In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
[break] An old broom-maker is residing on the outskirts of Kikka and needs your help finding magically blessed wood in the forest. He is too old to carry it back, so he needs a skilled youngling to track down and bring back 4 pieces of blessed magical wood with which he can craft brooms for his customers. As a reward, he will give you a broom!
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Minimum Number of Players: 1 [break]Minimum Word Count: 1,000 [break]Location: Kikka [break]Special Requirements: N/A
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]NPC Information
What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed in here. [break][break] Up to Player [break][break]
Dad. I’ll work extra hard this weekend. Can you at least let me have one day off? There’s something I want to do in Kikka. ” It took hours of persistence but the teenager with an affinity for the remnants of eruption had wiggled just enough to get his way. Until this year, Romeo would have never disrespected his father like that but receiving his grimoire seemed to kindle the flames of ambition that laid so dormant stuck in a caste system that only allowed catapulting through magic or means. Luckily for Romeo, a silver-plated destiny presented itself in the form of soot and dust. It showcased itself in a lucky break defeating vandals of their town and now it meant that Romeo could handle some of the citizen missions that had been posted in the towns asking for those with the capabilities to assist in a very low capacity. It’s what the teen spotted during his last delivery to the city, an elder man seeking help with some of the magical trees with the reward being a broom. Did he plan this so that he could attempt some of the easier jobs throughout the region to help grow his powers? Perhaps. Despite his lack of schooling, Romeo still lead with his brain through any and all objectives and with a devilish tongue, the twisting of words led him home free with a whole day to help the man to get his first magical item. [break][break]The risk was low enough that his only spell should be enough, right? That was the only factor that was uncertain but he’d have to take a step regardless. Besides, perhaps if he was strong enough, he’d be able to protect his town solely and on his own without having to rely on the Magic Knights, they were busy protecting their own anyway without the commonfolk being remotely close to the top of their priority list. [break][break]” Alright Mom, Dad. I’ll see you tonight. I’m going to town to look for some books. ” The lie slid so easily through his teeth, his grimoire conveniently tucked into a satchel on his back as the sun barely peeked over the horizon. They had always been quite the early risers, for the sake of the crops. The walk had only been about an hour and a half to get from his house to the outskirts of Kikka. Romeo pulled out the bulletin he stole from the board, his eyes couldn’t help but re-read the sentence of his own broom over again without adrenaline giving him such a boost to want to get this finished. He’d worry about hiding a broom from his parents later, maybe they’d think it was for sweeping but that opened a whole new can of worms. [break][break]His mind spun, raced and turned in the possibilities of what this first step meant until the narrow dirt roads of the countryside split off into the cobblestone and brick of the city with a trail of large deciduous trees lining the edge shining like a damn sign for where the teenager needed to head. [break][break]Trusting his gut as the butterflies fluttered in anxiousness, the teenager continued down the path with his eyes alert for a space that seemed open until a beautiful home could be seen between the wall of trees. It had been fairly simple but well-constructed wood, a shimmer of sorts as if the logs had been enchanted. Romeo picked up his pace with each step, pressing hard to momentum himself forward until the emerald of the grass seemed to unblur with a caped figure who had also just got to the cabin. Anyone could tell from the emblem that this person was a part of the Green Mantis and from what Romeo knew, they were once criminals who now found the path of law and justice. Still, his blood began to boil at the thought. ” Hey, what are you doing here? I thought these missions were for civilians only. ” Like a misfire a second to early, his tone had been quite aggressive as he bit down his tongue for the rest he swallowed back down. [break][break]Even though he knew he shouldn’t have the attitude, he couldn’t help it after being attacked and having the magic knights being a step too late. He didn’t hate them per se but didn’t this knight have anything better to be doing than taking this moment away from him? How selfish of her.
