nagpurpolice Chapter 189 Signatures and Recruitment
Chapter 189 Signatures and Recruitment
Chapter 189 Signatures and Recruitment
(My child was sick, so the update was late. Sorry everyone.)
"I'd like to borrow this book, 'Fragment Scattering,' please register it for me."
Kane handed the spellbook to the red-robed mage, following procedure.
He was a young man whose face still looked somewhat immature.
The other person took the book with both hands, their gaze lingering on the spellbook for a moment before picking up a quill pen and meticulously writing down the title stroke by stroke.
Then, he raised his eyes, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect and a hint of confusion: "Your Excellency, this is only a first-level spell."
Given your rank, you should be considering the second ring road.
Kane's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly as he carefully examined the young man before him.
The other person looked to be no more than twenty years old.
To be able to wear this red robe, a symbol of a formal spellcaster, at such a young age speaks volumes about one's talent.
Kane was certain he didn't remember this face, so he asked, "Do you know me?"
The young man smiled slightly and said shyly, "Yes, Lord Kane, you defeated the Necromancer Logan from the Necromancer Division in the arena."
He paused, lowering his voice, but couldn't hide his amazement.
"Your reputation has already spread throughout the entire academy."
Kane took the spellbook that he handed back.
He subconsciously looked behind the bookshelf and caught several gazes that quickly shifted away, as well as the faint sound of whispers.
A sense of amusement washed over him.
He had seen all sorts of storms, but this was truly the first time he had ever been in such a situation.
"Could I have an autograph?" the young man asked expectantly.
Kane hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
The young man's smile immediately brightened.
He quickly took out a quill pen and handed it over with both hands, along with the notebook.
Kane took it and smoothly wrote down his name.
The young man took the notebook back, and Kane prepared to turn and leave.
The young man seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly added, "By the way, sir, would you like to borrow another one?"
"Is this in accordance with regulations?"
Kane stopped, slightly puzzled.
He was well aware of the rarity of spellbooks; according to Arundel's previous explicit statement, he could only borrow one at a time.
The young man leaned forward slightly.
"As a traveling spellcaster from elsewhere, your book borrowing quota is limited to one book because of Lord Arundel's personal guarantee."
A glint flashed in his eyes.
I can also provide you with a guarantee.
Kane was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.
"Thanks then."
Thinking about his future plans, he no longer hesitated and pulled out the "Shadow Blade" that he had previously been eyeing.
As Kane left the library, he turned to the young mage who was still standing there watching him go and asked, "What's your name?"
"My name is Laurent, a first-tier mage from the Illusion Department."
The young man straightened his back, Kane nodded, and left.
After descending the stone steps, Kane did not return to his temporary residence.
Instead, they turned onto another side road.
Heading towards the arena where I had recently fought Logan Susas.
This magnificent circular building is a special facility of the college.
In addition to providing a platform for monks to duel and exchange skills, the aim is to create a completely controllable and safe environment.
The crucial stage for making the difficult transition from theory to practice is the core of skills training, competition, and assessment.
Therefore, private spell practice rooms are also available for rent, where you can study and test spells undisturbed for a fee.
Throughout the journey, Kane could clearly feel the gazes coming from the windows along the roadside and even above him.
Those gazes were filled with curiosity, scrutiny, or undisguised inquiry.
He was even stopped twice by two apprentice monks.
Both times, he conveyed the intention to recruit other forces.
Kane remained calm, only shaking his head almost imperceptibly.
He didn't stop for a moment and continued forward.
Outside the heavy oak door of the training arena and spell practice room.
The person in charge of registration was a middle-aged monk with a round face.
He took the registration book that Kane had filled out, his gaze lingering on Kane's name for a moment.
Then his smile deepened, and he began to explain skillfully: "Your Excellency Kane, your registration period is a whole day."
You are welcome to use this practice room anytime from now until this time tomorrow. As for meals…
He pointed to an inconspicuous brass bell next to the counter.
"Ring the bell in the room will bring something."
And you don't need to worry about the cost; your expenses are fully guaranteed, and you can use it for free.
