Evolution: A Warlock's Rise To Power

Chapter 21: Gathering Acolytes

Glen Filament, the head of magical research lead the party of 5 to his lab. "This is where we study the effects of magic and try to engineer new spells. On top of that we also take a deeper look at magical relics and try to expand on the kingdom's knowledge of formations." Glen said, giving his typical tour until he shut the doors to his lab.

"Confirmation phrase?" Lucan asked.

"84 broken walnuts."

Lucan pulled the wand out of his bag.

"Ah! You actually have it!" Glen immediately took the wand and began looking it over for any sign of damage. "It is still in perfect condition.

[Congratulations! You have reached level 30.]

They had received the experience from completing the contract.

Lucan handed him the contract to sign and stamp. Once they returned it to the Guild, the money Glen put on hold would be released along with the contribution points.

Madlad and the others took turns introducing themselves and getting to know Glen. Lucan took a look around the lab. He was interested to see what sort of things a magical researcher would have. Most of the lab was tidied up but there were a few interesting objects laying on one of the tables. Lucan took a closer look.

"My latest study!" Glen said, standing beside Lucan. "Recovered from the tomb of a demon's servant. I am attempting to understand their purpose."

"Interesting." A voice in Lucan's mind said, Raze must have been looking through his eyes.

"I can tell that mana likes you." Glen said to Lucan. "Take a look and tell me what your thoughts are."

"May I touch them?"

"Yes, please. Do what you like, I have tried nearly everything and still can't get a reaction."

Lucan picked up several small carved beads, each had a rune carved into the material. It felt light but incredibly strong, he wasn't familiar with it.

"Try infusing it with magic." Raze suggested. "Like you do with the girl."

Lucan took out his wand and summoned a small stream of shadows, pressing them against the bead. The shadows refused to enter.

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"Try ethereal mana."

"Is it okay? There are others around." Lucan asked Raze.

Raze chuckled. "They can only take your magic if you sell it. Discretion is best, but that man is also that countries leading magical researcher, use everything to your advantage."

Lucan gave it a try. He waved his wand while invisible magic energy started to cover the bead. Suddenly the carved rune started to glow red. Lucan cut off the magic and the rune returned to normal.

"What was that beautiful green magic?" Glen asked with starry, glowing eyes that could see through all magic. "I have never witnessed anything like that before."

"That was a magical essence I discovered." Lucan told Glen honestly.

Madlad, Silent and the others stopped talking.

"Are you a magical researcher too?"

"I considered it, I decided to level and experiment when I can, I picked up the Spell Weaver class to help."

"Ha, ha, you're a Magical Sage and you're a Spell Weaver like me, Lucan you need to spend some more time in my lab."

"I will visit when I am in town. Your facilities seem well maintained."

"Yes, you must, now tell me more about this essence." Glen said excitedly.

"It is called Ethereal essence and it seems to go through almost everything." Lucan said while casting a shadow bolt while using Ethereal essence. The invisible bolt of magic continued through the wall and off into the distance.

"Hmm, I see. You said almost everything."

"It managed to hit a tunnel connecting different realms."

"Interesting."

"Does that mean something to you?"

"No, but it's interesting. By your wand work, I am guessing you are still a novice Spell Weaver."

"Yes, I still haven't discovered how to advance to intermediate."

"Focus on creating new variations for spells. Save working with a new essence till you reach intermediate even then it will be incredibly hard to create spells. If your focus is on leveling, you're only wasting your time by experimenting now. It becomes much easier when you can use your hands. An advanced spell weaver can completely feel the mana move around them and grasp it between their fingers.

"I will take your advice into consideration."

"If only I could figure out what these are." Glen said staring at the beads. "Maybe they connect to another realm."

"I can answer that. These are hell beads made from the tooth of a demon, gather 32 together in a circle and you can summon a demon if a sacrifice is made to power the beads."

"Amazing, did you already know when you first looked at them?"

"No, my master just told me."

"Ha, ha, nevertheless, well done. I don't think I have 32 here but I am going to store these in 2 separate places just to be safe." Glen said packaging up the beads. Lucan took one of the boxes and helped him pack them up.

"We must be going, we have to stop by the banquet before we make our exit, but it was a pleasure to meet you Glen. If you ever need anything, think my name three times and ask for help."

"You must stop by when you can Lord Quilldrake." Glen said, walking them out of his lab.

"That's the second time I have heard you say that; can people really call out to you?" Van asked.

"Yeah, as a high-level Warlock I have a taboo placed on my name. I receive a notification if someone says or thinks my name 3 times within 5 seconds, it even applies to my codename."

"You were the one to discover the new essence?" Lucy asked.

"You know it." Lucan said proudly while walking down the hall.

"Your situation seems to make more and more sense. You rebuild your class from the ground up after an extremely lucky encounter."

"That is one way to put it. I appreciate discretion, although I have no way to force you." Before they could respond Lucan opened the doors to the banquet.

A servant proclaimed for all to hear. "Introducing Lord Quilldrake of Shadowsweep, Hand of Raze, accompanied by his shadow Silent Night."

The room quieted as everyone looked over the newcomers. The Grand Magister Faylen rose from his seat and welcomed them in. He offered a spot at his own table to the two.

"Introducing adventurers Madlad, Vanslaugtherfest, and the always beautiful Lucy Evermore." Several faces came to great them immediately. It looked as if their attempts at building relationships had been going well, considering they had already spoken to half the people present.

Faylen turned to Lucan. "We know you have it" Lucna started sweating and paid great attention to not touching his bag. "What will it take for us to see what Raze has to offer."

Lucan smiled. "Do you mind a bit of harmless magic?" he asked.

"Not at all."

Lucan retrieved his wand as boards with names and prices started to appear. After 30 second 15 illusionary boards hung in the air as the room quieted down.

"These are the 15 categories of power I currently have for sale. You are only seeing a small portion of what I sell, these lists are quite long. When I buy more power for myself in the future, new categories will open up in correspondence to my decision. However, the prices are determined by a person's stats. So stronger people are forced to pay more. These prices are currently for me, at level 30. If you want a closer look, it cost nothing to be an acolyte just think the name Lucan Quilldrake 3 times and ask for power. If you decided to drop the class, you keep everything you purchased. You bought it with your own experience, it is a part of you and isn't mine to take back."

"It is a tempting offer; I see why Raze was able to spread his power so far." Faylen said. "Unfortunately, at my level I think it will cost a fortune to gain great power, I will be happy if the younger generations could take advantage of this fountain of strength."

[You have gained an acolyte.]

[You have gained an acolyte.]

Lucan had two people think his name and used the pact magic after confirming they wanted to see the list with telepathy.

Lucan dismissed the illusion as Faylen called over the 4 squires, who attended the knights present. "This is a good chance for you to grow powerful become acolytes and start building up experience to make yourselves the best knights of your generation.

"Yes, Grand Magister."

"Of course, Grand Magister."

[You have gained an acolyte.]

[You have gained an acolyte.]

[You have gained an acolyte.]

[You have gained an acolyte.]

"Wow, these look cool."

"Hey, did you see this one."

The squires quickly went back to their corner to talk among themselves.

"Thank you for this opportunity." Faylen said.

"No, the pleasure is mine."

"Oh, and when you are prepared to fund the advancement of Shadowsweep, let me know and I will recommend the best suppliers."

Lucan and Silent ate and drank at the head table, getting to know the others at the banquet. They stayed about an hour when they noticed Madlad and the others were ready to make their exit. They had already collected the reward that the grand magister promised. 50 gold and 50 reputation points each was easy money for turning in a cursed necklace that no one wanted to wear.