Testing and studying

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

Lucas closed his eyes for a long moment, closing the door to his room. Leaning on the wood, he brought a hand to the bridge of his nose. A deep inhale entered his lungs.

'A support...' he thought before throwing the clothes in his hands onto the bed. Locking the door, he sighed with all the air in his lungs. 'Gah, I can't even believe myself. I am finally free of the burden of being Classless, and I dare complain? Hah, father, that's not how you raised me.'

Feeling a light chuckle escape his mouth, a grin spread across Lucas's face. Hope started rising within his chest.

'Sulking is pointless. Even supports are useful. And this class... I don't think I've ever heard of it. It must mean it's rare. Before I judge it, I should assess what it can truly do.'

Lucas's expression slowly stiffened before turning into a ponder. He put a hand to his chin, resting its elbow on his knee. His violet eyes traced the lines of the infusion circle before he closed them.

'Let's begin. <Astral Projection>.' the command left his mind.

A sense of fuzziness overcame his body. In an instant, he felt his spirit move from the sitting position, almost involuntarily yet in a way that he sensed a good control of. With a mere thought, he halted. He sensed a faint vibration throughout his entire being. Gradually, he opened his eyes.

Nothing about the room was changed. The wall, the door, the manalamp... it all looked the same as before. However, it was his perspective that had altered. With but a single twist of his neck, Lucas saw that he was... floating?

'W-What?!' a tingle of fear penetrated his mind. He was no less than a meter above the ground, his legs curled slightly. Instinctively, he swung his hand, preparing to meet the ground...

...but that did not happen. Realizing his situation, Lucas shook his head. '...I got uselessly scared there for a second.' he clicked his tongue before releasing a faint chuckle at his reaction. With a simple, subliminal command, he was standing on the ground.

'Hmm... the movement has some drag to it.' he thought whilst stepping toward the bed. 'Moreover...' he put a hand on the material atop the furniture. His hand immediately phased right through. 'Just as the skill said, I'm incorporeal. That's probably why I feel like I'm vibrating. But...' his gaze escaped to his feet. 'I'm not sinking into the ground...'

...why was that?

'It's a subconscious action.' the realization hit him nearly instantly. 'Then, if I will it...' he felt his body sinking into the ground. 'Exactly. But then again... I'm not being held down by gravity. I am completely in control of my state.' Lucas did a jumping motion. With little more than a single thought, he kept afloat. With a second one, he descended to the ground. 'This means that the astral plane is completely separate from the material world. I suppose that's why only certain beings would be able to see me. They will likely belong to that plane as well.'

Closing his eyes, the young man put a hand on his chin again. This skill was already presenting itself nicely. It was potentially good for reconnaissance, allowing him to enter a closed space if he needed to. There were, however, drawbacks he noticed.

'The limited range makes it situational. On top of that, the inability to cast any skills from that form reduces its usability further.' a faint hum escaped his airways. Slightly tilting his body, he felt himself move backward. Straightening up, he stopped the motion without even giving the mental command. 'Interesting...' he frowned slightly as he opened his eyes. 'Then...' he swung a hand, and his body rotated in response. 'So, it's much more akin to swimming than floating, it appears.' he nodded at his thought.

Lucas felt a short chuckle leave his mouth.

'This is... pretty cool.' with just a thought, he suddenly flew forward, stopping in front of the door. 'Almost like learning horseriding again, except on my own. Though it does feel... familiar, somehow.' a thought nested itself in his mind before he turned around. In the chair, his body was sitting, eyes closed. Its chest was shallowly moving. 'I'm not sure why, but I feel... strangely free, like this.' he flew upward a little, putting his hands behind his head as he took in the deepest breath in a long time. 'Alright, I think it's time to end this. <Cancel>.' he thought the command. In an instant, he felt a strong pull toward his physical body. Looking at his hands for a split second, the young Stormrider noticed their form appearing far more blurry than earlier. Before he managed to register the picture properly, his vision darkened. The newfound sense of weight caught him off-guard, and the man flinched backward. However, he was too late to recognize the fact that he had nothing to support himself on from the back. He fell to the ground, chair clattering beside him.

"...ow," he groaned momentarily.

Lucas breathed a deep sigh, getting some hair out of his face in dismay. After a few seconds, he let out a laugh whilst getting to his feet. Performing a slight stretch, he scanned the room over with his eyes. 'I'm finished with the test.' Lucas sat down on the bed. 'Let's check the effects.'

He summoned his status.

[Lucas Stormrider (Age: 19)

Class: Hybrid Class (Dream Walker / ???)

