Chapter 473: Testing the Staff and Testing the Nerve


    Curious students paused theirbat practice, watching as Alex used his staff for the first time. Calling on the Mark, he guided his mana through the fibres of powerful crystal and mana-infused wood, finding each control faster and with more precision.


    He conjured elementals, devil-vipers, hell boars and flicker dogs in small packs. Elemental beetle swarms appeared in such great numbers that their buzzing droned<strong></strong>throughout the stadium. In mere heartbeats, with staff firmly in hand, the young wizard conjured an army that would have normally taken him minutes to call if hed been casting summoning spells while fighting the Marks customary interference.


    He also discovered that the inner powerthat strange magic that solidified his connection to other nesworked just as well when he conjured through his staff than when he didnt.


    Makes sense that it would, he said to himself as he summoned a small pack of hellhounds with little more than a quick flick of mana, and his wrist. It helps me when someone else casts a teleportation spell on <em>me</em>, so why wouldnt it help me use that type of magic through a staff.


    <em>Fatherwhat about protecting yourself? </em>ygon asked.


    Oh, this staff can do that too. Take a look.


    He waved the staff, getting a little creative.


    Within, he split his mana into two streams, using them to reach two controls at once. Power redbut mana only poured into <em>one</em> control.


    A familiar spell manifested before him: force shield, a much thicker one than hed ever conjured himself, veritably humming with power.


    A, he said. Well, I didnt expect Id be able to conjure two sets of magic at oncebut maybe if I hit one control after another one <em>real</em> fastthatll be something to testter. And speaking of tests!


    He turned to ygon.


    Hey ygon, could you do me a favour?


    <em>Whatis itfather?</em>


    I want you to hit me. Well, no! Wait, dont hit me, if you do, Ill turn to paste. I want you to hit my shield.


    <em>Yesfather.</em>


    ygon brought his fist back, then mmed it into the shield.


    Alex watched with bated breath asthe shield was instantly shattered.


    <em>Ibroke itfather</em> ygon said, a note of prideing through their link.


    Yeah, yeah that you did. You did wellbut I guess that was a bit of a poor test, Alex admitted. Too much power would shatter any shield. I have a better idea.


    Through his staff, he conjured another shield, then turned to his summoned creatures. I want you to attack this shield with everything youve got, he switchednguages for each different creature. Well, not <em>everything!</em> Physical attacks only, please!


    The shield rose, inviting his summoned monsters to test it, and with all the enthusiasm they could muster, they didnt hold back, rushing in, snarling, biting, tearing and mauling the force spell.


    Hellhounds, viper-devils, elemental beetles and hell-boars charged, ramming the shield with full force. Terrible crashes resounded through the stadium, drawing attention from curious students, but Alextoo busy watching the assault on the shieldpaid them no mind.


    Yesss! Its stronger than my other ones. It whipped around, facing his summons. And it even responds faster. This is good. Real good. And nowoh wait, all of you! You can stop now!


    One by one, he switchednguages, calling off his summoned army, then once again, reached into the staff with his mana.


    It touched a control and power raced through crystal and wood; crimson lighttinged with other huespoured from the staff, enwrapping his body in a flexible mesh of force magic.


    With a sh of light, it disappeared.


    <em>What wasthatfather?</em> ygon asked.


    Greater force armour, Alex said excitedly. One of the best pieces of protection magic you can have. But we wont know how tough it is until I test it out.


    He turned to a nearby hellhound, speaking to it in a tongue of devils. Would you mind biting my arm?


    Alex presented his arm to the creature, it didnt hesitate. With malicious gleeas is within the nature of devilsthe hellhound chomped down on his armimmediately recoiling, yelping when its fangs simply nced off steely force magic.


    Holy Traveller, I didnt <em>feel that at all</em>! He cried, examining his arm in wonder. No force got through, none at all, not even with the strength of the hellhounds jaws! HmmmmMakes me wonder


    He nced at Brutus, a thought ying in his head.


    just as the cerberus snapped the beef bone in half with the squeeze of one set of jaws, another head made eye contact with him, its tongue lolling out.


    You know what? Maybe well uh, skip that test, Alex said. Lets try body enhancement instead.


