I Got Isekai’d, Well Shyt!

It took about a half hour of walking around the streets of Ironside before the trio arrived at the Guild and went straight to the receptionist’s desk.

”SAINTESS RYA! Come! Come this way, please! Master Hajdah and the rest of the mages are in the library, just follow me!” The receptionist shouted out to Rya and the two girls followed her.

”Well, someone seems to be excited to see us,” Rya smirked.

”You know, after living in this city for almost three decades, I never once came inside the Mages Guild. Hmmm... I wonder what the guild master is like?” Nieren chuckled as they followed their guide to the back hallways of the building.

”You’re talking about Hajdah? He’s alright if he trusts you. I’m surprised you have talked to him before,” Rya stated.

”I’m a— I mean, I was a new adventurer. He never cared to talk to me unless it was some quest that needed doing and he would make sure I knew where the dungeon entrance was. Other than that, he never really talked to me.” Nieren replied.

”Well, that surprises me. You would think he would want to be in touch with a princess of the Wood Elf Kingdom. If nothing else, he could use you as a scout. After all, your skills in the forest will surely help him find more rare plants,” Rya mumbled to herself.

”Pff! A princess of a fallen kingdom and Hajdah wasn’t the one who cared about getting rare plants. It was mostly the Merchants and Alchemists who were interested in those kinds of plants. At least that’s what I heard from my mother when I was sixteen.” Nieren shrugged and let out a sigh.

”Huh... So mages don’t make potions? That’s interesting,” Rya said to herself, ”You can’t be telling me there isn’t one single mage making potions in the entire kingdom?”

”Maybe one is but I haven’t seen the rest of the kingdom to say for sure,” Nieren replied.

”How about you Dalia? Have you heard of any mages making potions? Or even brewing them in general?” Rya asked.

”Meh... I never really cared about what mages do on their free time, to be honest. As long as I’m not on the receiving end of a mage’s magic, then I won’t complain!” Dalia responded cheerfully.

”Haha! Fair enough.” Rya smiled.

”If Saintess Rya doesn’t mind I might be able to answer most of your questions here. I’ve been working in the Mages Guild for over ten years now,” the receptionist asked.

”That would be great. I’ve been trying to figure out what the mages do when they aren’t fighting monster hordes,” Rya exclaimed.

”Master Hajdah and the rest of the guild spend most of their time deciphering ancient tomes. These tomes are mostly impossible to understand for anyone else in the kingdom. Most of the other mage guilds on the continent have no clue how to read these texts either, but we make sure none of the information is lost. We also create and collect magical devices and store magic crystals that are used for powering them. And the mages help the lordship of Ironside when they request counsel on subjects that concern magical creatures or items. And finally, the Mages Guild has always been at the forefront of developing new spells and techniques. Our work never goes unrecognized in the kingdom. There are some other minimal things they like to do but nothing notable.” The receptionist finished explaining while they walked down the hallway.

’Hehe! So they are just nerds... I guess it makes sense though. One of the best ways to learn is by researching things,’ Rya thought to herself.

”Thanks for the input!” Rya said happily.

”You’re welcome. If you ever need anything feel free to contact me, Saintess.” The receptionist smiled.

Nodding their heads, the three continued down the hallway with the receptionist guiding them further and further away from the front entrance.

The hallways were lined with bookshelves filled with old tomes and scrolls. The room on the right had a few people sitting around reading various books at tables. Next to them was a desk where a few clerks sat behind. A few more doors could be seen on the left wall.

”This is the library. All of our rare tomes are kept here so people can study them if they wish,” the receptionist stated, ”Master Hajdah and Mystic Laika should be waiting for you past this door.”

”Thank you. I’ll meet them in there then.” Rya replied.

This door was much bigger than the ones before. It was made of a dull gray stone and had the words ’Sypher V’ carved into it. Rya sighed as she entered the room.

She looked around the large room and saw a couple of people sitting and reading their books. They were both dwarves and wore robes with hoods down.

’There’s Hajdah!’ Rya noted seeing one of the dwarves. She walked up to him and gave a small wave.

Hajdah looked up from his book and waved back with a smile, ”Ah, Lady Rya! I didn’t know you had arrived. I would have greeted you at the door. Please come and sit.”

