Chapter 23: Spells
[Hmm, shapeshifting-type bloodline spells, huh?]
Zera's voice drifted lazily through Raven's mind. [Many demons and other races possess such spells—Vampires, Doppelgangers, Blood Imps, Syrenies, Dragons, Fairies, Succubi, High Humans… but those creatures are the kind you only read about. Even if you found one, you couldn't defeat it, let alone extract its bloodline.]
She paused briefly before adding in a teasing tone,
[But why are you looking elsewhere when you already have the best option nearby? Humans are the descendants of High Humans. Kill a few and absorb their bloodline essences.]
"No," Raven said firmly, shaking his head. "I won't kill humans for no reason."
[Hah, I'm not asking you to go on a killing spree, lad. Not all humans carry the pure blood of their ancestors anyway. Hunt down the criminals—the assassins and murderers hiding in the dark. Use Bloodline Extraction on them. You might just obtain the spell you're after sooner than you think.]
Raven's eyes flickered with thought, but Zera's tone soon turned solemn.
[Be careful, though. There's a limit to how many bloodlines you can absorb. Choose wisely. A poor spell will weaken your foundation instead of strengthening it.]
"I see… so I have to pick the best bloodline spells. What about the ones I already have?"
[Fortuitous Finder and Iron Resilience are top-tier. Poison Touch, on the other hand, barely scrapes above average. As for shapeshifting—it depends entirely on the race. If you can obtain the Dragon Bloodline spell, Polymorph, you could transform into a dragon, titan, or even a mythical beast, gaining their true strength in the process.]
[But the High Human shapeshifting spell only allows you to mimic humanoid monsters. You won't gain their power, but it'll help you hide your true strength.]
Raven thought deeply. "But where am I supposed to find a dragon? They vanished after the Battle of Heath."
[Then we'll look elsewhere. What about your next spell?]
"I haven't decided yet," Raven admitted. "Any suggestions?"
[Hmm… Warlocks are powerful, but limited. Once a Warlock chooses a bloodline pathway, it can't normally be changed. But your body isn't bound by those shackles. You should aim for a long-range spell first. The Three-Eyed Titan's Eye of Destruction is perfect. My old master said it could obliterate even an opponent a rank higher.]
Raven's eyes widened. "I've read about that! The Titans appeared eighty years ago and destroyed the Southern Wild Fortress. The Meadows Family survived only because of the Wizards from Crows' Misery."
[Good memory. Speaking of memory—your next target should be a spell related to it. Your Instant Memory is useful, but not a true bloodline spell. What you need is Eidetic Memory.]
"I've heard that name before… Teacher Elizabeth mentioned it ten years ago."
[Then find the Dawn Goblin. Extract its bloodline essence. That's where the spell originates.]
"Another goblin?" Raven frowned. "They're weak."
[Don't underestimate them, lad. The ones wandering the woods are impure—barely worth killing. True goblins are ancient and far more intelligent than humans.]
"So the Past Finder spell—was that also from a goblin?"
[Correct. The Night Goblin. My master insisted you must obtain it, no matter what. But they live in the Nightmare World, and sightings are rare.]
"It doesn't sound that special."
[It is. You'll see its worth in time. Now, your next spell should enhance agility or movement. I plan to awaken the bloodline power sleeping inside you.]
"The bloodline power hidden in my body?" Raven muttered, recalling the question marks that once appeared in his racial status—before Zera had removed that tab entirely.
"Does this have something to do with my royal lineage?"
[Yes. The guardian of your royal bloodline is the Twin-Headed Serpent. Every member of your family carries traces of it. Some—like the Seventh Prince and Twelfth Princess—have inherited teleportation-type bloodline spells. I could extract yours, but it's risky. If the process fails, it could drain every drop of blood from your body.]
Zera's voice turned grim. [The safer path is to find a beast sharing the Twin-Headed Serpent's blood—or awaken it naturally with a potion.]
"Bloodline Strengthening Potion…" Raven murmured. "It could help awaken dormant essence, but crafting even a beginner-level one requires rare ingredients—especially the Life Resin from the Tree of Life."
He frowned, recalling his studies. "There are seventeen two-headed snake species in the Empire. Only two can blend into shadows and teleport short distances. We'll need to track them down."
[Good. For now, focus on collecting those bloodline spells and developing your Elemental Circlet technique. Strengthen both your body and soul.]
Raven nodded and leaned back on the bed. "Before that, I need a new identity—and a safe place to stay."
Time passed quietly until the clock struck eight.
Elizabeth entered the room, wrapped in a hooded robe. "It's time to leave, Raven. Cover yourself." She tossed him a black cloak.
Raven caught it and put it on over his uniform. He could've changed completely using his spatial artifact, but he didn't want Elizabeth to notice.
[Haa… what am I going to do with this introvert?] Zera sighed in his mind.
"Do you have money? How will you manage on your own?" Elizabeth asked as he tightened the cloak.
Raven reached into his pocket and pulled out two gold coins and a few silvers. "My aunt always let me keep some money."
"Only two gold coins? Better than nothing. If you sell or pawn the boots I gave you at Oculus Bank, you can start fresh with a new identity."
They walked into the main hall. The furniture looked ordinary at a glance, but everything—from the lamps to the polished sofas—spoke of wealth. A strange black glass panel caught Raven's attention.
[Don't let it fool you, lad. That glass hides an artificial spirit watching your every move.]