Level: 2

[HP: 488/488

MP: 649/1379

WP: 363/424

(...)]

'Hmm.... 25 WP per minute means that I was in that state for about two and a half minutes. It felt like the time spent there was longer... well, this brings me to more questions. What exactly is this 'WP', how quickly does it regenerate, and how can I help it?' Lucas hummed to himself for a moment.

It obviously had to do with the astral plane, and given the description of <Subliminal Guidance>, it also dabbled into the mental world. Clearly, such a stat was referring to... 'Willpower. The expression of mind strength.' Lucas felt his heart stop for a blink at the realization. 'This and <Subliminal Guidance>... this class is... Psion-like...' he felt a bit of fear sting him at the base of his skull.

Psions. There were countless stories of those terrifying beings, both human and human-like. The continent's unanimous agreement to hunt down such didn't stem from thin air. Those who were engulfed in the power over others lost not just their morality, but also inhibitions. The tales ranged anywhere from just a low-level individual wreaking havoc in small towns to more powerful beings forcing hundreds to become their slaves. Wars were fought against them. The Western Sweep more than two hundred years ago was too big an event to ever forget, having almost destroyed the Riverut Empire from within. Was it not for the support of Etnal and the Five Powers, who knew if the continent's strongest nation would still exist.

...

Lucas breathed a heavy puff. His hands shook as he felt the fear wash over him. So what that he classed if, the moment his family got to know, he'd be beheaded? A faint groan welled up in his throat. His fists were clenched as he slowly got up, frustration arising.

'Of course, there had to be a hook like that. Why the hell would anything be simple? My entire life, the world was doing nothing but throwing logs under my legs. How could I expect that some random elf I could find no information about would be able to help me?' he scoffed at the thought, using a foot to scrub at the brown sigil on the ground. '...And all I ever wanted was to be recognized as a Stormrider. All I yearned for these past years has been to simply... have a spot in the family. I suppose I was just adding water to a broken jar.'

Recognition. To be 'acknowledged' as one is. Ever since he was little, Lucas was taught by his father that reaching above and beyond was only possible when one was recognized for who they were. Especially between nobles, if someone had no abilities, connections, or looks, they were as good as air in the best cases... or ended up like him in the worst, shunned by their own family and never spoken of in the political circles.

However, especially higher on the ladder, there was a clear discrepancy in how important certain aspects were. Looks could be changed. Connections could be severed. But abilities? One's class? Those were permanent. The higher one climbed the societal ladder, the more prying eyes looked at them, scrutinizing their every move through the glass of their class, waiting for them to slip.

This was one of the reasons why Lucas was so hopeful to become a Mage. The Stormrider family was famous for its lineage that was kept clean for centuries, beginning with Raymond Stormrider, and continuing up until Valerian.

However, upkeeping the lineage was the mission of the male heir. After all, while the title could be changed, the family name was taken after the man. Therefore, keeping it clean of blemishes rested on Lucas's shoulders. He was going to be blamed for his children branching away from the core of the family.

However, thinking about it, there was one thing that did not make sense to him.

'Classes are typically passed down in the lineage. It's very unusual for a child to have a vastly different class from both their parents. Father dabbled into alchemy deeply, but he was a Mage at his core, just like Mother. Ophelia is one too, and though Aveline deals primarily with melee weapons and aura, she can cast magic as well. Then... there is no way that I could deviate this strongly... unless I'm... no. Bitchy as she is, Mother wouldn't have cheated on Father.'

...

His gaze turned to the magic sigil on the ground. The brownish paste was somewhat visible on the planks of the floor, and the black mana stone that he hadn't taken care of yet was standing out like a sore thumb. Picking it up slowly, Lucas sighed before putting it into the topmost drawer of the dresser. He looked at his expression in the mirror. The violet eyes that stared back at him appeared... slightly different than usual. He couldn't explain it, but there appeared to be some form of... depth to them.

'I really shouldn't grumble. I wanted to class, and I did. I have to take responsibility for the result. Besides, it might not be as bad as I think. 'Dream Walker' is uncharted territory. As the only holder of it, I should do the proper thing and research it. What can it do? How can I use it? Could it... perhaps disguise itself as something else?' a hopeful thought formed as he clenched his fist with resolve. 'I ought to assess that. And for that, I need three things in preparation. I should find Nimue.'

"Hah..." Lucas sighed deeply. "I just returned from bathing, and I already feel dirty again," a soft chuckle escaped his mouth. He looked at his hands; there was a slight shaking in his muscles. "I have a long day ahead of me, don't I?"

Suddenly, he heard some kind of voice come from an unspecified location near him. Faintly, it felt like some kind of a larger being watching his actions from behind a thick sheet of glass. What made his heart freeze in an instant was its reaction.

It was feminine laughter.

-Meanwhile-

The noon sun sent down heat waves one after another, causing the air to simmer. Weydan's streets were nearly empty, and only those who absolutely had to get from one point to another stepped onto the hot streets. Unlike the pleasantly warm temperatures of Friday and Saturday, Sunday was out there to boil people alive. However, not every person was bothered by this atmosphere.

Illan's hair stood proudly as he bent backward in his chair. Both Kieran and Thorne's faces betrayed some discomfort from sitting by the window and bathing in the blazing embrace. Their leader, however, had a relaxed complexion, naught a sign of sweat on his skin. The heat was his element. Fire and combustion were like bread and water to him. Yet, it didn't mean he was fully content with his position right now.

His bronze eyes traced the length of the classroom with boredom, surveying the inside of the Academy's alchemy lab. Numerous tables sat in uniform distances one from another, complete with small drawers of basic reagents that were to be used during the classes. Glancing over the two dozen people in the spacious room, he did his best to ignore the constant scribbling of feathers on paper.

'Dammit, this is tedious. Elaine, this subject has barely begun, and you already make me want to jump out the window,' he thought, gradually closing his eyes. The voice of the petite teacher by the enormous blackboard reached his ears, but he dismissed it as a mere murmur, akin to the mixed chatter in Weydan's marketplace. He took a deep breath. 'To think that I'm **** to spend my time here... preposterous. I'm a Mage, not a damn alchemist. Whoever made this curriculum should go and boil with demons in hell,' he gritted his teeth. A slight movement of his hand adjusted the robe on his body, enabling him to lean backward without straining the fabric. Allowing his mind to wander for a minute or so, he continued pondering.

'Well, it's just this year and I'm finally free of this absurd place. Wouldn't have come in here in the first place if it wasn't for Ophelia. But after I'm finished with the education, we're going spend so~ much time together.' a sly smirk entered his face as he thought of the eldest Stormrider's body. It did happen in the past that he brushed his hand on her huge breasts and thick thighs, small accidents that he could not be happier about happening. His gaze seldom wavered when she was present, and at times, it seemed like she willingly presented herself to him. Imagining the sensation once he gained full authority over her body, he clenched his fists, envisioning squeezing Ophelia's abundant breasts. The tits she flaunted so much, just how squishy and delightfully bouncy must they be? The child-bearing hips that even overshadowed her mother's, he pictured parting those curves of lovely fat to make room for his touch.

Undoubtedly, the experience would be heavenly. He visualized the silver-haired woman moaning in delight as he caressed her like the work of art she was. The thought of her face expressing infinitely submissive affection for him made saliva well up in his mouth.

...ah, he was very close to his target now. He suffered a couple years of teasing by now. All he needed was to finish this one, and he could take her as his wife, as per his father's promise. Then, once he reached the status of Marquis--

"Breshnaw," the teacher's voice resonated throughout the classroom, cutting through the air with a blunt edge that hinted at Siles not being her native language. "Feeling bored?" a fingernail tapped impatiently on the table, her frustration escalating.

His eyes shot open as he flinched, and immediately met Elaine's gaze. The stare of her dark emeralds was ferocious but Illan hardly felt threatened by the presence oozing from within.

"But of course not, Professor Schweizer," he shook his head gently.

The teacher squinted her eyes for a moment before asking, "Then, what will happen if we add pure sulfur to the current contents of the mix?" she pointed to the blackboard. Some processes were described, involving not just mundane materials, but also some alchemical reagents.

"...it will explode."

"Why?"

Illan remained quiet for a long moment. His eyes traced the lines of text depicting the materials and processes but his mind hardly registered what the result should be. His answer was just an instinct.

The woman by the blackboard sighed at his lack of follow-up.

"I want you to stay after classes, Breshnaw. We need a word."

-About 20 minutes later-

Illan took a stand next to the blackboard. Exchanging a look with Kieran and Thorne, he showed them a quick sign telling them to wait for him in the corridor. His complexion was relaxed as his gaze returned to the professor still in her seat as the remaining students left the room.

Elaine was a small woman, her height not even reaching 1.5 meters. The copper-colored hair of shoulder length was wavy, creating a nice-looking halo around her round face that accentuated her bright skin. The crystalline eyes of dark verdant color appeared to glimmer slightly, granting her overall composition a touch of cuteness that completed her body clad in a robe that hid the rest of her body.

