Patch note:

Theodore’s Constellation name has been changed: Sunder → Varyndros

Chapter 1

Roland hadn't expected wolf drool to be quite so viscous. Though he wasn't an expert on animal secretions, it felt like a violation of nature's rules when it stuck to his fingers. It was both sticky and slippery, like egg whites mixed with honey. Adamant about not getting cleaned off his pants.

He tried in vain to wipe the drool from his fingers as he stood at the edge of the newly built watchtower. This was Theodore's idea. After surviving an Outer God attack, even a small one, Theodore suddenly cared about defense. Now he had many ideas about building safe structures. It refused to break as it spread between his fingers like some hellish spiderweb. Would it ever dry? Was this his life now? Forever bonded to magic wolf spit?

Roland hadn't expected snow this early in the season. It did not really matter. The flakes melted away after barely sticking to the ground. Just a taste of what winter planned to deliver.

It was enough to cause concern, though.

Hard to believe it had been only six months since the battle with the Night Whispers. It had been six months since Lord Theodore had faced down an Outer God and lived to tell the tale.

The town had been rebuilt. Once, there were rundown buildings and muddy roads. Now, solid structures stood tall, linked by cobblestone paths that were firm even in the rain. And the reason behind it all, the pride of Holden: the soap factory.

Roland smiled. Who would have thought? A soap factory. But it had changed everything.

The factory was much larger than the original operation. As they built more wings, their profits increased significantly. Baron Montague's investment changed Theodore's cottage industry into a real manufacturing center. It now employed hundreds of people. They produced enough soap to supply four baronies and create many job opportunities.

He'd taken care of taxes in full now. The collectors left happy. Word spread that Holden's reputation had greatly improved with the crown. No one called Theodore "the Wastrel" anymore—not within earshot of anyone loyal to him, at least.

And loyalty... well, Holden had that in abundance for their lord now.

Roland descended the tower stairs. He nodded to the guards he passed. They were mostly new recruits. These were local boys. They never thought they would wear proper uniforms. They never expected to earn steady wages. Theodore had insisted on training programs. He wanted to create opportunities for advancement.

The man never stopped planning, improving, and innovating.

He never rested.

Roland reached the bottom of the stairs. A huge shape ran toward him. It had gray fur, yellow eyes, and sharp teeth. These teeth could rip through armor with proper motivation. Roland didn't move or make any sudden movements. A quick move would make the young dog think it was time to play. That game would end with Roland covered in dog spit. He didn't want that at all, thank you very much.

"Good morning, Wynd," he said in a calm voice as he extended a hand to the wolf that now reached his waist in height.

The beast huffed, pushing its massive head against Roland's palm. It was no longer a pup by any measure. The wolf had grown almost as fast as the town. Still, Jack called this stage its "adolescence." Roland shuddered to think of how large Wynd might eventually become.

Speaking of Jack...

"Roland!" the [Necromancer] called out to him. "Have you seen Lord Theodore this morning?"

Roland turned to see Jack hurrying toward him, clutching a stack of papers to his chest. Jack was a familiar sight in Holden. His pale skin and dark-circled eyes were as known to the townspeople as the [Baker] or the [Blacksmith].

"Training grounds. Since dawn."

Jack lingered for a moment and nodded.

"Of course. Where else? I should have checked there first."

"New findings?" Roland nodded toward the papers.

"New problems," Jack corrected with a grimace. "The reports from the mining foreman aren't good. The flooding is worse than we thought. I've been calculating how it might affect winter preparations."

Winter.

Roland felt an unexpected urge to sigh.

Of course, winter came with its own problems.

"He'll want to see those immediately," Roland said.

"I know. That's why I—"

A loud boom cut through the air, followed by a bright flash of blue light from the training grounds.

Both men paused, then continued as if nothing unusual had happened.

"Something new?" Jack asked in a relaxed manner.

"Testing the limits of water and air combination," Roland replied. "Something to do with compressing the water? I am not really sure about it."

Another boom, louder this time.

"Perhaps we should hurry," Roland suggested.

Together, they crossed the courtyard, Wynd loping alongside them. The training grounds came into view. It had been a simple field where Roland once trained guards in basic swordsmanship. Now it was a complete facility. It had archery ranges and obstacle courses. It included a reinforced area for sparring. There were also special sections for magical experiments and 'Enhanced' sparring.

It was in this last section that they found Theodore.

He stood alone in the center of a scorched circle, arms extended, eyes closed in concentration. A sphere of water floated in front of him. It was dense, squeezed tight by swirling air currents that wrapped around it like snakes. Opie, the small obsidian viper, rested on Theodore's shoulder. He was Theodore's constant companion.

The water sphere shrank more, going from the size of a melon to that of an apple, and then even smaller.

Roland stopped, holding out an arm to prevent Jack from moving closer.