Artemis was not one to take a mission that was entitled for the civilians that might want to make extra cash. In fact, she was not one to take a mission at all. She did not take, rather, she was assigned missions by her Captain. Her current standing within the Green Mantis, one of its more reputable members at the moment, made her a commodity for the Green Mantis Captain. Couple that with the fact that she was a noblewoman, meant that Artemis Somerset became something akin to a mascot for the Green Mantis. For her Captain, Artemis was their “poster girl”, the one that gave Green Mantis more favourable looks than usual. Artemis herself was not concerned about that. She really did not care at all. Better yet, she actually loved that “status” within the Green Mantis. It was not the pseudo-fame that she basked in, but rather, it was the fact that she was assigned the harder missions, the more dangerous ones that required quite a bit of power to complete. The ones where her adrenaline pumped like crazy, which fueled her as a Magic Knight. Life threatening, with a side of possible death, was the best ingredient to a Magic Knight’s life. And she was definitely addicted.[break][break]
This was not to say that she had a death wish. Far from it, truthfully. Artemis Somerset was also a woman who did not like risking her life unnecessarily. She took missions that were dangerous, yes, and enjoyed them because they gave her a challenge. They were, in a sense, doable. When worse came to worse, and the mission was impossible for her to complete, she was usually the first to quit. Fight another day, she would shrug the failure off. Better to live than to die a meaningless death.[break][break]
Artemis supposed that this mission she took was not within the parameters she was used to, but it was money. Money, and the chance to get a free broom. [break][break]
Free things were always great.[break][break]
Plus, the whole mission was just too simple. Artemis knew that with her Sensory magic, she should be able to just get this whole thing over with in less than an hour. However, one thing that kind of irked her was the fact that she had been assigned a partner. A civilian who had also taken the mission. It would slow things down, she was sure, but she supposed that the mission was theirs in the first place. She was the one who was stepping over their territory, as it were. So, Artemis decided to at least be cordial with her supposed partner for today. Maybe even see what kind of magic this specific person had. [break][break]
“A possible recruit, hm?” Artemis pondered softly, making her way to the house that had been mentioned in the mission paper. “Now that would be interesting.” The Green Mantis Magic Squad was usually the least loved, and Artemis knew this fact. Maybe their fortunes would change soon. She could only hope.[break][break]
The client’s house pulsed with life, shocking Artemis somewhat as she found the place without a hitch. With her affinity to sensory magic, she can see that the client’s house was a like beacon. It seems as though that someone was very fond of using mana-infused wood in their crafting. So much so that they made enough for a whole house! Artemis could only look in wonderment at the house itself, it was a phenomenal building, simple yet very rich in mana. [break][break]
Before she could study the house more in-depth, Artemis heard a voice calling out to her. It seems that her supposed team mate had just arrived, and their tone gave off a vibe that he might just dislike her presence. She supposed that he had a right to be a bit angry with a Magic Knight taking a civilian’s job posting, but hey, it was a free world and she was not breaking any laws what so ever. [break][break]
“Civilian missions are open for anybody to pick-up.” Artemis replied coolly, her eyes watching the young man for any sign of aggression, “that includes Magic Knights.”[break][break]
It was a fact, after all. However, Artemis also knew that her being in Green Mantis might have caused this reaction as well. Maybe if she had been a part of the Golden Dawn, or maybe the Crimson Lions, or even the Silver Eagles, that the young man would have a different reaction altogether.[break][break]
“Shall we get this started then?” Artemis started, before knocking on the door. She then motioned for the young man to come closer, hoping to introduce the two of them together so that they can get this mission started. “I hope you don’t mind working with me. Especially with the colour of my Magic Knight’s Mantle.” Artemis brushed her Green Mantis Mantle, with a slight hint of pride. [break][break]
At a close glance, the flames of anger and resentment could be seen across the face of Romeo Cypress as he took a very strong look at the woman who apparently would be his partner in this quest. Not that he had any idea or was told that information of his quest partner but who was he in comparison to a magic knight, even the Green Mantis had exponential more clout than someone who worked the paddy’s for the kingdom. The wealth and status gap between him and her couldn’t be anymore apparent to Romeo in this moment. He’d never admit it but more than equality, Romeo wanted into the prestige of nobility. From the bottom, picking up the scraps and simply scraping by making ends meet whereas those at the top sat with the endless goals and power to do whatever it is that they wanted to do. All of these feelings, conscious or not, began to rise like an ash cloud in the air while his gaze had been fixated on the girl. [break][break]Romeo couldn’t let himself get overwhelmed in anger, a calming breath in to ease his should as he exhaled and tried to find his calm. It wasn’t her fault, she was probably just doing what she needed to do, orders from her own captain. “ I get that, but. ” He stopped, stringing his words together as eloquently as a fifteen year old boy could. “ You’re a Magic Knight, aren’t there more important things for you to be doing than collecting some magic wood with me? ” The snappy wit of an angsty teen had been injected into his words, a clever smirk and a casual glance as his rhetorical question lingered just long enough for him to try and make a point before the boy would continue. “ We can get started though. Do we need to go inside and talk to the geezer or is the bulletin notice all we really needed? This is my first mission ever. ” The girl seemed kind enough and her magic knight apparel meant that she technically, and this was the tiniest technicality the man had ever seen, worked for the people which meant that she ultimately worked on Romeo’s behalf. [break][break]He lingered by the door, his fingers in a closed fist attempting to knock before stepping away enough to hear the other’s words. “ I’m Romeo, by the way. Lowly Commoner of the Commonfolk looking to make some gold for my family. ” He could continue and really lay it on thick but he didn’t want to piss off the knight, not too much yet anyways. What he did do was walk closer to the woman, he stood a little taller than her receiving his growth spurt fairly young in life still riding the end waves of puberty. [break][break]” And what you were saying earlier about the color of your whatever. I know what the Green Mantis represent and who they are. I could care less if you were a criminal. ” He needed to make sure she at least knew that much, that often times crimes were committed by those who were the most desperate and if the system forced them to do that, it was the system itself that was flawed.
