Beginnings of the Modern Mage

Things are Changing

Today is the day! I wake up with a bright smile but that’s quickly turned upside by the pain.

Nao: “Wholly crap!”

My entire body is on fire and my head is pounding.

Nao: “Arc?”

Arc: “That happens when you put a lot of points into your stats. You’ll get used to it.”

Nao: “It was only 4!”

Arc: “4 is a lot when forcing the body to permanently improve. Imprinting the shapeshift spell onto your mind worsens the situation.”

My smile returns with the thought that I can change my body freely now. I hurry to swap out acid blast for shape shift.

Nao: “So, how do I do it.”

Arc: “This is your first time so don’t go straight to 6 feet or make drastic changes.”

Nao: “Don’t worry, I still need to live here. I can’t explain rapid changes to my mom. I’ll craft my body into a greek god over months and blame my workouts and growth spurts.”

Arc: “Alright, just think about how you would like your body to change.”

I close my eyes and think of a less pudgy face, a nice chin and one-inch height growth. 5’4 here I come!

Within seconds I can feel my body morph to fit into my ideal design. The first step of it anyway. I open my eyes and rush to the bathroom to see my face.

I’m stunned…

Arc: “Are you…crying?”

Nao: “I…never thought I would see the day where I don’t hate what I see in the mirror. I can even tell the height difference.”

Arc: “You know there are other ways to use shape shift. More combative ways.”

Nao: “I really don’t care right now. Just…give me a minute.”

For the next 15 minutes, I perfected my face and body so it’s a direct improvement and not too jarring. Then I just…looked at it.

It’s finally hit me hard. I am a mage and I just used a spell to change my body. This is crazy.

*Ding*

Points: 2

Oh, must have used shapeshift 10 times in a row.

Nell: “Nao, are you okay in there?”

Nao: “Yes, I’m coming out.”

I leave the bathroom after cleaning up for school. Then I got dressed and ready for the day.

Nao: “Where’s Alyson?”

Nell: “She left already, she’s back to normal thankfully.”

Damn, I wanted to show her my new looks.

Nell: “I want to say stay for breakfast but you were in the bathroom for a while. You should hurry to school.”

Nao: “Okay, see later mom.”

Nell: “Bye Nao.”

Interesting, mom didn’t mention my new looks. Maybe she couldn’t see me well enough in the kitchen. I shake off any doubt and run to school. I even broke my record, I’m really improving.

*Ding*

Points: 3

Everything went normally today. No Anton, I’ll rub nice looks in Alyson’s face and I’ll meet the Black Listers after I eat. Everything is looking up.

“Class, I have an announcement.”

Everyone who was having pre-lesson fun immediately quieted down.

“Anton and his friends have gone missing.”

!!!!!

“If anyone has any information on their whereabouts…his father would…pay for it. That’s all I have to say, let’s start the lesson.”

I can feel it…everyone is subtly looking toward my direction. I…was the last one to see them…alive….

I kept my head down the rest of class, shrinking deep into my seat. I can’t stop the sweet from falling onto my study books.

Come on, I can’t make it obvious that I know anything. Breath and use some illusions.

*BANG*

Everyone looks outside to see what the noise is which buys me time to catch my breath. I calm myself down and focus on my assignment. What’s done is done.

Time went fast after that, lunchtime came and I remembered there was one thing that can cheer me up. I wait until Alyson comes into the cafeteria and pounce on her location so I can shock her with my new looks.

Nao: “Hey Alyson, I have something to show you.”

Alyson: “What was that? I’m sure there’s not supposed to be someone in front of me.”

Nao: “…”

*Buzz*

*Alyson slapping herself*

Alyson: “Damn it, how are doing that? Fine, what.”

Nao: “Notice anything different about me?”

Alyson: “…Should I?”

Nao: “Look closely, don’t I look more handsome?”

Alyson: “Pft, yeah right. You’re talking about that face cream you mentioned last night?”

Nao: “Just look and be honest. I’ll be a good Black Lister if you do.”

Alyson: “Good boy, I guess I’ll be kind this once.”

Alyson: “….I….guess you do. But ugly with a smooth surface is still ugly. And you’re still short.”

Nao: “You’re not that much taller than me.”

Alyson: “A 5-inch difference is pretty big. Anyway, I did it so leave me alone so I can get my food. People are starting to look over here.”

I keep my mouth shut and keep my word. That was…disappointing. I hope this is the last bad thing that happens to me today. But at least that disappointment overshadows…what happened before.

[5 minutes later at the library]

Mat: “Did you guys hear? Anton is missing.”

Damn it.

Anthony: “Yeah, isn’t that great! I wish that would happen to our oppressors.”

Nao: “Yeah…”

Anthony: “What’s wrong? You should be happy.”

Nao: “I am but you know…his father is scary.”

Anthony: “Sure but I’m sure Anton is playing hooky somewhere. It has nothing to do with us and who would suspect the losers.

Nao: “Yeah…you’re right.”

Tallow: “So what’s the menu for today Anthony?”

Anthony: “After….yesterday, we managed to rile up our bullies a bit. They are definitely considering challenging the king. What about you Nao, any luck dethroning Alyson.”

Nao: “I have ideas but I have an opportunity for you all first. How would you like to see where the queen lives.”

Mat: “Really? You’re inviting us over?!”

Nao: “My mom did but I need something in return.”

Anthony: Anything.”

Nao: “Tell mom you got me these contacts.”

Anthony: “Why? Where did you get them?”

Nao: “A place I rather

Mat: “Ohhh, so mysterious.”

Anthony: “…Sure, I’ll make something up.”

Nao: “Thanks I-”

“Hey Rolls and Sticks! Get your butts down here!”

