Chapter 1.24 — The Test of Fire, Limits and Guts!

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t see how this thing will get you to the capital?” Jen said skeptically.

  She knit her eyebrows together while she examined the dark crystal in her hand. Jen looked as if she had never seen something like this before.

  Well, it’s the first time I’m showing it to her—so I understand her confusion.

  I smirked. “Well you see.”

  —“It’s an amazing discovery Jen!” Grey interrupted while looking Jen over her shoulder.

  “With this you can use both Loflix and Bazix spells within a single Manashell!” Grey’s eyes shimmered.

  “Ohh, really?” Jen tilted her head.

  Tess shook her head. She seemed embarrassed by Grey’s behavior.

  Mirra looked back and forth between us with a confused expression.

  Grey’s smile grew wider. “And best of all, just like the regular Manashell, the spell output is at—High Potency!”

  Tess’s eyes widened. “What!"

  “Huh? High Potency but at Bazix? Is that even possible?” Jen gaped.

  “Yes!” Grey said proudly.

  Jen’s eyes widened. “No way! Does that mean I can…”

  Jen lowered her head and muttered something to herself as if she was thinking about the implications.

  Then suddenly.

  Tess closed the distance between us. She came to a sudden stop—towering over me with an intense gaze.

  “Are you saying this is almost the equivalent of Infusing spells into a weapon?” Tess narrowed her eyes.

  “Or a Capax Speed user casting a Weapon Enchantment Spell? Don’t mess with me Leo!” Tess pressed her finger into my chest.

  Mirra looked at Grey. “What does she mean?”

  “Ahh, you see… Infusion is a crafting method that adds a Higlix or above level spell onto a weapon. Despite it only being a single spell—it’s at High Potency.” Grey explained.

  “Huh? But didn’t you just say that the Manashell can only use Loflix and Bazix spells? Why is Miss Tessaria so angry?" Mirra tilted her head.

  Grey grinned. “Ohh but do you remember what High Potency at Bazix spell level means?”

  Mirra looked confused for a moment—then suddenly, her eyes widened. “Wait, but that would mean!”

  Tess leaned in closer to me—I could almost feel her breath hitting my face.

  “Calm down, Tess.” I grinned awkwardly.

  "That’s why I need your help… I can’t know for sure until we test it.” I said in a calm voice.

  Tess stood tall and folded her arms. “Huh? Test it?”

  “Wait, is that why you called us here? To test the new Manashells?” Jen looked surprised.

  “Well you see… there’s this little catch—nothing serious, just a little challenge for me.” I looked away while grinning awkwardly.

  Jen and Tess looked at each other.

  “Well… you see…” Sweat ran down my face as I struggled with my words.

  Ahh, why am I sweating so much? Just open your mouth and say it Leo!

  I gritted my teeth—trying to explain.

  Grey suddenly stepped in.

  “You need to transfer your own power directly into the Manashell!” Grey spoke in a firm voice.

  “Ehh—our own power?” Tess and Jen said simultaneously.

  They then looked at me… I nodded slowly.

  “Ahh, I see… since you don’t have your own Afinix and Manaflux—you can’t test it yourself.” Jen said softly.

  “And you need us to see if everything works as intended?” Tess sighed deeply.

  Tess then leaned closer to me. “But that means your claim about High Potency is unfounded!” She said with a slight smirk.

  “No, I’m serious Tess—it’s gonna work!” My face hardened.

  “Ohh… you’re serious huh? Let’s see it then!” Tess said sarcastically.

  “Wait a minute Leo… what does all of this have to do with you moving to the Capital?” Jen scratched her head.

  I turned my head toward Grey.

  “Well, because if this test is a success—I’m planning to show this to the Giselle Crafting Group and transfer my apprenticeship as a ShellCrafter to them!”

  “What, you wanna go to Giselle’s?” Grey gaped in disbelief.

  “Do you even realize what you’re saying—you wanna work for a woman like that!“ Grey shook his head.

  “Huh? A woman?“ Jen turned her head to Grey—her gaze sharp.

  “Ahh no one dear… It’s just someone I met once!” Grey shivered and took a step back.

  Tess smirked. “Ohh, I thought you met her at the academy?”

  “Tess! WHY??” Grey screamed as tears came pouring out.

  “WAIT! WHAT?” Jen’s eyes burned with fury.

  “No, no, no… it’s just an old classmate—nothing more I swear!!" Grey shouted as he ran for his dear life.

  Jen raised her hand as she chased after him.

  I facepalmed myself. “Come on you two!”

