The Strongest Spellblade

“Greetings new students to the College of Advancement. You are here at a historic time as the College of Advancement soars to new heights,” The Mathemancer said to a large round of applause.

“For the last 827 years, I have served as the First Dean and Founder of this College. Rebuilding and preserving the knowledge of the Eldarin Empire after its collapse. Everyone here, including me stands upon the shoulders of those who came before, their ancestors, the Professors, and civilization itself.

“For the forces of terrorism and evil shall not with stand the power of civilization and reason. While the Dark Cabal initiated an act of terrorism against this College and the city of Undercraft, the worst outcome was prevented. For the motto of this institution is Divinity Ascendent!

“We aspire to reach new heights. Now this College soars above the continent as a beacon of light and learning. While it had been my hope to have seen a tier 7 skill by now, I know such accomplishments will come in time. Looking out at all the new faces and seeing the ones who have stuck around, devoting their lives and even their names to this College allows me to have a calm heart.

“I am announcing my retirement.” At that there was an uproar and shouting. After a minute everyone finally quieted down.

“It has always been my intention to retire one day. A Supreme Legend does not die in bed. I shall make a final descent into the dungeon to see what lies at the bottom. As a new chapter opens for the College new leadership is needed. Please step forward Assistant Dean, Legend Beacon Smith.”

An older man rose up from the platform where all seven of the Assistant Deans were seated behind the podium The Mathemancer was speaking at. There were 47 legends up there as well and my mother. She was seated on a gold and platinum throne off to one side by herself.

“Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to protect this College and all those who reside in it?”

“I so swear.”

“Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to safeguard the progress of civilization, without political bias into the world beyond the College?”

“I so swear.”

“Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to use only merit, math, and science in the running of this College?”

“I so swear.”

“Then I name you Dean of the College of Advancement and entrust upon you the future of civilization itself. May you guard this place with surety and clarity, providing a light to future generations,” The Mathemancer said and then stepped back. He went over and sat down on a gold and platinum throne on the stage while Dean Beacon Smith stepped up to the podium.

“Students, staff, professors or colleagues. I stand here today on the shoulders of great men and women. The greatest is our former Dean, The Mathemancer!” There was a very long round of applause as everyone stood up to clap. Everyone except The Mathemancer and my mother. She gave a couple polite claps, but that was it.

“This place is my home and I will ensure that it continue on and maintain the traditions that have been put in place, while also not remaining stagnant. The first thing I plan to do is figuring out how to handle resupplying our flying city,” he said to some laughter.

“Now there is more that can be said, but I figure you aren’t interested in me increasing my levels of Speech, but rather working hard yourselves,” he said to more laughter and applause.

“Study and work hard students of the College of Advancement. For greatness is within all of you waiting to be grasped. Divinity Ascendent!”

There was another standing ovation. I got up from my seat and looked back up at my mother. She was already gone from the stage along with The Mathemancer. I made way through the large group of students leaving the stadium.

“Mister Burnstock,” Melody greeted me. I was glad she hadn’t been killed. She was a nice woman. She had only been knocked out and tied up. But despite all of that, she didn’t let it get her down.

“Staff Member Melody,” I greeted her in turn. Healer Melon was standing with her. They had clearly been chatting togeather before I showed up.

“Come, there is a reception for the top 100 most promising students entering this year,” she said.

“A reception? My student uniform is okay?”

“More than acceptable, it is expected,” she replied, and I nodded. I followed her towards the central tower.

“What do you think of The Mathemancer retiring?” I asked.

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“The Dean is a great man. Having managed this College for centuries. Now that we are soaring through the sky, he has more than earned a retirement. I hope his descent goes well,” she replied.

My mother was going on a descent. They were probably going to go togeather. I could only hope that it went well. We went into the main tower that towered above the entire College at the center. After entering, we went to a large ballroom.

I noted that the Legends who had been on stage, the Assistant Deans, several Professors, and other students were present. “I will excuse myself now. This event is expected to last two hours,” Melody said.

“I will be just out here, in the waiting room. Let me know when you are ready to leave,” Healer Melon said and I nodded. He went to sit with the other retainers. I entered the ballroom. I moved forward with confidence while looking around, mostly at the other students.

“Justin!”

“Legend Extravagant Warren, I hope you are well along with your Warhammer Absolute Domination,” I greeted the man. Several people looked over at us, since the man was quite loud. But I was here to be the best. I would stand out regardless, it was best to embrace my fame and not try and hide, which would just be embarrassing.

“Killed one of those Dark Cabal bastards. Horribly weak, but your mother really took the spotlight, killing all those monsters and fighting their leader,” he said.

