Chapter 222 Arion The Void Mage

Wara, satisfied with the agreements and understanding reached, extended a firm handshake to Suzuka. 

"May our collaboration be prosperous, Helen. If you need anything from the guild, don't hesitate to ask."

Suzuka returned the handshake, acknowledging Wara's support.

 "Thank you, Wara. I'll ensure that this partnership benefits us both."

With their business concluded, Suzuka left Wara's office and descended the guild hall stairs. As she navigated the lively guild hall, she bid farewell to her friend Lisanna, exchanging a quick smile.

Stepping out into the rain-soaked streets of Rockmine town, Suzuka pondered the next steps in her grand vision as the rhythmic sound of raindrops on her raincoat accompanied her thoughts. The pressing question remained: where would she secure the gold coins to kickstart her ambitious town project?

The idea of tapping into Hermit's mentioned treasures lingered at the forefront of her mind as a potential source of funds for her ambitious town project. The goblin's tendency to exaggerate tales made Suzuka worry. What if his treasures turned out to be nothing more than a pile of shit-smeared rocks? With his penchant for exaggeration, Hermit could easily turn a collection of mundane rocks into a saga of untold wealth.

Her gaze wandered to the horizon, obscured by the falling rain, as if seeking answers in the mist. The idea of tapping into Hermit's treasures hung in the air, but Suzuka couldn't shake the sense of conflict that gnawed at her. 

The bandit treasure tale felt as murky as the stormy night itself. Suzuka's instincts warned her of potential pitfalls in Hermit's claims. Was it a gamble worth taking, or not? What if that dimwitted goblin only had dreams about it?

Leaning into the wall, Suzuka found a moment of ease in the soothing rain, her thoughts as fluid as the water cascading around her. Ultimately, she decided to let the matter rest for the day, allowing her mind the rest it needed. The Mystic Oasis Inn beckoned, offering a retreat from the stormy streets.

In the quiet of her room, after the warmth of a bath and the comforting glow of lamplight, Suzuka laid out her thoughts like cards on a table. The Magic Box University's looming final exams cast a shadow over her immediate concerns. She decided to channel her focus into crafting the magic item storage rune.

 She knew that a well-crafted rune could not only serve her academic pursuits but also align with her long-term vision for the town. With renewed determination, she settled into her room, ready to channel her magical prowess into creating a rune that could potentially shape the future of her endeavors.

Suzuka carefully opened the box containing the collection of dragon scales, each a marvel in its own right. With the dragon scales before her, she delicately inspected each piece, searching for the perfect candidate to serve as the canvas for her creation. After thoughtful consideration, she selected the largest scale, its iridescent surface gleaming with the remnants of draconic power. Its size and curvature make it ideal for the rune she envisioned.

Positioning the scale in her hand, she focused her mind on the intricate details of the rune letter she sought to carve. Mana flowed through her, a gentle yet potent force that animated the air around her. The room seemed to hum with magical energy as she commenced the delicate process of etching the rune onto the dragon scale.

The creation of a rune required not only precision but also a deep connection to the magical essence embedded within the material. Suzuka's concentration remained unwavering as she channeled her mana, infusing the rune with the properties necessary for its intended purpose - a magical storage device capable of holding various items.

With each precise movement, Suzuka's concentration deepened. The carved lines appeared as if guided by an invisible hand, their form taking shape on the dragon scale. The room filled with the whisper of mana, and the air tingled with the energy of her magical prowess. The process demanded patience and time.

The rain outside continued its rhythmic melody, seemingly harmonizing with the magical ambiance within. As the hours passed, Suzuka lost herself in the artistry of rune crafting. The delicate dance between her mana and the dragon scale created an ethereal glow around the carving, signifying the magic taking hold.

Suzuka understood the importance of patience in this endeavor. Crafting a rune of such significance required precision and concentration, and she spared no effort in ensuring every detail was etched flawlessly. The magical intricacies unfolded gradually, taking shape under her careful manipulation of mana.

As the hours turned into days, Suzuka remained dedicated to her task. The rhythmic sound of the rain outside seemed to synchronize with the steady progress of her carving. She took breaks only when necessary, allowing herself moments of rest to rejuvenate and refocus.

Days turned into nights, and the rune gradually revealed itself on the dragon scale, a testament to her commitment. Though fatigue crept in, she pressed forward, driven by the knowledge that this rune held the potential to serve both her academic pursuits and her grand vision for the town.