  A moment later…

  Grey was sitting down on the ground with a sad expression, his head covered in bumps as Jen stood beside him with folded arms—her face fuming.

  Tess covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter.

  I shook my head. “Anyway… yes I’m gonna show this technology to Giselle and prove it’s worth her time for me to study at her shop.”

  Grey looked up but before he could say anything—Jen shot him a cold stare, silencing him.

  I looked at Jen. “It’s fine… I do need his opinion about this.”

  Jen turned her head toward me—she sighed. “Fine… you can answer him, Grey.”

  Grey looked at Jen for a moment, then turned his head toward me.

  “Uhmm… What do you wanna know?” Grey asked carefully.

  “If the Type-Two Manashell works… do you think Giselle would make a deal and would that be alright with you?” I asked curiously.

  Grey lowered his head and sighed. “Ahh… of course, I already said I wanted to hear your proposal and to be honest it’s not a bad idea.” He nodded.

  “If you are taken in by the Giselle Crafting Group. You won’t have to worry about where to eat and sleep—they’ll handle everything for you.” Grey snuck a glance at Jen.

  “Ohh… wait so he doesn’t need our help to live there?” Jen’s eyes widened.

  Grey nodded. "That’s right… it’s a very prestigious place with a lot of resources… honestly it’s much better than what I can offer.” Grey explained, with a hint of sadness in his voice.

  The vein in my forehead popped as I tightened my fist.

  “Come on! That’s not true… you’ve been taking good care of me—so don’t talk like that!” I snapped.

  Grey’s face softened. “Hehe… I’m glad you think that…”

  “But to answer your question—Yes… if this works Giselle would welcome you with open arms.” Grey said with a serious face.

  “Well, then there’s only one thing to do.” I grinned.

  ***

  A few moments later I had given everyone their own sword—loaded with the new Manashell.

  “Alright, we’ll be testing the Type-Two Manashell with Afinix Fire… If this works, that means the rest of the Manashells with the other Afinix will work too.” I smirked.

  Mirra shot me a confused look. “So how do I activate the spell?”

  “Begin by channeling your power into the weapon hilt… since it can take time to get used to. I suggest you start with the Spark Edge spell, before moving up to the Fire Edge spell.” I explained.

  “Hmm… I’m not sure I can channel that much power? Even Spark Edge might be too much?” Mirra said unsurely.

  Tess turned her head toward Mirra. “It’s alright… I don’t expect you to do something this advanced.”

  Mirra looked at Tess with an awkward smile. “But, Miss Tessaria… I don’t wish to be a burden… I want to serve you just like my predecessor did—so I want to at least try!”

  Tess’ lips curled into a smile and she nodded. “Very well, if that’s your wish.”

  Mirra turned her head toward me. “Alright, please instruct me.”

  I grinned. “Good, since your Afinix is, I want you first to channel a small ball of wind in your palm.”

  “Huh? You mean a spell?” Mirra raised her brow.

  “No, no… think of it as a utility, just like a water user would conjure up water to drink or a fire user uses a small flame to ignite a bonfire—a free form casting if you will.” I said with an awkward smile.

  it does have a name but it’s only used in the game terminology—I’m not sure what they call it here?

  Mirra seemed to ponder for a moment.

  “Like this, Leo?” Grey said, a small ball of spinning water suddenly hovered closely above his palm.

  Mirra’s eyes widened.

  “Ohh… I see… Like this?” She opened her palm and immediately a ball of air appeared above her palm.

  I could feel wind pressure blowing back my hair.

  “Yes, exactly.“ I said with a smile.

  Mirra closed her hand. “Where I am from we call it the Essence Manifestation.” She grinned proudly.

  Grey shook his head. “No, it’s called Natural Flow!”

  Jen sighed. “No, it’s called Spell Bending! Everyone knows that!”

  Tess stood silently—her expression deadpan, as if this was the stupidest thing she had ever heard.

  I pressed my hand softly into my forehead.

  “Alright, alright! What we can agree on is there’s no universal name for this!” I said exasperated.

  “Anyway, now just do it again but slowly release its ball form.” I explained.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “I think I understand—I’ll try!” Mirra nodded.

  She then opened her palm and conjured the ball of air.

  “Good, now slowly release the form but still keep the power output the same.” I widened my eyes.

  Mirra knitted her brows together as her expression became more serious.

  The ball of air slowly dissipated into a stream of wind covering her palm.

  “Yes! Add a bit more power… release the form and make it formless!” My lips slowly curled into a grin.

  “Haaa!” Mirra gritted her teeth.

  I could feel the air pressure slowly subsiding.

  “You almost have it! A little more—Imagine it in its most pure form!” I said excitedly.

