Author’s note: Next chapter in three days, I need to revise my first chapters, the grammar there is… meh. I’m not an expert now, but I can at least make it somewhat better. Enjoy the read.
Eshel: *Heheh, what are you acting so surprised for? You even know who the gods in this world are, yet you’re shocked when hearing about deities?*
Icicle: *I’ve been suspecting that it might be the case, but presuming and knowing is different.*
Eshel: *I see. Alright, how about I tell you a little about Ice Mages then?*
Icicle: *Sure, give me a moment, I need to check my subclass.*
Fuck. What have I been exerting myself for all this time?!
If that’s how I can boost stats, who cares about the five times slower intelligence gain rate?
Don’t tell me this hologram stranger actually knew about that?
Hahahahahahaha!
I really need to thank him.
What he did was basically force me to look for secrets, read books and not only upgrade my subclass but even my whole character!
To think I doubted that guy…
Well, I still do not trust him, but at least I can believe in 30% of what he’s been saying.
Physical training. I need to find a good environment for that.
If I do, then coupled with Nyu’s pressure and this “Archaeologist” subclass I’ll be able to become a strong mage in a jiffy.
I felt my mouth twitching and forming a faint smile.
It came from the bottom of my heart, I couldn’t suppress it.
Hmmm, where’s Sixxy?
Icicle: *Did you see Sixxy leaving, Eshel?*
Eshel: *While we were talking she started pouting then stormed off. I guess she felt ignored and bored, thus returned to training undead.*
Where are my manners…
Yup, they’ve always been this bad.
Icicle: *Oh well, I’ll find her and apologize later. Tell me about Ice Mages!*
Eshel: *Mm. How to tell you this…? Right. I told you about the [Grandmaster] level people being like [Expert] level individuals nowadays. There were a lot of them. You can probably infer that this continent was quite prosperous. Humans with extensive knowledge and profound skills came from all over the world to exchange pointers and discuss magic. To put it simply, this continent thrived. One of the powerful groups of people were the Ice Mages. At the time these individuals were known as “Ice and Frost Clan”. Don’t ask me why, all they ever told me was that it was a nickname for their clan that people thought of when they saw Ice Mages battle. Indeed, magicians like Ice Mages were using ice and frost to restrict and harm their enemies, so it was by no means an exaggeration.*
Ice and frost? Hahaha, that’s as bad as Icicle.
At least my nickname was deliberate, but my supposed ancestors were somewhat forced to assume their name.
Could they choose me because of my nickname though?
That would be hilarious!
Eshel: *Oi, oi, don’t mock them. Who knows what curse might befall you…*
Wow, you’re mocking them yourself, aren’t you?
Eshel: * *cough cough* Anyways, as you can probably imagine, they were not the sharpest tool in the shed. I mean it in terms of strength. There were other powers who were equal and even some that were stronger than them. From the look of your face I can read the following: “How could they become more influential than Emperors then?”. Well… in the time of this continent’s prosperity, some of the gods were fighting over positions of power. Their battles lasted for years, some for centuries and others are rumored to last until this very day. At certain time in the past, son of the leader of Ice and frost Clan trained in the mountains. There was a waterfall there, under which water mana gathered. The scenery was serene, the water tranquil, no humans in sight who could disturb that peaceful location. It was a suitable place for training. This entire mountain area belonged to his clan, thus the young man felt at ease. One day, there was a change. The sky darkened and something fell from it. Young boy from your ancestors’ clan was scared. He thought it was a meteorite and that he was going to perish from the incoming explosion. However, what fell wasn’t a meteorite. It was a giant dragon scale that left its imprint on the ground, creating a large crater. Although the youth was still scared, his curiosity won over and step after step, he approached the dragon scale.*
Talk about being lucky.
I feel like all my “lucky findings” pale in comparison.
Whatever, I’ll become stronger than this little boy anyways.
One day…
I hope.
Eshel: *This dragon scale was translucent light blue color. Frigid air emanated from it, and the ground the enormous scale landed on started freezing over. Thunderclaps filled the air, then as if it never happened, the weather changed once again and it became a sunny afternoon. The azure blue sky was tranquil, unmoved. As the young man from Ice and frost clan tried to approach the scale, he felt the cold temperature. It was not something he could handle. Speeding off towards his clan, he informed the elders. If it was a normal case, even though the youth was the only son of their clan’s master, they obviously wouldn’t believe him. This time, however, even they heard the loud crash and saw weather anomalies. Elders and experienced members were immediately dispatched. After arriving on the site they picked up the scale using their most powerful spells not to get frozen.*
Basically Ice Mages weren’t that strong but lucky as hell!
Hahaha, that’s hilarious.
To think that Ice Mages would actually so thoroughly resemble the players.
If we, adventurers, don’t have any luck in getting good equipment or class, then we’ll struggle as well.
The time we will sacrifice to grind, to kill the monsters, not to mention the hardships that follow the weak in this virtual reality will be immense.
Without luck, we’re like poker players who have skill and abilities, but unfortunately can’t always bluff.
There will come a time when these professional players get all-inned and lose miserably.
Playing is somewhat of a gambling, if you can get lucky in propitious moments, you can fortify your position and become a powerhouse.
If not, well, you’ll struggle throughout your whole gaming experience.
Eshel: *Translucent dragon scale was heavy, but it signified the strength of a dragon it fell off of. Your ancestors stored it in the depths of their main base, allocating manpower and a lot of resources to the research of this mysterious item. Around five years passed. There was a breakthrough. Ice and frost clan used large portion of their wealth to get results. If this led to nowhere, they would lose their position and become at most a clan with average strength and wealth. Ice energy that emanated from the dragon scale led them to a cave located 50 miles west of the clan’s base. It was really well hidden mountain cave. Not more than 10 miles off the coast, yet hidden deep within the mountains, where one would not be able to sense the powerful dragon’s aura. Reaching the cave, your ancestors paid their respects to the enormous creature. It was heavily wounded, yet still alive. Not wanting to forego its revenge, this enormous female dragon gave your ancestors a scroll.*
Female dragon?
Ice element, female dragon, battle of the gods… something’s fishy here.
Eshel: *This scroll contained techniques suitable for those of deity stage, but there were some that could be learnt by mortals.*
So that’s why there were such high requirements to become an Ice Mage?!
3000 wisdom minimum, huh.
No wonder.
Eshel: *What you inherited can’t even compare. These techniques were simplified by other mages throughout the years, just so they could somewhat learn it. Original ones are kept hidden from the sight of public eyes in one of the heavily guarded tombs.*
Yeah, something’s definitely wrong.
Icicle: *What did the dragon want in return? Don’t bullshit me. There’s no way a prideful creature like that would hand over its secrets like it’s nothing.*
Eshel: *Mmm, that’s… Alright, I’ve told you so much, might as well tell you the whole story. What the dragon wanted was a yearly tribute. Large quantities of fish, Magical Beasts’ meat as well as all kinds of magic cores. Magic cores are what you have found from the bear in the mountains. Only that one was of a special kind, meant for Ice Mages’ descendant. Overall these magic cores, often mistakenly referred to as orbs, can strengthen weapons, armors, tools, defensive barriers, chanted magic attacks and so on. They have many uses. Think of them as of energy cores that can release their energy according to your bidding. If you know how to wield their power, that is. It was a heavy price, but compared to the techniques the Ice Mages’ got in return, their wealth was nothing much. Apart from that condition, the dragon asked Ice Mages’ to make a protective seal, one even they couldn’t break. This exchange of sorts lasted for 1000 years. Then the dragon suddenly disappeared and your clan has heard of it no more.*
Icicle: *Hmmm, that’s a reasonable exchange. Tell me, how have you come into being? There’s no way a simple artisan could create such a sword.*
Eshel: *Heheheh, aren’t you a smart one? Or at least you pretend to be one… Ancient Enchanting, Blacksmithing, all of artisan classes imbued with ice element. That’s what symbolized the dragon’s formidable, unreachable legacy. Not many knew of those highly valued people, because, as I’ve told you, all the public saw were magicians. Hence the future name, Ice Mages. I’ve been forged by the most distinguished of blacksmiths, then enchanted by the most powerful enchanters in the clan. After that there was some kind of soul imbued into me, thus I became a sentient being.*
Icicle: *What about Nyu and her team? How did the Ice Mages manage to tame such powerful creatures?*
Eshel: *This happened ten thousands of years ago. And Ice and frost clan didn’t tame them either. They made them!*
Made? What the hell?
