New Class Unlocked: Spell Scribe

  Class Bonus: +50 Mana, +20 Mana Regeneration

  Ability 1: Arcane Inscription

  The user manifests a magical quill formed from pure mana, allowing them to inscribe runes, enchantments, and spell formations onto physical objects. These inscriptions can store, enhance, or modify magical effects depending on the quality of the rune and the material used. The quill’s precision is tied to the user’s mana control and knowledge of runes. Improper or unstable inscriptions may result in failure or unpredictable effects.

  Ability 2: Rune Dissolution

  The user summons a secondary quill of pure mana, designed specifically for the removal of inscribed runes. By channeling mana through this quill, the user can carefully disrupt and dissolve existing inscriptions, allowing for corrections or modifications without damaging the object itself. However, this ability cannot be used on locked runes, as their structure resists alteration or removal by conventional means. The effectiveness of Rune Dissolution depends on the user’s mana control and familiarity with the rune being erased.

  "Whoa," Kaiden whispered as he read over the notification, taking it all in.

  The class bonus was nice. He didn’t need the extra mana—his pool was already massive—but the boost to mana regeneration was greatly appreciated.

  A few moments of silence passed as he absorbed the information and looked over his status to see his gains.

  Kaiden Hayward

  Age: 26

  Class: Health Weaver (Common) Level 2

  Spell Scribe (Non-combat)

  Skills / Abilities

  Regeneration: Level 2 (Passive)

  Mindforge: Level 2 (Passive)

  Arcane Vision: Level 2 (Active)

  Healing Touch: Level 2

  Cure Poison: Level 2

  Attributes

  Strength: 30 {15%}

  Dexterity: 40 {15%}

  Constitution: 110 {45%}

  Mana: 900 / 900 {15%}

  Mana Regeneration: 70 {20%}

  Then Marigold cleared her throat, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Well..."

  Kaiden finally blinked away the notification and gave her a grin. "I'm a Spell Scribe now."

  For a brief moment, Marigold almost lost her composure, excitement flashing across her face before she quickly reeled it in. Still, a wide smile remained as she leaned forward slightly.

  "Tell me everything," she said. "What does it do?"

  Kaiden said, "I got a slight boost to mana and mana regen, plus two abilities. I can summon two types of quills—one for inscribing runes and one for removing them."

  Marigold’s eyes lit up. "Runes," she echoed, her voice carrying a tinge of satisfaction. "Now that is interesting."

  "How so?" Kaiden asked.

  Marigold leaned back slightly. "Because it's a non-combat class."

  Kaiden frowned. "Sorry, but I’m not following."

  "Non-combat classes are different from combat classes in that they don’t level up and don’t gain new abilities," Marigold explained. "So if the two abilities from that class only deal with runes, then that’s everything you need to be a Spell Scribe."

  Kaiden was intrigued. He had never heard this before.

  It added even more reason as to why non-combat tomes weren’t particularly sought after. If they didn’t level up, then a blacksmith with the class wouldn’t necessarily have a huge advantage over one who didn’t. There was no progression system built into the class—it was just a structured way to learn a skill.

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  Marigold smirked slightly. "I can see what you’re thinking, and let me add to that. Non-combat classes improve the same way as any ordinary skill. Want to be a better baker? Then practice baking."

  "I understand," Kaiden said.

  His new abilities both referenced mana control—meaning he wouldn’t be get better through some system-driven level-up process. He’d have to practice inscribing runes just like any other craft.

  Still, something about Marigold’s tone stuck with him. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "I feel like that’s not the only reason you said ‘interesting,’ is it?"

  Marigold quirked an eyebrow. "Quite perceptive."

  She folded her hands together and continued, "Spell Scribes are responsible for producing some of the most valuable magical goods—spell tomes, spell scrolls, enchanted items—and to think it all comes down to runes is quite..."

  "Interesting," Kaiden finished for her.

  Marigold chuckled. "Exactly. There’s nothing else to it. It’s just runes."

  Kaiden activated one of his new abilities, and a magical quill materialized in his hand. It was made of solid mana, resembling a fusion between a quill and a fountain pen. The shaft was smooth and tapered elegantly, while the tip was fine and precise, designed for careful inscription.

  Curious, he activated Arcane Vision to see it under his enhanced sight. As expected, there were no runes etched onto it—just a deep blue glow, its mana swirling smoothly within.

  "The mana quill," Marigold said with a grin, watching him closely.

  She leaned forward slightly, studying his eyes as they flared with color from his ability. "This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful partnership," she added.

  Kaiden deactivated Arcane Vision, letting his sight return to normal. "Yeah," he said, gripping the quill. "I'm actually excited."