  Mirra squinted her eyes together as she seemed to put everything she had into it!

  The air pressure around her palm suddenly intensified, as my clothes began to shake.

  No, she’s losing it!

  My mouth parted for a moment but before I could say anything.

  “GAAHH—Just a little more!!” Mirra’s voice cracked.

  Suddenly the air died.

  Mirra fell to her knees with her head lowered—trying to catch her breath.

  “Ha, ha, ha.” She panted heavily.

  My eyes widened as I looked at her hand.

  “Mirra, look!” I said.

  She looked up at me for a moment, then she looked at her hand.

  Her palm was glowing with a white-silver aura as power was surging through it.

  “Huh? Is that?” Mirra gasped.

  “Well done.” Tess smiled with a hint of pride in her voice.

  Grey and Jen nodded in unison.

  “Good now keep your focus and try to cast the spell.” I said softly.

  Mirra stood up and held the sword in front of her. The Manashell glowed faintly.

  “Spark Edge!” Mirra shouted.

  A thin layer of flickering fire enveloped the blade only to suddenly dissipate.

  “Huh? It didn’t work? But I thought I had it” Mirra said, surprised.

  Damn she almost had it, I can’t let her give up!

  I took a deep breath and channeled my inner motivational speaker.

  “It’s alright! Just take a deep breath and try again—focus!” I said with as much hype as I could.

  Tess and Jen looked away, trying to hide their laughter.

  Grey shook his head. “Come on you two… he’s just trying to encourage her!”

  Jen softly pressed her hand against her mouth. “Pfff… I can’t be helped—he sounded sooo funny!!” She said while trying to hold in her laughter.

  Tess coughed. “Ahem… Yes, of course you are right, Grey…” She replied composedly, as she tried to hold back her obvious grin.

  I stared blankly at the two.

  Sometimes you guys—just suck!

  “Alright, I’ll try again.” Mirra said firmly.

  She took a deep breath and with renewed determination she raised her sword.

  “Spark Edge!” A thin layer of flickering fire enveloped the blade.

  “Yes I did it!” Mirra’s eyes widened in excitement.

  “Yes, well done!” My eyes shimmered.

  Mirra’s expression slowly turned uneasy—she gritted her teeth as sweat poured down her face.

  Suddenly, the fire went out and Mirra fell down to her knees.

  “Ha, ha, ha… I didn’t realize how hard this was.” Mirra panted heavily.

  I knelt down and gently patted her on the shoulder.

  “You did good, now take a minute to rest.” I said brightly.

  Mirra looked at me, then she smiled. “Alright I’ll do that.”

  Honestly, despite her being a devoted maid—

  I do like that she speaks casually to me.

  To think that Mirra was completely exhausted by that small spell. It only made me more angry at those damn developers—why did they have to hide that secret magic power channeling technique from me?

  Damn the dev-team… I could have used it now instead of doing it the hard way.

  Seeing Mirra like this made me feel bad for forcing them to help me.

  I lowered my head and sighed.

  “Hmm… I think I understand.” Jen furrowed her brows.

  She held the sword in front of her as her hand began to glow with a white-silver aura.

  “Spark Edge!” Jen shouted—a thin layer of flickering fire enveloped the blade.

  “I got it.” Jen grinned as she held the spell.

  “Wooh! you got it!” I shouted in excitement.

  Grey and Tess looked at each other, then raised their swords.

  Grey’s hand suddenly glowed with a white-blue aura while Tess’s hand glowed with a white-golden aura.

  “Spark Edge!” They shouted in unison as their blades were enveloped with a thin layer of fire.

  “Yes, you all got it!” My eyes widened.

  Yeah, it’s working—now I just need to confirm…

  Before I could finish my thought my eyes caught Jen’s intimidating smile. She looked like she was enjoying it too much.

  Ehh? Why does Jen have the same crazy grin that Grey has when fighting monsters?

  Jen’s smile suddenly grew bigger.

  “Yes I got it now—Fire Edge!” A layer of fire suddenly enveloped the sword, the blade was partially visible through the orange flame. A thin blue fire stream also appeared—flowing around the orange fire.

  “No way! It really is a High Potency spell!!” Tess’s eyes widened.

  Tess’s eyes turned toward Grey. He gave her a bright smile and nodded at her as if to confirm her disbelief.

  Her head turned toward me and our eyes met. Tess’s eyes narrowed and for some reason I felt a bit uneasy.

  She then looked down on her sword. “Well, I can’t fall behind now, can I?” Tess said under her breath.

  I scratched my head.