Nyu is no cyborg!
Icicle: *Please elaborate.*
Eshel: *Jeez, you’re asking for so much. Can’t you repress your curiosity a little? What a greedy brat… *sigh* Similar as with me, Ice and frost clan made the people with highest talent gather. Many ancient formations were set up, on the ground, on the walls, ceiling on some items and so on. It was in the place where the scale previously landed in. During the 1000 years of tribute to the ice dragon, your ancestors made some sort of a shrine there. Remnants of the scale’s residual energy still existed, thus improved the overall process. One of the Summoners created a portal to a Realm of Summons and managed to entice a powerful soul. Think of it as of a ghost waiting to be reborn into something good. Millions upon millions of mana were poured into the soul, then converted, sealed and formed. It was a long process, so I’ll spare you the details.*
Giving Eshel the look, he seemed to get my implication.
Eshel: *You probably won’t understand even if I tell you. Don’t look at me like I’m calling you stupid! *sigh* Fine, I’ll put it in simple words. Clumps of mana were refined, then enchanted, using residual rich energy of the dragon and surrounding mana sources, including magic cores of Magical Beast of ice element. These clumps of mana were forced to coalesce. Three months. That’s how long it took. People from the clan took shifts in controlling the devices, formations and mana consumption. Some souls were incompatible, other slightly resisted the energy, and some were barely even taking 10% of it. There were many failed attempts. Within a century there were only nine successful cases, each with different results. Nyuva was the most compatible soul, so she managed to reach a level of one of the strongest [Magical Beasts] living in this continent. As for the other eight, they range between level 3000 and 6500. I mean, they did…*
Damn, if they didn’t die I could have my personal fluffy army…!
Eshel: *Anything else you wish to know? Do mind that I’ll tell you only if I deem it appropriate.*
Icicle: *Hmm, there are a few things. These techniques bestowed by the dragon, when can I learn the first one?*
Eshel: *As long as you can grasp the method, most likely at the point of 1000 wisdom. You’ll need to be able to control your mana and water orb perfectly before you do, though.*
Icicle: *That’s doable. What does this technique do? Share some details so I can get fired up!*
Eshel: *Well, it’s a technique that’s commonly known in the world. Most of the swordsmen use it. What warriors and the like use is an oppressive energy that comes from their body, which makes you unable to control your mana freely. Think of it as a mage counter. Of course it only works if you’re weak and don’t have any countermeasures. Alas, if they’re stronger than you, as you can imagine, you’ll most likely end up dead or captured.*
Icicle: *So it’s a technique commonly used by swordsmen? That can’t be right!*
Eshel: *I never said that it’s exactly the same. What swordsmen use is external pressure that meddles with the flow of your external energy, in other words it disturbs your spell casting and causes the spells you use to weaken, destabilize or even backfire. What I am talking about is an ice related technique that forces its way into the inside of one’s body. Not only does it make it impossible to cast spells, it also restricts the movement speed of the enemy! It works on a basis similar to poison and is hard to neutralize. Obviously, if one possesses the fire element of equivalent value or is better versed in his techniques than the caster, he can easily remove it. Have I said anything about treasures? Those can completely nullify it as well. There are very few people who possess such treasures though, so don’t worry.*
Icicle: *It sounds really overpowered! Are there any weaknesses or requirements other than wisdom?*
Eshel: *Not really. There’s this one thing though… it’s a single-target spell.*
That’s somewhat disappointing.
Oh well, I’ll try to turn it into an AoE or devise a new one that can do that anyways.
