Nuances and details

[A/N: Co-written with ScarletRabbit.]

Egis shuffled a few papers in his hands. The pencil he'd used to scribble new information lay between two of his fingers and quickly rotated as he switched from reading to writing. The gaze of his eyes shifted to the few containers in front of him. The bubbling solution in a beaker above a burner had a pleasantly red color.

The man exhaled deeply, turning the burner off. Then, he wrote a few things in a new line before putting the pencil down and standing up from his workstation.

'Another batch will be soon finished.' he nodded at the thought, a hand going through his hair. 'With that, it will be more than twofold the required amount for everything.' a smile entered his face at the thought. He liked being prepared extensively, especially for something as important as this.

Egis took a few slightly uneven steps toward his main desk. A large binder atop was filled with papers he had yet to read through. With a sigh, he sat slowly in his seat. His hand, covered in gentle wrinkles and calluses, reached for the thing and unbound it. Dozens of pages became apparent. Several careful scribbles were depicted on many of them while others depicted lines of fine text.

Egis's eyes scanned over the text of the page he grabbed. It depicted a person attending Weydan's Academy. It was a young woman with freckles, ginger hair, and almost black eyes. Her profile was described in great detail, allowing the man to shape a mental image of her throwing around ice-type magic with ease.

He sighed, getting a hold of another one. Then, another. And another. The pages formed a small pile to his side.

Suddenly, his eyes widened. The momentary pause ended with the man smiling softly. His expression warmed up. He put the page to the other side, away from the other ones. Almost as if prompted by his find, Egis reached for the remaining papers, searching for something in particular.

Within minutes, all the papers were segregated into two groups. One of them retained almost all the documents while the other only contained three entries.

Egis reached to a drawer in the desk. A small contraption, identical to the one he gave to Ismeria not long ago, fit nicely in his hand. With a quick move of his fingers, he switched some small, nigh-invisible parts that stood at its base. Then, he activated the device.

A low, static noise filled the air for a couple seconds. It was quiet yet discernable, akin to the sound of Cis flowing through Weydan. After a short moment, it stopped.

"Yes?" came a voice. The device's imperfections made it sound slightly distorted, but the person on the other side was undeniably a woman.

"Minerva, come here," said Egis before disabling the device.

...

It didn't take long for the door to the underground place to open. Inside stepped a somewhat tall woman. Her black eyes were reminiscent of a night, the short, brown hair giving her face a touch of liveness that was otherwise impossible to find. The light cloak on her shoulders glimmered faintly, emphasizing its bright gray color that helped against the smoldering sun at least a little. The tunic and pants she wore underneath were rather long, hiding most of her pale skin.

Minerva stepped closer, stopping just in front of the desk. She gazed at the piles of papers, a visible question stirring in her eyes.

"Is there a problem with the documents?" she asked cautiously.

"Not at all. You procured them perfectly," Egis shook his head. "I called you here because there are a few individuals I'd like you to watch out for," he lifted the three pieces of paper toward the woman.

"...two professors, and a student..." Minerva's black eyes read the lines of text. "Riven, Schweizer, and... Stormrider...?" she looked at Egis. "...are we to take care of them beforehand?"

"The contrary. I don't want anyone laying hands on them."

"Understood," she answered shortly.

"While we're on the topic, how is the security?"

"Nothing outside our expectations," Minerva shook her head gently. "Mostly melee fighters, about four dozen of them."

Egis nodded slowly. Everything was about what they had expected. Even if it should come to the worst, they had more up their sleeves. "Are the barrier preparations done?"

The woman nodded. "All nodes have been prepared. We will begin installing them tomorrow morning."

"Very well," 'It took great effort to gather as much magic power as those hold. Even a 6th-circle Mage will be powerless once the barrier is set up.' "And the location of Ylla's Tear?"

"As expected, in a small treasury underneath the southern wing."

'Everything falls neatly into place. Let us hope it will keep up this trend.'

