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Chapter 24-4 [Aurora’s Journal: Locke]
🕑 Added 2023-11-26 19:07:02 +0000 UTCI’m relieved that I didn’t miss anything important. During my review, Locke had been sorting through his own Cards—using the questions that Rowan had asked me—to remove those he no longer deemed necessary. I had been stunned when using Memory to replay what had happened during my vision… Rowan had actually held up his fingers and asked the same questions as the elderly man in the fog.
I’d been suspicious of my classmate ever since I’d awoken in his mansion. Now… I was sure of it. He knows so much about the Floors. His mannerisms and some of the strange statements he’s made tell a story, too. Of course, neither of those occurred with as much frequency as they had when we’d begun our journey nearly three months ago. Even his obsession with cleanliness has greatly waned. Of course, his suit remains wrinkle-free, and he still Cleanses us of filth as needed along with any place that we stop to rest but he no longer casts the Spell or dumps Infernal Wash on every new item he grabs.
It's as if… well, it’s as if some old man switched bodies with Rowan and is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. What could have caused that? An experiment gone wrong? A powerful Wielder getting revenge on this old man for something? The Skill of some Beast on one of the higher Floors? It’s terrifying. Whoever he is, he’s proven himself to be a good man…
Maybe I should ask him?
Does it even matter?
I’m not sure why Nathaniel is with him—though I do have a feeling that Nathaniel knows something, so it could be some secret of the esteemed families. Nathaniel is well-known as a good person. He promised to help me find my father and even took steps of his own volition to ensure that he couldn’t go back on his word. And now he’s even taken Locke under his wing despite the young man’s faults.
No, it doesn’t matter… Maybe he’ll tell us on his own. Trying to force it might just cause a rift in our Party.
Oh. Locke. Right. I need to write this down before I lose it.
Locke plans on taking the role of a healer that has a couple of potent healing Spells but focuses on Spells that strengthen himself and others. He also wants Cards that can hide him and… can alter his and others’ features? Rowan seems to understand what he’s after. If I had to pick a more precise role for him…
Maybe a Shaman of some sort?
He only removed a handful of Cards, leaving him with 22 in his Deck… all of a very low Level and most of which have random amounts of Essence invested. It’s like he couldn’t make up his mind. I’ll try to help him with that during our lessons. I certainly hope he has less trouble focusing on battle tactics and Party strategy than on choosing a Card to Level. What did I sign myself up for…?
The Cards documented below are listed at base value for their Levels and Ranks. All figures are shown without the amplifying Effects of the Origin Card or Enhancements.
Origin
[Card Name: Devil’s Luck]
[Class: Origin]
[Rank: Origin]
[Level: N/A]
[Essence: N/A]
[Description: The Wielder has an uncanny tendency to end up in bad situations, only for them to end in the Wielder’s favor]
[Effect 1: When casting any Spell, the Card’s Effects are doubled]
[Effect 2: There is a 50% chance that any Spell cast will have the opposite Effect of what is intended]
Foundations
[Card Name: Strength]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Increases the Wielder’s physical might]
[Effect 1: Increase of 50% to the amount of force the Wielder can exert]
[Card Name: Vitality]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Increases the Wielder’s ability to recover]
[Effect 1: The Wielder’s stamina is recovered 50% faster]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s wounds heal 50% faster]
[Card Name: Endurance]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s physical form]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s physical stamina by 50%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s resistance to physical damage by 50%]
[Card Name: Agility]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 7,918/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s physical speed]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s speed by 100%]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s actions become 100% more instantaneous]
[Card Name: Dexterity]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 49/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s control over their body]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s reaction speed by 100%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s coordination by 100%]
[Effect 3: Increases the Wielder’s flexibility by 100%]
[Card Name: Perception]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s ability to perceive the world around them]
[Effect 1: The sensitivity of each of the Wielder’s five senses increases by 50%]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s accuracy is increased by 50%]
[Card Name: Intelligence]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 7,699/10,000]
[Description: Enhances the mental faculties of the Wielder]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s comprehension by 50%]
[Effect 2: Increases the speed at which the Wielder can comprehend information by 50%]
[Card Name: Wisdom]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 625/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s focus and control over their being]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s focus by 100%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s control over their various skills by 100%]
[Card Name: Will]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 2,422/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s mental endurance and resistance to numerous magics]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s resistance to magical illusions and debuffs by 100%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s resolve by 100%]
Spells