Icicle: *Okay, that information is good enough. Let’s move on to something else. My speed. How the hell was I able to leave 20 afterimages or so after moving? I mean, I saw the stats of others and they sure as hell couldn’t move like I could! Does that mean that stats only show vague information? One that is not necessarily genuine?*
Eshel: *Hahaha! You were actually worried about your progress! I won’t try to scare or deceive you and be as blunt as I can possibly be. After [Enhanced Light baptism] your whole body has become stronger. Thus, your stats don’t really show what your body is truly capable of. Aside from that, you were constantly moving under pressure. That’s like training under increased gravity, it makes your body stronger, yet vulnerable to fractures. To keep you from crumbling into lumps of flesh and blood, I made you undergo the baptism. Of course training under pressure can be done for a limited amount of time. Otherwise you’ll end up dead. Don’t think that you’ll become a god after training for a few months. If it was so simple, there would be so many experts in the world that it wouldn’t be able to contain them.*
Icicle: *What you’re saying is that although it’s limited, it is still a shortcut to great strength?*
Eshel: *Exactly. When done right, shortcuts can help you grow immensely. If done poorly, you’ll burden or even incapacitate your body for eternity. There are cures, but trust me boy, they’re definitely worth a hell of a lot more than your puny life.*
Icicle: *I understand, no one would want to invest so much in a brat who didn’t show any world shocking results.*
Eshel: *You’re learning fast, but don’t get complacent. Icicle, let me be frank. You seem to enjoy being powerful amongst your friends, but Ice Mages had their enemies as well. This academy you’re going to, you may meet some of them there. What I’m trying to say is, although you can be considered powerful amongst adventurers, compared to other deities’ chosen ones, houses and clans with powerful backing or rich ancestry you’re not even close to their level. There’s no need for me to tell you this, you’re a smart young man, but let me make it clear. Heritage is something you can’t fight against at the moment. Once you get the one from Ice Mages, yeah, you can go ahead and battle against those powerful families and clans to at least a stalemate, before, not a chance in hell! Furthermore, people like Hylzar, the one who invited you… be wary of them. Hylzar can be considered a monster in this continent. Same goes for your Mage Guild’s guildmaster, Cindy. Both of them are either [Master] level experts or infinitely nearing it!*
Icicle: *Cindy seems to be backing me up though?*
Eshel: *Yes she does, at least for now. However, don’t underestimate the thirst for power! Especially from old monsters like them! You’ve definitely seen the age of Cindy, you should know that there’s no way for people to live that long! Mortals that managed to live for thousand years, from the methods known to me, they had to either find an ancient relic of a deity or practice some forbidden techniques. There’s a third option, but I would rather not go there… Cindy and Hylzar don’t seem like that kind of people anyways.*
Icicle: *What option?*
Eshel: *You’re such a needy brat… Mysterious existences, creatures of darkness element that have abilities similar to vampires. However, what they suck is not blood, but souls. It prolongs their lives by a considerable amount. If you ever meet one, run!*
This world has so many surprises awaiting.
Good, I can finally enjoy myself a little.
No, I’m not talking about Nyu, Vilenne and the others… that can wait.
Icicle: *I think I have enough information for now. My brain has yet to process it properly. Any other wise words, Eshel?*
Eshel: *Forget about the skills you’ve been using until now. Those Ice Mages’ skills that let you bully other adventurers will have requirements of 3000 or so wisdom to understand them. Focus on the abilities you developed yourself and the ones that don’t require absurd amount of time to grasp. When you reach the academy, I’ll teach you a few techniques that are appropriate for your level and growth. I’ve already talked for a long time, I feel spent. With that said, I’m going to rest a little. You should get going as well, there’s not much time until dawn and you have subordinates to check upon.*
Heheh, no need to tell me that, I didn’t want to regain them anyways.
Some were very useful, but I can definitely find better substitutes.
In time…
What are those blue boxes…?
Another juicy bonus! Damn, if this goes on I’ll be able to reach 200 intelligence and 800 wisdom soon!
Oh shit, this is bad.
Icicle: *Acquare, wake up!*
Acquare: *Goddamn it, would you shut up you brat?! I’ve barely caught a wink of sleep and yet you’re already yellin-
Icicle: *Do you have a sister who’s called “Celestial Blue Fire Empress”?*
Acquare: *…*
Icicle: *I take your silence as shock and a yes answer. Listen well then. I’ve got a year to find her, and if I don’t, I’m afraid that she’ll no longer be missing, but dead!*
…
Rebirth Online World 