“The Academy probably thinks so too. After all, I haven’t heard of any correspondence ring warlock getting a Keeper level [Relic] upon enrollment.”
Dr. Schneider agreed with Miss Louisa’s view. When it comes to fate, ring warlocks are quite cautious.
Just staring at that die, Shard felt a strong impulse to take it out from its embedded position. Fortunately, the die was still in containment, allowing Shard to resist the lure completely.
However, he did place a finger on the die, wanting to feel its cold metallic touch.
In his mind, a whispering woman’s voice suddenly echoed:
[Although the path of destiny forks beneath your feet, with useful tools, you can surely choose the right road. From 1 to 20, then from 20 to 1, you see your peculiar fate through the rolling dice. Now is the moment to manipulate the die.]
“Are you sure you want me to roll the die now?” Shard asked in surprise, the whispers continued:
[Outsider, as you tread this path of destiny, the choice has always been in your hands. But sometimes, a reasonable attempt can help you understand your fate more fully. Through my vision, I’ve seen something interesting for you. Do you have the courage to challenge your luck?]
Shard thought for a moment. He was quite aware of the peculiarity of his “other self”. Although unsure if it was a trait of the outsider or a problem with the other party, the whispers had always been trustworthy. Despite his worries and doubts about this mysterious and eerie world, Shard was willing to extend some trust occasionally.
Before Dr. Schneider and the others could object, he picked up the die and let it fall onto the coffee table.
The sound of the metal die hitting the wooden table startled everyone present. But the die quickly settled, showing the number “20” on top. Shard felt not too surprised; he simply heard the pleasant laughter of the woman beside his ear.
[Although you always don’t believe it, I am you.]
The four of them stared at the number in silence. After a long pause, Dr. Schneider solemnly reminded:
“This time, this [Relic] belongs to you, Shard, and we have no right to interfere. But I must remind you, one cannot always be so fortunate. This impulse brought a gift from fate, but next time it might not.”
“Every gift from fate comes with a price. This might consume a lot of your luck; I always believe in the ‘Law of Conservation of Luck.'”
The writer also commented, but Father August pointed out that the conservation of luck is an unfounded superstition.
Shard accepted their warnings but didn’t plan to explain his actions. The unique voice in his mind was his secret, a trait of the outsider. Knowing this was enough for now; he wouldn’t share this with others at the moment.
The “good thing” of rolling a 20 was yet to be observed, but given the die’s nature, Shard would find out sooner or later. All he needed to do was wait.
After handling all formalities of officially joining the Academy, Dr. Schneider opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate having the fifth member in their group.
Shard wasn’t too fond of alcohol but didn’t decline since it was a celebration. While Dr. Schneider poured the drinks, Shard curiously asked if he would be divulging academy secrets by accidentally losing the books. But Dr. Schneider reassured him:
“The first-year textbooks and materials don’t hold too significant value. It’s not that the knowledge isn’t precious, but other channels can also obtain it. So, even if you lose them, you’d just need to spend more pounds to buy another set from the Academy. Only in the second year, some books will be encrypted.”
Shard felt relieved. Dr. Schneider, the writer, and Father August, as seniors, encouraged Shard to study hard, unanimously agreeing that his current primary task was to engrave his first spirit rune.
“The course ‘Fundamentals of Spirit Rune Theory (Part One)’ will recommend your first rune based on your talent as a ring warlock. What did the Academy recommend? Was it [Light]?”
“Yes.”
Shard said while flipping through the book in his hand.
“Typically, the Academy suggests engraving a rune representing an element as the first spirit rune because it’s easier. You already have [Silver Moon], which has a good affinity with [Light] and [Starlight]. You even created the [Illumination Spell]. But [Starlight] is too complex for the first year, so it makes sense it’s [Light].”
Dr. Schneider smiled and then took a book from the pile, handing it to Shard:
“‘The Mad Pursuer of Light’, a crazy novel written by an unknown author in the Fifth Epoch, acquired [Enlightenment] due to its exceptional nature. This is a translated copy. Reading it to try engraving [Light] is the best approach. Of course, few can directly obtain Light. If you can get any extended concept spirit rune, it’s considered a pass.”
Before today’s gathering, Dr. Schneider had shared via letters the news about Shard’s acquisition of the Sage-level relic [God’s Box] and the Mercury Blood organization with the group. They all agreed to pay Shard 1 pound each for this information.
However, Shard didn’t take the 4 pounds, including the one from Luvia Annette, who was not in Tobesque. Instead, he used the money to repay part of this month’s 10-pound debt. He still needed some more time for the remaining 6 pounds since he needed money to support himself and Mia.
It’s said that orange cats have quite the appetite, so Shard had to be prepared.
Dr. Schneider, ever efficient, shared another piece of good news before the morning meeting ended:
“I found out from the real estate agent that the house at 6 Saint Duran Square, the three-story building including the land, originally belonged to Sparrow Hamilton, the detective. Did he leave a will?”
“Yes, I locked it in the cabinet.”
Shard was dazed by this good news, unable to believe he had inherited an entire house. All the gloom since arriving in the steampunk era seemed to dissipate with this news. He didn’t realize how much he longed for a place to call home.
Father August maintained a neutral expression, while Miss Louisa looked at Shard in surprise:
“Mr. Hamilton, you will never lack gold pounds in your life.”
“But.”
Shard didn’t get too excited and looked at Dr. Schneider, who indeed added with a conjunction, his expression conflicted, unsure what tone to use:
“But don’t rejoice too early, that house has a problem. Number 6, Saint Duran Square, was bought by Sparrow Hamilton for 300 pounds two years ago when he came to Tobesque.”
“That cheap? Even if it’s a haunted house, it wouldn’t”
Miss Louisa frowned, questioning. Although 300 pounds was a lot, considering this was the capital of De La Rion, one of the two major human kingdoms in the material world, known as the “Northern Pearl,” “Fog City,” and “Convergence Point of Old Continent Civilizations,” such a house shouldn’t be so cheap.
Saint Duran Square, with views of the “Yordel Palace” compound from the windows, had land more valuable than gold.
Dr. Schneider had a clinic, and Father August resided in the church. Only the writer Miss Louisa, who rented an apartment in the Tobesque University district, was sensitive to real estate prices. A whole house in such a location, regardless of land, wouldn’t be available even for 20,000 pounds, let alone 300.