  Is it me or does Tess seem a bit annoyed?

  “Fire Edge!” A layer of fire suddenly enveloped Tess’s blade.

  “No way, Tess you got it too!” I shouted with a huge grin on my lips.

  Tess’s hands shook, she gritted her teeth and looked up—and teasingly winked at me.

  I looked to the side, my face turned red.

  Ahh… she’s just too cute right now!

  Jen’s hands shook while holding the spell. She furrowed her brows and she gritted her teeth—she tightened her grip around the hilt.

  “Let’s see if this High Potency also means what I think?” Jen muttered to herself.

  Huh? Why is Jen still holding the spell?

  She should have stopped it by now?

  Suddenly Jen’s expression turned serious and she opened her mouth.

  “Fire Spiral!” The flame suddenly changed shape—and spun around the blade at high speed, like a flaming screwdriver of death!

  “Ahh… she’s way too impatient.” Tess shook her head.

  Jen grinned in satisfaction. “Yes, it’s working!”

  Her entire body shook—holding the spell.

  Okay! She’s been holding it for too long!

  “Jen, it’s enough—you can let go of the spell now!” I reassured her.

  Jen turned her head toward me. “Noo, I can still go—”

  The spell suddenly dissipated—She immediately covered her hand over her mouth and ran toward the nearest bush.

  Huh? Why is she running to the bushes?

  I scratched my head until suddenly I heard a not so pleasant sound coming from the bush.

  Ahhh… don’t tell me it made her sick?

  Poor Jen… I feel soo bad…

  Tess, Grey and Mirra stared at each other, unsure of what was happening.

  Jen then looked back at us and raised her hand.

  “Don’t worry about me… it’s just a minor inconvenience—just give me a moment!” Jen said in a painful voice.

  “Alright… Let’s give her some space.” I said, nervously rubbing my hands.

  “Maybe I should go and check.” Grey scratched his head and went over to Jen.

  A moment later I heard a thud sound echoed through the air.

  Grey moved with sudden haste toward us. “Ahh… I think she wants to be alone,” he said awkwardly.

  I raised my brow. “She hit you… didn’t she?”

  Grey looked away. “Ohh… uhmm… I think we should continue on with the testing!”

  His laughter only grew more awkward.

  I sighed for a moment. Tess and Mirra gave Grey a blank stare while they slowly shook their heads.

  “Ohh yeah… Grey, what do you think?” I raised my head.

  Grey scratched his chin. “What do I think?”

  I nodded. “Yeah the Type-Two Manashells are working! You think Giselle would approve?"

  “Hmm… yes, they would definitely be interested in it—but!” Grey closed his eyes, he looked like he was in deep thought.

  I leaned in closer. “Yeah?”

  “The usage is an issue… there is no doubt that this could help lower ranked adventurers to reach higher ranks… however…” Grey stroked his chin.

  “Using one’s own power to activate the spell… it’s not an easy thing and might be too much for some people?”

  I sighed. “But, don’t you think if we offered some training on how to transfer power into the Manashell—people would be more willing to use it?”

  Grey’s eyes drifted upward as he seemed to ponder my question.

  Tess stepped closer. “There is no doubt that what you have crafted is indeed powerful… but as you can see it’s quite hard.”

  She pointed toward Jen who still had her head buried into the bush.

  I tilted my head. “I see what you mean… but the fact is—it’s something that can be mastered with training… so I just need to sell it to the right kind of people!”

  “Hmm… I guess you’re right… but it might be a hard sell?” Tess looked uncertain.

  “Alright!” Grey brought his hands together.

  “Leo, do you have the other Manashells? I need to try something!”

  “Huh? Of course.” I pulled out the other Manashells and handed them over to Grey.

  “What are you going to do?” Tess asked curiously.

  Grey flashed a grin as he loaded the first shell. “Drop Stream Edge!” A thin layer of water enveloped the blade, suddenly—

  “Wave Edge!” Grey shouted as the thin layer of water suddenly grew thicker— partially enveloping the blade.

  “Ohh, it easily transitioned between spells!” Grey ejected the Manashell— immediately loaded the next.

  “Wind Edge—Gust Edge!”

  The air stream intensified around the blade. Grey gritted his teeth, ejected and loaded the next one.

  Mirra leaned closer to me. “What is he doing?” She asked curiously.

  “I think he’s seeing how far he can go, I think?” I scratched my head.

  “Spark Edge! Then into—Fire Edge!” The spells soared as Grey’s body shook—he held the sword tight.

  I could see sweat running down Grey’s face, however he seemed to enjoy it… having that crazy grin on his face—

  "Don’t overdo it you crazy bastard!” Tess shouted.

