Journal – Day 1

  Subduing the guard was easier than expected. It seems that along with this new body, the combat skills of my character have also transferred to me. That raises an unsettling question—what else has carried over?

  They were completely unprepared to deal with my magic. That much was clear. But in the aftermath, I learned something… troubling.

  I used Read Thoughts on the lead guard, hoping to understand why they attacked me. I wasn’t prepared for what I found.

  If you ever use Read Thoughts, I strongly advise against it. It’s too personal—an invasion beyond mere observation. Their emotions, their biases, their raw hatred poured into me. The guards had no true justification for their assault. No orders, no bounty—just a deep-seated disdain for me. Or… for my kind?

  I believe more will arrive but something seems off about it. For now, I’ll use Mask of Faces to blend in with the locals.

  Entry Ended.

  Alistair

  Nothing much happened after that. Eric returned to his reading, and Lavinia continued gazing out the window, lost in thought.

  About an hour later, we finally arrived in Iron-Port. There was no distinct marker indicating the city’s boundaries—one moment, we were on the open road, and the next, we were surrounded by cobbled streets and tightly packed buildings. Our carriage moved through the city with purpose, heading straight for my uncle’s estate in one of the most respectable districts, conveniently close to the university.

  As the carriage pulled into the grand estate and came to a stop, we stepped out, greeted immediately by my uncle.

  “Alistair! Look how you’ve grown!” His booming voice carried a warmth that was almost entirely swallowed by the sheer size of his peppered mustache.

  “Uncle, it’s good to see you as well.” I clasped his offered hand firmly, a rare moment of familial affection passing between us. Then, remembering my manners, I turned to introduce my companions.

  “This is Lady Lavinia von Gray, fourth daughter of Duke Victor von Gray, fifth heir to the Gray Duchy—and my fiancée.” I bowed, executing the precise level of formality required by etiquette.

  My uncle dipped into a bow, though it was somewhat hindered by his rather sizable belly. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

  Lavinia returned a shallow curtsy, her expression polite but unreadable. “The pleasure is mine. My father sends his gratitude for allowing us to stay under your roof.”

  Next, I gestured toward Eric. “And this is Sir Eric Hearican Field, second son of Baron Danta Song Field, third heir to the Field Barony, and a mage knight in training.”

  Eric inclined his head in a deep bow, showing the proper deference. “I thank you, Lord Bertram, for your hospitality. I hope our presence does not impose upon you.”

  My uncle chuckled, waving the concern away. “Nonsense, young man! You’re welcome here. And I must say, you’re the spitting image of your father. How is he, by the way?” He gestured for Eric to rise, his smile widening with genuine interest.

  “My father is doing well. He recently achieved the Sixth Circle of magic,” Eric said, a rare smile breaking through his usually composed expression.

  My uncle’s eyes widened with genuine delight. “That’s brilliant news! Another Sixth Circle mage among us—especially after Anny left. That’s no small feat.” He clapped Eric on the shoulder, his grin broad.

  Then, with a sweeping gesture, he motioned toward the house. “But come, come—no sense standing around out here in the cold. I’ve got hot drinks waiting and far more comfortable seats inside.”

  As he led us in, the waiting servants moved swiftly to take our luggage, ensuring we entered unburdened.

  Gine

  It’s been a few days since I accepted the role of a teacher, and I am most definitely not ready. It’s not that I lack knowledge of the subject—Magical Biology is something I’ve studied extensively—but I’ve never actually taught anyone before. I have no idea what level of understanding my students will have, and that alone is daunting.

  Still, there was an unexpected silver lining when I gave my answer to Lord Bertram—I received a down payment of half a month’s salary upfront.

  That money was a lifesaver. It meant I could continue using the library, and, more importantly, that I and the kids wouldn’t have to worry about food for a while.

  I can still picture the banknote clearly, the weight of it in my hands. Smiling at the memory, I turn another page in The Fundamentals of Biomancy, the fifth book I’ve read so far. Though I’ll be teaching Magical Biology, it seems the subject is practically treated as interchangeable with Biomancy.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  My eyes skim over an example in the book:

  "Let’s start with an easy test. You must procure a live rabbit—any will do, though we suggest a field rabbit, as it has the least chance of rejection after the procedure."

  A neat illustration of a rabbit is drawn below the text.

  "Next, we suggest using some form of restraint on the rabbit. Any type will work, though in higher-circle spells, you must be more careful in your selection."