[Card Name: Enhance Strength]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Strength]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Strength. The Wielder may increase the target’s Strength by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Vitality]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Vitality]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Vitality. The Wielder may increase the target’s Vitality by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Endurance]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Endurance]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Endurance. The Wielder may increase the target’s Endurance by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Agility]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 5,322/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Agility]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Agility. The Wielder may increase the target’s Agility by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Dexterity]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 1,856/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Dexterity]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Dexterity. The Wielder may increase the target’s Dexterity by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Perception]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 312/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Perception]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Perception. The Wielder may increase the target’s Perception by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Intelligence]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 3,240/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Intelligence]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Intelligence. The Wielder may increase the target’s Intelligence by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Wisdom]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 91/10,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Wisdom]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Wisdom. The Wielder may increase the target’s Wisdom by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Will]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/1,000]
[Description: Amplifies the effectiveness of the target’s Will]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the target’s Will. The Wielder may increase the target’s Will by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Enhance Movement]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/1,000]
[Description: Amplifies the speed of the target’s movement out of combat]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, gradually increasing the speed of the target’s physical movements while out of combat. The Wielder may increase the speed of the target’s movement by a maximum of 4% plus the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence]
[Cooldown: None]
[Note 1: This Spell’s maximum duration is 2 hours times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. This Spell’s minimum duration is 2 minutes times the sum of the Levels of the Wielder’s Intelligence and Wisdom. The duration of this Spell corresponds with the use of its Effects]
[Note 2: The Wielder may select up to 2 targets plus the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom to enhance with this Spell’s Effects. The Wielder’s chosen output for the first Effect of this Spell is evenly distributed amongst the selected targets]
[Note 3: Once cast, this Spell’s Effects persist until the end of its duration. This Spell may be recast immediately once the previous casting has run its course]
[Card Name: Minor Debilitate]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Pure]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: Weakens the overall Foundations of the chosen target]
[Effect 1: The Wielder chooses a target within line of sight, reducing the Effects of their Foundations by .4% times the Level of the Wielder’s Intelligence for 2 minutes times the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom]
[Cooldown: 0]
[Card Name: Repel]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 1,766/10,000]
[Description: A powerful force that pushes against all within its area of effect]
[Effect 1: The Wielder selects a target location within eyesight, creating a force that projects a constant wave of pressure outward within 4 meters of its point of origin. This force is strongest at its center and persists for 2 seconds times the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom]
[Cooldown: 8 minutes]
[Card Name: Examine]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: For a time, knowledge that was once out of reach becomes obtainable]
[Effect 1: For 2 minutes plus the Level of Wisdom, the Wielder can see information on some items or Relics. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Rank of the object]
[Effect 2: For 2 minutes plus the Level of Wisdom, the Wielder can see the information of Plagued Beasts of Fiend and lower Ranks. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Will and Level of the Beast]
[Effect 3: For 2 minutes plus the Level of Wisdom, the Wielder can see the information of other Wielders. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Will of the target Wielder]
[Cooldown: 2 hours]
Comments
Ullyr
She's sharp. All of Rowan's companions have good heads on their shoulders. Aurora even had some brief thoughts about it at Rowan's house in book 1 but was disoriented and too tense/distracted to really think on it. Over the course of some months, though? She, for sure, would have put together a few theories.
Ullyr
Yeah, these were a pain in the ass to write and took longer than necessary because of how dull they were. Luckily from now on they will just be copy and paste aside from adding new Cards from purchases/drops and altering existing Cards slightly from Levelling/Promoting. If you read/have read other litrpg that announce skill lists every other chapter or more, this series will never be like that. The full Deck layout--other than this scene, where they are discussing it/Aurora is writing everything down--is only meant to be placed at the end of every book, or potentially also after an interlude during a particularly long installment like book 1 was. They are meant to be 'skippable' for those who wish to do so, but also available for those who wish to scroll back and see what certain skills do during fights :)
Yshua
The stat block/status chapters are rough going. They are highly repetitive, and the interesting bits (If any) do not stand out. I don’t get a sense of the implications of a build from all this, would rather see a sentence like “Locke also had a full suite of stat-enhancing buff cards. With his current level and investment the buffs were modest, but they lasted long enough to be impactful and could be cast again as soon as they expired.”
The Lost Pages
I find it fascinating that Aurora has picked up Rowan's oddities to such a level. And she's not exactly wrong in her assumptions.
