Chapter 42: 20 o'clock |
"The academy likely thinks the same," Miss Louisa remarked, "After all, I've never heard of a correspondence Ring Warlock receiving a Secret-Keeper grade [Relic] so soon after enrollment."
Dr. Schneider agreed with her, pointing out that when it comes to fate, Ring Warlocks are notoriously cautious.
Merely staring at the dice gave Shad an intense urge to pull it out of its embedded position. However, as it was still in containment, he was able to resist the temptation. Still, he placed a finger on the dice to feel its cold metallic texture.
In his mind, a whispering woman's voice suddenly arose:
[While the path of fate branches at your feet, the right tools can help you choose the appropriate route. From 1 to 20, then from 20 to 1, you glimpse your peculiar destiny through the rolling dice. This is the moment to toss it...]
“Are you suggesting I roll the dice now?” Shad asked in surprise. The whispers responded:
[Outsider, since you set foot on this path of fate, the choice has always been yours. However, a measured attempt at times can offer deeper insights into your destiny. I’ve seen intriguing things through my vision. Do you dare challenge your luck?]
Shad hesitated. He was acutely aware that his "other self" possessed peculiar traits. Whether this was inherent to his status as an outsider or something amiss with her, the whispers had so far been trustworthy. Despite his concerns and suspicions about this mysterious, strange world, Shad occasionally allowed himself a measure of trust.
Before the others could object, he picked up the dice and let it fall onto the coffee table. The metallic clink of the dice hitting the wooden surface startled everyone present. The die soon settled, the number "20" facing upward. Shad wasn’t as shocked as he expected to be, hearing only the melodious laughter of the woman in his mind.
The four of them stared silently at the dice. After a while, Dr. Schneider gravely reminded him:
"This time it’s 20... This [Relic] belongs to you, and we have no right to interfere. But I must caution you, Shad, luck doesn’t always favor us. This impulse brought a gift of fate, but next time might be different."
"Every gift of fate comes with a price," Miss Louisa added. "This roll of 20 likely drained a significant portion of your luck. I’ve always believed in the ‘law of conservation of luck.’”
Father August, being a clergyman, countered that luck conservation was merely superstitious nonsense.
Shad accepted their warnings but didn’t explain his actions. The unique presence of the voice in his mind was a secret exclusive to him as an outsider. That was enough for now; he wasn’t ready to share it with others.
The "good fortune" of rolling a 20 hadn’t yet manifested, but given the dice’s properties, Shad knew he’d find out eventually—he just needed to wait.
After completing all formalities to officially join the academy, Dr. Schneider opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the group finally reaching five members.
Shad wasn’t much of a drinker, but he didn’t decline during the celebration. As the doctor poured the drinks, Shad curiously inquired about losing the textbooks he’d taken home—would that count as revealing academy secrets? Dr. Schneider reassured him:
"The first-year textbooks and materials aren’t particularly valuable. Not because the knowledge isn’t important, but because it’s accessible through other means. If you lose them, you’ll just need to spend some more gold pounds to purchase replacements. Starting in the second year, some books will begin to be encrypted."
This eased Shad’s worries. The doctor, the writer, and the priest all offered words of encouragement, advising Shad to focus on inscribing his first core rune.
"The course 'Foundations of Core Rune Theory (Part 1)' will recommend a rune based on your talents," Dr. Schneider explained. "What did the academy suggest for you? Is it [Light]?"
"Yes," Shad confirmed, flipping through his book.
"Typically, the academy advises starting with elemental runes since they’re simpler. You already have [Silver Moon], which pairs well with [Light] and [Starlight]. You even created [Radiance] yourself! But [Starlight] is too complex for first-years, so [Light] makes sense."
The doctor smiled and handed Shad a book from the pile:
"The Mad Light-Chaser," a Fifth Epoch novel by an unknown author, imbued with [Enlightenment] due to its cultural significance. "This translated copy is the perfect tool for attempting to inscribe [Light]. Of course, very few achieve direct success. Any derivative concept rune would still be a success."
Before the gathering, the doctor had informed the group via letters about Shad’s acquisition of the Sage-grade [Relic] God’s Box and the Mercury Blood organization. They agreed to pay Shad 1 pound each for this information.
Shad didn’t pocket the 4 pounds, which included Miss Luvia Anat’s share despite her absence in Tobesk. Instead, he used the funds to partially repay his 10-pound debt for the month. The remaining 6 pounds would have to wait a bit longer, as he still needed funds to support himself and Mimia, his orange tabby.
It was said that orange cats had hearty appetites, and Shad intended to be prepared.
By late morning, the efficient Dr. Schneider brought more good news:
"I’ve found information through a real estate agent. The house at 6 St. Derain Square—the entire three-story building and the land—was originally part of Sparrow Hamilton’s estate. Did he leave behind a will?"
"He did. I’ve locked it in the cabinet."
Shad was stunned by the revelation. Inheriting an entire house seemed almost unbelievable. All the gloom he’d faced since arriving in the Steam Era seemed to dissipate with this news. He hadn’t realized how deeply he desired a home of his own.
Father August remained calm, while Miss Louisa looked astonished:
"Mr. Hamilton, you’ll never lack gold pounds again."
"But," Shad didn’t celebrate too soon and turned to the doctor. The doctor, as expected, continued with a hesitant expression:
"But don’t get too excited. That house has issues. 6 St. Derain Square was bought by Sparrow Hamilton for 300 pounds two years ago when he first arrived in Tobesk."
"Why so cheap? Even if it’s a murder house—" Miss Louisa frowned. Three hundred pounds was a significant amount, but this was the capital of the Kingdom of Drarian, a city known as the Northern Pearl and a hub of Old Continent civilization.
6 St. Derain Square offered direct views of the Yodel Palace complex. Land there was worth more than gold.
The doctor owned a clinic, the priest lived in a church, but the writer, who rented an apartment near Tobesk University, was acutely aware of housing prices. In such a prime location, a three-story building wouldn’t sell for 300 pounds—or even 20,000 pounds.