Kane nodded and asked, "As far as I know, the training room is equipped with obsidian targets specifically for testing the power of spells?"
"That's right."
The middle-aged monk smiled broadly and gestured with his hands to indicate his name.
"Unlike the marble and granite targets used in the outdoor open area."
Our indoor obsidian targets are specially treated to more accurately record and reflect the impact and penetration of spells.
Unless it's an extremely destructive third-circle evocation spell, there shouldn't be any major problems.
He rubbed his hands together and added.
"Of course, if you need a more targeted practice environment, we can arrange it for an additional fee."
"Thank you. Could you please provide another obsidian dagger as well?"
"No problem, sir, it will be delivered to your room shortly."
Kane accepted the brass certificate.
Just then, the middle-aged mage leaned forward and said in a whisper that could be heard by only the two of them, "Sir—would you be interested in serving the Barnes Chamber of Commerce?"
Our chamber of commerce is headquartered in the Free City, with abundant resources and connections—we can provide you with many things you desire.
Kane didn't stop what he was doing. He withdrew his hand, shook his head with a calm expression, and said, "Thanks, I'll think about it."
The other person's enthusiastic smile froze instantly.
Kane sighed inwardly; this was the third time today.
He turned to head to his spell practice room, but a cold female voice came from behind him: "Nord, wait!"
Kane frowned slightly and stopped in his tracks upon hearing the sound.
He turned around and looked at the figure walking quickly towards him.
Logan Susas, his formidable rival whom he had dueled not long ago.
His face was pale and he had dark circles under his eyes.
Moreover, with her appearance, the whispers around them intensified.
She looked at Kane and pursed her lips.
In the Necromancer's Division, besides the faculty and wandering mages...
Logan Susas is widely recognized as the strongest second-tier spellcaster.
In the past, all the gazes cast upon her were a mixture of admiration, praise, and perhaps even a hint of fear.
But now, everything is different.
In public settings representing the honor of the college.
She was actually defeated by an outsider from Nord.
This completely changed the meaning behind those gazes that were usually cast.
Contempt, suspicion, schadenfreude —
Many people began to discuss it privately.
They believed that she was only able to have a smooth career in the Necromancer's Division because she relied on her royal bloodline.
She could force herself to ignore these gossips.
But what truly stung her was the undisguised disappointment in the eyes of her mentor, Dean "Kugu".
Upon receiving news that Kane had appeared at the training grounds, she rushed over almost immediately.
As soon as she stepped into the hall, she quickened her pace, ignoring everyone else, and walked straight up to Kane.
"Venerable Logan, is there anything I can help you with?"
Kane gave a polite smile.
There was no personal grudge between them.
Kane was indifferent to Logan's unwarranted hostility, and even found it somewhat troublesome.
After all, the other party was a relative of the royal family.
Even if someone is marginalized by the royal family, getting too involved with her can easily attract unnecessary attention and trouble.
It should be noted that although she had no direct right of inheritance, the surname "Susas" itself...
This is enough to make her a highly valuable pawn in the eyes of some people.
Logan Susas did not answer Kane immediately, but instead turned his gaze to the middle-aged mage beside Kane.
The latter chuckled twice as she glanced at him.
Then, quite tactfully, he shrank back and quickly left.
This person's status is not something a mere registrar like him can afford to offend.
Seeing that the other party remained silent, Kane bowed slightly and said in a calm tone, "Mage Logan, if there is nothing else, please excuse me."
I need time to practice my spells.
"Let's have another duel."
She finally spoke, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Privately or publicly, it's up to you."
Kane frowned slightly, then relaxed.
"Master Logan, I don't think this is necessary."
Our matter is settled.
Even if you win now, the established facts cannot be changed.
Logan Susas took a half-step forward, staring at Kane: "In that case, you don't mind doing it again, do you?"
"Sorry, I refuse."
Kane still wore that polite smile.
He didn't care about winning or losing; he'd rather spend that time mastering a practical spell model.
He turned abruptly and strode away.
But a single arm suddenly blocked his way.
Logan Susas stared intently at him: "This time, I will absolutely not use a third-tier corpse."
