cerim
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Chapter 611 - Even more questions
🕑 Added 2025-05-04 08:49:16 +0000 UTC“So, the 1st reset happened on the 11th day. The 2nd reset happened on the 15th day. Does this mean the length of the…”
“Loops!” Dennis interrupts Tess.
She looks at him and then shrugs, “…length of the loops is either increasing or it is random, possibly triggered by an event we don’t know about. The important question is if the Ruler Candidate is in the loops with us. If yes, another question is how they would react to that – would they try to kill us, contact us? If they are here as well, it’s highly possible they already realized we are “looping” as well, possibly even during our 1st loop.”
Sophie joins in, “But we have to protect the Candidate. Doesn’t that imply that they are in the loop as well and realizing it? Or will we keep getting looped until we protect the candidate? And what do we need to protect them from?”
"Assassins?" Dennis draws attention to himself again. "Maybe they are after the candidate? So the candidate is hiding?"
(Food?!)
“No, he didn’t mean hiding the food,” I answer Biscuit.
“Unfortunately, our shards reset as well,” Min-Jae says from the side, “otherwise it would be possible for Nat to find the best materials, sell an item, then in the next loop find the same materials and sell the same item again, but quicker. But with shards resetting, it doesn’t make sense.”
“Shame, isn’t it?” I complain.
Tess chimes in, “We cannot be too greedy. We don’t know if there will be a third reset or, if yes, how many there will be, so… just be careful. All of you. I know some of you, Nat, probably want to do risky things, but do not push it until we find out more.”
"Did you just mistakenly mention my name, Tess?"
“Did I?”
“Anyway, you already have all the info I collected outside, so I’m going to get insulted by that douche Elian.”
With that, I leave, and the others follow soon after. It might be me, but some of them seem way too excited.
***
After hearing the same words again from Elian and watching servants carry my things to the office, I sit there, putting my legs up on the two boxes.
Looking at them, I wonder if I should try to secure them more or wait for the thief. Or possibly ignore them entirely. Maybe I could sell them for information, because it looks like knowledge is the most valuable thing we can get from here. Of course, with all of this, we cannot forget the Ruler Candidate, whoever it might be.
From the table, I pick up a piece of paper and start writing down somewhat important events that I know will happen.
day 1 - Professor Elian dissing me
day 2 - free day, meeting Maya, Tess, twins, while others are busy - if we decide to follow the 1st loop´s schedule
day 3 - 1st lesson with Elian - getting “punished”, Meeting Lily and other healers during her picnic, if I walk around again and if she goes on a picnic again
day 4 - Ari, Kays lesson 1 on basics, thermonuclear warhead stolen, meeting the Vice Director if I follow the schedule
day 5 - 2nd Lesson with Elian - mana releasing stuff, meeting Tyven and Ari, if I eat at the same place
day 6 - Min-Jae mentioning meeting Tyven in the library - possibly going as well if I want to check that guy
day 7 - selari Champion visiting and having a talk, 3rd lesson with Elian - a bunch of students trying to disrupt my orbs
day 8 - Transfer student in Izzy’s class, getting salary - 8 obsidian drachen
day 9 - Meeting the primordial energy demon Professor, if I follow the schedule, selari Champion found dead in the Academy
day 10 - sensory deprivation tank - Ari, Keys lesson 2
day 11 - train or airship trip
Of course, that is not all. I also did some other things for fun, like exploring the facilities around the Academy. But these are what I feel are the most important. The important question is how much I should follow this. The question is what I could do to abuse this mechanism again.
Of course, I have a good idea.
You have used an active skill combination token. Please pick two or three from the following ones you would like to combine.
Warning! Combining three skills will reduce the level of the acquired skill.
Warning! A combination of not-compatible skills can result in worse skills.
Warning! After combining the skills, it will become extremely difficult to acquire the skills used for the combination.
Please select the main skill of the combination and two supportive skills.
List of available skills to combine:
Perception - Lvl 62
Mana Domain (Pride) - Lvl 61
Mana Crown -Lvl 55
Mana Manipulation - Lvl 67
Ley Line - Lvl 54
Knitting - Lvl 37
“[Knitting] as the main one, and [Mana Manipulation] and [Mana Domain] as supportive ones.
Congratulations, you have successfully combined [Knitting], [Mana Domain], and [Mana Manipulation]! A new skill has been created.
You have acquired [Framework]
[Framework - lvl 0 > Framework - lvl 8]
Okay, next step.
I create a mana orb, concentrate on it and-
Congratulations, you have acquired a new skill!
[Mana Manipulation]
[Mana Manipulation - lvl 0 > Mana Manipulation - lvl 61]
Suck it, system. I will never get tired of this shit.
Now I have almost two days before the 1st lesson with Elian on the 3rd day. Out of curiosity, I check [Framework] and to be honest, I like the name a bit more than [Ur Line]. Having a bit of sense of how system names stuff and after seeing those lines with my trait, I still think [Ur Line] is likely the rarer skill. Buuuut, and just maybe, it is a worthy sacrifice in return for getting rid of [Knitting], plus I will try more combinations later and will pick the one I like the most.