Theodore opened his eyes and released the compression.

The resulting explosion created a strong shockwave across the training field. Roland and Jack felt it push against them even from far away. The water sphere vanished. Only a fine mist and a deep crater in the stone floor remained.

Theodore straightened with a satisfied smile crossing his face. He rolled his shoulders, reaching up to stroke Opie's head with one finger. The snake enjoyed the attention. Then, it quickly ate the orb of mana that Theodore had made for it.

"Impressive," Jack called out. "Though perhaps a bit excessive for morning exercises?"

Theodore turned, his smile widening when he saw them. "Jack! Roland! Perfect timing. I think I've finally worked out the compression ratios." He gestured excitedly at the depression in the floor. "Do you see that crater? Imagine what that could do if properly directed! I'm thinking we could use it for mining operations, or even—"

He stopped abruptly, noticing Jack's expression and the papers clutched in his hands.

"What has happened?" he asked.

This was the Theodore who came back from the battle with the Outer God. He was more confident, focused, and decisive. Gone was the hesitation that had sometimes plagued him in the early days. But with that came a hardness, too. A willingness to do whatever was necessary to protect what was his.

"Mining reports," Jack said, holding out the papers. "The western tunnels are flooding faster than anticipated. The pumps can't keep up."

Theodore's brow furrowed as he took the reports, scanning them quickly.

"The containment failed?"

"It held for a while, but the water pressure exceeded our calculations."

"Damn." Theodore flipped through more pages. "And the eastern tunnels?"

"Still operational, but yields are down. The richest veins were in the western section. Without those fervidite deposits, our heating options for winter are severely limited."

Fervidite was a special stone, imbued with mana, and it was excellent for heating.

Theodore remained silent.

Roland could almost see the calculations in his mind. Resources, time, and options slid into place like chess pieces.

"We'll need those minerals before winter sets in," Theodore finally said. "The Towers predict a winter this year that will be harsher than usual."

Roland understood what that meant even before he gave any further details. Not only did harsher mean colder, but it also meant longer nights and, worst of all, migration. The wild creatures would start to move in pursuit of warmth and food when the temperature dropped enough. That meant beast tides. These beast tides had the power to devastate unprepared settlements. "Firewood won't be enough for the winter the Towers are predicting. We'll need something more efficient. Fervidite, ideally. But our current stockpile is running low."

When the time came, they would have to deal with the tides. They had to obtain the fervidite first, though.

"That's not all," Jack added, hesitating before speaking. "Harvest yields are coming in below expectations. The farmers say the soil is still healing from the damage caused by the Blight and the crystal plague."

"Numbers?"

"Approximately seventy percent of projected yields. This is better than last year. But it's not enough for a harsh winter. This is especially true with more people coming from nearby villages and towns."

"Hmm, we need better fertilizers then. It should be possible. And Baron Montague's latest shipment of supplies?"

"Two weeks at a minimum."

Theodore's eyes narrowed into slits.

"Convenient timing."

"Do you suspect anything?" Roland asked in a soft voice.

Theodore shook his head.

"No. Winter makes everyone protective of their resources. The Baron will honor our arrangement, but he will prioritize his own people first. As he should."

Returning the papers to Jack, he started to make his way to the manor. As they walked, Theodore put a hand absently on the wolf's enormous head while Wynd fell into stride next to him.

"Send a messenger to Derrick—I need to know if magical solutions might help with the soil."

"Yes, my lord," Roland replied automatically.

Theodore shot him a sideways glance, a half-smile quirking his lips. "Still with the 'my lord' business, Roland?"

Roland maintained his stoic expression.

"Protocol matters, especially as your station rises, my lord."

Theodore laughed. "My station rises! Listen to you. Six months ago, I was one tax season away from losing everything."

"Six months ago, you hadn't saved the entire region from an Outer God," Jack pointed out.

Theodore's smile faded to a faint expression. "No. But it wasn't just me. I had help."

In Theodore's study, they found Cedric already waiting. The man had been busy. Theodore was a baron in name only now, as he had shifted most of the responsibilities onto Cedric. The old man was competent, after all, and Theodore was nothing if not perceptive. He'd said he wasn't fit to rule; thus, he had handed the affairs to someone well-equipped to do so.

Theodore himself had been far more busy with improving everything else. After all, he liked a more hands-on approach than sitting in a chair as everyone else did the work.

"My lord," the old advisor said, rising from his seat. "I was just reviewing the latest correspondence." He handed Theodore a sealed letter. "This arrived by special courier an hour ago. From the capital."

Theodore's eyebrows rose as he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. His eyes scanned the contents. A mix of emotions crossed his face—surprise, exasperation, and then resignation.

"Well," he said after a moment. "It seems His Majesty has taken notice of our humble barony."

"The king?" Jack asked, surprise evident in his voice.

"Indeed. He's holding a grand tournament in the capital to celebrate his 50th year of rule. All nobles of significant standing must attend and participate. And the younger generation must take part in the tournament. It begins soon, and I must travel to the capital." Theodore set the letter down on his desk.

Roland frowned. "Is this good news or bad?"

"Both," Theodore replied. "Recognition is always a double-edged sword. I've been getting noticed, and now I must join in. I can't hold back; I'll have to be there, which will draw even more attention."

He went to the window and looked out over his town. It had changed a lot because of his leadership. For a moment, Roland caught a glimpse of something in Theodore's expression. Nostalgia? Homesickness? For what, Roland couldn't say. Theodore never felt close to the capital or his family there anyway.

"How bad is the mine situation, realistically?" Theodore asked, changing the subject.

Jack grimaced. "We have perhaps three weeks before the western tunnels are completely inaccessible. Next, we're focused on the eastern veins. They will supply about forty percent of our mineral needs."

"And we need those minerals for..."

"Everything," Jack said bluntly. "Weapons, tools, construction, trade—and most importantly—heating in the winter. We need copper and tin for the new water filters. We need iron to make the north wall stronger. We need fervidite for heating. And we need more supplies."

"Options?"

"Trade for what we need," Cedric suggested. "The soap business is generating significant revenue."

"Possible, but risky with winter approaching. Transportation becomes difficult, and prices rise," Theodore countered. "What else?"

"We could attempt to divert the underground spring," Jack offered. "It would require significant manpower and expertise that we may not have locally."

"Or," Roland said in a low voice, "we could take what we need."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

"The abandoned mines in Westford," Roland elaborated. "The mines have been abandoned for years because of monster infestations. The mines are rich in everything. The old miners named Westford 'the Warm Veins' because of the fervidite in the mountains. If Ashton hadn't been a coward, he would be sitting on a mountain of gold. But that's not the case."

"Poaching resources from another baron's territory?" Cedric looked scandalized. "That would be—"

"Worth considering," Theodore interrupted, surprising them all. "Especially if we could propose it as a mutually beneficial arrangement." He tapped his fingers on the desk, lost in contemplation. "Ashton lacks the manpower and skill to clear those mines of monsters. We have both."

"You're suggesting a joint venture?" Jack asked.

"I'm suggesting we solve two problems at once," Theodore replied. "We need minerals. Ashton needs monsters cleared from valuable territory. Clearing the monsters will benefit him as well. I doubt he'll refuse. He's been eager to fix our relationship since the Blight mess."

"It's not without risk."

"Nothing worth doing ever is," Theodore said with a shrug. "Draft a proposal for Baron Ashton. Frame it as assistance from a stronger neighbor. He will offer a small share of the minerals as payment for our future services, obviously. Lastly, emphasize that this arrangement would mark an excellent start to a new beginning."

Cedric nodded.

"In the meantime," Theodore continued, "I want contingency plans. Jack, work with Derrick on magical methods to access the flooded tunnels. Roland, assess our guard force for a potential expedition to Westford. And someone find Leto—I need updated inventory reports for our food stores."

Theodore turned to the window, deep in thought. They started to carry out his orders. Roland lingered, sensing there was something more that his lord wanted to say.

"Have maps of the surrounding regions ready for the meeting. I want to identify potential opportunities."

"As you wish, my lord."

As Roland turned to leave, Theodore called after him:

"And find out if there has been any word from my sister! Juliana promised to visit before winter set in."

"I'll check with the messengers, my lord."

***

Theodore POV

Rebuilding, reforming, and reimagining what Holden could be took six months. It had happened quickly, but not quickly enough. He was not convinced they were ready for the hardships that came with winter.

And now, with winter, he had a plan. He could use fervidite along with his runes and Earthly knowledge. This might enable him to develop a heating solution that was superior to the ones that were available in the current market. In winter, runic fervidite-heated baths would be wonderful.

It's not just good for locals; nearby cities benefit from it too.

Additionally, he could increase his income by constructing bathhouses in those cities.

Opie curled up on the tabletop after slithering down his arm. As if to cast doubt on its master's worry, the familiar cocked its head to one side.

"We're running out of time, little friend," Theodore murmured. "And I'm still not strong enough."

Sighing, he checked the progress he had made in the past six months:

Your race, [Human], has leveled up – Lvl 25 > Lvl MAX

Your race, [Human], has evolved! – G > F

Your race, [Human], has leveled up – Lvl 0 > Lvl 9

Your class, [Mage], has leveled up – Lvl 14 > Lvl 20!