Artemis was about to knock herself, before hearing his questions. She paused, unsure if she should answer at all. She supposed the man might need some explanations. After all, it was true that Magic Knights rarely took missions of a Civilian nature. In fact, the only thing time that Magic Knights take Civilian Missions were when it involved either bandits of a stronger tier, or even monsters that might just be too much for the common civilian to handle. This being such a low tier of a mission definitely warranted an explanation, though the explanation itself was fairly simple, and possibly one of the most mundane Artemis had ever given.[break][break]
“It offered a free broom, and I don’t have one. I thought it might be a good deal for me.” She shrugged, uncaring for his judgement. Of course, she can most likely afford a broom. They might be pricey, at least for the really good ones, but the coffers of the Somerset should be able to afford more than an army’s worth if needed. But then again, even as the current Head of the Somerset Family, she would never spend the family’s treasury so lightly when she is able to get things for free, or even through her Magic Knight’s pay. No, she’d rather be self-sufficient. It was just better this way at the end of the day.[break][break]
She gave a brief pause as he introduced himself to her. Artemis gave him a nod, before starting her introduction as well. It was the polite thing to do, after all.[break][break]
“Artemis Somerset of the Green Mantis Squad.” She started, “And I’m no criminal.” Artemis shrugged. Truly, she was not a criminal. She was never formally charged, especially since she had been a minor when she committed petty theft. Also, she had been labelled a delinquent socially, and not by the Kingdom’s Courts, which meant that there is no public record of her being criminally inclined. She supposed it was because she was a noblewoman that she was spared the legality that came with her behaviour. It was unfair, true, but there was nothing she could have done. In the end, she’s with the Green Mantis all the same. “Don’t sell yourself short, as well. Commoners often wield magic that is far beyond some of the nobility. Work hard. And keep your chin up.” She ended, before gesturing for him to stay behind her as she took the lead.[break][break]
A quick knock, and a stumbling response.[break][break]
An old man opened the door, short in stature, but looked very homely. He smiled at the two, before giving them the instructions. Simple enough. Gather wood that was blessed magically, or something of the sort. Artemis knew what they would be looking for, and so quickly thanked the man, before gesturing at Romeo towards the woods. Romeo himself might have talked to the man a bit more, but Artemis herself was already planning how to do this efficiently.[break][break]
“Magically blessed wood. Usually, that is just wood that has mana infused in it. Rare, but not overly so. This forest around Kikka is known to have some of them growing.” Artemis said out loud, remembering the geography of the area. It was standard knowledge of Magic Knights, a good resource to have. “Romeo, do you know how to find these types of wood?” She asked, curious if the man might have some sort of semblance on what he signed up for. It was always a good habit to gather information before heading into a mission, after all. Being prepared is necessary for the life of someone who takes work like these. Civilian or otherwise, it is best to know what one is getting into. Sometimes, it can be life or death. Artemis supposed it was also her way of seeing if he might be a good candidate as a possible recruit for the Magic Knights. If so, she might just extend an invitation to the Magic Knights Exam to be held fairly soon. [break][break]
Romeo tried his best to put on a face of casual disinterest as the older and slightly shorter girl (who seemed to be a bit older than him too) seemed to explain a fairly simple response to why she wanted to do the mission. The exact same reason that Romeo had wanted it too, it would help him significantly to explore more of the region with missions to find along the way. ”I guess that’s a good enough reason, huh.” He decided to bite his tongue on another snappy comeback, knowing damn well that a magic knight would have more than enough money to buy one on their own but also understanding that if this man had a surplus, why not help him out in exchange for some free loot. At the very least, Romeo appreciated the hustle and the fact that this Magic Knight didn’t mind doing something that could be considered beneath her. [break][break] “ Pleasure, not a criminal Artemis Somerset. ” This time, he truly couldn’t help himself from the distinction. The cogs in her mind were turning with great speed and Romeo couldn’t help to think that there was something that the others had been hiding. ” Oh, I don’t think that about myself at all. I was just sharing how those at the top see us. ”He knew that much was apparent but he felt the vigor and vitriol to