Furthermore, I swear in the name of Susas that the outcome of the duel will not be made public, so you can rest assured.
She paused, observed Kane's unmoved expression, gritted her teeth, and threw out her chips.
"If you are still unwilling—I can offer you 1000 gold coins as compensation."
1000 gold coins.
The monks nearby, who had been listening intently, visibly increased their breathing, their eyes gleaming with undisguised fervor.
This sum of money is by no means small; in some remote towns, it would be enough to buy an estate.
She looked into Kane's eyes and continued, her tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of coercion: "Accept it. If you refuse me now..."
By tomorrow, the rumors circulating in the academy will be that "that cowardly Nord only managed to defeat Zorlogan Susas by luck and trickery."
At that time, it will spread to every corner of the entire academy.
You will bring shame upon all of Nord.
She finally revealed a very faint smile.
Kane's expression turned completely bizarre and tense upon hearing "to bring shame upon the entire Nord."
He's not a real Nord, so why would he care about honor?
He remained silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on Logan's face.
Suddenly, his gaze snapped upwards, landing on the entrance to the hall, a perfectly timed expression of surprise on his face: "Dean of the Bone Corpse?"
"tutor?"
Logan Susas froze, almost instinctively turning around quickly, his gaze sweeping eagerly toward the entrance.
However, there were only a few unfamiliar mage apprentices passing by in a hurry, and there was no sign of Dean Kugu.
Oh no! We've been tricked!
Her heart sank, and she immediately turned her head away.
Sure enough, Kane was nowhere to be seen.
boom!
A soft closing sound echoed from the corridor as the door to a spell practice room shut.
Logan Susas stood there, his knuckles turning white.
She stared intently at the now-closed oak door, a look of bewildered disbelief crossing her face.
A faint blush immediately rose to her cheeks, clearly indicating her anger.
The middle-aged monk in charge of registration watched this scene from afar, pursed his lips, and forced back a smile.
He tried to maintain a calm, businesslike tone: "Master Logan, what do you need—"
"I don't want it, beggars!"
Logan Susas slapped him, her voice strained and forced, her eyes fixed on the corridor.
"I'll wait here."
"————Okay, okay."
The middle-aged monk swallowed back the words "This is against the rules" that were almost out of his mouth, his lips twitching slightly.
He awkwardly sat back down in his seat, silently reciting to himself:
We can't afford to offend them, we can't afford to offend them.
Inside the spell practice room.
As the door closed, Kane let out a soft sigh and rubbed his temples.
He was genuinely worried that the stubborn monk Logan might disregard his dignity and come to pester him.
The room was brightly lit only by candlelight.
The room was quite spacious, with a solid black stone pillar, more than half a person tall, standing in one corner. It was an obsidian target used to test the power of spells.
On the stone platform beside it, a black obsidian dagger lay quietly.
On the other side was a large solid wood table, on which, in addition to the essential water jug, copper cup, and silver mirror, were displayed several rows of practice tools for various purposes:
Several wooden targets made of different materials, a few unsharpened standard training weapons, and even a small crystal ball.
Clearly, this place was prepared to meet the diverse practice needs of mages from different academies.
Kane turned his gaze away from the silent door behind him and walked to the center of the room.
He took out the two newly acquired spellbooks from his pocket: "Fragment Scattering" and "Shadow Blade".
Place them side by side on a smooth stone platform.
He turned to the silver mirror, took off his shirt, revealing his upper body covered in incantations.
The candlelight flickered.
He first picked up "Shadow Blade" and quickly and carefully read it from beginning to end.
Then, he looked into the mirror, especially at his arm.
With a slight thought, buds began to sprout from the two magic spell marks on the artist's arm.
The two runes on Dongzao began to fade and shrink at a visible speed, eventually disappearing completely under the skin, leaving only smooth skin that was indistinguishable from the surrounding skin.
He took the obsidian dagger from the stone platform.
I turned to face the mirror, took a deep breath, and my gaze became incredibly focused.
He began, following the structure of the spell model in the spellbook, slowly tracing the skin with the tip of the dagger.