Capítulo 28: Equivalent Exchange (2)
[Dark Tower, Nocturne's laboratory]
A youth in ironclad armour was standing, his arms crossed. Though there was no hint of discomfort on his face, his eyes were continuously scanning the surroundings, a habit that was deeply engraved in his behaviour, the fruit of living in a hostile environment for one whole year.
It was none other than Ourin, his fiery dark-red hair cut short, and his previous dirty attire replaced by a new set of armour . His sword, however, still had this awful stench of blood and dirt. However, it also happened to be his most treasured weapon, one that did not fail him despite its over usage.
In front of him, Nocturne was reading the report with attention, occasionally nodding. With long black hair, he looked like a typical noble, but his wise gaze betrayed his youthful looks. Although he was young for a magus, Ourin had previously scanned a book written by his master Nocturne nearly a century ago. Such was the reality of the magus world. The truly powerful also happened to be the most experienced one.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Nocturne stood up and approached his apprentice.
"Remove your armour", he ordered
Ourin did not dare to disobey, and stopped until his torso was exposed.
"Mmh", Nocturne analysed the monstrous scars that had accumulated over the past year. Some came from fire spells of skeleton mages, most from heavy blows taken from warlocks. Once he had even nearly died from a bone spear spell cast by an elder bone tree, this terrifying species capable of more than just casting a mist spell.
"It seems like you went through a lot. To be honest, when Aerys told me that her students had disappeared alongside you, I considered you dead. The number of acolytes dying from the mist can be counted in the thousand in the past century. The fact you survived can not be only luck, so be proud about it", he finally said
Receiving a compliment from Nocturne for the very first time, Ourin could not help but bow slightly: "I would not have survived alone"
Nocturne nodded: "Good. Complacency is the curse of improvement. Your study was quite extensive, I do admit that you have quite the talent at putting words on complex concepts. I found some obscure references of long-dead authors, which is proof you spent a lot of time in the library too. From now on, accompany me in my experiments and write the reports. I will compensate you accordingly"
Ourin smiled inwardly, knowing that this was a huge privilege. Not only would he be able to take part in experiments and get high-level knowledge. Even if it was not related to body refinement, witnessing the experiments of an esteemed magus like Nocturne and its conclusions was something he could only dream of gettiing. This was not something that could be bought, especially with a level 2 acolyte's status.
"It will be my pleasure", Ourin said
Nocturne continued: "As you know, the Mercifura academy follows a system of research allowing its magi to stay on the top of the food chain. Despite being quite recent and having less legacy from old magi, old organzations like the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy can barely contend with us in terms of knowledge and overall strength. Magi like myself receive support based on resarch results. However, writing such reports take valuable time away from experiments. Now that you are here, it will save me a lot of time. In exchange, you can ask any question you want in my free time"
Ourin smiled: "Thank you, master. Naturally, you can use my report as you see fit"
Seeing his apprentice understand the underlying nature of his explanations, Nocturne smiled: "Good. Take these scrolls. Although grand knight breathing techniques are of little value to regular acolytes, the story is different for knights who have cultivated their life force extensively. One of them comes from the Phuinem Royal Family, the other from a fallen empire. Both of them are quite rare and valuable. Learning them will benefit you immensely compared to your household breathing technique"
Ourin took the scrolls, unable to believe Nocturne's words. The older and bigger the legacy, the higher quality the breathing technique were. The reason why there were many knights yet so few grand knights was access to breathing techniques. Getting not just one, but two scrolls of the highest grand-knight level breathing techniques was something that all body refinement acolytes dreamed of. And Nocturne had casually given them to him.
It just confirmed Ourin's doubts. Nocturne planned on grooming him. As long as he stayed useful, he would receive immense benefits.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder