Aiden slowly looked through the descriptions of the new magic techniques he had copied, and they were quite frankly underwhelming.
At first, reading through the initial set of techniques had been exciting, but after that, their descriptions became repetitive.
He was certain that he had seen more than five fireball magic techniques, though the strength of each technique differed sometimes.
Additionally, they were mostly elemental magic.
Before he got to seeing the rest of the copied spells, he asked, "System, how many of these new spells are of the same effect?"
[10 water magic spells are similar]
[8 wind magic spells are similar]
[4 earth magic spells are similar]
[9 Fire magic spells are similar]
[4 Ice magic spells are similar]
The system had just listed a total number of 35 spells out of all 37 that were closely similar.
"Hmm..." Aiden muttered contemplatively. "Which means there are only two other techniques that aren’t."
Then he got an idea but first asked, "System, you can remove unwanted copied skills, correct?"
[Yes, if that is what you wish]
"Good. Of all the techniques that are alike, leave their strongest versions and discard the rest," he said.
[The System has removed the weaker technique versions]
[There is now just one powerful version of each copied spell]
"Show me."
[Copied Technique: Water Magic Spheres (D)]
[Copied Technique: Wind Magic Tornado (C)]
[Copied Technique: Earth Magic Projectiles (D)]
[Copied Technique: Fire Magic Balls (D)]
[Copied Technique: Ice Magic Shards (C)]
"What magic type were the other two that never shared a similarity? Elements as well?"
[No, not elements] The system replied, then pulled out the two other magic spells that were not related to the elements.
[Copied Technique: Chain Magic Binding Chains (C)]
[Copied Technique: Steel Magic Lance (C)]
"Good, good," Aiden said, nodding and admiring the variety. Then he came to a realization.
"I have a fire magic spell already. Would that count toward the number of techniques I need to come up with to complete the side quest?" he asked the system.
Although he probably guessed the answer it would give him, it didn’t hurt to ask.
[No. The Techniques you are expected to create should be of your own creation]
He shrugged at the answer, then made the screens disappear before hastening his walk back to the dorms.
...
Meanwhile, in the throne room of Lord Oberon, the Grand Magus and the Lord of Xathia were already in discussion.
She had just finished giving him a recent breakdown of events concerning the new Academy mages.
Thamoryn continued, "Your Grace, I have also confirmed the magic nature of the boy with the rare magic."
"What magic does he possess?" Lord Oberon asked.
"It’s a magic that takes whatever it wants without consent. Theft Magic," she said.
"Theft Magic? You have seen this magic in display?" he asked with a puzzled expression. He had never heard of such magic before.
"Yes..." she said with a smile, then added, "As a matter of fact, Your Grace, the boy’s vile and unruly nature makes him the perfect mage to control such magic."
"Hmm," Lord Oberon muttered. "And you are certain you can bring this boy you describe as unruly under your control?"
Oberon wasn’t exactly sure he liked the idea of someone who would not be able to act as required when the time came.
"Yes, Your Grace," Thamoryn said confidently.
"Though it would still be wise of you to have the scholars develop the right countermeasures," Lord Oberon said.
"On that, Your Grace, you need have no worry. They have been informed effectively. He’s also under my close watch even this very minute as we speak," Thamoryn reassured.
Scholars, as they were called, were mages who worked in the Research Room of the General Wing. They were practically magic scientists.
While their functions included studying different types of magic, making magic experiments, and creating magical items; one of which was Thamoryn’s Magic Staff and the Magic Rank Assessment Orb.
They had one other vital role, perhaps the most vital. They developed countermeasures for every magic known to the Xathian Kingdom.
This fact was only known to a few people, including the guild captains. That way, no one dared step out of line.
Then Oberon asked, "Have you discovered the other boy’s true identity?"
Here he was referring to Aiden, whom he had always been certain he had seen somewhere and wasn’t of commoner background either.
"Not yet, but patience, Your Grace. He’s right where we need him," Thamoryn said with a smile on her face.
Oberon nodded, trusting that the Grand Magus had it all handled.
...
Later that night, slow footsteps could be heard echoing through the hallways leading to Thamoryn’s chambers.
There was a figure in black overall robes walking toward the door. There was no face to this identity just yet.
The Grand Magus, who had already returned from the throne room and was now arranging some books on her shelf, turned to her door that had been opened by this figure. Then she smiled after she saw who it was.
"Hello, Mother," Arianna Greystone said, with a smile on her face as well.
...
Moments later, Arianna was standing well within the chambers, and the door leading outside had been closed.
"You surprised me today, my child. I didn’t expect the way this night turned out," Thamoryn said, praising Arianna’s efforts.
"But I didn’t complete the task as I wanted to. I wasn’t able to get the boy that joined Fractured Stars," Arianna said, expressing her discontent with not being able to get Ambrose to join their guild.
"No matter. I’ll deal with the fellow myself," Thamoryn said, with a devious smile returning to her face.
Outside, one of her crows could be seen watching through the windows leading into the dorm room where Ambrose currently slept.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Surprised with the twist eh? Now wondering what Arianna’s Motive Truly Is? Or Perhaps the Grand Magus?
Heh. Love to break it to you, that the only way you find out is if you keep reading
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