Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 1544: Arcane Technique - Shadow Orb
Miss Danester did not show the letter to Shard, but said seriously:
"On that letter, there is the pattern of the Sun, Moon, and Stars that I discovered at the end of the clearing in the Night Shrine of Randall Valley. However, the letter only contained this pattern, and its contents did not provide any explanation for it."
Shard frowned slightly:
"So, could the Edwards family in Green Lake Town be that so-called, ancient Circle Sorcerer family?"
"Most likely not."
Miss Danester shook her head slightly:
"I only got this clue last week. Based on my investigation of the Edwards family, they are just an ordinary family. However, mortals always have various never-ending pursuits. Current evidence indicates that the family was attempting to obtain the Elixir of Immortality before the destruction of Green Lake Town at the heart of the lake."
Ordinary people often create considerable trouble due to their exploration of mysticism. Among the purposes of exploring mysticism, the most common are for "communicating with spirits or even resurrecting deceased loved ones" and "seeking a longer life." Gaining more wealth and obtaining greater power are less common motivations.
Actually, seeking immortality is also a research topic for many Circle Sorcerers. True "immortality" is unattainable, but if one only seeks a longer life, methods like "brewing the Elixir of Immortality using the Philosopher’s Stone" can achieve that. Furthermore, some special magic potions and relics can extend life. Even acquiring part of a witch’s power can directly extend life, and the "Youth" Gold Cup that Shard gave to Miss Galina, according to the witch’s research, can also create a certain degree of "elixir of immortality."
Considering these matters, Shard raised an eyebrow:
"So, the Edwards family’s pursuit of the Elixir of Immortality is related to the destruction of Green Lake Town back then?"
"Yes."
The female sorcerer answered seriously:
"That small town in the heart of the lake is still shrouded in a perennial mist, and even the church cannot confirm what exactly happened back then. The Academy doesn’t have much record of it since there are even more dangerous things on the Old Continent."
She looked into Shard’s eyes:
"Shard, I have a task for you. I know you have deep connections among the nobility in Draleon and Carsonrick. I need you to investigate the descendants of all Edwards family members who left Green Lake Town back then. Yes, regardless of whether they’ve changed their surname, regardless of gender and age, or even if they’re ordinary people, I need you to help me gather that list. Meanwhile, I will investigate the Edwards family from another angle. You want to help me find the teacher, don’t you? Shard, this is the first step."
"Determine the origin of that Sun, Moon, and Stars pattern by investigating the descendants of the Edwards family, right? No problem, when do you need the list by?"
Shard asked.
"Before the summer arrives. Currently, it’s unclear how many descendants of the Edwards family there are. The destruction of Green Lake Town happened over a hundred years ago, and the family has likely proliferated for at least three generations, so the number of descendants is probably not small, making the investigation quite troublesome. Oh, if you need funding, just ask me, I won’t let you spend your own money on this."
"That’s not something you need to worry about; I still have... some money."
As he said this, an inexplicable sense of satisfaction filled the outlander’s heart.
The female sorcerer smiled and shook her head:
"Even so, I won’t let you spend that money. Although I’m giving you until the summer to complete the investigation, it’s best to report to me immediately after you find any leads, so that our investigations can proceed in tandem."
"No problem, I’ll start investigating tomorrow. I hope I can get results soon... May I ask a question, Miss Danester, have you ever conducted an on-site investigation of that desolate small town?"
He asked again, and Miss Danester naturally didn’t mind his question:
"I’m glad for your keen instincts, but unfortunately, I cannot visit the place for now. The current situation in the Material World..."
She considered her words:
"After the Battle of Randall Valley, more and more people and events have been swept into the epic of the Chosen One. The situation is currently very complex, and as a Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer, it’s best not to appear elsewhere arbitrarily, as it might cause unnecessary suspicion."
Shard nodded in understanding:
"Then, do you need me to take a look at Green Lake Town?"
Miss Danester gave him a surprised look:
"No need for now, I’ll send someone to take a look. Besides, it’s been over a hundred years, and I’m pessimistic about what’s left. You shouldn’t run around either; you’ve just reached the Six Rings, and for a young person with your potential to become a Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer, you’re not even halfway there yet."
She brought up Shard’s academic matters again:
"Summer is usually not the time for advancement exams, but I’m making an exception for you to take the exams in summer, like last year. Are you in the fourth grade now? Then in summer, skip grades to take the fourth and fifth end-of-course exams. Also, I have some books here, and when you return, I’ll send them to you through parchment pages. You need to submit a reading note every week."
She assigned tasks to Shard:
"I know your life isn’t easy, but if possible, I hope you can meet with me like this every week, or every two weeks, or even every month, to discuss your learning experiences. It also helps me know if my only student is actually making an effort."
"Alright."
Shard could only nod, then ponder what content he should report.
"Additionally, as your teacher, I should give you a gift to celebrate your advancement to the Six Rings."
A parchment roll tied with a black ribbon floated to Shard, then drifted back:
"Arcane Technique [Shadow Orb], corresponding to [Shadow], [Darkness], [Negative Energy], and [Corrosion] Spirit Runes. All four elements can be learned. Since your last Five Ring Spirit Rune is [Shadow], I think this should be useful to you."
[Shadow Orb] is a rather basic Arcane Technique; despite being basic, it is highly useful. The effect of the arcane technique is quite simple: a black orb filled with shadow is created in the hand, which can be thrown to cause damage. Meanwhile, if the orb is sustained without being thrown, it will slowly absorb surrounding light, leaving the area in darkness.
"Your path is that of the Moon and Space-Time; shadow can merge with [Moon], but that’s not content you should touch now. So, although the Circle Sorcerer system with ’Shadow’ as the core is tempting, I wouldn’t recommend you pursue it, as it’s unnecessary. Regarding the [Shadow] Spirit Rune, if you’re interested, you can research other arcane techniques, but don’t dwell on it too much. The Moon is your path. May March guide you, Shard."
Miss Danester advised, and Shard nodded, remembering her words. Then he stood up and took his leave.
(Mia running...)
The news of the "Circle Torbesk City Spring Horsemanship Competition" had become the most anticipated event for citizens since last week when Shard was bedridden. Although the event is held annually, it still does not diminish the enthusiasm of citizens in the Steam Age, who lack entertainment methods.
This year’s opening ceremony is scheduled for this week’s Sunday, which is the 30th day of the Month of Rising Wind. Meanwhile, Shard found himself temporarily with nothing to do.
Of course, the outlander didn’t idle away his time aimlessly. By Tuesday, he had already learned Arcane Technique [Shadow Orb]. Since it is a basic arcane technique, there were no unexpected incidents during the learning process.
However, influenced by Shard’s consumption of the "Twisted Earth Origin," the arcane technique immediately evolved upon successful learning. According to "her," as well as tests during Shard’s spar at the mountain peak’s ritual site with Sister Delphine, the arcane technique [Shadow Orb] associated with the Miracle Soul Rune [Shadow of the Moon] gained the trait of "Petrification."
This means that anything hit by this arcane technique will instantly enter a petrified state unless it is made of stone. Although this petrification effect is less potent than those of certain black mud, it is still useful in combat.
Besides learning arcane techniques, on Wednesday, Shard took on a job to find a cat.
He certainly didn’t forget Miss Danester’s task, so he wrote letters to Margaret, Lecia, and Miss Galina, inquiring about the "Edwards family from Green Lake Town."
Margaret’s reply would take about a week to return from Velindale City, and to gather more detailed information, he might have to wait longer. As for the two ladies from the House of Cavendish, they both quickly provided Shard with information.
Miss Galina’s oral message delivered by her maid stated that she would help investigate as soon as possible but admitted her lack of understanding of such an obscure and already fallen noble. Meanwhile, Lecia’s letter didn’t mention Shard’s request for assistance; she only arranged a Thursday evening appointment with Shard to watch an opera.
"Watching an opera" was Lecia’s favorite way of signaling a date with Shard. Shard, of course, understood what this implied.
Shard found that even when he had free time, it seemed to pass quickly. From Wednesday, when he took on the cat-finding commission, to Thursday afternoon, when he completed it, and then used his commission fee to pay his neighborhood’s garbage disposal fee, it felt like the blink of an eye.
Reading daily, studying, or going to the basement to concoct magic potions and create alchemical items, his life became particularly fulfilling.
Soon, it was Thursday night. Shard had dinner ahead of time with the cat at home. Seeing the lazy cat was unwilling to go out, he boarded a carriage at seven o’clock and entered Maria’s Opera House at seven twenty.
