Chapter 96 – Three Winds Academy part 1

Author’s note: My battle with the Windows took some time, so the chapters are released today >.> Sorry about that, got some unexpected viruses. Proofreading the next chapter at the moment, should be up within half an hour or so.

Raren City, Icicle’s POV

Arriving in Loiterous, I still had some time before I was supposed to enter the Mage Academy, so I went to the market to resupply.

Despite the current political shuffles, the streets were full of people, rowdy merchants and occasional passersby.
Now, that the options can effectively hide your name, it’s hard to distinguish players from NPCs, but there were obviously a lot of adventurers loitering around.

From time to time, a patrol of heavy armed guards passed by, monitoring the situation.
I would be surprised by such regulations inside any city in real world, but here, where the slavery was commonplace, people didn’t seem to mind.

Indeed, I have turned indifferent towards the slavery.
No matter what I do, there will always be someone willing to exploit the weak and poor. It may be callous, but it’s a game, I don’t want to roleplay Robin Hood.
As for Vanessa and Haruno, they were exceptions.
Let’s not kid ourselves, I helped them because they were women, beautiful at that.
No point in justifying myself when the reasoning behind it was obvious.

Travelling through the stalls opened right on the street, I carefully chosen my and my familiars’ next meals.
Cindy’s bag really comes in handy when preserving food.
To other’s eyes it probably seems as if I was an army’s supplier.

This time around, I was more vigilant towards forged items, thus I stayed away from most of the stalls.
Only book merchants took my fancy.
Squeezing through people, I made my way towards the biggest stall.

There were hundreds of books displayed, yet no one dared to steal any.
Burly warrior sat at the side of an old man, who was carefully describing one particular book’s content, polishing his huge broadsword.
That warrior had red hair and a diagonal scar across his left eye, making him look all the more ferocious.

To me, he looked interesting, but not the least bit intimidating.
Maybe that’s cause I was raised to be fearless.
Not like I was ever good at that.
Feelings aren’t that easy to control, even if you have exercised your mind.
Some sore points always remain.

As I was about to start buying the books randomly, I saw Nete and her friends on the opposite side of the stall.
Remembering that I tasked Nete with buying books, it would be inappropriate if I suddenly bought them myself.
Thus, I nodded towards her and made my way out of the northern-west part of the city.

I moved towards the east, towards the Mage Academy located right at the middle of the northern part of the city.
Nyu was earnestly asking for her sugar supplies which only made me smile.
She has really become somewhat well-behaved recently.
I wonder if she’s only playing nice, planning something, or if the AI is really capable of change.
It’s really hard to look at those people here as nothing more than data walking around. They act like humans, so they feel like humans.

Either way, I traversed through the unknown to me area.
There were lots of richly decorated stalls, giving off the impression of wealth.
After asking around, I learned that it’s the high-end merchant area, only the nobles and military are allowed to shop here.

The concept seemed pretty weird to me, there couldn’t be that many customers, right?
That’s when I saw an entire regiment of archers walking through.
There were at least a few thousand of them, every single one wearing an expensive looking bow and set of armor. No wonder those rich guys can flourish.

I sent Nete a message to check this area out, after all, when she received the Head Wizard position I elevated her status to a noble.
Wow, I sound like a “benevolent” monarch now.

Turning around, I chose to bypass the rich area, moving straight for the Mage Academy.

When I arrived, I saw something awe-inspiring.
Walled area in the shape of a reversed “U”, donned by guards in mage, warrior and archer clothing, spanning at least a few dozen kilometres.
Jesus, who allowed to build this monster of a place?

Informing the well-dressed guards near the steel gate of my identity, I was flat out rejected.
“We don’t know you” they said.
What to do, it seems old man Hylzar didn’t introduce me yet.
I considered jumping above the wall, but it was at least 5m high, even if I could use mana enhancement, which I currently can’t, I probably wouldn’t be able to negate the gravity that hard.

Left with seemingly no options, I flashed my noble status.
Somewhat reluctantly, I was let in, escorted by one of the guards.
Of course this “escort” wasn’t voluntary, *sigh* look at me, what a suspicious person I am.