  "You mentioned an instructor," he continued.

  Marigold nodded. "That’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I had to make sure you'd actually be able to acquire the ability first."

  "That makes sense," Kaiden said with a slight frown.

  Still, something didn’t quite add up. "How is an instructor supposed to help me, anyway? I mean… isn’t this some kind of long-lost class? If they don’t exist anymore, how is someone supposed to teach me?"

  Marigold didn’t seem bothered by his skepticism. "You’re not entirely wrong," she admitted. "A Spell Scribe would, of course, be the best teacher. But since none are around, I’ve brought you the next best thing—a scholar who specializes in the old magics."

  Kaiden shrugged. "Okay," he said, though he wasn’t convinced.

  If being a Spell Scribe revolved around runes, which he deduced as the programming language of magic, then what he needed was someone to teach him the code—the structure, the logic, the foundation.

  How much help could a scholar—someone who studied history—really provide?

  There was no point in arguing about it now. He’d just have to wait and see.

  Out loud, he asked, "How come Spell Scribes don’t exist anymore? You’d think such an important non-combat class would have found a way to be preserved. Especially since non-combat class tomes aren’t class-specific. You could easily train an apprentice to meet the requirements for the class, even if you didn’t know exactly what they were."

  Marigold nodded. "An excellent question, and definitely one your instructor could answer in detail tomorrow. I don’t know much myself, but what we do know is that it had a lot to do with the destruction of the Great Library. That was where all knowledge of Spell Scribes was kept."

  "Like Alexandria," Kaiden muttered under his breath, recalling Earth’s history. The loss of that library had been considered one of the greatest tragedies of knowledge, some believing it had set technological advancement back by hundreds of years.

  "Excuse me?" Marigold asked, raising an eyebrow.

  "Ah, nothing," Kaiden said quickly. "Just reminded me of a story I heard long ago."

  Marigold didn’t press the issue and continued. "We know the Spell Scribes had a guild. The secrets of their trade were closely guarded, and that guild was the only place that produced Spell Scribes. The Great Library wasn’t just a library—it was a repository of all magical knowledge. It also served as the Spell Scribes’ headquarters. They were targeted and wiped out, along with nearly all of their records."

  Kaiden exhaled, running a hand through his hair. It doesn’t matter the world—human nature leads to the same mistakes. When knowledge is too powerful, someone will always try to erase it.

  Kaiden said, "I think I get the picture."

  "Good," Marigold replied. "Now, let's get to your workspace."

  Kaiden raised a brow at that.

  "What?" Marigold said. "Did you think you'd be using my study?"

  "Well..." Kaiden hesitated, but before he could come up with a response, Marigold stood.

  "Follow me."

  Kaiden trailed behind as she led him down a few hallways before stopping at a room. Inside, it resembled a personal study, though with a more instructional feel to it.

  The walls were lined with shelves, though instead of being packed with books, they held neatly organized stacks of parchment, blank tomes, and jars of ink. A large wooden table sat at the center, surrounded by sturdy chairs, clearly meant for long hours of work. A smaller desk was set off to the side. The room was well-lit by oil lamps mounted along the walls.

  "This is where you’ll be meeting with your instructor on your Dungeoneer training days," Marigold said. "Most days, you won’t see me at all—I’m far too busy—but Aldric will meet you at the entrance and guide you up here. I know it can be easy to get lost the first few times."

  Kaiden simply nodded. He didn’t need a guide—Mindforge had already helped him mostly map out the route—but he saw no reason to mention that.

  "I’ll make sure the room is stocked with plenty of parchment and blank tomes for tomorrow," Marigold continued. "As for getting here, an unmarked carriage will be waiting for you at base. Just hop in, and the driver will bring you straight here."

  She clasped her hands together. "Now, since we’re still waiting on your instructor, there isn’t much else we can do today. Aldric will be along shortly to show you out."

  "Wait," Kaiden said, almost a little too sharply.

  Marigold paused, raising an eyebrow slightly at his tone.

  "Sorry," Kaiden said immediately. "I just... can I stay here a bit longer? I want to practice using the mana quill."

  For a moment, Marigold was silent. Then, a slow smile spread across her face—sharp and greedy, like a Cheshire cat.

  "What a lovely idea," she said. "Stay as long as you like. I’ll have Aldric check in on you later." She turned to leave, but then stopped at the door.

  Looking back over her shoulder, she said, "Work hard for me, Spell Scribe."

  And with that, she was gone.

  Kaiden wasn't sure he liked the way Marigold said that, but he shook it away.

  He took a seat at the desk and cracked his knuckles.

  A mana quill appeared in his hand, fitting naturally between his fingers.

  He whispered, "Let's see what we got."