Throughout Bastion's research in the library for ways to enhance his immediate combat potential, he came across a fascinating section detailing known classes and their prerequisites.
Naturally, there were no classes above Rank 2 on the shelves, but one in particular stood out to him.
It was called Armory Knight, a Rank 2 class that allowed its user to store weapons, armor, and items within their own body. The class featured quick slots, mid-battle equipment changes, and even shifting inventories with varying properties.
Bastion was honestly tired of constantly having to change in and out of his armor. Even with Elyra's help, the process was tedious, often taking anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. There were simply too many straps, clasps, hooks, and tethers layered together.
The Armory Knight class removed that hassle entirely. It let him wear whatever he wanted while staying battle-ready at all times.
Its main prerequisite: a Rank 2 Space Stone.
"Announcing item number 341, a Rank 2 Space Stone," the auctioneer called.
"Eli, get that for me would you?"
"Yes, Master."
Space stones were special stones with mana absorbing properties. They absorbed mana from the air and created a space devoid of time, which was then sewn into the seams of magic pouches or magic bags. After an enchanter weaves the space around the container, the product is finished.
Typically, tailors used Apprentice Rank space stones for pouches, Rank 1 for bags, and Rank 2 for larger items like sacks, carriages, and tents, which requires the most space.
Space stones were expensive and rarely sold as is, as crafters often used them to create tents, selling them for a premium.
In the end, Bastion won the bid for 10 mithril coins. It was a steep price, but one he considered worth it. After all, it would lead to his next Class.
"Did you buy a space stone?" Seraphina asked as she returned to the room.
"Yes. I'm interested in a Class that requires it. How are you doing?" Bastion replied.
"I'm fine. I get emotional when you talk like that, so please avoid it in public."
"Anything fo—" Bastion started to say, only to be cut off by Lilia elbowing him in the waist.
"Sure thing," he corrected.
Seraphina chuckled, stepped behind Lilia, and hugged her.
"You're already fitting in well. You should just give up," she said.
"I'm still thinking about it," Lilia replied while looking down.
"Well, don't take too long. Trust me, you want to be higher up the chain of command rather than added late due to indecision. I know for a fact Bastion has a list of potential wives waiting in his territory. He also has quite a few good options here in the academy. Buy now and get me free," Seraphina advertised.
Lilia remained silent, seriously considering it.
"Don't pressure her too much, Seraphina. If it's meant to be, it will be," Bastion said, stepping in. "Besides, I'm more interested in what you'll be buying from the auction."
"Oh? What do you mean, Bastion?" Seraphina replied with a sly grin.
"Come now, there has to be some secret item you had your eye on. The kind people overlook or misjudge, but you know its true value. I want in. Tell me."
"I'm not here for anything in particular, though I do know what you're talking about," she said. "There should be some alchemy notes that trigger a haunted house side quest, a falcon egg that's actually a malformed gryphon with higher than average potential, and a mysterious ore that corrupts and consumes mana. That's what I remember. But none of those are why I'm here."
"Oh? Then what are you after?"
"You'll see soon enough."
"Announcing item number 365," the auctioneer called. "An unknown ore that corrupts and consumes mana."
"What's it used for?" Bastion asked.
"A special Class, I think. It was just flavor text when I read it. I'm not interested. You can have it."
"Don't mind if I do. Eli, grab it for me, please."
"Yes, Master," Elyra said.
Bastion couldn't help but smile. Sticking close to Seraphina would definitely pay off. She had knowledge of the future from an Otome game. She must've scoured every inch of the academy and taken advantage of her knowledge to grow in power or wealth..
Even her leftovers were likely worth their weight in gold.
"Here you are, Master," Elyra said, handing over the mysterious ore.
As it was a mysterious item, it only cost about a mithril coin.
Bastion took it in hand and immediately felt his mana draining rapidly. He wouldn't be able to hold it for more than a minute.
"It's diffusing your mana into the air as neutral mana," Lilia observed.
"Yes. I lose control the moment it filters in. Fascinating."