So far, [Framework] seems to keep the effects of [Knitting], it allows me to knit together threads of mana, keeping them flexible. It is something I can still apply to [Ley Line] and to my javelins, shields, and all other creations. As I have learned, doing it this way makes them much more durable and resistant to disruption. Currently, I can even do it nearly reflexively without thinking too much.
[Framework] takes that even further. The connections between threads are stronger and denser. At some point, it even seems like they are pulled to each other, and when damaged, a bit of mana seeps from surrounding threads to fix them.
There is this feeling I can use the skill on my body, not just to create stronger armor, but as something I can build on, like some sort of base or frame I can tie my creations to, or almost inscribe into that frame. I suspect at higher levels, such a frame could be something possible to keep up permanently or semi-permanently. It seems to synchronize very well with my way of storing arrays, sets of inscriptions, or information in the back of my mind.
It is fascinating and really elusive, but I like it a lot.
Damn, deciding which skill to pick will truly be difficult.
Next, I go to the system store and, for a total of 900 thousand shards, I buy two mid arcane items. One defensive amulet and another one a bow. Of course, first, I carefully observe them. I even use them and activate my eyes to learn as much as possible for my future crafting.
Then I head to the head accountant’s office and enter. In this loop, he hasn’t met me yet, but he acts in the same polite manner, likely already knowing who I am.
I put the two mid arcane items on the table in front of him.
“I want to sell them to the Academy.”
He blinks, looks at me, and then back at the weapons.
"May I request the registration documents for these items? As you are undoubtedly aware, all weapons of epic rank and above, particularly those classified as arcane or higher, must be properly registered prior to being brought onto Academy grounds. I will also require a proof of ownership certificate."
Oh boy.
“I don’t have it, I just made them today.”
“Assistant Professor Gwyn.”
“Yes, that’s me.”
"If I am correct, it is your first day at the Academy, and you have already created two mid arcane items?"
“Yes.”
"If I consult the head of the Crafting Zone, will they be able to confirm that you were present there and that you produced these items on-site?"
“No, I made them in my office.”
"So, if I submit an inquiry to the Tower Butler regarding your recorded movements, will the log indicate that you were already present in your office at that time?"
“I meant that I made the items in one of the gardens.”
“I see. Can you wait a minute before I contact Professor Elian so we can continue this conversation?”
Well, fuck.
“I don’t know if you are aware, Assistant Professor Gwyn, but you have said that out loud.”
“I wanted to say, sure, call him.”
He politely agrees but likely already pressed something like a panic button, as behind the door, I sense a powerful signature of guards and defenses rising up, ready to activate. It is all done politely, but I notice.
Five minutes later, I’m sent outside the room, and Professor Elian passes by me. His violet eyes with a golden circle around the pupils stare at me as he closes the door.
Meanwhile, I sit on the chair nearby and think of how I’m not used to this kind of formality. Is it normal in “civilized” floors? I mean, mid arcane items are powerful, likely very, very enticing even to a person at around level 350-380-390? And even though the ones I bought were cheaper, they can be considered items that would be passed down in some families.
Well, the next loop I will do better.
Barely two minutes after entering, Professor Elian exits holding only a defensive amulet. The bow is gone. Before handing the amulet to me, he looks at me for confirmation that I understand.
It seems the price for overlooking this is a mid-arcane item, which is an absolutely insane cost. Maybe I should hold off a bit longer before I start selling thermonuclear warheads.
I nod, and only then does he hand me the amulet.
"I am very disappointed by such a lack of thought," he says, then leaves without another word.
As he walks downstairs, I knock on the door again and then open it, where the head accountant looks at me in a confused manner.
“You don’t want to buy the amulet?” I ask before he can react.
***
Five minutes later, I leave with a pouch full to the brim with ivory white drachen and even a few pieces of gold drachen, all likely worth as much as decades of my salary here would be.
Before I leave, I ask the head accountant for rules and for a list of items that are allowed and not allowed to be brought to the Academy without registration or proof of ownership. Then I ask him for an estimation of prices, sliding a few obsidian drachen to him as a courtesy.
As he talks and explains, I go through the system shop to pick the best options to sell next time.
Lastly, I ask him about Professors willing to give private lessons for the right price, and unsurprisingly, this is fairly common. Powerful families hire tutors or pay professors to give extra attention to their family members in the Academy.
Some professors offer multiple lessons for a set price, while others only provide small-group sessions. A few demand more drachen than I even possess. The most expensive professors likely set their rates not only based on lesson quality, but also as an informal bribe to foster connections with them. Those charging the highest fees are typically professors at or near level 400, with decades or even centuries of experience. Fewer than five of them are currently at the Academy.
