NOVEL WEB Chapter 12: Where's my respite?
"Death whispered something to life and she was silent forever"
Date: 13th Tempestia, 1763 (Solarday)
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 1st Year Classroom
Miss Aurora's POV:
"So students, who will tell me now, why are incantations necessary as well as unnecessary?"
"They are necessary as they allow visualization and output of mana in the form desired" answered one student.
"Ya, you are correct but can anyone explain more about it? and what about the 2nd part?" she asked the students again.
Some time passed, and students tried to think and answer but none could answer the question completely. Seeing that no one was willing to answer, she tried testing Railan, who was busy admiring the nature outside the class, not paying much attention to it.
It had only been 2 weeks into the curriculum and she could clearly see some students who didn't have prior knowledge starting to struggle, some with prior knowledge also struggled while some found it easy but she hadn't seen anyone who was indifferent like Railan. Not that he wasn't submitting assignments on time or that his assignments were super unique, in total they were average but his presence didn't necessarily dictate what his assignments entailed. Top students like Desmond didn't even attend classes much, yet their assignments showed their knowledge, Studious students like Siddhanth and Elora, their assignments showed their proper focus, even if the concept might be rudimentary yet their assignments showed that they have given proper focus to that idea. Students like Freya, and Mohini had a flair to their answers whereas some students followed that generic pattern for answering. However, Railan was different in the sense that his answers were correct but boring. All his theory teachers had the same opinion, the answers may be correct but they didn't find any enthusiasm in them. His practical teachers on the other hand showed concern that he might not be able to go long in terms of physical combat prowess, vastly different than his father.
Yet his presence in the class dictates something completely different as if he already knows what is about to be taught already!
"Railan, would you mind answering the question?"
As if suddenly brought back to reality, he jumped up and stared at the board for a while!
"I apologise Mam, but where is the question?"
Look at him, daydreaming in class, I need to support even my weakest students!
"The question isn't on the board but the one I asked a few minutes back!"
He seemed to be thinking, almost as if talking to somebody!
"Ah, I am so sorry Mam, I now remember, you asked why are incantations necessary as well as unnecessary!"
"Yes, finally, would you like to share your opinion with the rest of us on this question!"
"Ahh, I apologize again, so ya as one of my classmates previously explained incantations are necessary as they assist in visualizing the form as well as the output of mana. Our mind consists of compartments and/or areas assigned for different purposes such as cognitive-related tasks inducing work in a different area of the brain, similarly visual tasks stimulating a different part of the brain, possibly the back region, etc. Thus, when we produce incantations, a specific region in the brain associated with cognitive prowess and mana activates and it tries to replicate the effect of the image formed inside the brain when we recite the incantations, the strength, and the output as said previously is also invoked based on the resonance and the speed with which one person recites the incantations. Thus, speaking too fast can cause the output to diminish as well, and speaking too slow or reciting or elongating the recitation for far longer than the original can produce undesirable effects. with the potency of the output diminishing or the spell instead of travelling to the intended target goes to a completely different path. Thus, while it's necessary to know the correct recitation, the breadth and control needed while chanting it needs to be also kept in mind!
Now to move forward with the second part of the question, in which cases do the incantations become unnecessary or when?
So, as explained above incantations are mere reference or juxtaposition of cause and effect that effectively allows the brain to reproduce the said effect. However, as it is just an association, relating completely unassociated sentences with a particular effect can also induce the same effect, or in some cases, one may not even need to speak such words, which is an advanced category of incantations called voiceless incantations. Also, it has been observed and noted that sometimes certain trauma can also induce certain spell effects onto oneself or others, thus, how our mind wires certain references with an effect is essentially the purpose of incantations. Also, witches who are loved by mana can essentially invoke voiceless/chant-less incantations easily which is a realm only accessible to top High Mages and Arch Mages!" he finished speaking!
I didn't know what to say, I never expected him to actually answer this question with such fine details, it's perfect if he knows these things Why does he always try to remain indifferent? Maybe he is not as hopeless as other teachers perceive him! or maybe he is just interested in this subject or does he feel pressured by his father's legacy and is trying to avoid people's expectations of him? Well, everything will become clear during the midterms, however, he answered this question correctly, so there is nothing more I can say to him!