    Brutus returned to the beef bone.


    Guiding his mana from one control to the next, Alex cast body enhancement magic over himself, empowering his strength, speed, and senses in mere heartbeats. Yes, yes, yes! He was overjoyed. This is incredible. Okay, next thing. ygon, could you stand still for a moment?


    <em>I amstanding stillfather. Youare the onehopping from one foot to the other.</em> ygon pointed at his legs.


    Oh, I am noOh, shit, I guess I am. He nced down, acknowledging that hed been excitedly hopping about for Traveller only knows how long.


    Clearing his throat, heposed himself. Point is, I need you to keep still for a moment, buddy.


    <em>I willfather..</em> ygon replied.


    With care, Alexs mana activated another control point in the staff, and a rush of invisible magic enveloped the golem.


    Alright, nowif things worked properlyyou should be able to fly. Try flying for me, buddy.


    ygon looked down at his feet, looked back upthen slowly began to rise through the air. Soon, the golem was ascending at speed, then soaring through the stadium,pping it once while Alex pped and cheered.


    By now, most students had already left or were leaving, watching his progress as they went. One young battle mage tracked ygons flight through the stadium while cheering them on with a huge smile on his face and two thumbs in the air, caught up in their sesses with the staff.


    Alex nodded as he passed by.


    <em>Father! I flew! The staffused flight magic!</em> ygon called, pausing to hover above his creator.


    I can see that, and thats bloody fantastic! Alex cheered. No more having to rely on Isolde to get you in the air. Hah! This is brilliant.


    He felt a wave of bashful joy rise from the staff.


    Oh, dont be modest, youre a magic staff put together with some of the worlds fanciest materials. Of course youre brilliant, Alex smiled. Solets see if one other thing works.


    He guided his mana onest time, activating the control for mana-ejection magic and pointing the staff at a practice dummy. Crystalline fruit red and power erupted: releasing a small swarm of force constructs, each bleeding magic.


    They swarmed the dummy, painting it in glowing lines that mimicked Elder Blodeuwedds symbols. Alex watched them go, watching for imperfections in the glyphs.


    But, he found none.


    In short order, the constructs vanished, leaving behind glowing symbols that lingered for a full minutefed by the staffs powerbefore disappearing.


    Well, he said. The symbols <em>looked</em> right. ButI wont know if theyll have the right effect until I use them on something with mana, and Id rather not use that power on myself or a friend.


    <em>You can use iton mefather,</em> ygon offered,nding beside Alex.


    Oh no, definitely not. The Thameish wizard shook his head. Youre a construct that <em>runs</em> on mana: forcing you to eject itwell, I cant imagine thatd be too pleasant for you. So, lets skip that.


    <em>Thenwhen will you test it?</em> ygon asked.


    Alex sighed. Ideally, Id like to test it on Ravener-spawn or some other nasty creature, maybe something from the Barrensbut since well be going to the hells soon, I dont think Ill have time to do my own hunting before then.


    <em>Thenwill you test it on a demon?</em> The golem wondered.


    Looks like thats the way its going to have to be, unfortunately. Its not ideal, reallyitd be better to find out if it works by trying it on less dangerous preybut, time is what it is. That particr power will have to be field tested, I suppose. Oh well, its not the first time Ive had to do so and Im sure it wont be thest.


    <em>Maybeyou could test iton Cedric.</em> ygon suggested.


    Well, theres an idea, but I dont think hedwait Alex paused, giving his golem a suspicious look. Are you suggesting that because he punched me?


    The golem stared at him for a long moment, then slowly looked away.


    By the Traveller, you are! Youve learned how to hold a grudge. Now, remember, alls forgiven between Cedric and me so you shouldnt <em>really</em> hold a grudge for that.


    <em>...yesfather</em>


    That said! Alex gave him an evil grin. I am <em>very</em> proud of you. As a matter of fact, this is a good teaching moment! On the way home, Ill teach you about a wonderful conceptcalled revenge.


    <em>Ilook forward to learningfather</em> ygon said.