[Basic Magic Script] has leveled up! – Lvl 2 > Lvl 5

[Basic Rune Creation] has leveled up! – Lvl 8 > Lvl 12

[Elemental Spells] has leveled up! – Lvl 11 > Lvl 16

[Meditation] has leveled up! – Lvl 5 > Lvl 8

[Swordsmanship (Novice)] has leveled up! - Lvl 8 > 20

[Psionic Resistance] has leveled up! – Lvl 5 > Lvl 14

[Purifying Touch] has leveled up! – Lvl 2 > Lvl 25

[Purifying Touch] has evolved into [Healing Touch]!

[Healing Touch] has leveled up! - Lvl 0 > Lvl 2

[Opie] has leveled up! Lvl 18 > Lvl 25!

[Opie] has evolved into [Soul Viper]!

[Opie] has leveled up! Lvl 0 > Lvl 4!

Name: Theodore Lockheart

Race: Human

—Rank: F

—Level: 9

Class: Mage

—Rank: Initiate

—Level: 20

Skills: Basic Magic Script (Lvl 5), Elemental Spells (Lvl 16), Myriad Tongue (Lvl 1), Basic Rune Creation (Lvl 12), Meditation (Lvl 8), Swordsmanship (Novice) (Lvl 20), Arcane Awareness (Lvl 2), True Perception (Lvl 0), Psionic Resistance (Lvl 14), Healing Touch (Lvl. 2)

Innate Abilities: Sever

Familiar: Opie (Soul Viper) – Lvl 4

Titles: The Unveiled, Aether Forged, Arachnid Bane, Light Touched

He'd improved a lot in the past few months; Opie and Wynd had evolved, and he'd also done so. . When Opie had evolved, he'd become his Soul Familiar. Some skills had shown a lot of growth, while others had been slow as usual. He'd figured out the evolution level. He had been curious as to whether skills evolved at level 25, or more precisely, after level 25, or whether they stayed the same. And Derrick's answers had crystallized his suspicions into facts.

As a result, some of his skills were nearing evolution.

Varyndros had denied any new Constellations, so he was stuck with one. But it was great to see it hadn't stopped his growth as he'd feared.

That sounded like a limitation at first, but now Theodore saw it for what it was: hidden boon. For [Mages], establishing a Connection with a constellation was not only a significant achievement but also a requirement. Without such a Connection, they couldn't progress in their Class. Only their Race Levels would increase, and slowly at that.

Worse still, forming those Connections was dangerous.

Constellations did not act as passive providers. They observed and even made demands. There were hazards associated with each new Connection. But it was not a concern for Theodore.

Powerful and seemingly content with their Connection, Varyndros had assumed the entire responsibility by himself. As long as that held, Theodore could level up freely, evolve his class, and grow without being forced into more entanglements.

His class, for example, was nearing evolution. He felt excited to see what he'd get as it evolved.

Evolving from a Rank G [Human] to Rank F [Human] was a considerable boost to what he'd call his hidden 'stats' if he had any. His strength, constitution, mana, agility, and dexterity improved a lot. This boost was greater than what a typical race level up provided. Not to mention the Quest he'd gotten after evolving…

HUNT FOR THE BODY FAMILIAR

Find and defeat a powerful monster and Bond with it to create your Body Familiar.

Absentmindedly, Theodore stroked his fingertips over Opie's cool, smooth scales. The familiar had become more powerful as a result of evolution.

But he needed more than just one familiar. Varyndros had already made that very clear. Body, Mind, and Soul were the three Familiars that Theodore could acquire, but he was only allowed one Constellation. He needed those to reach his full potential.

Opie handled the Soul part. The small viper would shield Theodore's spirit in dangerous situations, especially when facing monsters or humans who targeted the soul instead of the body. That much was settled. The next step was to acquire a Body Familiar. Something formidable that could fuse with his physical body, transforming him into a formidable weapon.

Relaxing in his chair, Theodore shut his eyes.

Winter is upon us, food is running low, and the mines are overflowing. To change things, we need something fresh. Soap was the beginning. I need to think bigger now.

A pumping system could clear the mines effectively. And the harvest... the Blight scars were still visible in the soil. What if I could use purifying magic to make some sort of enriched fertilizer? Something that will revitalize the earth more quickly than nature alone.

He had been troubled by that question for a while. He frequently played with the skill [Healing Touch]. He believed he was getting close to a solution now. The skills had grown rapidly as a result of his experiments as well.

Regardless, with Holden unprepared and the Towers predicting a hard winter, he understood that heating would become a high-end luxury.

There won't be enough firewood, but what if I could create heating stones powered by runes instead?

When they produced soap, the technology—or magitech—was already in place. To create the product, he only needed to make a few adjustments.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter."

A worried-looking guard emerged.

"My lord, there's a messenger from the mines. The situation has... deteriorated."

"How?"

"A new breach, my lord. The main support wall of one of the remaining mines has failed. The mine has trapped three miners, and the water level is rising at a rapid pace. The rest of the miners are panicking."

"Casualties?"

"None yet, but the mining captain says they have perhaps a few hours before the trapped men drown."

***

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