Everyone here stiffens but Mat and Velo visibly shake.

Anthony: “I’m sorry it’s you two today.”

Mat: “It’s fine we’re…used to.”

I couldn’t say anything, I knew how it is. I scan the 2 bullies below and they’re still too strong for me. There’s nothing I can do as the 2 of them go down.

The bullies spit incoherent drivel and hitting Mat and Velo. Everyone can’t do anything but watch, even the librarian tries to ignores it. Even the teachers refuse to do anything and it’s all because of Anton’s family.

It’s unfair, why are these the main characters of life. I turn away unable to bear to watch but I notice the shaking bloody fist of Anthony. He had to watch more time than me and sometimes he was probably down there.

Is there really nothing I can do?

Kill Them All (+20 Points) [Optional]

No! I can’t do that…not again. I’ll find another way.

Kill Them All (+30 Points) [Optional]

Arc: “Are you sure? With that many points, you’ll become powerful enough to survive what’s coming. Right now, you’re too weak.”

I…

Kill Them All (+40 Points) [Optional]

…

I get up and begin my way down to the bullies.

Anthony: “What are you going?”

Nao: “I won’t sit here and watch this.”

I’m doing what I have to do.

Nao: “Stop!”

“?”

Mat & Valo: “??”

“Who the hell are you?”

The bullies move on from Mat and Valo to me. They surround me and tower over me like Anton used to do. But this time I’m a bit more confident to do this.

Nao: “Why don’t you pick on someone smaller than you, isn’t that what you bullies do.”

I instantly feel a knee sink its way into my stomach but thanks to my endurance I don’t fall over. But it did knock the wind out of me.

“Well, well. I guess we ourselves a hero.”

“Hey, I think I know this twerp. It’s Napoleon!”

At the mention of that name the 3 bullies laughed out loud.

“Just because Anton isn’t here Napoleon thinks he’s a real man.”

“Well, we’ll teach you. Come with us.”

The 3 drag me away from the others, behind one of the bookcases. A place where cameras can’s see what’s about to happen.

They push against the wall and crack their knuckles.

“We’ll make this quick.”

Agreed

Nao: “I think you might have a bug problem on your hands.”

“What are yo-”

Their faces descend into insane fear and panic.

Bugs.

Hundreds of them, small but numerable, crawl across their skin. Their scurrying sounds fill their head. No matter how much they scream or tear into their skin, they won’t go away.

Eventually, they fall to the ground and try to roll them off.

“What the hell is this! What the hell did you do!?”

Nao: “Nothing, bugs seem to like me and don’t like bullies.”

I go over to one of them and kick their head until they fall unconscious. When they do I make the bug illusion disappear into the cracks of the walls just in case the other 2 were looking.

Nao: “Tch.”

I grasp my head and feel blood trickling down my nose. I guess this is a lot of magic to be using at once. I need to end this quick.

I go over to the next one and finally the leader. After a few minutes it was over, they’re all out cold and I can finally release the spell. With that, the throbbing in my skull lessened.

I caught my breath against the wall and breathe a sigh of relief.

Mat: “Wow dude.”

Velo: “What did you do.”

I snap my head towards the two peaking around the corner of the bookcase.

Nao: “H-How much did you see.”

Velo: “We heard them screaming an-”

Mat: “We saw you kicking their heads in man! You’re a hero!”

Velo: “But if you were this strong why did you let Anton beat you up?”

Quick, think of an excuse!

Nao: “I huh…been workout a lot and….these guys are way weaker than Anton. Plus you know…his family is scary.”

Nao: “…”

Velo and Mat: “….”

Velo: “That makes sense.”

Mat: “I can buy that.”

Oh thank god.

Anthony: “Thank you Nao.”

The others came from the corner with smiles of deep gratitude.

Anthony: “I knew you were special. You really can help free us from this system.”

Mat: “Yeah man, almost makes me want to work out. Almost.”

Everyone keeps praising me and looking forward to the future. I can’t help but smile, I never had people rely on me. Heck, no one besides mom had any positive expectations of me.

It…feels good. In their eyes, I am the main character.

Arc: “Why didn’t you kill them.”

…I refuse to be worse than these bullies. Even they wouldn’t kill so neither will I.

Besides…mom would be disappointed in me.

Arc: “They won’t leave you alone.

I know but I’ll get stronger. Besides, I’m a hero now so I got to keep appearances.

Arc: “Interesting.”

*Ding*

Points: 18

W-Why

Arc: “A consolation prize for thinking of another way. You’re a…bit different than I predicted.”

Thanks, Arc.

Anthony: “Let’s go back to class, lunch is almost over.”

Mat: “Oh yeah, I forgot. See you tonight at your house.”

Tallow: “You forgot to ask for the address.”

Anthony: “Oh yes, where do you live Nao.”

Nao: “Oh, let me write it down.”

I get a sticky note from the front desk of the library and write down my address. I give it to Anthony and we part ways to our respective classes.

Today actually ended up being good. I finished my school work without any more trouble and got curious glances filled with slight respect. I guess news travels fast.

*Ding*

Points: 19

For the first time, I leave school with my head held high. Nothing can ruin my mood now.

“Excuse me, are you Nao?”

I turn around to see a sharply dressed man that towers over way more than Anton. His muscles are still visible despite the 2 layers of clothes too.

Nao: “Y-Yes?”

Sever: “My name is Sever and I heard you were the last one to see Anton.”

Fuck…

Points: 19

Nao’s Current Stats and Spells:

Strength: 11

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 12

Charisma: 8

Agility: 8

Magic: 11

Spells:

Scan [Active]

Minor Illusion [Active]

Magic Missile

Control Water

Acid Blast

Shape Shift [Active]