bring that point home. “ But, just know that I’m working diligently as I should to grow what has been given to me. ” With his last little quip, Romeo followed the other’s lead as he moved behind the robed magic knight as she knocked on the other’s quarters with a kind man showing up to explain what it that they needed to and all of a sudden, it seemed as though the conversation finished and in Romeo’s opinion in a terse and almost rude way. [break][break]A stern face and furrowed brows found their way back onto Romeo’s face as he faced the knight, almost in disbelief that she could be so dismissive. He wouldn’t snap back and physically swallowed, attempting to get his feeling suppressed so he could actively work with the magic knight that he had been partnered with. Romeo listened to the other’s words and cocked his head, he had in fact done his research by asking around his little village and town for those who may be keen into knowing what it looked like. [break][break] “ Yeah. I managed to find someone who knew what it looked like. I was going to ask the old man to make sure I was right though… ” He had to make sure she knew that through her own means, she had been uprooting everything that Romeo had planned to successfully complete the mission request he took. “ I was told that these trees blend in pretty much perfectly with their surroundings but there was something about their infused roots that created a slightly more verdant base of the tree. Either a greener grass or a bit more flowers than the rest, at least, that’s what I heard. ” That was the thing with second-hand information, he couldn’t be sure it was necessarily right without a second source. [break][break] During the knight’s pause, Romeo himself decided to begin walking further into the forest that seemed to shut out quite a bit of sunlight with how dense and full the leaves have been. “ Am I correct or is there a better way to tell magic trees from regular ones?” There was a winkle in his eyes, as if he wanted to prove to the girl that he was resourceful, that he had his own source of power that propelled him forward. [break][break]
“That’s good.” Artemis started, before continuing with a neutral tone. Her signature tone, if you ask most of her squad mates. “Work diligently. One day, you might just find that hard work trumps those who believe they are superior because of their surnames.” It was true, and Artemis found herself seething internally at the other Somerset family members who did not cultivate their grace given magical talents. The woman, and current Head of the Somerset family, knew that there are commoners who are way more gifted, and could trump those born to nobility. In fact, there have been commoners who have risen up within the ranks of the Green Mantis squad far faster than nobles in the other squads. In the end, it was hard work that won the day. Talent without hard work meant nothing at all. Hard work, even without talent, can lead to a person’s eventual success in life. That had always been Artemis’ line of thinking, and she had been proven right for the most part.[break][break]
The woman then listened to the man’s explanation. Romeo, at the very least, seemed to have been prepared. The trees were magical, which meant that the properties of its wood was different from the regular trees. More importantly, the properties of the wood, or the tree as a whole, was more pronounced. So the young man definitely got his descriptions right. Greener leaves, stronger tree trunks, verdant grasses that surround it, the mana infused trees were easy to spot for a mage. It was even easier to spot for a Magic Knight. Even better, it was like a beacon for a Magic Knight who practiced sensory magics. Unlike a regular magic user, those who practice sensory magic can expand their senses and be able to hone in on mana sources. Artemis, one of the more adept at sensory magic is within the Green Mantis squad, can easily sense the mana blessed trees from a mile away, if it more. They were like a bonfire of mana, and truly, they were a sight to behold for those who can use sensory magic. [break][break]
“You are right.” Artemis nodded, as she followed the young man who seemed to move ahead of her. “The trees are more bountiful. The grass is greener around it. It’s roots are stronger. Legend has it that no storm can’t knock it down.” It was true, at least, from what had been passed down through the history books. “However, in a forest like this, it will take us too long to find magically blessed trees by sight.” The forest around Kikka was vast, one of the largest around the Clover Kingdom. Scouring it would take too long, a few hours if they were really fast. Artemis really did not want to spend too much time looking for trees that are possibly magically blessed. Instead, Artemis would rather use her skills. It would faster, and they would be better assured that the wood they picked up would be truly magically blessed. [break][break]