    Oh yeah, and this is an important lesson, becauseand dont let anyone tell you any differentwhen used right, revenge is absolutely awesome. But youve got to control it. Youve got to know who you want to take revenge on. I think Baelin might agree with that.


    <em>Isee</em> his golem mused. <em>Have you ever taken revenge on anyone before?</em>


    Oh, ygon. A glint of malice shone in Alexs eyes. Let me tell you the tale of McHarris.


    ###


    Well, you <em>have</em> been busy, Baelin turned Alexs staff over in his hands. <em>Very</em> busy. Its light reflected in the chancellors goat-like eyes. This is truly a work of art, my young friend. You have done quite well using such fine materials.


    Thank you, Alex said, beaming and shifting his weight in the chair.


    You are most wee, I merely am reporting what I see, the ancient wizard said, as the staffs light shone through his office in the Research Castle. I daresay that our young friends will be most impressed. WellDrestra most likely will be, in any case. Hart and Cedric should also appreciate it, but I doubt on the same level as she will.


    His eyes twinkled as he handed Alex the staff, then rose to his hooves and rounded the desk. When they see it in action, they will be most impressed.


    I can only hope, Alex swallowed and standing, he followed Baelin. Theyll be here soon, wont they?


    Indeed, Baelin said. I was told that they entered the fae roads a few short hours ago. No doubt that means theyre almost here. Come, let us gather in the ssroom and wait for them. I take it our other hell-raiding friends have already assembled?


    Yep, Alex said. Theresa, Brutus, ygon, Khalik, Najyah, Thundar, Grimloch, and Isolde were heading to the ssroom right after breakfast. So they should be there and ready. Im just wondering if I am.


    I should think so, Baelin chuckled as he waved a hand at the double doors. They opened in silence. You did, after all, craft a staff so mighty that you could not resist rushing to my office to show me before our briefing even began.


    Yeah, well, Alex muttered as they stepped into the hall. Its a damned good staff, but I keep thinking about enemies like Zonon-Inlike the demons we fought. They were tough to beat in our world, so I have to wonder what theyll be like on <em>their </em> own territory.


    You should not be wondering. The ancient wizard looked at him critically. You have had quite a bit of time to research your enemy and their location. As such, should you not know exactly what awaits you?


    Alex snorted. A Proper Wizard does their research, yeah, but they also have to prepare for surprises. Not everythings in a book, otherwise we wouldnt need these practical lessons in the first ce, am I right?


    Hah! Baelin pped him on the shoulder. Thats a good man! It is good to see you are taking on my lessons, even when I try to mislead you. He looked ahead as they strolled down the corridor. You are right to worry, Alex, as long as your emotions do not dull your senses and coordination during battle. A Proper Wizard does not consider themselves invincible unless odds are truly, utterly, andpletely in their favour. And even thenI have seen the powerfulid low by a lucky beast-goblin spear due to carelessness.


    As he opened the door to the stairs. Cleave to that caution, my young friend, but do not allow it to control you.


    Alex took a deep breath. Yeah, that makes sense.


    Good, Baelin chuckled darkly. Now, let us proceed with the briefing so we can discuss how well be eviscerating demons. Well, once our guests arrive, that is. HmmmI wonder if Careys made it yet.


    Carey? Whats she got to do with this? Alex asked.


    Ah, do you remember thatas part of our negotiationswe would be sending teams to aid the Saint while the Heroes were learning alongside us?


    Yeah? Alex cocked his head. Then his eyes went wide. WaitCarey volunteered? Shes going into the field? But, shes terrified of monsters!


    Indeed, but oftentimes a brush with death can inspire greater fears, or greater courage, Baelin said. And in Careys case? It seems to be thetter. For the present, at least. I only hope that she will be ready for the rigours of what is toe.


    Yeah, Alex sighed. Shes not a fighter. Brave or not, I dont know how shell deal with monsters.


    Oh, that I am not too worried about. The Saint will be there, and we have sent<em>significant </em>forces with her. She will be quite safe, I should think andshe requested the assignmentI would not rob her of agency. No, to me, the riskes from within. Her faith has been shaken, from my understanding, and now she goes to visit one of the strongest symbols of Uldar within your kingdom. I only hope that her spirit is fortified.