Minerva sent her boss a questioning gaze. She appeared to have something more on her mind but didn't want to break Egis out of his thinking trance.

"Now, how's the tinkerer?" Egis's brow raised in expectance.

"Arrogant, as always. But he did create something new," Minerva reached to her side, exposing a belt that tied her pants. Right by it, she had a bag with some device in it. "It's supposed to have greater accuracy than before."

Minerva put the item on the desk. Egis inspected it almost immediately.

A rugged handle was crafted from sturdy wood, designed to offer a firm grip despite its rough edges. Wrought metal was integrated with the handle itself, collectively forming an elongated, pole-like structure. At the upper end of this creation, a prominent protrusion stood out, characterized by a sizable cut through its center.

Egis carefully got hold of the thing. Inwardly, he still could not help but feel awe at the man who designed this weapon. How could something so intricate come out of the hand of Classless... Egis smiled. He already liked it.

"Splendid, indeed," he hummed whilst nodding. "A fine addition to the arsenal. Is he capable of producing many?"

"Not on time. He said this one is the only one for now."

Egis nodded, slowly hiding the weapon in the desk's drawer. Minerva pulled out a small pouch. The weight of its contents was evident despite its rather low volume.

"He said that they should work best," she said. "The burner is the same as previously."

"I see," Egis replied whilst pulling out a bottle. Its bronze contents shimmered in the limited light. "Give him this. Tell him it's a gift of gratitude."

Minerva accepted the bottle. Recognizing that the talk had come to an end, she spoke a short, respectful goodbye before taking her steps out of the room, leaving Egis alone with his thoughts.

The man watched her leave before his attention snapped to the papers once more. He inspected the one on top in greater detail. According to the date, it was from just under two weeks ago.

=Admitee report=

=Name: Lucas Stormrider=

=Class: None=

=Level: 2=

=HP index: 487=

=MP index: 1124=

=Mana density index: 12.04=

=Theoretical examination: 50/50=

=Practical examination: 10/50=

=Notes: Mana block prevents fluid expulsion of mana and restricts the maximum amount at a time. The mana block appears permanent, with no signs of reduction in effect after administering appropriate medication.=

=Notes: It is unknown whether the admitee's mana core exists. High mana density prevents thorough search. The type and number of cores are impossible to estimate.=

=Notes: Allowed practical examination using a 3rd-circle artifact, Ylla's Tear. The results show a high aptitude for lightning-type magic.=

'How intriguing.' thought Egis before focusing on the picture of the young man. 'The second Classless to attend Weydan's Academy.' he smiled. 'And those numbers... a 3rd circle would be attainable, if not 4th. And that density... I imagine some heads must've been upturned. Licheren's Limit is called that for a reason. Stepping above 1 point should guarantee classing.'

...

'I wonder what he's like. Is he reserved but ambitious like you, Valerian?' a soft chuckle escaped the man's mouth. 'Or maybe meek and soft like Sienna? Or, gods forbid, a cutthroat like Elaine.' Egis burst out laughing at the thought. Somewhere in his mind, he could feel his memories push forth.

Good old times.

...which didn't get to last.

Slowly, his expression stiffened. The mere thought of what used to be filled him with dread. His fingers curled slowly.

'Don't worry, old friend. I will bring justice to your name. Those pesky Classed won't stop me. I've lived in shadows long enough.'

Egis's hand reached for the weapon on the table. He was already familiar with similar constructs. Quickly pulling out a small pouch of blackish powder, he opened a small container on the side and filled it. Then, he reached for the bag Minerva brought, pulling out a small ball of metal from within. With skilled motion, the man put the ball into the cylinder and pushed it inside with a small rod. Ensuring it was loaded properly, he took aim at the wall to his left. A small, circular target was crudely drawn with some chalk.

'And once I prove my words, I'll upturn this rotten society.'