“Instead of looking for them by sight, I have a better and more efficient idea.” Artemis held her hand up, a signal for the two of them to stop, “Stop for a moment.” She hopes he would, since she already closed her eyes, and sent out her mana around them, infusing the environment around them. If Romeo had any semblance of sensory magic, then he might just be able to sense the mana rolling off of Artemis. “I am a sensory mage. I am able to sense the magically infused wood, which will make this whole mission a lot easier."[break][break]
Artemis would take only two seconds to sense the first few magically infused wood.[break][break]
“Just to your right, there are two pieces of wood that are magically blessed. They’re on the ground, on top of one another, and are in healthy shape.”[break][break]
Two down, two to go. Hopefully Romeo would be fine doing it this way. She would rather not take too long to complete this mission. After all, she was sure that Romeo had better things to do, and so did she. Time, after all, was a resource best spent wisely. [break][break]
The other’s words, despite knowing she was being diligent and showing the path to a Magic Knight was lawful and good, couldn’t help but sound slightly condescending. He’d continue to bite his tongue, allowing the other to share her wisdom because even though he felt somewhat patronizing, she did have a point in terms of diligence. “ Yeah, I’ll do what I can. ” Romeo muttered nonchalantly, not sure if even his best would be enough to jump over the hurdle placed in front of him. Sure, he had a fairly strong grimoire but his only spell was mostly used for farming and at it’s best, a weak deflecting attack against other spells. He wasn’t even certain on how to build his power or his spells, truly at a loss of what it all meant knowing only that he would continue to his magic the best he could and hoped for the best. [break][break]He watched her calculate something in her head, Romeo hadn’t been exactly sure what had been going on but it seemed as though he was spot-on about something as she finally let him know that she was right. He stood there, turning his neck to look for Artemis as she trailed behind for a quick moment. Romeo would take her words in and hold onto how to identify magical trees. “ Hmmm… So then, how will we do it? ” He tossed the question over if she truly seemed to be ruining the only tactic he had thought of and dismissing his own eyesight as a valid form to finish the quest. “ Alright. ” He listened and stood still, a cautious glance over to the woman as a surge of magic seemed to roll off of Artemis, he couldn’t tell much of anything but the man could feel the energy pushing against him which only showed how deep the magical gap between him and this magic knight had been. “ Lucky for me then, huh. ” Musing as he watched her explicitly, noticing her eyes were the first thing to spot out where the magic wood had been. [break][break]” These two, huh.” He listened to her words explicitly as he looked down at what seemed to be a mixture and pile of random twigs and woods on the floor in front of him but he used Artemis’ words to lead him directly to the two pieces that were exactly on top of each other. ” Perfect, got ‘em.” The worst part is that when he looked at the wood pieces, they seemed to be exact to any of the others that had been on the ground. How could she even tell exactly what it had been? He’d never admit it out loud but the magic knight was fairly impressive in skill and aptitude. Perhaps they hadn’t all been bad. ” I’m just making sure that you know as soon as this is over, you need to tell me your trick in how you’re able to sense the magic off the trees. I sensed the magic surge when you did something, but I couldn’t see anything, it was just a feeling. ” The man showed genuine excitement, perhaps more than he showed so far to the magic knight for his own naïve reasons to but being around her and seeing what she was capable of continued to burn the fire he had within to truly become an expert mage with his own spells and element. [break][break] “ I’m going to try if I can see anything. ” He was on too much of a high not to try. Romeo gripped onto his gray grimoire and tried to force his magical energy into his eyes and opened them. There seemed to be a hint or hue over what he could see but it kept flickering on and off until it seemed there was a wisp of speckles around a piece of wood laying on a tree about five feet off. “ Is that a piece there?” He asked, pointing, not even close to being sure if he was right but the man was riding a feeling and felt like the pieces were there, the function of what he did was just off. [break][break]