"Well, Railan you are absolutely right and it's a perfect explanation, however, I will still suggest you focus on the class instead of daydreaming of the world outside!"
"Yes, as you say, Mam, I apologize once again!"
Finally, he sat down and started focusing on the class, as I continued explaining the fundamentals of incantations and spells!
Date: 13th Tempestia, 1763 (Solarday)
Time: 12:17 PM
Location: Library
Jim's POV:
Hey, why are you always in the Library, Railan?
"What are you doing here, Jim? weren't you supposed to be in the suspension?"
"Ya, I am, however, I am just working as a courier for Professor GrimBold, I told you about him!"
"Ya, but why are you in the library?"
"Oh, he is resting now, Professor GrimBold, he gets really grumpy if you disturb him at this hour, he asked me to bring him some books he pre-ordered from the LIbrarian Ms. Spears and it took her some time as she was busy attending another important event to give me those books and now, he is resting, so I can't enter his place of work(he worships it technically) right now, so I am here, I have permission from Ms. Spears, I can show you if you want!"
"That would be unnecessary Senior Jim, I simply meant why are you here in this private study room I booked!"
"Oh, don't be so stoic, aren't you happy, I am here, It seems no one kinda likes you, I can understand the seniors, they don't like a junior handling them orders but your batchmates as well, dude, you are unpopular as hell" I couldn't control my laugh!
"Ya, I mean I ranked 286 out of all the new students, yet I am a member of the student council, even if I am a trainee, they are pissed that's why!"
"Well, I think maybe that might be just a partial reasoning, I think, most guys in your year, though are unhappy as you are sitting next to Miss Mohini I believe, right!" I again joked a little.
"I don't get it, why would that make them angry at me for the record, she was the one who approached, I was sitting comfortably in my own space!"
"Ya, ya, but hey, you are young my friend, you might not be late to find yourself a lover!"
"What do you mean, aren't you just a year older than me yourself!"
"Hanh, Railan, it's a sad story, my dearest friend, I don't want to talk about it" I let out a huge sigh!
"Okay, fine by me!"
"Wha.. what. WHAT! You are so cold my dearest friend, Here I was about to share with you a tale of love so tragic, two fated lovers separated by time, and you don't have any consideration for your senior!" I couldn't believe it at all, why isn't he like other youngsters of his age, he is always so uptight and stoic, I don't know what's happening with him!
Kalkin's POV:
I knew he wouldn't let go until he told me the story, I finally gave in, well, it would be a lie if I said, I wasn't interested, I did have let's say 1% alright, 10% interest!
With a long sigh, I said, "OK, Jim, do tell me the story"
"Well, I knew you would be interested, there is no one in this world, who wouldn't be!"
"Well, when I was a junior like you, I met this beautiful woman, Her fiery red hair cascaded like a cascade of molten silk, elegantly escaping the confines of her hat, resembling a witch's pointy hat, but transcending any mere costume. It is a blaze of crimson, a passionate symphony that frames her delicate features. Those vibrant locks tuck beguilingly behind her ears, revealing glimpses of porcelain skin kissed by the sun's gentle caress. Her attire is an ode to elegance; each dress she adorns flows like poetry, a testament to her inherent grace."
"I never thought of you as a poet, Jim," for a moment, his detailed characterization and description captivated even me!
"Ya, and I immediately expressed my love for her in front of the whole class!"
"Wait, you met her in the class?"
"Ya, I am talking about Professor Quillspire, didn't you get it by the way I described her?"
"Oh, oh, oh my god, no!"
"You, you just declared that in front of the whole class, as she entered, you didn't even realize she was your teacher!"
"Well, ya later on but by that time the moment was already over and I was on my knees, proclaiming my love for her," he said as if it was normal!
"What happened then, how did she respond?" I just couldn't understand why, just why I, only have to deal with the most erratic people every time!