His finger found a small trigger under the main cylinder. Relaxing his body slightly yet tensing up his hand, Egis prepared for the recoil and pushed.

*BANG!*

-Meanwhile-

Seraphina opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling. The white paint used to decorate the surface looked almost new, with naught a sign of a blemish on its smoothness. Just like every other part of the manor she had seen, it seemed to be done with great attention to detail and aesthetics.

She felt a hand clasp around her wrist gently. Looking to the side, Seraphina noticed an elf with silver hair and brown eyes, Ginis. Although he looked young, she knew he had lived for over a century. His touch on her skin felt delicate as he expulsed some mana, checking on her state.

"=How do you feel, Princess?=" he asked, noticing her staring.

"=...I'm not sure,=" she replied hesitantly. "=I feel alright, but...="

"=But?="

"=Do you not feel this strange sensation in the air? Uncleanness in the mana?="

Ginis shook his head, sighing. "=I'm sorry, Princess, but I cannot feel anything like you described. Not even Lis'te can feel it. Is it persistent?="

Seraphina nodded. Her other hand got hold of some hair, twisting it in a coil around a finger.

The man's face expressed a slight frown. Low humming left his mouth for a split second.

"=There appears nothing wrong with your health, Princess,=" he said, retreating his hand. "=I cannot say for sure, but I believe you are simply stressed. I would advise you to take your time and do something you like. Perhaps this family's library has some books in Mins. Or perhaps speak with Lis'te about eating one of your favorite dishes. All I can say is, please try to feel a bit at ease. We understand the situation is very tense for you, but the best we can do is wait for the storm to pass. Perhaps, a visit to the garden could alleviate your stress a little.="

Seraphina sighed and sat up. Her blue eyes glimmered, eyeing Ginis who stood up and stepped away from the bed. He watched her with an insightful eye, awaiting her reaction.

"=Very well,=" she said slowly, her expression softening. "=For now, I will venture to the garden.="

"=By all means,=" the elf nodded, his mouth forming a gentle smile. "=Have you eaten today yet?="

"=...yes,=" Seraphina answered. Almost as if in response, she felt her stomach constrict slightly, not agreeing with her words. However, she knew she wouldn't eat anything that would come from this home unless it was Lucas who made it. But she knew he was away. He had left almost immediately after their talk, and while he came back at one point, he once again felt distant. "=Please tell Lis'te to come. I need something from him.="

"=Should I not escort you, Princess?="

"=It's alright, Ginis, I know the way. Just do what I asked.="

"=Of course,=" the man answered before turning to the door and leaving.

Seraphina looked over the room. The intricate designs of the furniture sure were pleasing to the eye. The wide window opposite the door, partially ajar, gave her ample view of the garden and the beacon standing within. The curtains gently swayed in the breeze entering the room. With it came a breath of fresh air.

Slowly, Seraphina stood up. The teal color of her dress felt like a nice transition between her hair and her eyes. Facing the mirror, she gauged her looks. The redness of her cheeks - a remnant of her outburst with Lis'te - was already almost gone. The glossy rims of her eyes were taken care of by a hasty swipe.

Sighing lightly, Seraphina reached out to her breasts. Weighing them for a moment, she felt their soft and malleable mass. Her brows furrowed slightly as she realized that the white bra hiding them was clearly sagging, threatening to fall off at any moment. Pulling at the thin band on her back, she tightened the clothing's hold. Then, she fixed the hanging strap on her shoulder. After that, Seraphina did the same for her dress.

Finally satisfied with her looks, she stepped forth to the door.

The thick carpet brushed her soles pleasantly. In many circumstances, she would form a smirk at the feeling.

...

But her face remained stern. Her servants could tell her all they wanted, but Seraphina wasn't a fool. Inexperienced, yes, but not stupid. They couldn't feel it, but she did. The ****, suffocating feeling of mana that felt like a slowly tightening bond around her throat - it was undeniably real. Inwardly, Seraphina yearned to be freed from this sensation.