Artemis heard the less than enthusiastic response of the man to her spiel about Magic Knights. She understood him on a level. There was always the attitude that the nobility had claimed the Magic Knights squads as their own type of playground. It became saturated with nobility that the commoners had a hard time trying to get into a squad in the first place. It was not long ago that some of the other Magic Squads, namely the Golden Dawn, Silver Eagles, and Crimson Lions preferred specific families to bolster their ranks. This was especially with the Silver Eagles and Crimson Lions, both of which are filled with Silva family members and Vermillion family members respectively. The history could not be erased so easily, even if more commoners now are accepted into the ranks of the Magic Knights. More so especially for the Green Mantises, whose member base has probably one of the most commoners within the squads. She would not respond, however.[break][break]
After Romeo had accepted her way of doing things, and found the two pieces, Artemis had already begun looking for two more mana blessed wood. She spotted them quickly, however, was stopped by the request of the young man. It seems that her ability had piqued the young man’s curiosity. Even more so, the young man was eager to try it out himself. Of course, every single mage has an aptitude towards sensory magics. It was not a forbidden art, or even a secret technique in itself. Unlike Ki, which was very difficult to master, and only a handful of mages were actually able to get to the Master level, sensory was easy in comparison. However, sensory magic was something that was neglected for the most part, since its utility is very specific, and most Magic Knights are more bruisers with their magic in the first place. [break][break]
Artemis nodded, “Go for it.” She was curious if Romeo could actually tap into the magic itself. Only those with a good amount of mana could utilize sensory magic, after all. It could drain a mage if they were not careful. However, her fears were allayed as she found herself feeling the young man’s mana around the area. It was not as dense as hers, most likely since she was more experienced and more powerful, at least at the moment, than the young man. However, the potential was there. While the man might not have sensory magic, it seems that he has the mana to be able to compete against some of the junior ranked Magic Knights. [break][break]
A rare gem, indeed.[break][break]
It was no surprise to Artemis that the young man was able to pin point a certain piece of wood. It seems that her assumptions were correct. There was definitely potential with this young man, and for some odd reason, he did not know it. Of course, commoners seldom look for potential within themselves, and struggle to survive every single day instead. Maybe, just maybe, the fortunes of this young man could be changed with this exact information that she could offer him. It might even motivate him to push himself further. Maybe, one day, she could see him wearing the green mantle of the Green Mantises. [break][break]
Ah, what did she know. She was not the Captain.[break][break]
“Good job. It seems you have aptitude.” Artemis spoke as she picked up the piece if wood that was lying on the ground. She hopped just a bit to the left, and picked up the last piece of wood. “This should be the last one.” Having already pin pointed it before the young man went to try out sensing for the first time. “With this, we should start going back.” [break][break]
With that, Artemis made her way towards the house once again, hoping that the young man would follow. She would answer her earlier question as well. “All mages have the ability to sense things around them. As you experienced earlier, you were able to use your mana to find mana sources around you. It is inherent.” She shrugged, “Though in my case, my skill set is geared towards sensory magic, so I am well-versed in the art itself. Other mages, in fact most mages, are great brawlers, or even glass-canons as we call them. Some prefer to be more defensive in combat. And even some are able to create small armies with their magic to fight for them.” She had seen all types of mages within the Magic Knights, and every single one had something to show for. There was no “best” but rather, they were all great. Strength, however, will always lie with the one who cultivated their magic more than the others. The hardest worker.[break][break]
Arriving at the house, Artemis motioned for Romeo to knock on the door, if he had followed her. She was mulling things over, though unsure if she should mention it. Maybe after they get their reward, she would have made the decision whether to tell the young man or not.