  "Once restrained, cast Ivor’s Chloroflesh, and you should see the rabbit grow a horn."

  Below, a new illustration depicts the same rabbit—this time with a single, curved horn sprouting from its forehead.

  "This is one of the most common humonculi that biomancers can create."

  As I read, I can’t help but question—why are rabbits the most suitable for this experiment? Is it simply because they’re easy to find, or is there something unique about their biology that makes them more receptive to biomancy?

  Most of the books on the topic have been frustratingly unhelpful. They provide detailed how-to instructions but very little why. The more advanced texts touch on theory, but even then, they don’t offer a definitive answer.

  Closing my eyes, I think back over everything I’ve read so far.

  All five books emphasize practical techniques—basic biomancy spells, small tricks, minor adjustments. But one thing they all have in common is this: rabbits are particularly susceptible to biomancy.

  The advanced texts suggest possible explanations, but none seem certain. Either understanding the answer provides some kind of advantage... or they simply don’t know.

  Reopening my eyes, I look at the rabbit in front of me. It’s one of many in the library—living examples kept for certain subjects, like Magical Biology.

  "They must know at least part of the truth about you little guys," I murmur, activating Eyes of the Unburdened Truth.

  The physical world shifts as I peer into the ethereal. The rabbit’s form remains the same, but now it is bathed in ghostly blue hues, its edges softened by the glow of its spirit. But the horn—that is different. Unlike the rest of its body, which is washed out in blue, the horn retains faint traces of other colors, a subtle contrast against the rest of its spectral form.

  Even more intriguing is the pulse. The rabbit’s ethereal body throbs with a rhythm, a steady beat of energy—but it's stronger than most other creatures I’ve observed.

  Leaning in closer to its cage, I whisper, “Should I tell people about your secret, little fella?”

  Talking to rabbits now? Or has your mind finally succumbed to the truth that the Empire is better than whatever tiny country you got exiled from?”

  A mocking voice dripped with amusement from behind me.

  "And yet, they’re far better company—especially when the walking clever starts talking," I said dryly, turning to face the speaker.

  Lady Eleanor Fairchild. One of the biggest thorns in my side.

  “Oh, so you do have a voice today. You must be thrilled—did your family finally decide to write back?” She let out a light giggle, as if her words were some grand joke.

  She looked every bit the perfect Auric noblewoman—painted lips, long black hair, dark eyes like the night, and olive skin complemented by a flawlessly tailored dress in the latest fashion. But beneath that refined exterior? A brash, rude, and insufferably arrogant woman.

  Now, I didn’t agree with many of the Empire’s customs, but I almost wished she followed the ones about proper behavior. She must have looked at those rules, laughed, and burned them for sport.

  "Lady Eleanor Fairchild," I drawled, leaning back in my chair. "I fear you must have suffered a head injury, as you seem to have forgotten how a proper lady conducts herself. Should I call for a healer?"

  She scoffed. “Ha! The only injury here is your inability to show respect to your betters. And as for me not acting like a lady—who exactly could make me?”

  She had a point. A sixth-circle war mage wasn’t someone you could simply reprimand, especially not one serving the Empire.

  I sighed. “I mispronounced your name once while I was still learning the language. And I’ll give you respect the moment you show me basic politeness. But let’s be honest—both are as likely as us shaking hands with the Emperor.”

  She smirked. “Well, then, I expect you to start bowing, because I already have.”

  With a flick of her wrist, she turned away, her dress trailing behind her like a queen dismissing a peasant.

  "But alas," she added over her shoulder, "I have real classes to teach. Some of us have work to do, after all. Unlike you, civilized savage."

  And with that, she was gone.

  I exhaled slowly, watching her retreat.

  "Real class," I muttered.

  If arrogance could be bottled and sold, she’d have funded her own empire by now.

  Turning back to the rabbit, I studied its twitching nose. "You see that? Even you have better manners."

  Lady Eleanor Fairchild—sixth-circle war mage, noblewoman, and professional pain in my ass. She had despised me from the moment I arrived. Why? Because I once mispronounced her name while struggling with the Empire’s tongue.

  Still, I had no time for pointless feuds. I had a class to prepare for.

  Resting my chin on my hand, I stared at the rabbit’s ethereal pulse.

  I had an answer—one worth teaching. But I needed to study more, to understand why it worked the way it did.

  "Time to get back to reading," I muttered, pushing myself up from my chair.

  With that, I headed off in search of more books.