”Thank you. And sorry for coming in later than expected.” Rya said, taking a seat next to a table.

”No! No! It’s no problem at all my Lady. I was just about done anyway!” Hajdah laughed, ”And I see you brought two of your friends with you today! Lady Dalia and Miss Nieren! Welcome to the Mages Guild Sypher V library!”

”Well, thanks? I guess this place is okay? But it smells musty and of old ink.” Dalia said with a frown.

”Hey! Watch your tongue dog! You’re in an area at only a few can enter!” Nieren shouted out to her.

”Pff! I wasn’t insulting the place. It’s just not my scene. I’d rather be outside my own time.” Dalia said.

”Well, if you two would like, you can go around the rest of the building and see what it has to offer. There are some rooms that contain things that we don’t allow people to see unless they are mages or retainers of special guests.” Hajdah suggested.

”I think I will do that, thank you, Bready. Yell out if you need me, Alpha,” Dalia said looking at Rya.

”Just don’t get too far away. We may have a lot to do today,” Rya warned her.

”Don’t worry, I won’t,” Dalia reassured her.

”Right... Hey Nieren. Can you keep an eye on her? She likes to get in trouble when she gets bored.” Rya asked.

”Of course, Lady Rya! I’ll watch over her in case she needs anything!” Nieren said.

”Anything you say? I like the way you think, Woody.” Dalia said playfully.

”Wait! What!? Not like anything, anything, you stupid dog!” Nieren shouted.

Rya couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at them.

”Hey, Woody... You need to stop yelling we’re in a library,” Dalia said with a smirk

Nieren sighed and glared, ’This stupid dog is smarter than she looks.’

Dalia started walking off towards the other side of the building.

”Sorry about my outburst. If I am needed, just say my name, my Lady.” Nieren said to Rya before following after Dalia.

Rya watched them leave and then turned to Hajdah. The other woman who smiled back at her and took a sip from her tea. ”So, I get to train the Saintess in water magic. I’ve been waiting for this day since I first heard about you being a multi-elemental mage.”

”Y-Yeah, I didn’t know I was so gifted. So, how long have I got to learn from you, Mytic Liaka?” Rya asked.

”As long as you want. We will teach you what you need to know.” Hajdah replied.

”And before you go out and start casting spells you need to know the fundamentals of how to channel your mana in the ways of water magics. So, read this before we start the next phase. Also, remember to study up on earth magic too. You never know what you might find,” Liaka instructed as she handed an old book to Rya.

Rya nodded and took the book. Then she went to the table where the tea was being served. She poured herself a cup and took a sip. After a few minutes, she felt more relaxed and opened the book.

”That tome is written in old Dwarven tongue. So, if you are having trouble with reading it. Just as one of us to translate it for you.” Hajdah offered.

”Thanks. I’ll give it a try.” Rya said trying to understand the words.

As Rya flipped through the old book she noticed that all the Dwarven words turned into English right before her very eyes. It was surreal watching the ink move around until it became legible.

’What the!? Did Nils give me the ability to read any text I see?’ Rya thought. ’Does that mean I can read all the tomes Hajdah and the others can’t read? Oh, that’s awesome! I’ll have to explore some other books after going through this one!’

Rya continued to flip through the pages and one of the paragraphs she saw turned into some sort of picture of multiple hand formations on how to channel one’s mana into a water ball.

’Huh? This doesn’t seem too hard. So, if I follow these illustrations I should be able to summon water magic. Well, I guess I can give it a try and see what happens. Let’s start with water ball mana first.’ Rya thought to herself as she focused her mana into her hand.

She tried to focus her mana into a ball using the picture in front of her. But nothing happened. She looked closer at the picture and realized there were three different symbols above her hands. One was for fire, another for wind, and the third for earth.

’Oh! So it shows the different examples of the other elements. Okay, so I should position my hand like this and center my mana at the fingertips. Not the palm!’ Rya thought to herself.

’Okay, let’s try again.’ Rya tried to form the water ball once again. She followed the same steps and formed it in her hand.