[break][break]The bite of Romeo’s words seemed to had simmered down since they began to work together, especially with the young teenager finding the other’s ability (even if it was simply sensing) to be pretty incredible. He also didn’t want to piss off Artemis for a couple of reasons, the first being that she could end his life in a moment if she so desired but secondly, he hadn’t been sure if these missions were graded and he hadn’t necessarily wanted to stop expanding his reach and learning with a magic sensing lesson. Besides, working together was a sign of maturity and to Romeo, he already felt 18 in form and stature. [break][break]But the rest of it hadn’t come easy, his own sensory abilities were severely lacking and as soon as he released the intense focus on his eyesight, Romeo could feel a headache banging at the very back of his head. He’d have to make a note to practice this more later, it seemed to be incredibly useful to be able to see someone’s mana and magic, especially if it helped identify who was someone he should avoid in a fight or in passing. [break][break] “ Oh, it was magic? ” Incredibly impressed with himself, the man could be seen with a beaming smile on his first attempt only to be squandered by Artemis grabbing another piece of wood and finishing up for the day with their mission. “ That was incredibly quick. Guess there’s a reason you’re a magic knight. ” So perhaps Artemis was a lot cooler than he expected her to be and was more helpful than he expected of a Magic Knight but one good apple didn’t necessarily make for a trend. She was probably an outlier, someone who came from the commoners and built herself up to where she was today. He wouldn’t ask, he couldn’t dare insult a Magic Knight like that unless provoked and she had been so kind so far. [break][break]As Artemis began to walk back to the old man’s cottage, Romeo trailed behind slightly keeping a quick pace with her but flanking her slightly strategically in case someone or something decided they wanted to spring up against the two of them, he heard rumors of rogues causing quite the disturbance, especially right outside of the noble region. [break][break] “ So what you’re saying is for someone as casual and new in their magic, I’m amazing for being able to sense the magic tree’s mana? ” Romeo didn’t care if she wasn’t looking, he had to get in that ego booster for the sake of his own pride. He was damn well proud of himself and for how new it was all to him, he had just enough to start molding. All of her words felt empowering to the commoner, the way mages decided to grow their powers and use what they had to boost and bolster different types of fighting styles. As of right now, Romeo felt as though he had been going with sheer power wanting to grow what little he had but perhaps it’d continue to manifest in other ways and forms. He wouldn’t want to be simply physical, it wasn’t his style. Romeo’s brain was his biggest asset and he’d want to incorporate heavy strategy, if he even got there. [break][break]Like a deflated balloon, the man’s face dropped at the ifs inside of his life. He was the eldest son to farmers, no one in their entire family escaped the rice paddy so why should he feel so special? He was destined for this life, hard work or not. Perhaps his culmination just wasn’t enough. [break][break] ” So as a sensory mage, what does that mean for you exactly? Illusions and traps? “ He pushed slightly, not wanting all of her trade secrets but curious on what that meant as a mage who also had to fight and protect the kingdom. [break][break] It had taken a few moments for them to arrive and Romeo was expecting the other to knock but this time she gestured the teenager forward to finish the quest. Incredibly unexpected, Romeo nodded towards Artemis before knocking against the door as the short and homely man appeared once again with a surprised face to see the two of them back so quickly. [break][break]” Here’s your magic wood, sir. Four, just as you asked. ” Romeo’s voice had been so pleasant, a kindness radiated from him to the old man but it wasn’t too sure if it was a genuine respect for the elderly or if he was about to receive a magic broom and was being kind to not ruin his reward. [break][break] The man thanked both of them, taking the time to shake both of their hands with such a genuine face on his look as he took all four pieces of magic wood and closed the door for a moment, opening them up once again with brooms for the both of them. “ If I ever have anymore missions, I expect to see the two of you again ! ” The man ended their friendly exchange and now Romeo held onto his broom, the stick already shook in his hand from his own magic potential. [break][break] “ Now, before you lecture me about riding this broom home. I’ve already found a guide in a newspaper on how to ride these things. ” He was expecting a lecture already from Artemis but he wouldn’t have it, his hands gripped onto them both as he assumed the position and the broom lifted with a few jerks before dropping back down. With a solid kick off the ground, Romeo had been hovering in the air with such a face of determination on as he looked back at the Green Mantis Magic Knight. ” See? A natural. ” He told her as the broom still wasn’t quite steady and it’d be a miracle if he made it home alive but Romeo was fiercely determined before dropping back down to the floor. [break][break] “ Anyway, it was really nice meeting you, Artemis. I guess if I had to be paired with a Magic Knight for this type of quest, I’m glad it was you. You’re not nearly as stuck up as I expected them to be. ” Romeo offered a handshake with an extended hand, eyes locked on as his farewell to the kind and incredible sensory Green Mantis Knight.
