The Empires Rise

"Drake," Laxreal says as I get into position on the floor mat across from him. "What do you think magic is?"

"Uhhhh," confused about the question, I quickly dive into my knowledge from books I have read in my world. "Magic is the manifestation of mana that circulates through our bodies?" Not knowing if this is the answer he is looking for.

"So, that is where we have to start." He sighs, "And you took to magic so easily, too. There's nothing like getting back to the basics to build the foundation. Magic is just as you said, but it can do so much more. People think of magic as a formula. There is no absolute requirement to cast any specific spell other than the mana cost."

"If there is no absolute requirement to cast spells, can spells even fail?" I ask.

"This is a good question; spells can fail at being cast. One reason for a failed cast is a lack of mana. Another reason it could fail is a lack of understanding about what you want the spell to do. The third reason a spell could fail is someone is countering your spell."

I nod, "So, how exactly do spells come into existence?"

"They come into existence through several mediums. First are phrases, then there are symbols, and finally, gestures. The more you know about the spell's makeup, the easier it is to cast them."

Taking a second, he creates two symbols.

The first symbol is of a single mountain, and the second is of multiple mountains in a row but smaller. He points at the first symbol, "This represents earth spike. This spell allows you to form a set of spikes in front of you to skewer your enemies." Then he points to the second symbol, "This also earth spike, the same spell with a different form. Both symbols cast the same spell; the difference applies to understanding the spell. Knowing a simpler diagram can give the same result where less is more. It will also allow casters to perform their jobs better on a battlefield." He explains

"I get how casting can be faster, but what makes it faster?" I ask.

"Think of it this way. Let's say you are pushing a boulder up a hill, and you must exert a lot of effort to get it up the hill. Then, you find a book about pullies, learn from that book, and apply that knowledge to get the boulder to the top of the hill. It will take you less time and require less effort. It is the application of your knowledge which allows you to be more productive."

"OK, but what about spells we cast in this world? I haven't had to use any patterns or anything of that nature. I call out the spell name, and then it activates."

"This world does have different applications for spells, but the general principle applies: Learning about spells can increase their level and efficiency. Let's take your minor healing spells as an example. What is the cost of the spell?"

I look at my skills status, "It takes six mana per cast."

"What if you found a way to decrease the mana cost without lowering the amount of healing?"

"I could heal more people and for a longer time."

"And that is what we are looking to achieve here. We first need to think about how the spell diagrams work, learn how they apply to our environment, and then apply the knowledge to enhance the skill and make it more than possible." He is excited at the prospect of teaching the spells.

"But what if I want to develop my spells? Would that be possible in the short term?" I ask him.

"It is possible to develop your spells, but it takes knowledge about spell frameworks, which you need to learn before diving into making something."

Thinking about the healing flower I wanted to make going up in smoke, I comfort myself by wanting to increase the potential of my healing spells. "OK, so how do I increase my spelling proficiency?"

With a skeletal grin, he looks at me and says, "We start teaching you more about spells in the traditional sense. It might take the rest of the day, but the theoretical framework should not be forgotten."

Ten hours passed while he taught me, and I asked him questions to clarify my understanding of magic and mana. Most of it was theoretical, but there was enough hands-on experimenting for me to acquire several skill levels and also two brand-new spells.

- Congratulations, Nature's Grasp has reached level 4.

Congratulations, Mana Control has reached level 5.

Congratulations, Arcane Shot has reached level 7.

Congratulations, Minor Healing has reached level 5.

Congratulations, Barkskin has reached level 3.

Congratulations, Shield has reached level 5. -

- Congratulations, you have learned the spell Mend level 1.

Congratulations, you have learned the spell Smite level 1. -

Most of the time was spent increasing my spell proficiencies. Laxreal found that working with my affinity helped me comprehend the spells faster and increase their levels faster. It also gave him some experience since he taught me all about the spells.

Several more notifications are hovering in the periphery. Opening some of them shows the countdown progressing steadily to zero hours left. I find it odd that it hasn't increased since the groups were sent out, but also that no one has come to get me to heal wounded people.

"Laxreal," I say, "I think it is time for us to stop here and head to the gatehouse to see if anyone is there. I am starting to get concerned about everyone that has gone out."

He agrees with me. We both stand and head to the gatehouse. As we get near it, I start to receive notifications.

- Due to the group 'Pheonix Fire' destroying two Level 2 monster encampments and one Level 1 monster encampment, the time until the monster attack has been extended by 5 hours.

Due to the group 'Zulvasti' destroying a Level 2 monster encampment, the time till the monster attack has been extended by 2 hours.

Due to the group 'Commanding Presence' destroying one Level 2 monster encampment and two Level 1 monster encampments, the time till the monster attack has been extended by 4 hours. -

Adding all the time together, we just got another 11 hours to finish building defenses and preparing people for the attack. I wouldn't call it a night attack anymore. Upon thinking that, another notification pops up.

- Settlement Task Updated:

Reach a population of at least 10 (24/10)

Survive at least one attack (0/1)

Have at least two professions up to Level 2 (3/2)

Have at least two classes at Level 3 (2/2)

Optional Tasks: Clear out monster encampments in the fog (14/10)

Have one of each profession (12/12) -

I look closely at the tasks and feel something is off. When I think back to the original task, there was a question mark where ten was for the encampments task. I have a theory about the optional tasks, but I am curious if it works how I think. Putting that to the side, I quickly head out of the gate. In front of me, I can see all the groups coming back at the same time. It's odd, but I don't think much about it.

Greeting them as they come back, I see many excited faces and a few downcast faces. Figuring they were talking about their quests on the way back, I should know who the winner of the different tasks was in a second.

"How did everyone do?" I shout so they can hear me.

"Well enough." Xelyphe is the first to answer with a smug grin on their face.