”Come on Rya... Just concentrate... Focus on your mana but be loose, not rigid like casting earth. Now imagine a sphere that will hold water. Like it’s floating in my hand...” Rya coached herself.

Liaka and Hajdah looked up from their books to witness Rya’s attempt at trying to summon the water ball.

”WAIT!? She’s using wordless casting!? No way!” Liaka exclaimed.

Hajdah got out of her chair and approached Rya. ”Can you do it?”

”I’m trying,” Rya replied.

Rya concentrated harder on her mana, and the water sphere started to form in her hand. As she tried to visualize a water ball. When she did, she noticed a small water ball floating in her palm.

”Ah!” Rya exclaimed when she felt her mana starting to form the water sphere. ”I did it!”

Hajdah and Liaka both watched in awe as the water ball floated in Rya’s palm.

”How did you learn to use wordless cast, Saintess Rya?” Liaka asked in disbelief.

”Well, I learned it from the book you gave me,” Rya explained.

”Which page? Which chapter?” Liaka questioned in curiosity.

Rya flipped back through the pages and found the exact paragraph that told her how to cast wordless magic. She read it out loud, ”When you wish to create a particular object using magic, it is best to have a clear image of the item in your mind and proper hand movement in order for ones mana to seamlessly flow in the appropriate direction. If one does not have a clear image or if they are too tense then the spell will fail. With this knowledge, one should be able to cast any magic they desire if one’s mana vein is strong enough.”

”B-But this page has been scribbled over the old dwarven tongue and marked with arrows... it’s gibberish! Are you sure it’s right?” Hajdah questioned.

’Gibberish? What unique skill did the goddess give me?’

”Um, yes I am. It’s clear as day for me,” Rya replied.

Liaka gasped and said, ”I-I know I said I would be the teacher but can you teach me wordless casting? It seems really interesting.”

”Hmm? I didn’t expect this but sure I don’t mind.” Rya agreed.

”Hold on! Let me get a new piece of parchment and a pen!” Hajdah ran off to a desk.

’Ah? What should I do with this baseball-sized water ball? Oh! There’s an empty cup of tea on the table!’ Rya thought. ’I guess I’ll place it into the teacup.’ Rya carefully moved the water into the empty cup and then drank the water.

’DAMN! That’s the freshest-tasting water I’ve ever had!’ Rya thought with glee.

”You’re amazing, Saintess! You haven’t had any field training and yet you are moving around water magic as if you’ve been practicing for 10 years!” Liaka praised in amazement.

Rya smiled, ”Thank you. I just followed what I read in the book. I really didn’t do anything amazing.”

’Frankly, it’s my ability to read this book is the amazing part,’ Rya thought to herself.

”No, I disagree, Saintess. I read that book for seven years before I could cast water magic so I’m surprised to see someone can learn it in 20 minutes,” Liaka admitted.

”How did you know you were a water mage, Mystic Liaka? Did a book tell you?” Rya questioned.

”When I was a child I felt a stronger connection when I was around water. And one day I was able to kill a slime and was lucky enough to grow my mana vein. Then the rest of my life I have been able to move water with my mind. My parents noticed it when I was young and I was tested to be a mage at the academy. It turned out that I was a water mage,” Liaka revealed.

Hajdah returned with a fresh sheet of parchment and a pen.

”Alright I’m ready to write down how you cast wordless magic,” Hajdah said.

”Okay, Liaka watch my hand and mirror what I do,” Rya instructed.

Rya moved her hand through the air loosely as if her limb was made of rubber. Until she stretched it out and crossed her ring finger over the top of our middle.

Rya breathed out and channeled her mana to her fingertips again. And.

*Blup!* The small ball of water shot out of her fingertips hitting the wall.

”Whoa! That looked easier than I expected!” Hajdah exclaimed.

Liaka was impressed and tried the same thing, but it failed.

”I think I need to practice more,” Liaka said dejectedly.

”What part of your hand did you channel your mana to?” Rya asked.

”My entire hand. But mostly focused in the palm.” Liaka answered.

”Okay, your mana needs to only be focused on the tips of your fingers. Do the same thing and try it again. If you get close I’ll explain what is wrong,” Rya instructed.

”Huh... So I only need to channel my mana to my fingertips? I would never have thought that. Why would they teach me to focus in the palm?” Liaka pondered.