"Well, she didn't understand it I guess, and politely asked me to go back to my seat as I am a student," he said with a sad look in his eyes
"Ya, she probably thought of you as just a weirdo but didn't want to embarrass you in front of the whole class," I said to him, facepalming the entire time!
I was half joking about Miss Aurora when I had a conversation with Farkas but this guy is legit stupid! how did he manage to pass the first year?
"Jim, what was your grade in the first year? Just asking out of curiosity!"
"Oh, I think you realized my greatness and need my help, I was one of the top students in theory and top 10 overall in combat"
"You, you are one of the top students amongst 2nd years?"
"Ya, I am," He said with such a grin on his face, that I just facepalmed!
Just then, as I was feeling ashamed of him and cringing by trying to remember that scene,
It seems you have forged a great bond with someone outside your household, a few SP points will be awarded
Reward: 50 SP
Phew, That was just bizarre!
Your recent inactivity in indulging your life as an Academy student by making friends, and interacting with people, especially the main characters has made ####### very sad!
This wasn't how he hoped your story would progress.
He is now forced to give you some main tasks:
1. Change people's view of you
2. Become the top student in the academy
3. Earn MVP in the upcoming school trip
Note: Failure to complete these tasks will result in grave consequences, your life is on the line. You may die if you fail to meet these tasks!
Note: New tasks will be added periodically.
At the request of #######, a new set of tasks is added. These are called daily activities. From now on, you will have a new set of activities daily to improve your physical self.
There are now 2 sections:
1. Main Tasks: Tasks with no time limit but deemed necessary by #######
2. Daily Tasks: To improve yourself, they can range from physical activities to metaphysical attributes and have a time limit of 24 hours.
Note: Do not forget to view your tasks every morning, failure to complete them can result in different consequences.
Is this some f**king game?, I mean who the f*ck is #######, how can he just decide for me. How am I supposed to live is my own choice! How can he just do that?
Why, just why? Whoever the f*ck this guy is I am gonna find him and l am usually the type of guy who prefers non-violence but this dude will get it from me, I will ONE PUNCH that MAN and it's a f*cking promise!
As if I didn't have enough problems already, these notifications have to pop up every time I feel settled, just when everything started to go smoothly, this had to happen. As if I am already not in enough tension then this thing also happened!
THE POKER FACE is activated for you and will prevent your emotions from spilling. It's trying to keep you calm as well.
F**k, F**k, these notifications I don't know when or how I will do it, I am gonna do it my way, I ain't going to let my favorite story be disrupted by some f**king unknown deep sh*t, just you wait #######, whoever you maybe, I'll uncover your name and I'll find you m**therf**ker.
{Meanwhile, Jim couldn't understand anything that happened with Railan in such a short span, at one point he was explaining his story to him and he looked half-interested but then suddenly he grew impatient. Railan's THE POKER FACE despite being activated, wasn't fully able to suppress his emotions this time, he displayed a genuine hatred for a person for the first time. He was and will always be a true fan, anything that comes in the way of this story, he will remove, even if he himself is that blockage!}
"Railan are you all right?"
"Railan, I am talking to you, can you even hear me? Hey, bud everything all right?"
I was suddenly brought back to reality by Jim shaking me, literally,
"Hey Railan, are you all right my friend?" Jim asked sincerely
"Ya, ya, I am alright, I was just moved to tears by your story, it's so, it's so, so, ... heart-breaking and sad, I just hope you have moved on"
"Oh, man, you literally felt this much for me, Railan, I am so touched, You are literally a brother to me, no one could understand my pain, I am so touched!" said Jim with tears forming in the side of his eyes.
"Don't worry, my friend, no, my brother, I haven't given up, I am gonna try and become someone and then I am gonna propose to her again, she is the woman of my dreams!" said Jim with a serious and sincere face, I just couldn't ask him to give up, right now!
"I am with you Senior Jim, no elder brother Jim!" I said, I don't know if it is a phase or if Jim is really serious but anyway, I hope everything turns out to be good!
Well, supposedly everything, except for my life. I am gonna make sure that ####### f**ker will not get things done the way he wants, I am gonna do things my way!
