly and then continuing.

Rainer cast another lance, only to be met with a gout of Fire erupting from the mouth of a now reformed Goblin. He canceled the lance and returned with his own [Arcane-Fire Breath]. It quickly overtook the Goblin’s flame.

A cackle could be heard as the [Fire Sage], once more a ball of Fire, soared into the sky.

Rainer looked up and used [Mana Detection] once more on the floating Goblin.

40…

He felt that Goblin had lost that much. Rainer grinned, it was not the action of becoming Fire that cost that much Mana; It was using the Fire not to be damaged by his Magic. [Arcane Sight] showed him as such.

He understood partly too, how knowing the counter to such an ability, an ability he assumed the Fae Queen shared, would be a significant advantage. But such thoughts were left for later.

Rainer’s legs tensed as the gravity around him decreased. His Strength under [Arcane Awakening] exceeded even most melee combatants below the 2nd Tier.

His [Arcane Sight] caught a burst a mana he knew quite well. One that felled him hundreds of times in [Sleep Learning]. His legs erupted with power as he leaped skyward. A combustion of air exploded behind him.

A hilt came to his hand. The [Fire Sage] had but a moment to become fire once more. An [Arcane Blade] formed. Rainer soared past the ball of fire, his blade seemingly splitting space itself. A wretched scream rang out, as an arm flew downward.

The Goblin roared out in a tongue Rainer's skill could not translate.

Just as Rainer began to descend, large icicles flew at him after a series of wolf howls. A whip of fire tore through the air. Immediately he activated [Arcane Awakening: Shield Mode]. The whip broke against it, and the icicles shattered. Yet the force they carried sent Rainer flying into the forest.

Just as he recovered to slow his descent. A massive surge of Magic erupted out.

The [Fire Sage]’s Mana depleted to nearly half of its original. Rainer had no time to take advantage.

A ball of fire, glowing crimson as a devilish sun formed in front of the Goblin. At the expense of Mana, it had been cast at an extraordinary speed as Rainer fell from the sky.

Rainer momentarily thought over whether to retreat or advance. His [Void Detection] not reaching the Goblin made the decision for him. He Void-Walked sideways, just as the powerful flame spell exploded in his previous location.

The fire erupted outward, causing Rainer to Void-Walk a second and then a third time. With the earlier uses of [Spatial Domain] and recharging his Arcane power Rainer was left at 34 Mana. He could hear the howling of wolves and decided if he were to continue his fight it would have to be elsewhere.

Those Icicles had caused a small crack on his Shield Mode. He knew the [Ice Wolf Alpha] and [Ice Wolf Queen] were not to be underestimated.

The forest did not even have time to burn, the entire area around where the spell landed had turned to ash.

Rainer cast [Arcane-Wind’s Ascent] and flew back toward his party. He picked them up in the sphere, Elru included, and surged away. He operated [Spatial Domain] to increase the flight speed, before stopping.

Seeing the [Fire Sage] had not pursued him, he waited a moment before landing.

“I’ll explain later, let’s run,” Rainer spoke. Having gained some distance, he’d run and regain Mana lest the [Fire Sage] send a chase party.

In the distance, the injured [Fire Sage] grimaced. He then turned to flame once more, before at a large cost of Mana turning his detached arm to flame as well. His body rejoined and he flew back to his mount.

His plans would need altering and his game for entertainment had nearly turned into his death. He would not let such a thing happen again.