Rya shrugged, ”Do you recall what type of mage your teacher was?”

”Yes. She was a fire mage and she had red hair,” Liaka answered.

Rya nodded and flipped to the page that showed the text turning into illustrations of the basic mana channeling for the other elements, ”Hmm... Yeah, that explains it. You’re overcompensating your mana because it wasn’t channeled in the correct place. Fire mages’ spells call for the mana to be channeled in the palm whereas water mages need their mana channeled to their fingers. You were taught wrong by mistake, Mystic Liaka. Try it again. And focus your mana to your fingertips this time.”

Liaka nodded her head while Hajdah was busy writing down everything Rya had told Liaka.

”So, I’ve been taught wrong aye? Let’s see if your right about it,” Liaka said.

She closed her eyes, then opened them and channeled her mana to her fingertips while moving her hand in the same way as Rya.

*Blup!*

*SPLASH!*

A massive water ball shot out of her fingertips hitting the wall hard.

”Wow!” Liaka exclaimed.

Hajdah was impressed and annoyed that Liaka almost hit some of the ancient tomes with water.

”Liaka!? I thought you had better control than that!” Hajdah exclaimed.

”I do! I used the same amount of mana as I usually do when making a small ball of water. Yet, it turned out huge! Why would that happen!?” Liaka questioned.

”It’s probably because you used to improperly casting the spell. This was your first time casting when channeling your mana to your fingers, right?” Rya asked with a surprised look.

Liaka’s eyes widened and she nodded.

”You’re very observant! Yes! I wasn’t focusing my mana on the tip of my fingers like I should have. I guess I’ve been using more mana to oversaturate my hand in order to cast my spells in the past. This means I can cast some of those spells that require a lot of mana much faster now! I gotta find the tome about casting a tsunami! I’ll be right back, Master Hajdah! And thank you, Saintess! This was the breakthrough I’ve been looking for!” Liaka shouted with joy before jumping up and running out of the room.

”Wait! Liaka! And there she goes... She needs to clean up her mess,” Hajdah mumbled.

Rya smiled, ”Hehe... I thought she was supposed to teach me. Well, I’ll clean up her mess Hajdah. It’s the least that I can do.”

Hajdah nodded, ”You can pay me back by finding a wordless casting for fire mages. That’s if you stumble upon one. Anyway, cleaning up the water would be easier for a water mage. If you need help, Lady Rya, just ask.”

”I should be fine. But I’ll ask if I do. Thank you for the offer anyway,” Rya said before standing up and walking towards the wall that Liaka hit with a giant water ball.

’Whoa! That’s a big puddle!’ Rya thought.

She placed her hands against the wall and began to turn the water back into mana and absorb it. After a minute, the water was gone.

”Phew... That wasn’t too bad... Huh? That’s a interesting tome.” Rya said as she was closer to a bookshelf that Liaka almost hit.

The book in question was called: The Seer Stone.

Rya grabbed the ancient book and opened it to read the first page. She couldn’t believe what she saw.

”What? Hey, Hajdah!? Are you familiar with this book?” Rya asked.

Hajdah looked at the book and shook his head, ”No, it’s written in old demonic glyphs. It’s a dead language. There is no way anyone could understand it. No even me. For all I know it’s a tome about baking or a world-ending spell. I wouldn’t waste your time with that tome, Lady Rya.”

”Okay? Thanks for the input,” Rya said as she looked back at the book and turned a few more pages.

’Holy shit! I can read this thing too!? And it’s instructions on how to create a Seer Stone. Huh? So some people on Tertius don’t know they are grandmasters or higher class of mana veins and this thing can find out if someone has the gift? This can change everything! I wonder if I should keep this thing a secret?’ Rya thought as she skimmed through the rest of the book.

After a while, Rya closed the book with a loud thud. And closed her eyes.

’I need to make this thing in private. If word gets out about this thing. Wars would be fought over it. Only Quin should know about this.’ Rya thought as she turned to Hajdah and asked.

”Do you mind if I borrow this book for a while?” Rya asked.

Hajdah shook his head, ”As long as you return it to me when you’re done reading it.”

***