I could now see a little task menu icon added in that small corner where all the popups are collected, currently There is no new notification, and I can see the tasks whenever I want, I just need to think about it and a screen sort of thing appears before my eyes with two option now, one for popups and the other for tasks!
By interfering with the events of the story directly, ####### has violated one of the immutable laws. As such he cannot be your supporter from now on and will be placed in custody and under heavy penalties. However, the events set in motion due to his interference cannot be reversed without direct interaction with the story, hence those will not be revoked. Further, ####### had already set another proposal in motion which upon further investigation reveals to not directly affect the story.
Since this event itself shows a huge probability of causality of future events, #######'s all currency(SP points) is taken towards debt payment. However, as explained above he had already set in motion a proposal to grant you some SP points which were approved and hence, they will be given to you as a reward for your current progress in increasing your strength.
A Reward of 1000 SP is given to you by #######.
As ####### is in custody and under heavy penalties, he cannot interact with you, however, the medium of assigning tasks is still in effect but under heavy restrictions known only to the JURY and #######.
phu, phu, I can't stop my laugh anymore, serves you right, damn #######, I don't know who the hell are these people, but it serves him right, even other people could see that he as being unruly, serves you right #######, assh**e
The system for your SP rewards is now automated and will no longer be under any manual control. The task and expected reward points will now be shown in the tasks section on display. ####### sill has some manual control to assign tasks but under heavy restrictions from the JURY.
What the hell, it is now automated, What is all this and this system? Well, not that it matters to me anymore, after all, it's rewarding me but why is that person ####### so fixated on me? and why am I being pushed and shown these messages? Well, it's a mystery for now. Nothing can be done about it but let's hope I get to see the end of the story I cherished the most!
Anyway, I still have other important tasks to focus on!
"Hey, Jim, why were you so angry with us when we first met?" I asked him to know if he remembered anything!
"Hey, Railan, I already apologized for that, are you still upset about that incident?" he asked still feeling guilty.
"No, no, I just wanted to know, Since the time we've known each other, you are like totally different from the vibes you gave me that day!"
"Ya, ya, you know what, you are right, I don't know what overcame me but when I saw you both Elora and you, I was suddenly in a lot of anger as I thought you guys were roaming around! Even Kay and George were acting differently and we were somehow like very excited and like wanted to show our superiority and what not, Railan, I am not like that but that day I was like really pumped up for some reason, I am again Sorry, as your senior I should have acted accordingly but I didn't and I apologize to you once again,"
"No, No, Jim, it's really alright, you are now a brother to me, don't apologize to your younger brother, even we were wrong we should have been more punctual that day and you really shouldn't feel guilty, I am really honored to have such a good senior!"
"Oh, Railan, you sure have a way with your words," Jim laughed a little, as he calmed down.
It's not that Jim, I cannot tell you but you and your friends were actually in some sort of memory and emotion manipulation or suggestion manipulation from that scarecrow villain and as such were actually the victims!
"Do you remember anything like talking to someone before meeting us and all?"
"To be honest with you, I strangely don't remember much from that day and I believe it's partly due to my mother smacking me hard when she came to know about my suspension!" He joked
"But for some reason, I remember having some conversation with someone, I don't know but felt like I had known them forever but now I can't remember, It's strange but it's probably due to my mother smacking me on my head that day" He laughed it off.
I also laughed a little, "Ya that's probably right,"
"It was nice talking to you, Jim, I now have to go for my Student Council Trainee duties. I'll see you soon. Well, just six more weeks to go before your suspension is over!" I said as I noticed the time, just 5 minutes to 1:00 PM, I had to hurry and report to the student council's office. I shook hands with my friend and then took my leave.
Jim, I hope you now have a bright future, That scarecrow and his master would have killed you, I will make sure those guys don't get their way with things, I said to myself as I steeled my resolve to not let that massacre happen and not let those guys get what they want, I will use my knowledge to the best interest of this world and reach a happy conclusion!
My motto in life is simple:
"Commit only when you want, commit to only what you want, then dominate."
To be continued