Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Announcement
Dialogue "sample"
Thoughts 'Sample'
Techniques [sample]
Author notes -sample-
Chapter 42
Announcement
"So, no one has explored that place and come out alive?" Asked Iris.
"Not at all. Many have explored some parts of the plains and come back to tell the tale. That is why we have some information about that place. At the center of the Klaive Plaines, there is an old town, the undead in there are extremely powerful, and even high-ranking Magus would not dare to venture carelessly. And…at the center of that town, there is a ruined castle. Everyone who has entered that castle…has never come back out."
"Hmph!, they were probably too weak then!" Charles spat the words.
"I would not be so hasty to judge, Lord Artois. The last person who venture into that place that we have records of…was a peak rank 6 Great Magus called Alan Parrish. He was the closest friend of the Emperor of the time. He promise the Emperor to explore that castle and reveal all of its mysteries…but never came back."
"A rank 6 Magus died like that?" Exclaimed Hilda.
All of the students were truly surprised to hear those words. For them, a Magus of that caliber would be a nearly-invincible existence. Even Charles was shocked to hear the teacher's words.
"This was almost one thousand years ago. That Emperor, after losing his friend, created a decree that forbids entrance to the deepest areas of the Klaive plains. Only the outskirts are explored sometimes by hunters or adventurers. Some crafting materials can only be obtained there." The teacher explained.
"That is why you said that there could still be a place that contains body cultivation manuals. Right, teacher? You think that there could be something in that castle." Said Edward.
"Indeed." Answered the teacher. "As I mentioned, the castle has never been successfully explored before it became illegal to even attempt it. And that castle precedes even the creation of the Empire, not to mention the Magus. I am sure there are many important treasures in that place…forgotten and abandoned…but there is no one to claim them. What a shame…"
"What about the Arch Magus who lives in the Empire? I read a lot about him" Said Edward.
"You mean, Alastor Griffin?" Asked Iria.
"Do we have any other Arch Magus in the continent?" Charles asked with sarcasm.
"mmm…yes, Lord Griffin is considered the most powerful man in the world. A peak rank 7 Arch Magus with no rival. Maybe, He could have accomplished the impossible…however, Lord Griffin is very old already. If he never went there during his younger years, I doubt he would have the adventurous spirit to explore unknown places at this point." Said the teacher.
"What kind of undead can one find there?" Asked Iris, changing the topic a bit.
The teacher looked pensive for a moment. "The outer area has what you would expect. Zombies, skeletons, and some ghouls. In the interior, it gets a bit more complicated. I have read reports of dead knights, wraiths, and liches near the old town. As for inside the town…"
The teacher looked like he was trying to remember something.
"When I was younger, I read a book called…The world travels of Jasper Locket. It was a transcript from a diary written by a High Magus of that name. During his travels, he went to explore the Klaive plains and claimed to have seen an Elder Lich in that old town."
The students gasped.
"An Elder Lich? they actually exist?"
"This particular Magus claimed so. He never fought the creature, for he thought it to be much more powerful than himself. Normal liches are around the level of a rank 1 or 2 Magus, but Elder Liches can go much further. In fact, they can go as far as any Magus could, maybe even more since they have an infinite lifespan. That's why they are so feared."
"I would like to go explore that place one day!" Declared Hilda.
Siegfried clenched his fists. 'This is what my old land has become?...a cursed place for people to explore in hopes to find riches?... I cannot accept that…when I become strong enough, I will travel there and look for a way to let those poor souls rest.'
"On a more cheerful note." Teacher Quentin started. "Next week, there will be no classes."
"We are going to the Varian Forest, right?" Asked Edward.
The teacher chuckled. "I suppose that is impossible to keep information from high nobles with a lot of curiosity... Yes, the first-year elite class and high class will be going to the Varian forest for a survival exercise."
"Only the first years?" Asked Iria Monet.
"At least the commoners are not coming. Good thing they know their place." Said Charles with satisfaction.
"Yes, only first years. The second year will be going near the end of the year. Third years have a different destination and fourth years have other things to worry about." Answered the teacher while ignoring Charles's comment about commoners.
He then handed out a piece of paper to all students.
"In this pamphlet, you will find all the information you will need about the exercise. As well as the recommended supplies that you should bring. If there is something that you cannot find on academy grounds, remember that you can leave the academy and go into the city during weekends."
Siegfried took a look at the paper. It says that they will have to spend three whole days in the forest and survive on their own while hunting some beasts. It is recommended that we bring healing ointments or any other healing medicine, a spare wand, a change of clothes, and a few other minor things.
"Oi, Sieg," Edward called. "Why don't we go to the city this weekend and buy the supplies there?."
Siegfried thought about the offer. The academy has several shops where one could find most of what you need. In fact, during the, almost, six months that he has been here, he has not left the academy grounds even once.
"That would be fine. I barely know the capital, now that I think about it."
"Then, leave it to me! I know the best places to buy stuff from." Claimed Edward with pride.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone