L.E. Miranda
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SSR - Book 2 Chapter 4: Three Weeks
🕑 Added 2025-03-01 21:03:01 +0000 UTCSorry for the lack of a chapter yesterday! I'm posting this one today to compensate. Next chapter will be on Monday, as usual.
***
Damian looked at his newest student in wonder, a grin on his face.
Responding to his feelings, the tomes floating in the air sped up, knocking into each other harder. The sun shone on his back, lighting up the room. The curved bookshelves that outlined the walls and the two black plush chairs in front of the desk were the same, as were the magic lights dancing near the ceiling. However, the atmosphere had changed because of a single man’s entrance. Damian looked at the ceiling, honing his perception.
The environmental mana is moving differently.
Its flow had become clearer and faster from the moment Rylan had entered the room. The magic lights had become more erratic, glowing brighter, as if excited. They played around the chandelier.
Not only that, but the mana also rotated around him like a whirlpool, as if drawn in by something. Damian looked at Rylan again with narrowed eyes. The black-haired, blue-eyed young man stood perfectly straight with a grave expression. Mana continued to gather around him, clinging to his body. It was something Damian would’ve never expected from a Second Circle Mage. No, it was slightly different from anything he’d ever seen. Was there more to Rylan beyond his overwhelming talent?
He smiled sincerely.
Marvelous.
No matter what, he needed to let this young sapling grow into a tree capable of supporting the entire kingdom. It was almost certain that its development would far surpass his expectations. Once again, the feeling that Rylan’s potential was bottomless hit Damian. For the sake of allowing Rylan to develop, he would go against even the Empire if the need arose. His gaze gained a sad edge as his thoughts reached this point. To think the Empire had changed so much.
“I need your help, master,” Rylan said after staring at Damian for a few seconds. His clear voice dragged Damian out of his thoughts.
The old Mage waved his hand dismissively.
“Call me Damian. I have no intention of stubbornly insisting that someone who will surpass me should use that title. I’ll be your teacher for a bit and nothing more. At the very least, I must earn that title after giving you guidance.”
Rylan grinned. Damian smiled back.
“Now, what do you need help with? I’m sure you wouldn’t have come here for something minor,” he continued.
Rylan nodded, his grin disappearing.
“I need to get back to my hometown as fast as possible, but it will still take me ten days to get there. Are you aware of the situation Cantavega is in?"
Damian nodded. As expected, he already knew what this was about.
“The Open Dungeon.”
Rylan nodded back with a serious expression. Damian observed him carefully, sitting down on his chair, behind the desk. He looked into Rylan’s eyes.
“You don't seem to be bothered by the revelation that both His Majesty and I decided to investigate you during the tournament."
Rylan shook his head.
"It was an obvious consequence."
Damian grinned in appreciation. Rylan's performance had been too outstanding. Well, at least it spared them the conversation about the details. It was only obvious that one wouldn’t like to be investigated by the top figures in a kingdom, but it had been necessary.
“I’m planning to go inside with my father to solve the issue. Neither of us wants to see Cantavega razed to the ground. No city full of innocent people deserves something like that," Rylan said after a second. "But by the time I get there, it might be too late. I'm here to ask you to please send reinforcements to Cantavega to help Father hold the line until I arrive."
Damian stared at Rylan for a few seconds. His experience signaled him that things weren’t so simple. Once Rylan’s history was taken into account, the picture became complete.
Does he feel like it’s his responsibility?
Rylan Flameheart had been a plague to Cantavega, by all accounts. He had wasted his money on businesses that exploited both women and vulnerable people, feeding the beast that was Evenon Bled. The number of citizens affected both directly and indirectly by his actions had been far too large. He would frequently leave an establishment without paying, completely drunk, only to go to another and end up damaging it. Because of his purchases of illegal drugs, the black market had thrived. Rylan’s mistakes were too many to count.
In a way, it made his current state even more wondrous. When he looked at Rylan, Damian couldn’t see even a glimpse of the person the reports had discussed. The fact that the boy was feeling burdened by his hometown’s situation was a small piece of evidence.
He changed completely half a year ago.
In terms of actions alone, Rylan was a different person entirely. For some reason, when Damian looked into those eyes, he felt compelled to believe the reports and in Rylan’s change. However, that did not change the danger of what the boy was trying to do.
“I know of better ways to return. There are artifacts reserved for the professors that can allow you to reach Cantavega in less than a week,” Damian replied with a small nod. “Given the lack of knowledge about the Dungeon's level, I'll send four professors at the Fifth Circle. Since your father is also at the Fifth Circle himself, it should be enough for a scouting party.”
Rylan smiled. Damian smiled back, a bit lost in his thoughts. Truthfully, it was overkill. There were very few registered Dungeons in the whole kingdom that would require such a powerful raid party. Five Fifth Circle Mages were a force greater than an army. Only Henry Belmont and Gael Astassier could afford to move such a large force apart from Damian himself.
I hope this shows my sincerity.
"However," Damian continued. "I see no need for you to go there yourself. Even if I can help you get to Cantavega faster, I won't. The professors and Gerard should be enough. If not, they have the means to quickly message me for reinforcements. Leave it to us."
As Damian spoke, he kept his gaze fixed on Rylan’s expression. It didn’t even tremble, but the glint within Rylan’s eyes had changed.
“No,” Rylan replied in a calm tone. “I’ll go in with Father. I believe it would be better this way.”
Damian immediately shook his head. His theory about Rylan feeling responsible seemed to be true, but that didn't mean he would go along with it.
"You're powerful, Rylan. You defeated Hayden of Lindsor with a dazzling display and proved that you're the kingdom's greatest genius. But in terms of fighting power, the current you would be defeated by most Mages in the Fourth Circle, even if you managed to kill Evenon Bled. It's better if you stay here and focus on your training. I have no intention of letting one of my students die at the hands of some beast.”
It was one thing for Rylan to ask for help to clear the Dungeon. Given his performance in the tournament, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to send a few professors to Cantavega. It was another situation entirely for him to go back himself and delve into it with Gerard as his only support.
Gerard Flameheart is a powerful Mage, but…
As a Fifth Circle Mage capable of both silent casting and dual casting, Rylan’s father was certainly a capable fighter. In fact, his achievements as a battlemage had even surprised Damian himself – he hadn’t expected someone skilled enough to become a professor at the Royal Magic Academy to settle for living in a small town. The discovery that he was Elizabeth Astassier’s husband was even more startling, especially because of the Astassier house’s efforts to bury this information.
But was Gerard truly strong enough to completely ensure Rylan’s safety in an Open Dungeon of an unknown level that contained Spriggans and Treants as merely two of the enemy types? Damian didn't know the answer.
“I won’t die. I can do it,” Rylan replied with a furrowed brow.
“You don’t know the Open Dungeon’s exact level. I’ve been told Spriggans and Treants have appeared. That, coupled with the fact that Gerard can’t solve the issue alone, is telling enough. Stay here. The professors will take care of it.”
"This is for my own development as well."
Damian raised an eyebrow.
"You mean you need to get battle experience and Level up."
Rylan nodded calmly.
"The priority is for the Dungeon to get cleared, but I need to keep growing. The Dungeon is an opportunity as well."
Damian rubbed his white beard, deep in thought. Rylan's words made sense, given the continent's current situation. The faster Rylan grew, the better. The kingdom depended on it. But did possible growth outweigh certain danger? Would sending Rylan into an unknown danger zone be worth it?
Damian furrowed his brow in silence. Rylan only stared at him with calm eyes.
He's recovered the upper hand.
Damian scoffed, meeting Rylan's stare.
Since we're here, there's something I want to see.
"...If you’re returning to Cantavega, I won’t let you go alone. The professors will take care of the Dungeon. You can meet your father and whatnot, but I forbid you to go into the Dungeon."
They were words said with a hidden purpose. Rylan slowly frowned. The atmosphere changed. It was a very minute change, to the point where Damian had only perceived it because of his decades of dealing with mana and his current Circle. There was now a sharpness to the mana around Rylan, as if it were a blade that had just been unsheathed. It wasn’t to the extent of manifesting fighting intent or even being called 'anger.' If anything, it was only the consequence of his current emotional state.
Damian nodded inwardly. It was a sign of a close connection between Rylan and mana itself. He didn’t know how the boy had done it, but the truth was undeniable. This was something he wanted to confirm from close up before he agreed to let Rylan enter the Dungeon. He pointed at Rylan with a light smile.
“I wonder if you realize how mana responds to you. My first piece of advice as your current teacher is to learn how to control it. Don’t let the mana around you or within him expose your emotions. At the same time, it can be a useful weapon. For example…”
The mana within him moved, resonating with the environmental energy. The sharp aura was crushed by the weight of Damian’s mastery as he started casting a Fifth Circle spell. The whirlpool around Rylan came undone, making him blink.
“…It can be used to disturb your opponent’s concentration at a critical moment. Right now, you can’t control it too well, so you can’t do that either. Either way, you’ll learn with time,” Damian continued.
Rylan nodded after a second, keeping his frown.
"Don't test me without my knowledge. It's uncomfortable."
Damian let out a sigh.
"You caught on too fast."
“So? Will you help me or not? I must enter the Dungeon with Father and only him. My master or not, you won’t be able to convince me otherwise, Damian. I'll do it with or without your permission."
Damian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin and eyeing Rylan up and down. The spellcasting process within him disappeared, making the atmosphere return to normal.
“…Is this related to your secrets?”
Rylan didn’t flinch or show any sign of understanding what Damian’s words meant, but that only increased Damian’s suspicion.
I see. So that’s what this is about.
There were gaps in Rylan’s history. Given his lifestyle from ages thirteen to eighteen, his current self should’ve been an impossibility, especially in terms of personal strength. Even if Rylan was incredibly talented, achieving so much so quickly didn’t make sense – Rylan hadn’t been fed any resources or trained for years.
Something happened.
It was the conclusion that both he and Henry had reached. They had no idea what, but Rylan Flameheart had encountered something capable of changing his fate. All investigation about the nature of this event had been fruitless, even after both of them channeled their resources into it. The only viable next step would be to question Gerard and the other members of Rylan’s family, but that would be going too far. No matter what, they couldn’t risk becoming enemies with the boy who’d carry the future of the Kingdom.
The seconds dragged on in silence. Damian let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly.
“A suggestion,” he said with a serious expression. “Go through Class Evolution and become able to Level up again. Kill as many monsters as you can in the Veria Woodlands and the Dungeon’s outskirts before heading in. At any sign of serious danger, leave with Gerard immediately.”
Rylan raised his eyebrows and smiled.
“Thank you, Damian. For believing in me.”
Damian scoffed.
“Don’t thank me, I’m not believing in anything. You might be the Kingdom’s greatest talent, but that doesn’t mean I’m agreeing. You have three weeks from the moment you leave this room. Four Fifth Circle professors will head to Cantavega to help Gerard deal with whatever comes up until you arrive. If you aren’t finished by the end of the three weeks, or if they judge that the Dungeon can’t be cleared with only you and Gerard, I’ll have them join the Dungeon expeditions.”
Rylan shrugged as he narrowed his eyes.
“So be it. I don’t think either of us is going to budge more than this.”
Damian nodded.
I hope I don't regret this.
He was far too old to gamble like this, but with war looming on the horizon, he didn't have the luxury of coddling Rylan.
“I agree. As such, let’s do it right now," he said.
Rylan tilted his head.
“Do what?”
“Class Evolution. I’ll help you pick the best Class for you, since I’m now your teacher. It boils down to more than just stat gains per Level. The first Class Evolution is especially important, since it sets the direction of your path. This direction can be changed, but it’s better not to need to do so.”
Rylan blinked as Damian grinned at him.
“I believe my experience will be important to help you make the best choice,” Damian continued.
“And if I want to pick a Class I can’t tell you about?”
Damian furrowed his brow. What exactly did that mean?
“…I would advise against something like that. I’m here to help you. But if you really must, feel free not to tell me anything.”
Rylan frowned.
“I’d rather go through Class Evolution with my father.”
Damian sighed.
“…Very well. I understand. Then, remember your time limit. You have three weeks. If you want your younger brother and your caretaker to join you on your journey back, just go with your ten-day trip. The professors will be the ones to hurry there. Cantavega isn't in immediate danger.”
“Thank you, Damian. I’ll return with good news,” Rylan replied, nodding.
Damian nodded back at him. The boy walked up to the door and left the room. Damian glanced up. The mana kept following Rylan, as if clinging to him, unwilling to let go. He scoffed.
“Alright, that’s enough,” he muttered as he waved his hand, exerting his power. The mana ‘released’ Rylan, returning to its peaceful state in the middle of the room.
Damian eyed the doorway.
How powerful would Rylan Flameheart be when he returned?
Comments
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter! I like the conversation both their positions make sense especially with Damien and the King basically already having Decided on Rylan being the next "Archmage" of the Kingdom because of his obvious potential, or however the title is called...
Gopard
Nah the dungeon thing is extremely urgent though he went to the Headmaster specifically to not take "2 whole weeks to his hometown" lol...
santiago uccella
Ok. So, I don't wanna be mean, and I understand that you have a life and that you gotta study an do your stuff. And maybe i'm not the public you are targeting at all but I suscribed for two reasons: reading as much as possible of DA and SSR and your schedule/uploading pace. Nowadays Im doubting I'm gettin my money's worth as it's been a long time since DA gets any new chapters at all and SSR schedule is getting quite erratic.
Joanie
I would like it to be aura, but he might want to raise some stats before the class change or some title to help with the class change. But with what the teacher said about the mana revolving around him might be something with aura... Can't wait for the next few chapters to find out.
Dave_S
Thanks for the chapter!
Aaron Johnston
Throw the mother in to placate Damian. Just saying ;). Plus write faster. Need more.
Raymond Mouton
Thanks for the chapter.
James Faulkner
Tftc! Definitely seems like Rylan wants to unlock aura before classing up
CheeseGrater
I wonder if he will delay and try to get aura before the class up. That would probably take years but if he thinks it's worth it.