With a loud creak, the enormous 3m steel lattice gate opened, moving aside.
I thought it would be more like a portcullis, sliding up and down, but apparently it’s something else.
This sight in a normal person’s eyes would be at least weird, but no one batted an eye.

How can such a gate exist here, it seems like the Mage Academy is a holy place with no entrance for commoners.
People here are truly tolerant.
Heh, what am I thinking, it’s the devs who made this game so unrealistic.

When the gate opened, I thought I’ll see a fortress, war machines or something, but it was the complete opposite.
No catapults, watch towers nor battering rams.
In front of me was a giant plaza with a fountain right in the middle.
Many students were happily chatting around it, sitting on benches, comparing notes, reading books, eating.

On the sides, there were two plots of flowers and trees, enriching the atmosphere with its colorful appearances and fragrant aroma.
Cold breeze passed, but instead of refreshing air, it carried a scent of sweat and blood.

Focusing on my ears, I heard some muffled battle cries coming from both sides.
Aren’t these students hard-working?

However, there was no time for me to dwell on that.
Many gazes landed on me, trying to pierce through me, while one of the guards guided me towards the main building.
I think some rumors spread, probably talking about me being a criminal.
At least I would think that if someone was escorted by a guard.

I don’t wear any expensive clothing nor do I have bodyguards nearby, I sure as hell don’t look like a noble.

Passing the plaza, I arrived in front of the set of stairs, leading to a large building.
Gigantic building in question was located in front of the gate, right in the middle of this extravagant place.
It was at least 10m tall, made of glimmering yellowish stone, with four towers with blue conical roofs at its corners.

The sight was simply majestic, even the stairs looked expensive, someone truly cared about appearance.
Looking back, the “kind guard” told me to walk straight ahead.

I could feel his presence until I reached the doors of the main building.
Wooden doors at least 3m in height towered over me, inscribed with various symbols, my guess – protective arrays.

Before I could even knock, the doors opened, almost automatically.
Truth be told, I was amazed.
Although I have came into contact with magic for quite some time now, it still feels amazing.
It’s a feeling really hard to describe.

In real life, there’s no way you can sense someone coming from three floors down, right?
You can hear the person, or have a hunch that someone might knock on your doors soon, that kind of intuition.
Here, in Loiterous, I’m genuinely able to sense someone in like a 10m radius.

Of course, that person can hide his presence as well, that’s what makes it a wonderful experience.
All kinds of stealth tactics go here, no one will call you ruthless if you’re the one who emerged victorious.

What I’m trying to get at, is that even though I am able to sense such things, here, in front of the large doors inscribed with arcane symbols, I am left speechless.
There was no one, no guard, no teacher, no official.
Not a shred of presence, no mechanisms operating the doors to be seen either.

I could somewhat comprehend the [Forsaken Labyrinth]’s traps by imagining lasers and touch sensors, but this?
Can these doors really operate themselves by magic?
Truly wondrous.

“What are you waiting for, come in. It’s getting cold outside.” when I heard the voice coming from the inside, all the shock I felt turned into numbness.
There’s only so much one can be shocked about.

Hastily walking inside, the doors behind me closed themselves.
To my left, there was a desk behind which sat a middle-aged woman.
She wore glasses, her hair was tied into a ponytail and her attire was that of an office lady.
If not for that, I would assume she’s a professor here.

“Well then, young man, what are you here for?” the lady’s hoarse voice rang out.
I found her particularly friendly with the kind and gentle smile she was wearing.
“My name is Icicle Whitesnow, I was supposed to come here to attend the academy tomorrow, but I was anxious, so I arrived a little early.”
“There’s no such person as Icicle Whitesnow on the list of students, how were you able to get in?” there was no longer a smile on the lady’s face, instead her brows furrowed.
“I flashed my noble status.” I replied sincerely, there was no point in hiding it if I am to seriously attend this place.

“Hmph” the middle-aged woman snorted, looking at me suspiciously “you’re really one of a kind to enter like that. If what you were saying is true, then wait for your turn. For now, I have to ask you to leave.”
I had neither time nor patience to be thrown out, so I voiced my thoughts out loud “Is old man Hylzar here? I bet he would vouch for me.”

Taking a peek at the lady, her complexion turn pale white with anger “How dare you call the principal like that! You shameless youngster, get out!” strong gale broke out, pushing me towards the doors, which once again opened wilfully.
Employing [Frost barrier], nothing could move me anymore, I bowed curtly, saying “I have no time to play with you, old lady. About my identity, ask old man Hylzar when you have the time. If he wants to throw me out, he can find me at the library”.

Dashing off into the distance, I looked at the map that was glowing brightly at my right side.
Stumbling upon this [Mastermind] class was truly a blessing.
I could see an underground complex, reaching 6 floors down.
However, the points I had on the map were only down to the third floor, seems like the rest is protected by some kind of a spell or I’m simply not good enough to see that.

Besides library, that was marked clear as day, there was a large red “X” mark, as if there was a pirate treasure located on the third floor.
I didn’t bother with that, it would be too much of an intrusion.

Released of Nyu’s pressure, I could easily beat the world record at running, probably in two to three seconds.
It felt like I was driving a car, but I was actually using my own two feet.

With neck-breaking speed I arrived at the end of the hall that was adorned by paintings and various carvings on both sides.
I didn’t even look at them, they only flashed past my field of vision as I sped off.
Who knows when that lady gets angrier, I don’t want to make more enemies than necessary.

I have to say, this place is as spacious as Lariette’s house was.
Even though the outside looks terrifyingly huge, there’s even more space inside.
Is it constructed like a dungeon? That’s a possibility.

After half a minute of running, I finally arrived at the dot where the passage was supposedly to be located at.
There was nothing, only a wall.
Copying my predecessor from the school of wizardry and magic, I charged at the wall head on.

“Fuck!” the curse escaped my lips. I bounced off the wall, looking like a complete retard.
When my butt fell, I felt the black granite tile sinking, as if it was a quagmire.
“Great, another trap” I thought, while scrambling to get on my feet.

Suddenly, the tile descended, levitating, until I reached a point where it stopped.
In the pitch black, endless darkness, I tried to feel my surroundings.
Suddenly, I remembered that I have a map…

After facepalming so hard that my face burned, I caught onto two stone slabs and pushed them aside, letting in a myriads of lights.
Chandeliers made from white crystals, atop of which were candles and lanterns that emitted glaring light illuminated the way.

The interior looked normal, the walls were white and the floor was a wooden parquet, reflecting the lights.

When I opened the stone doors, that were similar to a makeshift elevator, a lot of confused eyes fell on me.
Students, teachers, no one recognized me.
Well, no wonder, not only was I not listed, I didn’t wear that boring-looking plain white uniform.

Ignoring them altogether, I moved towards the red dot on the map.
Of course, the hushed sounds behind me were unavoidable.
That old lady will probably kill me when she finds me.

The dot was located down the hallway, so I made my way there.
Along the way, I saw many classrooms, judging by the sheer amount of students waiting nearby, there were at least ten.
I asked Eshel about their level and he said that they were weak.

Assuming that they were the greenhorns like me, I didn’t pay them any attention and moved forward steadily.

After passing a few classrooms, there was a tall chubby kid standing in the middle of the way.
I was closing in on him and he didn’t show signs of moving, so I asked courteously “Do you mind moving?”.
The corridor was about 5m wide, but I had a feeling he’s going to obstruct me no matter what.

Seeing that he doesn’t move, as if he was deaf, I took a detour to the right to bypass him.
As predicted, that fatso did obstruct me.
If it wasn’t my first time here, I would slap him to the other end of the corridor, so the guy knows his place, but as an outsider, it didn’t seem proper.
Thus, I used [Water step] to move past the guy, arriving five meters behind him.

There were a few shouts from behind me.
Are you serious, you’re suprised by a basic movement technique?
What kind of students are those?

Once again, the chubby guy arrived before me, earth wall appeared behind him and he threw a punch!
I used [Water step] in response, dodging the blow and arriving 8m behind him and his shabby earth wall.
Amidst the “ohhs” and “ahhs” coming from the students, I moved farther down the corridor.

I heard a clanking sound, as if a metal was being drawn and hit against the floor.
Turning back, I saw the chubby guy called “Patty” rush at me with his hands on the heavy sword.
Can’t he lift it properly or what? Why is he dragging it through the floor?

With a swish, the sword flashed, moving towards me in a tricky angle, like a viper let out of the cage for the first time.
Backing away, I realized that Patty didn’t know his limits, thus I used [Ice breath] to freeze him in place. I’ll let his teachers discipline him.

There were around 10m left before I reached the library.
Somehow, the surrounding students were silent.
Patty, who was frozen by me down to his chest, suddenly let out a howl and summoned his familiar.
It looked like a boar, only it was scarlet, giving it more of a wild, ferocious feel.

[Scarlet Hog] [Rare] [Lvl. 135]
Description: Wild hog living in the forests of Minaeryth Kingdom.

He’s sending a pig against me?
Sixxy who was bored the whole time started grumbling “Let me fight that”, she constantly yelled inside my mind.
Jeez, I wish I could turn that telepathy off sometimes.

After refusing Sixxy, I looked at the boar, not feeling a slightest bit of threat.
If it was in real life, yeah, I would try to use martial arts, get in a stance and scare it off. In case it didn’t work, I could always run.

But here, in Loiterous, where I could sense things, where I could use magic however I wanted as long as I knew how, what can this swine do?

Stomping its hoofs, the [Scarlet Hog] rushed at me violently, as if in a frenzy, baring its tusks and teeth.
Saliva was dropping down its mouth, its eyes flashed red.

Two idiotic creatures, human and swine bounded to this extent, truly… admirable.

Dodging to the side, I kicked at its abdomen, throwing the boar against the wall.
Brushing it off as if nothing happened, the hairs on the boar’s body stood on end, it let out a menacing howl and charged together with his master.
Yes, the freeze effect doesn’t last that long, five maybe seven seconds at best.

“Stop toying with that brat, you need to train, Icicle” hearing Eshel’s voice ringing out in my mind, I used [Gigantic Ice Hammer] that one-shotted Ganis before the update, only it was done with 5000 mana, I didn’t want to kill this idiot.
Idiocy should be treated, after all.

*boom*

Colliding with the boar’s tusks and Patty’s heavy sword, a mild shockwave erupted, forcing Patty and the boar back, frost covering their skin.

I realized that every other student was looking at me and Patty from their classes, not daring to disrupt.
Is he the boss around here or something? He’s kind of weak.
Then I saw the teachers looking at me strangely, but not interfering in the slightest.

Bowing curtly, I took off once again, this time hoping that the fatso learned his lesson.

The air before me distorted, then the middle-aged lady from before appeared in front of me soundlessly.
It’s not like Mika and others who use stealth, it seemed as if she was merged with the wind, one with it.
Putting two and two together, I realized that the previous gale forcing me out of the Academy was her work as well.

[Gritzen] [Lvl. Approximately 850+]
???

Oh God. She’s a fucking monster!
“You actually harmed our student, thank you, now I can do whatever I wish with you”. No wonder those teachers didn’t react, they knew she’s here!
With a flash of her hand, enormous lizard, at least 3m tall, appeared, making gestures as if it wanted to swipe and claw me to death.

At this time, I finally let Sixxy out, she was screaming incessantly to let her fight, coupled with her pouting from before I judged it’s a good way to make amends.

“You know what, I have to thank you, Icicle. Back then, when I was fighting with strong beasts, I could feel the thrill of living dangerously. Later on the feeling became dull, I couldn’t find anyone strong. Of course Nyuva is something else entirely, but now that I’m restricted by your level, every creature seems so strong and I can enjoy myself. I’m grateful for that.”

Hahaha, that old Naga actually thanked me.
Glancing at Nyu she seemed to wake up from her sleep, her tiny white hair stood on end, as if she heard something completely out of this world.