Zera's warning came just as Elizabeth stepped outside. A brougham carriage waited under the night sky, its lanterns glowing faintly as the two prepared to depart.
"Get in," Elizabeth said, opening the carriage door.
Raven quietly nodded and stepped inside. The scent of polished leather filled the air as he sat on the seat. Without a word, Elizabeth lifted her hand and muttered,
"Shadow Conceal."
At once, Raven's shadow rippled beneath him like liquid ink and rose, swallowing him whole.
"Don't panic," Elizabeth's calm voice cut through the dim light. "You won't see or hear anything for the next two hours. The same goes for anyone trying to peek inside."
Raven tried to speak—but no sound came out. His words dissolved into the void. Even his own breathing vanished.
He instinctively thought of using Iron Resilience, but Zera interrupted.
[Stay still. If you use your bloodline ability now, this spell will collapse.]
'Okay,' Raven replied inwardly, forcing himself to relax.
Outside, the carriage rolled through the cobbled streets. Elizabeth guided it through the eastern gate, flashing her identity sigil to the patrol. The guards double-checked the carriage, yet found nothing—only empty seats and silence.
The wheels clattered softly as the carriage passed through farmland, the moonlight spilling over fields of barley. After more than an hour, it finally came to a halt in the middle of a vast plain.
The Shadow Conceal effect wore off. Darkness peeled away like smoke, revealing the open night. Raven blinked as vision returned. The plain stretched endlessly beneath the stars, and in the distance, he could see the faint outline of a mountain range—and a railway track glimmering faintly nearby.
Elizabeth opened the door and gestured. "The last cargo train to Giaris City arrives in thirty minutes. Sneak in and get there safely. This is all I can do for you now."
"Yes, Teacher." Raven stepped down and bowed deeply. "I'll never forget this kindness. I'll repay it someday."
A faint smile touched Elizabeth's lips. She placed her hand on his head and patted him gently.
"Don't act tough, kiddo. Make good allies—and rely on them when the time comes. Not everyone in this world is cruel."
Her gaze softened for a heartbeat, then turned distant. "But don't trust anyone blindly, not even me. Time changes people. Watch your back."
With that, she climbed onto the driver's seat and steered the horses around. After a final glance at Raven, she flicked the reins. The carriage slowly disappeared into the horizon.
Raven watched until the sound of hooves faded. His chest tightened with a strange mix of gratitude and loneliness.
[What now, lad?] Zera asked.
"I'll decide after reaching Giaris City," Raven murmured, eyes fixed on the northern sky.
He waited silently.
Thirty minutes later, the rhythmic thunder of wheels echoed through the plain. A beam of light sliced through the night—then the cargo train appeared, its engine bellowing smoke and steam.
As it slowed for a curve, Raven broke into a sprint. His enhanced agility made him swift, yet the ground trembled beneath every stride. He leapt forward and grabbed onto the side railing, pulling himself into a narrow gap between two containers.
Metal groaned beneath him as the train accelerated again, disappearing into the night.
…
28th August, Rune Era, Year 1420
Azmar Railway Station, Giaris City, Spade County
The cargo train hissed to a stop under the dawn sky. Steam coiled across the empty station.
A slim figure dropped silently from the rear gondola and glanced around. Only rows of boxcars and locomotives filled the platform—no guards, no civilians.
'I should leave quietly and find a place to stay.'
Raven pulled down his black hood, revealing his face. Snow drifted softly, covering his hair and lashes in white dust.
"So this is snow…" he whispered in wonder.
He brushed the flakes from his shoulder, then sighed. "I should change first."
He swapped his school uniform for a crisp white shirt, black waistcoat, trousers, and a matching jacket. From his inventory, he produced a top hat and bowtie. In moments, he looked every bit the refined son of a noble house.
'If I dress poorly, I'll draw suspicion—or worse, get targeted by patrols.'
Rumors of the Viper Syndicate had already made the Empire's security tighten. It would be foolish to take risks.
After a quick scan, Raven noticed tall chimneys rising to the east and chose that direction. Following the tracks, he soon reached a stone wall that separated the rail district from the city. With a light leap, he landed on the other side.
…
Tudor Terrace, Goldencrest Borough
Morning light broke over the busy street. Carriages rolled past as merchants shouted their prices.
Raven adjusted his hat and blended with the crowd. Across the street stood a three-story inn, its wooden sign swinging gently in the cold breeze.
He crossed the road and entered. The heavy door creaked, revealing a dim interior lit by flickering oil lamps. The smell of ale and old wood filled the air.
Raven approached the counter where a weary innkeeper was flipping through a ledger.
"Excuse me, sir," Raven said politely. "Do you have a room available?"
The man looked up, squinting at him. "Aye. How many nights?"
"Two."
"That'll be ten silver, upfront."
Raven nodded, producing the coins from his inventory. The innkeeper slid him a brass key.
"Room six, up the stairs to the left."
"Thank you."
Raven climbed the narrow staircase and unlocked his room. It was small but tidy—a bed, a table, and a dusty window overlooking the street. A stack of newspapers rested on the table.
"I should wash up first," he muttered.
After a quick bath in freezing water, he changed into casual clothes and a warm sweater. Exhaustion crept through him as he lay on the bed, eyes half-closing.
The rhythmic noise of the city faded into silence.
For the first time in days, Raven slept peacefully.