Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension, #1)

by Andrew Rowe

Social interaction, however, would not be so easily denied. It was a pesky creature, incessant in its hunt.

Most of the students seemed to want to use their last days of freedom to socialize, but I was more interested in getting as much of an advantage as possible.

Goddess, I wished I had thought to do it first. It sounded terribly entertaining.

I resolved to wear the pin at all times. Even when I was sleeping. Especially when I was sleeping.

It was too early for me to interact with the living, and in spite of my general fondness for Sera, she still was another entity and thus a toll on my exhausted mind.

Affectionate terminology gamble: unsuccessful.

People would probably laugh at an Enchanter for even trying to take the class. If they did, I’d be the one laughing after our first match. Enchanter or not, I was still a Cadence. I knew how to fight.

Fear can be useful. But not as useful as studying.”

“How many levels are there?” “Above Carnelian, you have Sunstone, then Citrine. That’s the highest you’re ever going to see under normal circumstances. Even then, Citrine Mages are extremely rare. Above them, you have Emerald Mages, perhaps a handful of which exist in the world. Finally, Sapphire Mages. A hypothetical title. Some speculate that one or two might have existed in history.”

nothing inspires a student into action like the threat of death.”

There is a simple rule that I expect you to commit to memory: ‘Like deflects like, opposites nullify.’”

Is there something about this tower that attracts eccentric masked swordsmen?

It meant I could focus on more important priorities, like not dying. That was one of my favorite hobbies.

I was fairly confident it wasn’t a standard dream. I’d had plenty of adventure dreams before, but the voice that I’d heard... I recognized it. I’d only heard it once before. It was the same voice that had spoken to me when I’d gained my attunement.

That sounded like a challenge. “But, if I wanted to, how long would you expect it to take?” She shrugged a shoulder. “Hundreds of practice attempts. Most likely several months to a year.” I resolved to figure it out by the end of the week.

No amount of reassurance could completely neutralize an irrational fear.

I picked up a piece of one of her potatoes with my fork. “Well, if you’re going to be that way...” “Hey! That’s my third favorite potato! You give it back!” I popped it into my mouth. Sera put a hand over her heart, giving me a lamenting expression. “Alas. It was so young.” I chewed. “And salty.”

“It’s a clever idea. Most clever ideas never go anywhere, but I can see some potential here. So, before you sell any, you’re going to patent it.”

“Well, dear, now that the easy part is over. It’s time for the paperwork.” She was right, of course. Headaches from using my attunement? I could deal with them. Existential terror at the possibility of destroying my own mind? Pretty much routine at this point. Doing paperwork for the government? Now that was brutal.

We were teenagers, and he had a passing crush. Probably. I didn’t really understand relationship stuff.

And that was how I learned to never interfere in the relationships of my friends.

“Your skin would block it. We’re all naturally resistant to mana getting into our bodies from outside sources. It’s not a simple process to force mana into someone.

“Something we all need to be clear about — I’m not going to be able to pull the same kind of weight within the tests as the rest of you. Preparation is my strength.

I briefly contemplated how difficult it would be to safely remove my hand.

Patrick sighed. “You just take care of each other in there. I wouldn’t forgive myself if you’re hurt.” I nodded. “We will. I promise.” Promises are so much easier to make than they are to keep.

A shroud is your personal aura — it comes from mana leaking right out of you. That’s not a bad thing, though. It protects you, like a barrier that’s always on.”

If anything goes wrong, just give us the signal.” I frowned. “What signal?” “Scream loudly.”

Oh, the sharpness of my wit. Truly it cuts me more deeply than any other.

He hit her from so close that her shroud barely cushioned the blow, I realized. Not a bad tactic.

He stared at my rock for a minute curiously, reached down, then seemed to change his mind and left it there. Even gods can’t comprehend my enchanting skills. I laughed in spite of myself, feeling a fresh surge of pain.

the visage was giving Sera his sword. Patrick was going to turn into some kind of jealousy elemental when he found out about this.

I was here because Katashi had suspicions about Edrian manipulation in all this. I’m here on his behalf. If I’m supposed to be guarding you now, that’s a new and frankly far more entertaining way to spend my time.”

“Can’t believe I let her give me a ring.” Keras snickered. “I’m sure a lot of people say that at some point in their lives.”

Survive, and you’ll soon see mine. -Tristan Cadence