Artemis listened to the young man’s musings. Most of them, Artemis did not bother to reply as they waited for the old man to open the door after Romeo had knocked. Of course, Sensory magic was something unknown to the general population. It seems unlikely that the general population had enough time on their hands to actually experiment with their magic, or better yet, learn magical specializations in their free time. Artemis knew just how hard the life of a commoner can be. From what she had seen, especially in the Forsaken Region, a lot of the commoners lived day by day, pay by pay, and never had enough time for themselves. Artemis can sometimes take it for granted that she was raised as a noblewoman, and therefore had more than enough spare time on the side for research and training while also being in class and taught how to use her magic properly. No, Romeo definitely would not have known about magic specializations as in-depth as those who were raised in the nobility circles. [break][break]
“Sensory magic is more than just illusions and traps, though that is definitely something that is a part of it. Sensory magic, in its truest form, is the ability to use your mana to not only metaphorically touch another mage’s mana signature, but to also influence it.” Artemis started her explanation. Though at this point, the old man came out and exclaimed his surprise as to the swiftness of their mission completion. He gave the both of them their rewards, and said his goodbyes, also hoping the two of them would be there for any of his mission requests. Artemis did not have the heart to tell him that’s unlikely, at least for her part. This was a one off for her, not something she actually did on a regular basis after all. When the door shut, Artemis continued her response, “As for my own magic. Well, that is something you will have to see for yourself one day.” Artemis shrugged. She did not have the habit to give away her spells after all, not her magic, nor anything about her really. Save her name she supposed. [break][break]
And then the young man went on about his new broom, and how he learned how to fly it by reading a newspaper, or at least something of the sort. Artemis supposed they do publish guides in the newspaper sometimes. She just watched him however, and was actually expecting him to fall to the ground. Most new mages who use a broom were not able to keep their balance at all. Truly, while magic power was something that fueled the broom itself, there was also the fact that a person’s balance affected their broom flight. Someone who had poor balance would most likely fall to their deaths if they push themselves too hard for the first time. It happened sometimes during the Magic Knight Exams, and it was never a great sight. The one time she had attended to watch a Magic Knights Exam led to the very same scenario, and it was gruesome to watch. [break][break]
“Just keep your balance, and you should be fine.” Artemis waved off, observing her own broom. It was very well made, and possibly one of the better ones she had seen that was not made by the artisanal mages at the Capital. Of course, Artemis herself would treasure this reward, at least, as long as it lasted. Artemis had the bad luck of always getting her brooms destroyed during missions, which was always a pain, truly. However this time would be different. At least, that’s what she told herself. [break][break]
When the young man extended his hand for a shake, Artemis hesitated for a moment before taking it. It was less the handshake, and more of the thing she had been mulling over the past few minutes just before they arrived back at the house. Was he ready? Would he make a fool of himself? Artemis really did not know until she saw him there. After all, there was still time for him to improve himself, after all. [break][break]
“The Magic Knights Exam will be held fairly soon,” Artemis finally decided, “and I expected you to be there.” It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be chosen by a Magic Squad, and Artemis was unsure when the next one would be held. “I’m very sure that you have what it takes. Commoner, Nobility, both classes have their gems within them.” She continued, though now mounting her own broom, ready to take it for a test flight back to Hage. “If anything, remember the Green Mantises. Keep up your training, and I can assure you a place with us.” [break][break]
With that, Artemis flew away, ready to get back to Hage and see if her Captain had arrived back from wherever he went. [break][break]
It seemed as though the Magic Knight was truly surprised by his manners, his eyes glancing over to the Magic Knight who seemed to be incredibly confused at his vigor or stupidity, he couldn’t be exactly sure what it was that impressed Artemis. [break][break]And then the conversation truly took a turn that he hadn’t expected. His eyes grew in size and he wasn’t sure if he had even been hearing her right. “ I’m sorry what. ” He nearly chocked on his own spit with her words, wanting him to try out to be a magic knight. Was she out of her mind? She hadn’t even seen what magic he had. Only that he could barely see or tell some mana bark which seemed more of a guess than anything else. “ No promises, Artemis. But if I see you around, don’t be shy to say hello. ” Him as a Green Mantis, huh, that was quite the thought. [break][break] As Artemis left on her broom, Romeo decided he would walk a little bit more and practice with his broom on his own time. Could he truly be a Magic Knight? Would he even want to? They seemed to caught up in their own needs and gave up on the commonfolk. Could he change that? Could this be what Romeo’s true desire was. The teenager wasn’t sure but with that seed now planted in his mind, he couldn’t help but care for it until it grew into something that would need to be pruned and cared for. [break][break] It was insane for him to even think about, how would he tell his parents? No. He couldn't do that, he was meant to be a farmer through and through. It had been in his DNA for seven generations now and his very first spell helped to increase productivity by almost two hundred percent. It would be a lot for the teenager to think about. [break][break] Luckily, he had his whole walk home to consider what it was he would to do and how he'd hide his new broom from his parents.
Rank & Element: Junior | N/A Class & Type: Magic (Imbued) | Special Item Magic Specializations: - Appearance & Lore: This broom was custom made for (insert character's name here) by the broom-maker in Kikka. It was thanks for a job well done and much appreciated. (You can add how it looks here) Abilities:
Type & Uses: Flow Rank & Specialization: Junior | Supp Constructs (Transportation) Mana Cost: 8 (4) Range & Speed: N/A | 10 m/s Stats Affected: N/A Description: This ability allows the user to fly at 10 m/s, as long as they pay the upkeep mana.