Bastion handed the ore back to Elyra, who sealed it in a secure container before storing it in her bag.
Since it would likely unlock a special class, Bastion planned to use it after obtaining Armory Knight. For now, he had no other classes in mind based on what he currently knew. Once he reached the required rank, he intended to do more research at the Mages Guild's library.
The auction continued until the items Elyra had mentioned appeared. Bastion had no interest in a haunted house side quest or a gryphon mount, so he simply observed as others placed their bids and purchased them.
As time passed, Bastion noticed Seraphina growing more and more excited.
"So? Which item are you truly interested in?" he asked.
"Well... I suppose I can tell you," she said, stepping closer and running her fingers through his long hair with slow, deliberate affection.
She leaned in next to his ear and whispered, "I'm here for exp."
BOOM.
A massive explosion rocked the auction house, sending everyone into a panic.
Bastion blinked. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over him as Seraphina burst into laughter and bolted out of the venue. Cyrus and Emberlyn quickly followed, equipping themselves mid-stride.
"Well damn," Bastion muttered, instinctively closing ranks with Elyra and Lilia.
Elyra, calm as ever, pulled weapons from her magic bag and handed them out. The distant sounds of battle quickly spread.
BOOM.
Another explosion rang out, this one much closer. The auction house windows shattered from the force.
"She's really going wild," Bastion commented, glancing toward the source of the blast.
"What should we do?" Lilia shouted, her voice tinged with panic.
"Relax. I'm sure she has it under control," Bastion replied.
"How can you be so calm? Your wife just ran out laughing like a maniac."
"She can take care of herself. I'm more worried about us."
More explosions echoed in the distance as a wave of heat swept through the venue.
"I think it's time we head home. I don't want to stick around for the finale," Bastion said, leading the group out of the auction house toward the academy gates.
He could have followed to offer help, but she hadn't asked. This was her fight, her moment. He had no place in it. More than anything, he didn't want to steal her kills and throw off her calculations by accident.
They stepped out of the auction house into chaos. The streets were packed with students and civilians running in every direction, panic etched into their faces. Demons chased after them, cutting people down in a frenzy of violence.
"Eli, take care of our surroundings but stay close," Bastion ordered.
Without a word, Elyra vanished into the shadows. Moments later, demon heads began to fall. Though the creatures were powerful, they were no match for someone nearly at Rank 1, especially with Reinforce active and a Rank 1 weapon in hand.
Bastion, calm as ever, walked through the mayhem with Lilia close behind. She occasionally fired off Ice Arrows, striking down demons that came into view.
Then, suddenly, an explosion of golden light erupted from the direction of the earlier blasts. The light blanketed the surroundings in a divine glow, unmistakable to Bastion.
"The light of the Goddess of Brilliance," he said, eyes narrowing. "So that's the rumoured Saintess. She must be the protagonist."
Unbothered, he continued walking toward the academy, his whip sword lashing out to decapitate weakened demons that strayed too close.
Their steady advance created the space necessary for students and civilians to push through the mayhem. They carved a path through the city leading directly to the academy, while the civilians and students banded together to fight back as they retreated.
In a way, Bastion was indeed contributing to the battle.
"The exp must be nice," Bastion muttered as he cut down another demon. "At this rate, we can reach level twenty in no time."
He checked his status and noted the increase in levels. He was now level 17, and their group had taken down no more than a few dozen demons.
"Now I'm getting jealous. No wonder she was so secretive with me. I bet she already reached level 25 and unlocked all her class skills," Bastion said with a sigh.
"Don't worry, Master. We can simply increase our dungeon dives," Elyra consoled him before vanishing back into the shadows.
"No, let her have her fun. We are not gamers or protagonists. We are just the supporting characters. This is her fate. Let's let her have her moment."
Bastion reached the academy gates, where a line of teachers stood guard. Not a single demon had made it close.
He entered alongside the other students and civilians and went straight to bed after dropping off Lilia.
He was done for the night having gotten more than what he came for.
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