The Runic Alchemist

Damian attended his classes as usual the next day, though he couldn't shake the feeling that people were following him wherever he went. Whispers drifting his way soon revealed the reason: news of "the two-squire thing" had spread like wildfire throughout the academy. Students from second and third years, even those from other sections, were flocking to catch a glimpse of him or strike up a conversation. However, most hesitated to approach, likely still rattled by yesterday's incident.

People weren't particularly eager to talk to someone capable of hurling second-rankers into walls with a single spell.

The only place he found any peace was his lab. There, Damian immersed himself in his plans for the armor pieces, fine-tuning his schematics and experimenting with modified unique spells as needed. Yet, one thought refused to leave his mind—a solution for his lack of mana. Adding points to his Intelligence stat could help, but it wouldn't solve the problem entirely. The mana demands of his plans were far greater than that. He needed enough mana to last him for a long time, even more than a third ranker's normal mana amount.

Ironically, he found himself missing the days when he could rely on Vidalia's seemingly infinite mana pool. However, that particular spell was both mana-intensive and classified as a borderline slaving category forbidden spell. Even if he could cast it again, he wouldn't. The equal exchange he'd shared with Vidalia was unique. Most likely, such a mana link would only transfer his mana to a target for manipulation—an entirely one-sided deal. The idea of sealing someone's mana was chilling, but maybe he could test the spell on monsters. If he could even cast it that is.

A spell of that complexity would likely be Supreme level—three tiers above what anyone at his rank should be capable of. Learning an Advanced spell was already a feat reserved for second-rankers or first-rankers nearing the final levels of their third job.

To get some relief from the persistent group of young students tailing him, Damian devised a unique distraction. He created a recruitment poster for the academy's notice board, where clubs and communities often advertised:

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SEEKERS OF GLORY: APPLY TO BECOME A SQUIRE!

The Most Powerful Paper Sword :

"Can you design the schemas for a legendary blade? In the Most Powerful Paper Sword Challenge, your task is to create a paper model of a sword, complete with detailed runes and a functional array system. It's fine if you can't make it yourself in reality, but it has to be at least a working model - it's not a fantasy challenge! It's not just about looks—it's about inventing a truly powerful and ingenious design. The more unique the design, the more points!!

The Dungeon Guard's Honor Duty :

"Do you have what it takes to defend the realm? Take up the Dungeon Guard's Honor Duty and hold your post with unwavering vigilance. Stay ready—foes could appear at any moment. Only those who guard with patience and resolve will earn the knight's respect!"

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"That should keep them busy," Damian smirked.

He planned to reject sword designs with flimsy excuses and set up the Dungeon Guard challenge in an empty room. Participants would have to spend an entire day guarding the room, only to discover it was a false alarm. They'd waste their one free day in the week, tire of his antics, and leave him alone. If anyone complained, he could dismiss it easily by claiming that no one was worthy.

Feeling satisfied with his ingenuity, Damian refocused on his work. His thoughts returned to finding a way to tap into the environment's mana. While ascending to second rank as Enlightened could boost his mana reserves, it wouldn't suffice for the more advanced spells in his collection. If only there were a way to store external mana and convert it into his own.

As he refined his armor designs, time slipped by. Eventually, Reize knocked on the door, signaling dinner time. They walked to the Knowledge Keeper's mess hall together, discussing ways to enhance mana efficiency in her designs and potential collaborative projects. At least in the VIP section he wasn't being followed by kids as much, fifth years were not barred from accepting the squire position but many had too much pride to do so. He was afterall their fellow classmate.

"What enchantments do you know? All of them?" Damian asked as their conversation shifted to enchantments.

"I know wind resistance, protective runic arrays, metal durability… quite a few," Reize said. "But for some, I'd need to brush up on my notes."

"Nothing about gathering mana?" Damian asked, though he already suspected the answer.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Unfortunately, no. I've read every enchantment book available to students in the library, and there's little about mana management. Enchantments and mana operate on entirely different principles," she admitted, then hesitated. "However..."

"However?" Damian prompted, noticing her hesitation.

"I've never tried accessing the forbidden section. It's restricted to professors and Highsword members, but there is a way to gain entry. I just haven't managed to meet the requirement."

"Oh? What's the requirement?" Damian asked, now intrigued. "I also want to visit the library now that you have mentioned it, it might give me some new ideas.."

"You have to donate unique knowledge, or a runic or enchanted item demonstrating exceptional skill. It's absurd! Don't they realize we need access to those books to create something unique? If we could already do that, we wouldn't need the library in the first place!" Reize vented.

She went on a tangent about how backwards the library folk and the darn tootin' Runefather was. Such words to a third rankers could be seen as a death sentence if it was in the five kingdoms, but here in Highsword island, people were not completely afraid of these people. Instead they knew them, interacted with them, considered them their own, some even joked around and pretty much had a nice social relationship.

Them being hero figures and also not technically nobles helped, though their powers still commanded respect.