Blade Over Magic

QnA Session II

Mia seemed to consider how to answer the question for a few seconds, then she started to speak.

”Worlds aren’t what they appear on paper. Most people see worlds as large bodies of mass floating in an endless void, which is true, but that isn’t the whole truth as, depending on the type of world, this definition may only be a part of the full truth.” She held up two fingers.

”There are two types of worlds. Passive and Active worlds. The former are indeed just large floating masses. However, a key feature they have is that they are unable to produce their own Mana, meaning they need to rely on the ambient mana in the universe to exist. As a result, they lack numerous key things, such as the presence of laws, protection against the infiltration of beings outside that world, and so on. In this case, a fight between Archmage level entities would indeed be able to reduce one into nothing. Most notable, though, is the fact that all passive worlds are also known as ’Drifter Worlds’.” She paused before continuing.

”Which brings us to the second type. Active worlds. These are complete opposite. Active worlds—like Tatonia—can produce their own mana naturally. The presence of laws is also much stronger, though it varies from world to world. This also makes it difficult for beings outside said world to infiltrate. Its why Hell Gates can’t just form whenever. And unlike Passive Worlds, Active Worlds are known as ’Anchor Worlds’.” Xander blinked.

”... Okay... so if I’m understanding that right, the presence of laws is what allows Active Worlds to be so durable?” He ventured.

”That’s part of it. Moreover, as you know, Mana is what makes up reality. If something is able to naturally produce Mana on its own, its existence is far more... locked into reality, making it extremely difficult for that thing to experience phenomena such as erasure, degradation, weathering, and so on. That’s also why Active Worlds re called Anchor Worlds. They produce so much Mana that they are literally anchored into reality. Passive worlds are the opposite. They are barely locked in, hence the name ’Drifter’.” When she finished, everyone was a bit stunned.

”... Huh. That seemed very complete for only one layer of the full explanation.” Curtis mumbled, and the rest agreed.

After a moment, Xander grabbed the bladed limb of the ant and held it up.

”Well, away from the cosmology stuff. Is this usable?” He asked. While he didn’t doubt that the ant gave it to him so he could use it, considering it came from a creature that was almost a true demon, he wasn’t sure if it was actually fit for use. But he hoped it was as it seemed like an excellent material for making a weapon on its own. And considering that Xander was currently swordless...

Aubrey and Falael looked at the limb with obvious wariness. Unsurprisingly, as people who had suffered because of it, they weren’t very fond of it.

Mia looked at it for a few seconds, then she spoke.

”If you are worried about it having negative effects, like corrupting you or something similar, don’t worry. If that was an issue, I wouldn’t have allowed you to keep it. That said...” She tilted her head slightly.

”The ant seemed to have grasped some conceptual knowledge in the face of death. It seemed to have transferred a portion of its remaining existence into that limb, which is why it wasn’t erased with the rest of it. So if you use it to make a new sword, I can’t say what will happen. I can only guarantee that it won’t be harmful to you.” Hearing this, Xander let out a sigh of relief.

While getting a new sword wasn’t anything super difficult, it was still inconvenient. That was the whole reason Xander had so many swords stocked up in the first place beyond just having different use cases. And sure, he still had his Zweihander and Gladius, but those were specialized.

Everyone fell silent for a while, then Curtis asked.

”What happens now?” This question was less addressed to Mia and more to the entire group, but Mia was the one to reply regardless.

”Most likely, there will be an investigation into the matter concerning the ants. We will return to Avoma in a few days since that’s when the assignment is set to end. That said...” She tilted her head. ”Things won’t be very simple.

”Why not?” Falael frowned.

”Well, the biggest thing is that Feidos City (the one nearby) witnessed everything through the recording devices they sent remotely. Meaning they also witnessed much of the final battle. So not only they catch sight of students who are only meant to be first years performing the way they did,” She looked at Xander. ”They also saw Xander’s performance with the sword.” Curtis frowned at that.

”Why is that an issue?” This time, it was Falael who responded.

”Among the political factions in Solvaren, there are more than a few who pretty much view traditional magic and spell casting as sacred. They are also the ones so determined to keep things like swordplay as a ’dead path’. That footage will no doubt be circulating around the kingdom due to how it was almost a massive disaster, and the viewers will have many higher-ups. Once they see someone using a sword to defeat a monster that singlehandedly managed several elite mages, the resulting chaos will be extravagant.” They mumbled while glancing at Xander, a trace of worry appearing in their gaze before quickly vanishing.

”Most likely, many will seek to suppress him. Others will want to use him. People will heavily invest in obtaining information pertaining to him, and so on. All in all, the situation will be very hectic.” Aubrey shook her head. ”At the very least, we can use Avoma as a shield while we figure things out.” But as she said that...

”That can’t happen, unfortunately.” Mia poured a bucket of cold water on their heads.

”Wh-What? Why?” Curtis exclaimed, and Mia just glanced at them.

”Xander’s predicament aside, the truth is that all of you have basically exceeded the power ceiling for Avoma students. Even most final years aren’t exactly your matches, so you lot staying there will not be realistic, and most likely, you’ll experience an early graduation.” This stunned everyone, and Falael couldn’t help but retort subconsciously.

”But... you are a student there and no one complained. How is that fair?” To this, Mia deadpanned.

”I’m a student because I felt like it. They can’t remove me even if they wanted to.” That shut them up quick, and Mia continued.

”Frankly, Xander isn’t the only one in a bit of a tight spot. Falael and Curtis made use of spells that could easily be mistaken to be at the High Mage level, and it’s not going to be hard for anyone investigating to learn that Aubrey had essentially been the main intelligence network for the entire operation. And knowing that you lot are so close with Xander while being so magically competent, there is a significant chance they will attempt to separate you all. And they will most likely resort to all sorts of means to achieve this. This includes going after your families, threats, and so on.” As Mia listed off the possible issues, everyone’s faces become increasingly solemn.

”... So what do we do?” Aubrey finally asked.

Mia didn’t respond. Instead, she looked at Xander. The latter was rubbing his chin in that telltale manner.

”Question. Do they not know that I am my father’s son?” He first asked, which caused the eyes of the others to light up. Indeed, Xander was the child of an Archmage. That was the ultimate deterrent.

”Most don’t. Your existence wasn’t exactly public. As for those who do, they are most likely running under the assumption that due to your status as an illegitimate child, Xavier won’t care about you that much.” At the second part, the others felt their moods dampen, but Xander just smiled a little.

”I see. In that case, why don’t we ask if that’s true?” Hearing this, Falael frowned.

”Even if we wanted to ask him, I’m pretty sure he left as soon as he took care of the Hell Gate. Unless you want to ask Mia to relay the message to him again.” Falael gave Mia a pointed look at that, and Mia completely ignored them.

However, Xander shook his head.

”There won’t be any need.” He turned to a corner of the room.

”He’s already here.” The trio was startled and immediately looked towards the same corner, Aubrey straining her senses to see if there was something that she had missed.

Nothing happened for a few seconds, and just as Falael was opening their mouth to say something mocking, a voice sounded.

”Look at you, trying to act cool.” Space rippled as a figure walked out besides the bed.

”Unfortunately, you looked in the wrong direction.” Glancing at Xander with his eerie green eyes, Xavier chortled slightly, while Xander’s smile froze as he turned his head.

Meanwhile, the other simultaneously went pale. Well, except Curtis, but he would have.

”V-V-Verdant M-Mage...?!” Falael’s voice came out as a squeak, and Xavier just gave a thumbs up.

”That’s me.”

”...”

They looked ready to faint.