She didn't rush the intricate carving, recognizing the significance of every detail. Seven days later, as the last stroke of the rune fell into place, Suzuka leaned back, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. The rune letter glowed faintly on the dragon scale, a proof of her skill and dedication.

Satisfied with the final result, she made her way to Walter's blacksmith shop eager to discuss the introduction to the void magic user he had mentioned the other day.

The rhythmic clinking of hammers against anvils echoed through the air as she entered the shop, the familiar sound of craftsmanship filling the space. Walter looked up from his workbench, a welcoming smile breaking across his face.

"Helen! Back so soon? Did you manage to carve that rune?" Walter asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Suzuka presented the finished product.

 "Indeed, Walter. Take a look at this beauty. Now, about that void mage introduction, you promised..."

Walter's eyes sparkled with excitement as he inspected the intricate details of the rune.

 "Impressive work, Helen! As for the void mage, I will send a word. He should arrive shortly after."

He signaled for the young man who was in his workshop, saying, "Boy! Pass the message to the void mage that it is time. Now hurry!"

With that said Walter turned his attention back to Suzuka.

 "Let's grab a seat and discuss the details while we wait."

They settled into a corner of the blacksmith shop, the ambiance filled with the comforting warmth of the forge. Walter leaned in, his voice hushed as he shared information about the void mage.

"He goes by the name Arion. Skilled in the arts of void magic, he owes me a favor for a past deed. I vouched for your cause, and he agreed to help infuse the rune with void magic. But I must warn you, he's a bit shabby-looking fella. When it comes to magic, he's second to none. But he has drinking problems so he is not the most liked person to go to for such delicate matters. That said, he is your best option."

Suzuka raised an eyebrow at Walter's poor description of the man. 

"Arion, huh? Skilled in void magic, has a drinking problem, and is not the poster child for charm. Well, Walter, you sure know how to sell a guy."

She let out a light chuckle, a mix of concern and jest in her tone.

 "I suppose as long as he can get the job done without accidentally turning my rune into a teacup or something, we're good. After all, who needs an expensive mage when you can have a shabby void magician, right?"

Walter grinned and shrugged, acknowledging the truth in Suzuka's assessment.

With a jesting tone, he said, "You got a point there, Helen. Arion might not be the smoothest operator, but when it comes to void magic, he's a maestro. Just keep an eye on him during the process, and you should be fine. Besides, he owes me a favor, so he won't want to mess this up too much. Just be ready for a few grumbles and maybe a bit of magic-infused hiccupping. It's all part of the Arion package, you know?"

Suzuka chuckled and said, "I have no doubt it will go just fine."

Walter nodded, appreciating Suzuka's nonchalant approach.

 "Exactly, Helen. Now, onto more exciting matters. That dragon scale you brought - what a piece! Truly top-notch craftsmanship. I've seen my fair share of magical item storages, and I can confidently say this one is a beauty."

He leaned in as if sharing a secret.

 "The combination of that high-quality dragon scale and the carefully crafted rune letter will give you quite the magical item storage. Expect enhanced durability, quick retrieval times, and a slightly expanded capacity compared to standard models. You've got yourself a gem there, my friend. I'm getting jealous just by thinking about it."

Walter leaned in, ready to provide a mini-tutorial. 

"Now, let me break down what you can expect. Once Arion infuses the rune with void magic, this magical item storage will respond to your mana touch. Think of it as a portal - reach in, picture what you want to pull out and you can access whatever items you've stored in it. It's a nifty way to keep things organized and secure since no one else besides you will have access to it. Just remember, keep it close and within arms reach because if you lose it you can say goodbye to your stuff."

As they chatted, the door to the blacksmith shop creaked open, and a figure draped in dark robes stepped inside. The hood concealed most of Arion's features, but his presence exuded an aura of mystique.

Walter gestured towards Suzuka. 

"Ah! There you are Arion, meet Helen. She's the one who's seeking your masterful hand at the void magic. Helen, this is Arion, the void mage I was telling you about."

Arion acknowledged Suzuka with a nod, his gaze penetrating despite the shadows cast by his hood. 

"Walter speaks highly of you. But let me see the rune you wish to infuse with void magic first. If it's poorly made you can forget it, I'm not doing it. People come with crapy ones and when they brake I'm to blame. I'm sick of people blaming me for their poorly made artifacts when they break. So you better have something decent."