Stepping outside the room, she slowly took her steps in a direction. Trekking at her own pace, the elven princess looked at the numerous paintings strewn across the long halls. Some were simplistic in nature - mere depictions of grand landscapes and cities from far away. A couple presented people, men and women alike - even unable to read their titles, Seraphina could imagine those were the ancestors of the Stormrider family. One seemed to depict scenes of grand battles - the colossal buildings of Omitell, Riverut's former capital, were as imposing as she had seen them displayed in old books. Seraphina could not help but wonder how it was that such a huge and prosperous city could be leveled within a day. And on top of that, how was it that just a small team could stop that same disaster from festering further?

'I suppose Nibellan was the 4th seat of hell for a reason.' she conceded silently before hastening her step a little. 'Even Rigus wouldn't withstand for long. It really was a blessing in disguise that none of the Elder Demons made a move, and that Sword Saint was at his peak during that time.'

Washing the painting from her mind, Seraphina started her descent on the stairs. Her fluid steps, however, didn't last for long.

"!" she flinched, turning around at a strange, almost hostile sensation within her chest. It was an instinctual feeling that told her she was in grave danger.

"?" a woman, visibly shorter than herself, stood atop the stairs. Her long, black hair swayed as her brow raised in question, the earthy-green eyes focused on Seraphina.

'...what?' Seraphina frowned in confusion. The strange feeling from within her heart dissipated in an instant, leaving behind only a dull echo.

"=Who are you?=" she asked carefully, noticing the maid's pointy ears.

"=...I'm a maid of this house, Princess Seraphina,=" Nimue answered slowly. "=My name is Nimue.="

"=Why... were you following me?=" 'What's this... strange feeling...?' Seraphina felt her heart beat with strength, her body tensing slightly. It felt... strangely familiar, for some reason. 'She... doesn't emanate mana... but somehow...'

"=I apologize if it looks that way,=" Nimue bowed her head. "=Mistress Ophelia is asking you for a short meeting if you have some time.="

"=I'm... busy at the moment.="

"=I understand,=" the maid answered quickly. "=Is there a time you will be available at in the near future?="

"=...I don't know yet. Tell Lady Ophelia that I will look for her when I'm available.="

"=Yes, Princess.="

Nimue took a step back on the stairs before Seraphina suddenly said, "=Wait a second. Nimue, right?="

"=Yes, Princess. Is there something you need?="

"=Since you live here, you speak Siles, do you not?=" Seraphina focused on the woman.

Nimue nodded, her expression turning to question. Her ears lifted almost as though to indicate she was listening with all she had. Was it not for the eerie feeling Seraphina still sensed off the woman, she'd have thought the gesture cute.

"=Can you translate something for me?=" she asked, mentally summoning the words she had heard. "Yoeang measther. =What does that mean?="

Nimue's face turned to pondering for half a second. Quietly, her lips moved a few times as she emulated what Seraphina said. Her eyes lit up for a brief second. She appeared surprised, at least in the green-haired elf's eyes.

"=I don't think those words mean anything, Princess. Perhaps you remember them wrong,=" Nimue spoke softly, but the slight flinch of her eyes failed to escape Seraphina's senses.

'Is she hiding what that means...?' the taller woman thought before sighing. "=I see. Perhaps so,=" 'Best not to pressure too much. Lis'te will definitely tell me.'

A long moment of silence persisted. Seraphina's blue eyes scanned over Nimue. The buxom maid looked away before excusing herself and going away, presumably to Ophelia.

Seraphina frowned, getting some hair from her front and feeling it stroke her back through the dress. Expanding her senses, she focused on Nimue, doing her best to infer what she could of her leaving presence.

...

Something didn't make sense.

'I can't feel mana from her...' Seraphina sighed, slowly turning away and resuming her journey. 'Yet... there's something about her that sends a chill down my spine...'

...

'...she doesn't feel like an elf.'

---

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