With Champions likely starting at around 450-500, it might not seem that far off Champion rank, but there is a HUGE difference in having 50-100 more levels once you reach the 400s. Not because of extra stats, but because of time. Leveling after level 300, 400 slows down a lot; you must fight exceedingly powerful monsters, not to mention finding them in the first place. Even then, it takes a long time, so you are likely fairly experienced and powerful with multiple skills over level 75.
As I walk to my office, I also wonder whether I should reveal my black mana to the professor I hire, and which professor I should choose for lessons.
***
Comments
Audrey WJ
Which would get you killed along with the rest of the group when they end trying to help you even a champion comes for your life 😂.
Ronnel
TFTC!!!
Zaim İpek
If Nat could create the Framework skill on his own after getting used to it and gaining a few levels in it during this particular loop, that would be ideal. It's definitely a complex skill, but I could see him creating it on his own with concentrated effort. He at least seems capable of understanding it. Ur Line seems totally beyond his comprehension for now. I'm curious to see a potential third combination.
11335577
To pay others to teach him.
Peter Toninato
Considering he passes out from looking at Ur Line for too long I don’t think he’ll get that level of understanding on this floor or probably even the next. That said, he did seem to already have a good grasp on Framework so he might be able to use his token on Ur Line then merge framework on his own somehow
jax rammus
Stealing my bow like that would have me nuking the place
Derze
What prevents him from doing the fusion without the token, if he were to get good enough with UR line could he get it to evolve by virtue of mastery
Gnothi Seauton
Knitting + Ley Line + Mana Manipulation = ?? something awesome, I am sure. Wonder if he'll get a chance to find out?
WhiteLeeopard
Framework seems quite interesting, but also much easier to get on his own than Ur Line. Worst case, a simpler merge token of 2 skills for knitting and mana domain should be close enough. On a truly ambitious line, maybe be could try ley line, with mana domain and perception. Also, what does he even want the money for?
Zaim İpek
Framework definitely seems to be exactly what he needs to start fixing his constructs. It should also dramatically increase his durability and regeneration once he creates a framework throughout his entire body. Then recreating his constructs to fit within the framework should make them much more stable than the current versions. This would also be the first real step towards properly making the thermal engine heart actually a part of him. Right now, the thermal heart is like a foreign object just shoved in his chest. It's not really part of him yet. Framework could change that if he gets it to a high enough level.
TheOne320
I think skills with vague names have broad use cases and skills with very specific names are much more powerful but do not have as broad of a use case. Here, framework probably can of a lot of different things, more than Ur line but I think Ur line would have a higher peak power.
im_among_you
I love mother of learning
Semper Malus
Ive been feeling like knitting isn't getting the love it deserves. Arent those vaguely named skills really good?
TBONEMAN
Framework seems like the first step needed to hack the system. Also it would definitely be helpful for fixing his constructs.
Andrew
Thank you!
Al
Cerim, please don’t tease me with the black mana. If you reneg on this so help me …! …I will do nothing bc I’m an addict who will ride this story to the end. But I will be very sad 🥺
Arme nd
Man this reminds me of Zorian and proffesor Xvim, love it
cedric burnam
He couldn't perceive all of the details... he likely would not be able to do it on the fly, maybe with a few minutes of planning and prep
Tyler Engelke
Crown is storage, ring is control, mantle is something or rather. I forgot, but Lily has one so it's definitely been explained. Iirc they all help with control a little but the ring is explicitly control. The lightning champion on the prison planet had one.
River
Actually surprised he didn't try to use the ur line skill despite not having it but rather through feel having experience with the skill before
ZaA
Every time he does a combination I just hope to see mantle or ring. I think it'd be really cool for him to work towards getting all 3 since I feel like I remember it being said that it's rare/impossible to get more than one. Can't even remember if it was mentioned what ring does, but trying to think of what could make mantle definitely could stem from domain.. abuse the loop!
zoarian
Abusing the loops to get lessons is like time loop trope 101, and I love it every time it shows up.
frankie doerr
Plus good thing he broke his sword at the tournament
frankie doerr
Framework just seems like the perfect crafting skill combined with ur line he might be able to complete what the 5th floor could not by himself or he can etch a framework into his weapon possibilities are endless and I think he can get it without a skill combo token
Adrian Rake
Nat being Nat 😂😉👍
mitchell kaiser
I hope he does reveal the black Mana it would be interesting to learn more about it, plus this loop seems shot.
Funny guy
Danks fur da chappie! Wouldn't it be really funny if the loops stopped at this one? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Val the mysterious Jedi
Lol classic nat, I bet Tess would have pointed out sellin arcane items to the school is like basically trying to resell a main battle tank or a jet on Amazon.
Oaktree
Tess: “don’t go crazy with testing the loop” “im looking at you nat” Nat: did you call my name out by mistake? Nat nearly put in jail 5 mins later: “why didn’t you want to buy my stuff?”
Venno
TFTC
Niclas Elmers
Tftc
vEnviouz
TFTC!!!
BlackRazaras
Thanks for the chapter
Dictator911
Tyftc
