Creation system
Chapter 27: Mundane

Chapter 27: Mundane

[Tier 2 Lustrous Ice Gem - A flawless crystal that can be socketed into any piece of equipment, enhancing its power and imbuing it with ice-aspected magical properties. The gem pulses with captured ice magic.]

[Tier 2 Lustrous Fire Gem – Aa perfectly cut ruby that pulses with inner flame, can be socketed into a piece of equipment, bolstering its magical strength and granting it powerful fire aspect attributes! The gem feels warm to the touch and occasionally sparks with tiny flames.]

Mitch considered the synergy carefully. His armor had been crafted from the hide of a white bear, a creature attuned to ice and cold environments.

Logic suggested that the ice gem would complement the armor’s natural properties far better than the fire gem, which might actually conflict with or weaken the existing enchantments.

Decision made, he carefully lifted the ice gem and positioned it over the socket. The moment the gem made contact with the prepared depression, he felt the armor’s mana respond.

Using his enhanced mana perception, Mitch observed as the armor’s internal pathways began drawing the gem deeper into the socket.

Ethereal connections formed between the gem’s crystalline structure and the bear hide’s natural mana channels, creating a connection.

"Inspect" he whispered, eager to see the results.

[Tier 2 White Bear Armor - A masterwork piece of armor crafted from the hide of an arctic predator. The armor provides excellent ice resistance and protection against frigid climates. Its magical properties allow it to reshape itself to fit any wearer perfectly. +2 to body.

Socketed within the breastplate gleams an ice gem of remarkable clarity, its crystalline surface pulsing with cold azure light. This rare enhancement grants the wearer +3 mind, +3 body, and amplifies the armor’s existing ice resistance by an additional 50%.]

Mitch ran his fingers along the armor’s smooth surface, admiring the intricate patterns etched into the white leather.

"That’s impressive," he murmured to himself, though doubt crept into his thoughts. "But I can’t help wondering how much better equipped I’d be if I had sold that gem instead and invested the gold in other gear."

The practical side of his mind weighed options and possibilities, a habit that had served him well since arriving in this strange world.

As night arrived, a gentle but purposeful knock echoed through his chambers.

"Come in!" Mitch called out, setting aside his contemplations.

The door opened to reveal Leya, and Mitch felt his breath catch.

She had transformed from the worried sister he’d met earlier into something altogether more enchanting. She wore a new dress.

Her golden dress hugged her curves elegantly, the fabric shimmering like sunlight with each graceful movement.

The neckline was daring enough to draw attention to her graceful neck and delicate collarbones.

Her white hair had been swept up in an elaborate style, with a few strategic tendrils framing her face. In her hands, she carried a bottle of deep red wine, its label suggesting it was from a prestigious vineyard.

"What an extravagant place you have!" Leya exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink as she took in the spacious room with its fine furnishings and magical amenities.

Her eyes sparkled with genuine admiration and perhaps something more intimate.

The night unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance. They shared the wine, a rich vintage that warmed them both from within, and conversation flowed as freely as the alcohol.

Leya spoke of her fears for her brother, her gratitude for Mitch’s help, and gradually, more personal matters. The golden dress seemed to glow in the candlelight, and as the night deepened, the space between them diminished until there was no space at all.

They spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms, finding comfort and passion in equal measure.

When the first rays of dawn crept through the windows, Leya stirred reluctantly.

She dressed slowly, as if savoring these last moments of intimacy before reality intruded once more.

"I must return to Kael," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Mitch’s forehead.

After her departure, the room felt strangely empty. Mitch shook off the melancholy and focused on his training regimen.

He absorbed another 15 cores.

His magical abilities were progressing steadily, a source of both pride and motivation. He channeled his mana, feeling the familiar tingle as the protective barrier formed around him.

The mana shield materialized as a shimmering blue-white dome, crackling softly with contained energy. He held it steady, counting the seconds: twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven... Finally, at nearly thirty seconds, the shield flickered and dissolved, his mana reserves temporarily depleted.

"Excellent progress," he murmured, wiping sweat from his brow. When he’d first attempted this spell, he’d been lucky to maintain it for ten seconds.

That afternoon, curiosity about his new world’s deeper mysteries drove him toward the Inner Circle Library.

The imposing structure stood like a temple, its marble facade decorated with the guild’s intricate crest.

Two guards flanked the entrance, their armor polished, their expressions professionally neutral but alert.

The entrance fee of one gold coin seemed steep, but the restrictions were even more stringent, no books could be removed from the premises. This was clearly a place where knowledge was both treasured and carefully guarded.

Stepping inside took his breath away. The interior was nothing short of magnificent. Soaring ceilings supported by elegant columns created a cathedral-like atmosphere, while countless books lined towering mahogany shelves that stretched up three full stories.

Magical lights floated at regular intervals, providing warm, steady illumination without the risk of fire. Ornate reading nooks were scattered throughout, each furnished with comfortable chairs and polished wooden tables.

The air itself seemed to hum with accumulated wisdom.

"What are you looking for, sir?" The voice belonged to a small, delicate woman who appeared to be the head librarian.

Despite her diminutive stature, she barely reached Mitch’s chest, and she carried herself with quiet authority.

Her brown hair was pulled back in a practical bun, and her striking purple eyes held an intelligence that suggested she knew the location of every single volume in this vast collection.

"I want to learn more about the system and mana," Mitch replied, still somewhat awed by his surroundings.

"Of course. Please, follow me."