“My mother is a singular force of existence,” I replied.

“Hah, very true. So, a new student?”

“Yes. Are you teaching here?” I asked.

“No. Just passing through and checking this place out. But being a legend comes with perks like getting invited to nice events like this,” he replied. While holding out a large mug. A staff member quickly rushed over to refill it. “Was planning to leave, but a flying city, huh, now that is something one doesn’t see every day.”

“Indeed. The runes must be incredibly complex,” I replied.

“Probably, so planning to study runes?” he asked me.

“That along with spells,” I replied honestly.

“Runes are crafting nonsense, but there is no need to argue about such things. Your mother would tell you off if she thought you were being foolish, what do I know,” he said. I knew he didn’t mean to annoy me, but what he said got under my skin a bit.

“Justin Burnstock?” I turned to see a female elf standing off to my side.

“Yes, that is me, and who are you?” I asked.

“Windshell Gossimer of the Twilight Forest. Your initial skill count is quite impressive for your age,” she said while Legend Extravagant Warren listened in while drinking from his large mug.

“Thank you. Unfortunately, I haven’t checked the public rankings due to all the excitement recently,” I replied.

“You are currently ranked number one and I am ranked number two. But it won’t be that way for long,” she replied.

“Oooh, don’t let her talk down to you!” Extravagant Warren said loudly which made me want to leave in embarrassment. But the only one who could embarrass me was myself.

“I look forward to the challenge Windshell Gossimer. If you came over as a declaration of intent, let me tell you, that reaching the top position will not be easy. I may not be a genius of learning, but I am a genius of hard work,” I replied.

“Oooh, don’t let him talk like that,” Extravagant Warren said, trying to stir things up.

“With my people supporting me, I shall not allow anyone, especially the child of a human Supreme Legend look down on me. Prepare yourself Justin, for I will triumph over you in the College,” she declared and then left.

“Say something,” Extravagant Warren told me.

“Why should I? When she can earn more levels than me, I will take her seriously. Until then, I am not worried.” While my mother might have left, she had given me an incredible head start over everyone else. Perhaps I would struggle and fail, perhaps I would take the number one spot. But a competition in learning and gaining skill levels wasn’t like a fight.

Focusing on other people would just distract me. I had enough to worry about with the egg back in my room and having to mentally prepare for classes tomorrow. “Well said, young man. The competition is fierce, but worrying about others behind you will only slow you down.”

“Justin Burnstock,” I introduced myself.

“Professor Arctus Dynamis. You will probably never see me outside of an event like this,” he said with a smile.

“Which course are you responsible for?” I asked.

“Differential Equations, a tier 4 skill. The prerequisite is Calculus which almost no one reaches mastery in. Seven years is far too short for learning,” he said.

“What is that kind of math used for?” I asked.

“Diffusion models mostly. Decay or increase over a period of time. Gravity and other spatial effects use this kind of math,” he explained.

“I am just learning Algebra and Geometry,” I replied.

“Tier 2 already. Well, I might see you in my class one day. Don’t underestimate the power of math. Our former Dean is the perfect example of such a thing. His understanding was truly transcendent.”

“Is there a tier 5 math skill?” I asked.

“Topology, Abstract Algebra, Abstract Geometry are a couple. But they truly are mind bending. Even with higher stats, understanding the higher mathematical concepts is a question of conception not learning speed. That is the challenge with higher tier skills, it isn’t about learning something, it is about understanding them in perfect detail. And increased levels only enhances one’s recall and application, not one’s understanding of a topic. Math skills are the true test of one’s ability to learn and understand,” the Professor explained.

“Bah! You aren’t going to kill a monster with a Differential Equation,” Extravagant Warren said.

“Perhaps, but The Mathemancer is proof that understanding doesn’t preclude power. It can act as an enhancement instead,” the Professor replied. The Legend let out grunt and walked away, clearly done with the conversation. “But it isn’t easy merging combat and knowledge.”

“I will keep your words in mind Professor,” I replied.

“What courses are you planning to take?” he asked.

“Dwarven tier 1 skills this first semester as my main focus. I was told learning runes is very important,” I replied.

“Math is the building block of the physical. Runes are the building block of Mana. They will serve you well in any aspect of your life from combat to crafting. But to achieve the skill Runic Mastery is not simple, especially with all known rune sets,” the Professor said.

“I have a time. I have already started learning Eldarin Runes,” I said.

“Level?” he asked me.

“Forty,” I replied.

“A good start, but you have a long way to go. You have taken several steps, but the journey to the top takes thousands. Especially when you start working on tier 4 skills, they take forever,” he replied.