However, looks did not equal attitude. The moment the door to the room closed, her thin lips parted, "Breshnaw. I hope you're proud of yourself. That answer killed everyone in the room," her thick eyebrows of copper color frowned slightly as she sighed aggressively. "Want to explain why?"

"...as I said, the mixture would have explo--"

"Incorrect," the green-eyed woman cut him off, her voice sharp like a razor's edge. Her expression betrayed the dissatisfaction she no doubt felt. "Sulfur dissolves in the Tellric solution, and the presence of Fer Alloy causes the creation of Loperic Acid. Its quick evaporation creates a mist that is not only odorless but also very poisonous. Do you understand?"

'Gods, how much more can you nag... as if I was interested in your lectures.' Illan sighed whilst nodding slowly, hands behind his back as he glanced down at the woman. Inwardly, he could only imagine her on her knees, begging him for forgiveness once he reached the status of Marquis. Dear gods above, how much he will enjoy putting this uptight bitch in her place...

"This is your last warning, Breshnaw," the redhead professor said slowly, looking at his relaxed demeanor. "I will not tolerate this attitude in my class. If you wish to finish your studies, you have to pay attention and not space out."

"Professor, I am very sorry about what happened," Illan answered, taking a very short step forth. The lithe woman was just within hand's reach. "But I'm certain that we can... work... something out," a small smile appeared on his face as he gauged her reactions. His expectations were simple: for the Professor to tumble backward, flustered. Seduction attempts were not difficult for him. It was something he had done previously in different situations. He had decent looks, and his family was the second best-known one in Weydan. The chances of success were nigh guaranteed even if his personal charm somehow failed.

However, the comparatively tiny woman hardly blinked at his actions. She clicked her tongue audibly, "Tsk. This is alchemy, not chanting classes. A small error bears a significant price. Cannot 'work something out' when a mistake is made here. Am I clear?" her frown deepened.

"...crystal clear, Professor," Illan answered hesitantly whilst nodding his head.

"Good. One more misstep and your chances drop to zero. Carelessness finds no clemency in this subject. Do not forget that."

The brown-haired man nodded his head lightly before quickly turning on his heels and exiting the room. As he closed the door, his gaze escaped to his left. Both Kieran and Thorne awaited him, leaning on a nearby wall. Quickly trekking to them, he said, "Done and done."

"Was it that bad?" Thorne asked.

"You know that uptight bitch. 'Basic artifacts' were also tough with her. Tsk, she thinks she's hot stuff because she came from Melidan," Illan clicked his tongue. "Let's go."

'A bitch like her really puts a strain on my nerves. I'll make sure to have a word with her later.'

-10 minutes later-

A sigh escaped Elaine's mouth as she swiped a hand under her small nose. Her other one found its way to the surface of the desk as she slumped into the large chair. She yawned slowly as she slid a paper to herself and brought out a small machine with a pointy tip. Quickly reading through the answers given, she put the tool in her hand to the surface. With a gentle swoop, the item began writing a black line that with but a few extra motions transformed into letters marking mistakes made on the test. This went on for a short while longer until...

"Yer fuckin' kidding me," Professor Schweizer cursed quietly as she retreated her hand. The paper now had a tiny hole in its surface, surrounded by black ink.

'Pressure control needs adjustment.' she grimaced at the thought before putting the machine to the side. The nigh-cylindrical construct rolled a little. 'It distributes too much ink compared to the conveyed ****. Perhaps the piston loosened up...' a hand made its way to her chin as she became lost in thoughts. In her mind's eye, the small mechanical piece was already dismantled into the dozens of its components as the green-eyed woman traced every last segment the mistake could have been born of.

*KNOCK KNOCK!*

The soft sound reverberated in the classroom, bringing her out of her pondering state. Rapidly blinking, the small woman turned her head.

"Yes?"

In an immediate reaction, the door opened, and she saw a familiar face poke inside. The first thing that came to her attention was the dark turquoise hair that hung low. The woman's silver eyes glimmered as her half-full lips curved slightly.

"A bad moment, Elaine?" Sienna asked.

"Very. What do ye need, Sinsin?" the copper-haired woman answered, shifting in her seat a little.

"I'll get to the point," the taller woman entered the room and closed the door. Shifting the binder in her hand, she ensured it was closed before continuing, "The research group you're overseeing. Is there still a vacant spot in there?"

"Eh," Elaine shrugged. "Dory said she'd find someone but she's yet to return with a result. Why?"

"What would you say if I got you someone for that spot?"

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