"Oh, shut it," I hear Dreamish call out. "Just because you beat us by one hour doesn't mean you are the best. We beat you when it came to collecting treasures."

"That is unfair," Xelyphe retorts. "You had two hunters with you, both skilled in finding things. I bet they could even sneak into camps without issue and steal the loot right under the monsters' noses."

"They sure were," Dreamish chuckles. But there is a duo in front of everyone with even brighter smiles. Rognar and Narus stand tall before everyone, proudly showing their level 3 status. I remember that they were only level one when they left this morning.

"It seems I know who won each category," I announce to the crowds. Wanting to ensure there aren't any black horses among the crowd, I have them display the quest they received from me.

- Pheonix Fire (Xelyphe, Ilpheus, Muiress, Uxa, Bryst)

Level-up party members: (3/5)

Collect Resource Chests: (6/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement (Hours): (5/?)

Commanding Presence (Dreamish, Vranjaya, Shadow, Autumn)

Level-up party members: (3/4)

Collect Resource Chests: (8/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement (Hours): (4/?)

Blood Guardian (Eleanor, Ramona, Strauvana)

Level-up party members: (2/3)

Collect Resource Chests: (4/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement (Hours): (2/?)

Strong Arm (Rognar, Narus)

Level-up party members: (4/2)

Collect Resource Chests: (2/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement: (0/?)

Toss Me No Don't Choose That (Nelaedeth, Gibnic, Jemol)

Level-up party members: (2/3)

Collect Resource Chests: (3/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement: (0/?)

Patient Hunter (Demetrius, Oria)

Level-up party members: (1/2)

Collect Resource Chests: (1/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement: (0/?)

Zulvasti (Zul'Zara, Slyvasti)

Level-up party members: (2/2)

Collect Resource Chests: (4/?)

Delay the attack on the settlement: (2/?) -

Looking at the different group names, I can't help but chuckle. I can see Slyvasti's ears turning red as I read the name, while Gibnic and Nelaedeth are glaring at Jemol, who has a sheepish grin.

"Has anyone completed the quest yet?" I ask.

"No, we haven't been able to complete it. I kept getting a message that you had to approve the quest completion since it is a settlement quest," Rognar grumbles.

Looking at the groups before me, some battered but all in good health, "I pronounce the quest a success and completed." I look at everyone, and they start completing the quest. Some people collect multiple experience bags, while some have a couple of equipment chests in front of them.

"Thanks to all of you, we have a bit more time. Please go home and rest. Please stay behind for those who came first in each category, and we can talk about potential rewards." I receive a notification after that announcement.

- Congratulations, Leadership has reached level 2. -

With a satisfied look on my face, I address those remaining. "Now, I would like to provide an additional reward to each person if possible, or you can forgo the reward now and have me owe you a favor for in the future. It is your choice."

I feel a determined stare burn right into my soul. I look at Muiress's eyes and see his determination to fulfill his reward immediately.

Before anyone else could speak, he walked up to me, grabbed my shoulders, and nearly shouted at me. "I. Want. My. Own. House. Not in the future. Right. Now. Use one of the instant completion tokens you have or will get and make it. That is the only reward I need."

I scratch the back of my neck, "Muiress, you know I was going to give everyone a house even-"

He cuts me off, "No, I don't want eventually. I want it right now. I can't sleep without that witch trying to sidle up to me. It is bad enough that she chases me, but I can't even go and get the bonuses from the house. So, please. MAKE MY OWN HOUSE!"

I look closer and see bags under his eyes. I also think I can see more definition in his legs, probably from all the running he has been doing. Then I feel a second set of eyes focused on me. I turn to look directly into a set of serpentine eyes. Vranjaya is staring directly at me or, more so, at Muiress.

I slowly nod at him, "We will get you your house. It will be the next thing on my agenda; stick close to me for now. She might not bother you while we have such a big group. Snakes are ambush predators and might not go after you so quickly."

In a quieter voice, he says, "Thank you, Drake. You have no idea how much it will help me." He steps back, and then Vranjaya slithers forward, but not before trying to brush closer to Muiress. He quickly sidesteps so as not to get too close to her grasp.

I do not understand the interplay between the two. Other than Vranjaya wanting to be with him and him not wanting to be with her, I quickly move on. I know it isn't right, but let me be honest: Watching him go from standing still to a dead sprint as she chases him is hilarious. Plus, it has to be a good workout for both of them. Right?

With Vranjaya now in front of me, I ask, "And what would you like, Vranjaya?"

"I would like to have a favor from you. I know there isn't much to be had now, but I think it will be worthwhile in the coming days, months, or even years."

"Fair enough."

Rognar, Narus, Dreamish, Shadow, Autumn, Xelyphe, and my father also ask for a favor. This leaves Uxa and Bryst, who haven't decided yet. After a bit more waiting, Uxa walks up to me, "Drake, what I want is one thing: I want the next specific population summoning scroll. I want to see if I can bring one more of my relatives over. That is my only request."

Bryst joins us: "I want the same thing. Our mother and father still live, and I want to show them this new world full of possibilities."

I look at the siblings, and I can see the hurt and pain in their eyes, being able to see me with my family and not being able to have their own by their side. I give them a look of sympathy, which Uxa misinterprets.

He quickly adds, "I know they are expensive scrolls just by what they provide. I will do anything in my power to make up for the cos-"

I step forward and put my hands on his shoulders, "Uxa, I would gladly help you bring your family back together. We have to go one step at a time. You and Bryst will be the first to receive those scrolls. From there, we can figure out who else we need to give scrolls to. So, don't worry." I flash him a smile, "It will be alright."

With a shudder that jostles his wings, he breathes deep, "Thank you again, Drake. I won't forget this." Then he grabs his sister's hand and walks away.