Chapter 290: An Archmage (1/2)
I leaned back, gawking at the two different mana types. Torix moved them back and forth, and I kept my gaze locked on them like they were two headless babies. Ah man, bad similes aside, Torix created a pool of quintessence before allowing all the mana types to wisp away. I blinked,
”So...what the hell happened?”
Torix pointed above his status, and I analyzed it.
Torix Worm, the Harbinger's Erudition(lvl 10,000(Cap: 15,000) | Class: Archmage | Guild: The Harbinger's Legion...)
I spread out my hands, ”So you got a new class too, huh?”
The lich beamed with pride and joy, ”But of course. It wasn't precisely easy to gain the skillpoints required, but I've hacked away at this for a while now. Unlocking it was only a matter of time.”
”So, I'm guessing the class is how you're making the new manas?”
”It is. While it didn't unlock them all, it did drastically ease the manas production. I, over the last little while, managed to unlock all three advanced types, which gives me an absurd manner of flexibility. I only recently unlocked quintessence, which was by far the most difficult. That being said, I wanted to showcase my strides all at once.”
He puffed out his chest, ”Seeing your flabbergasted face was more than worth the effort. Just as well, given my excellent usage of limited resources, I can say with finality that I'll be a force within the guild.”
I imagined him riding on an undead dragon with a legion of zombie wyverns behind him. It seemed right.
”Man, I can't believe you guys are getting advanced classes before I even unlocked mine.”
Torix rolled his fire eyes, ”I'm certain yours is without equal and will likely outdo my own with ease. For now, however, I'm pleased that for once, I surprised you instead of you surprised me.”
I grinned, ”Alright, you got me, I'll admit it...What else did the class give you?”
We both leaned over as he opened his status sheet. He was eager to show me the benefits of his class, just as I was excited to see them.
They were massive.
Torix Worm, the Harbinger's Erudition(lvl 10,000)
Strength – 2,271 | Constitution – 2,569 | Endurance – 6,479
Dexterity – 1,104 | Willpower –29,578 | Intelligence – 38,215
Charisma – 18,348 | Luck – 13,104 | Perception – 7,429
Health: 1.4 Million/1.4 Million | Health Regen: 2.8 Million/min
Mana: 5.6 Million/5.6 Million | Mana Regen 7.7 Million/min
Stamina: Infinite | Mass: 683,830 pounds |Height: Actual - 9'8 (2.94 meters) | Damage Res - 97.5%
Phys Dam Bonus – 32,735% | Damage Bonus – 45%
Archmage - Allows the fluid usage of all mana types simultaneously. Increases mana regeneration, mana, willpower, intelligence, and charisma by 30%. Spells cast 50% quicker, basic grimoire skills require no charge up period or grimoire use, and forbidden tier spells unlocked for grimoire implementation. Cipher knowledge is no longer forbidden. Forbidden tier research unlocked. Allows the learning of arcane, antimatter, and dimensional magics.
I stared at the archmage description, along with his beefed-up stats. Re-reading it, I pointed at the passage, ”Do you mind running this by me real quick? Some of this I'm not familiar with.”
Torix leaned back, putting a skeletal hand on his chest, ”Why, I thought you'd never ask.” He coughed into a hand out of habit,
”Ahem, the first ability gives me the usage of these advanced mana types with ease once learned. While I have yet to discover the method of fusing the manas, I have ascertained their individual uses. This should allow me to do many things, such as bolstering my undead with quintessence or creating soldiers with primordial mana.”
He turned his hand in a circle, ”That isn't the only avenue for their usages, however. I could send an army of my summons mad using the wild hunger of ascendant mana. I will use quintessence during my lectures, augmenting my student's ability to learn. I'll be able to craft specific teaching chambers using primordial mana, complete with guides made for the sole purpose of teaching.”
Torix's eyes flared brighter, ”I can concoct individuals with minds expressly made with my insights. They shall share and showcase the best nuggets of knowledge I've gained, and that will define their existences. I can curate experimental environments for my research, perhaps create plagues that inflict pain or poisons that muddle the mind.”
Torix's eyes turned red, ”And I'll be showcasing tortures unbounded by my previous limitations.”
A tense moment passed before Torix's eyes turned blue again, ”Though I'll reserve that for those that deserve said treatment.”
A chill ran up my spine as I gave him two thumbs up, ”You got it, chief.”
Torix waved his hands, ”All that being said, there are numerous other benefits my archmage class has given me. The stat boost, while simplistic, is appreciated. I can always use more mana and stats. As for the passage regarding specific spells, well, you've seen that in action.”
I raised a hand, ”Oh, like when you used the mobile silencing aura.”
”Precisely. That is an example of an elementary quieting spell and casting that usually requires the formation of several magical paths and runic configurations. It's nothing overly complex, mind you, but it's still a hassle to do without preparation. I believe I've done so in the past, but I oftentimes pfrepped those instances.”
I raised my eyebrows, ”Always aiming to impress, huh?”
He cackled, ”Hah, naturally. What else did you expect of me? Regardless, the other aspects of the class are long term. That would seem to be the meat and bones of an advanced class update - they grant access to otherwise inaccessible things. These new doors can be opened to unveil new horizons otherwise left hidden.”
I slowly nodded, ”It's like you're tearing down all these walls Schema built around you, huh. That's cool.”
”I have a penchant for agreeing. These newfound magics will inevitably strengthen my own offensive potential greatly as well. Combine those abilities with my bolstered magical flare, and I'll become a lich of great renown. And here I believed my magnum opus was used during my first ascension as a lich.”
Torix lifted his hands, ”This, this means I will manifest as a galactic presence, given time and preparation. I will unfold an endless night on our enemies, and with my mind, I'll unleash devastation on those that would oppose us. They'll howl as their souls are torn and ripped asunder, and those screams will fall on deaf ears.”
The lich steepled his fingers, ”They'll know the terror of a lich unbounded.”
The people around us let off a cold sweat before I crossed my arms, ”Hell yes...but I think you terrified everyone here.”
Torix peered around before raising his palms to everybody, ”Oh, don't mind me, everyone. I'm merely showcasing my plans to our guildleader. Continue as you were.”
Everybody hustled, fearful of Torix's wrath. Even I felt daunted by his energy, but it was good knowing he was on our side. I gave him a nudge, ”It's good to see you're keeping up with me. For a while, I thought I'd leave you behind.”
Torix shook his head and scoffed, ”Oh, I'm certain when your class is unlocked, all comparisons between us will end. Of this, I have no doubt...Speaking of classes, how close are you to unlocking yours? You began your investment long before I did.”
”I'm like, twenty-seven points away or something like that.”
Torix froze in place. An awkward, tense silence passed over us before I murmured, ”Uh, you ok?”