  Grey flashed us a smile—holding on…

  Suddenly, the spell dissipated into thin air…

  Grey tried to catch his breath.

  He slowly sat down on the ground only to immediately fall on his back.

  “Ha, ha, ha… yep… that was way too much…” Grey said, trembling.

  A shadow then covered Grey’s face and he looked straight up only to gape in horror.

  “What did you do!” Jen’s face hardened.

  “Ahh… nothing, I just finished testing—that’s all!” Grey looked away.

  Jen hunched down, and pressed her finger into his forehead.

  “Liar! I saw what you did! You went too far!” Jen said in an angry voice.

  “Uhmm… well… you see.” Grey stammered.

  Jen sighed, and sat down on the ground, and placed Grey’s head on her lap.

  “You idiot… Don’t worry!” She said softly, her voice slightly cracked.

  Grey paused and with a serious expression he nodded.

  “Jen! Are you feeling better? I’m so sorry you had to experience that!” I lowered my head.

  “I’m fine, I went a bit far there myself…hehe… I’m sorry if I worried you.” Jen said embarrassed.

  I looked up in surprise.

  Ohh, she gets mad when Grey goes too far, despite her doing the same thing.

  Yep—that sounds about right.

  Grey sat up. “These Manashells are amazing! Giselle would absolutely take you in!”

  “Huh? You sure, don’t we need to do more tests?” I said in a curious tone.

  “Nope… I have enough information to write a formal report, detailing the strength and weakness of the new Manashell.” Grey’s eyes shimmered.

  “Not to mention the business opportunity!” His smile turned mischievous.

  My eyes widened and I gaped in disbelief.

  “Huh? What… you can already do that—depite it not even being a full day of testing?”

  Normally testing something like this would take weeks if not months!!

  Jen chuckled. “Well, he did not attend the Royal Academy as a commoner for nothing… if he says he can do it, that means he really can.”

  I sighed in relief. “Alright I get it… thank you, Grey.”

  Grey nodded and stood up, only to suddenly lose his balance and get saved by Jen.

  “Easy now, Grey!” Jen bellowed.

  Grey nodded as he leaned on Jen. He turned his head toward me.

  “No problem, give me a few days to write it and you’ll be good to go.” Grey shot me a thumbs up.

  Grey nodded to Tess and Mirra and turned toward the house.

  Tess shot a glance at Mirra. She nodded, and Mirra ran over to join Jen in helping Grey back to the house.

  I chuckled as I looked at Grey being helped by the two beautiful women.

  Hehe… lucky bastard. Enjoy it!

  I turned my head toward Tess. “Are you really alright with me going to the Capital?"

  Tess’s eyes winded. “Huh? Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Well, just the entire running away with Ann situation… you got quite angry.” My voice trembled slightly.

  “Hmm… yes but that was different.” Tess sighed.

  “Running away with the Marquess daughter would have made you a criminal… you would either end up in jail or executed if they ever caught you.” Tess said in a cold tone.

  I chuckled slightly while nervously rubbing my neck.

  “But this is different… you won’t be far away and I’ll always know where you are.” Her expression softened.

  Tess leaned in closer. “Besides, you won’t be gone for that long anyway and you can always return home… right?” She said in a teasing tone.

  As she came closer, I could feel my heart beating faster.

  Ahh, to close—calm down my heart!

  Sweat poured down my face as I leaned back, away from her.

  Suddenly a familiar voice called out to us.

  Tess and I immediately turned our heads toward the noise.

  “Help, we need help!!” Mirra shouted.

  “What’s happening!” I asked.

  In a heartbeat she closed the distance between us, she was completely in panic mode.

  “Mr. Grey… he’s, he’s!” Mirra stammered.

  Tess immediately grabbed onto Mirra’s shoulders, ”Calm down Mirra! Breathe!”

  Mirra’s breathing slowed down.

  “Good… now tell us… what’s going on with Grey?” Tess spoke calmly.

  Mirra looked at me.

  “Grey began feeling a bit uneasy… but, before we knew it.” Mirra’s voice cracked.

  I widened my eyes. “What happened to Grey? Mirra?”

  Tears suddenly ran down her cheeks as she gasped.

  “Grey! He coughed up some blood and suddenly—He passed out!”

  Oh no, what happened to Grey?!

  Thanks so much for reading! I’ll be dropping the next Universe Chronicles side story this Wednesday.

  It’s just a fun little episode that’s totally separate from the main story.

  I might throw in more of these side stories whenever I get the chance—hope you’ll enjoy ’em!