by Luka Petrov
Reborn: Evoker
A LitRPG Adventure
Luka Petrov
Chapter One
“Classes will soon start,” muttered Headmaster Wavernjack to me as we walked down the newly built hallway of Draererth. “I know we discussed your schooling before we began the rebuild. Have you given any more thought as to the direction you would like to take?” Headmaster Wavernjack asked.
“I have given it a lot of thought,” I answered. “I’m not ready to go and work on my magic alone,” I explained. If possible, I would like to audit several courses.”
“Fabulous idea,” replied the Headmaster, a smile came across his face and his eyes lit up. I had nothing but the utmost respect for Seaster Wavernjack, however, I found it humorous that a half-orc had developed such sophistication and charm to reach the highest position in a magic academy. Let alone the white necromancy he practiced. He towered over me with his large stature, a reminder that he was not fully human, but not fully orc. We continued walking down the hallway that was more spectacular than before. The white and black marble floors appeared to be vastly different than before, however, they still sparked the reminder of the battle I endured here, where Hamon pleaded with me to leave him. My attitude toward this hallway subsided some with the note that I found from Hamon, indicating that he was in fact still alive. Headmaster Wavernjack interrupted my thoughts and continued, “I was indeed hoping that you would decide to stay and train here. I went ahead and arranged a schedule that will have the greatest impact on your refinement and training on your magic ability.”
“Oh?” I asked. Caught off guard by Wavernjack’s foresight and initiative. “What did you come up with?” I asked.
“I wasn’t certain if we would get Draererth rebuilt in time for the new school year. Needless to say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how things have turned out,” he said as he admired the craftsmanship of the new Draererth. Wavernjack paused and turned to face outward of the interior balcony. His hands leaned on the marble-carved balustrade as we found ourselves overlooking the newly rebuilt library. The jewel of Draererth.
The Elders of the Order remodeled the library in white marble, a sharp contrast from the wood and stone that the previous library had. The metamorphosed limestone vastly lightened up the athenaeum, making the previous look like a library fit for a popper, where this one was now fit for royalty.
The entrance to the library was located off of a corridor on the first floor. It contained tens of thousands of books on the shelves. Since the books were not fully recreated yet, the Elders had arranged for Sages from the surrounding villages to come and transcribe several of the tomes that we borrowed from magic academies in the area. Most magic academies were attacked by the Demon Lord’s horde; however, many books were not entirely damaged and could be transcribed. The Demon Lord destroyed our library the most out of all the magic academies. Therefore, we relied on our relationships with the other magic academies to restore our spell books.
Presently, the Sages were sequestered away in a vault in the back of the library not to be interrupted by the preoccupied students who needed spell books out of desperation to study for one of their exams.
After Wavernjack took a moment to admire the progress of Draererth, he turned and said, “Your study time will now be split among different Evoker teachers. That is the school of magic you’d still wish to pursue?”
“Yes, I would like to develop my elemental magic abilities.”
“I was still hoping you would choose necromancy, but not everyone is cut out to deal with the dead. They can be tough to deal with at times. I totally understand.”
“I don’t think that is my calling,” I replied.
“Not many are called toward necromancy. I agree, you have an advanced, natural ability with Evocation. You should stick with that,” concluded Headmaster Wavernjack. He continued, “So, the time that you would have spent with Hamon, you will now spend with the top Evokers at Draererth.”
A pit in my stomach formed at the mention of Hamon. I mustered up the words to ask, fearing the answer, “Shouldn’t we go and look for Hamon. We know he’s nearby and injured.”
“We will in due time. Rather you will. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear,” he muttered.
Hearing this, I responded, “But I am ready.”
“Has he appeared?” Wavernjack retorted.
“No,” I answered, lowering my eyes at the obvious point the headmaster made.
“Well then, it is clear that you are not ready. Not yet at least.” Wavernjack must have realized my discouragement by our interaction. He continued, “Complete your classes first. Learn from the Evoker professors that I have arranged for you to train under. Do as you are instructed. The last thing I would ever want is you to put yourself in a situation where you are unprepared. What if you or one of your friends gets hurt—”
Wavernjack must have realized what he said. As he attempted to a hasty retreat, “Sorry. I should not have said that. I know the wounds are still fresh regarding Agnes. Draererth has lost on our best. She had progressed so much at the little time she spent here. Please know that she is in a better place now. She wanted me to tell you,” Wavernjack expand as he touched my forearm to comfort me.
I had pushed down my feelings from my recently departed friend. I felt responsible for her untimely death, and now I was experiencing all of those emotions come to the surface. Shaking, I replied, “I won’t go and look for Hamon. Not until I am ready,” I promised. My body shivered more at the vision that came into my head during that night, “I will not go until I pass each of my classes and my instructors have full confidence in me.”
“Let’s go this way,” Wavernjack pointed down a hallway. We walked in silence for the rest of the way. As we neared an open classroom door, I could hear the instructor inside. “This is your first class,” explained the Headmaster. He handed me a small piece of paper.
“What is this?” I asked, looking at a list of classes written on the small-sized paper. Headmaster Wavernjack had already turned when I looked up and was walking in the opposite direction.
His voice echoed in the hallway, answering my question, “Your new schedule.”
Still bewildered by the exchange between Headmaster Wavernjack and myself, I stared puzzled at my new schedule.
It read:
Elemental Elements Kyna Lathurna
Dastardly Defense Jahom Wolford
Arcane Alignment Ebeus Wizhal
Energy Enragement Izahl Shofarihm
Evoke from Within Sikalis Affrin
Looks interesting enough, perhaps I can fill in some of the gaps in my education. Some spells I am able to do really well and are advanced, where others I must have skipped over during my studies with Hamon. I was so wrapped up in learning the lost and undiscovered spells that I had overlooked several of the fundamental spells. As I thought about it more, I was relieved that the Headmaster had arranged all of this for me. That way I would be exceptionally prepared when I set out to find Hamon. I quickly took a glance at my stat sheet. It had been some time since I took a glance at it.
Edward MacAra
Level: 3
Class: Mage
XP: 900
Alignment: Lawful Good
HP: 12/12
AC: 11
Proficiency Bonus: +2
Strength 8 (-1)
Dexterity 12 (+1)
Constitution 10 (+0)
Intelligence 25 (+6)
Wisdom 14 (+2)
Charisma 10 (+0)
Ability Proficiency: Intelligence, Wisdom
Ability Saving Throw: Intelligence, Wisdom
Skills: Arcana, Insight
Class Features: Arcane Recovery, Spell Casting, Arcane Tradition (Evocat
ion)
Interesting. I was a Level 3 Mage, that was extremely exciting. When I first entered Draererth, I was a mere Level 1. I took pride in all the experience I had gained over the last year and a half. I would have never thought that I would be living out one of my favorite activities in my previous life. Playing Dungeons and Dragons as a high schooler were some of my most cherished memories, and even learning spells and magic up to a Level 3 seemed to be much more than I ever could have wished for. Just think, I wanted to be a doctor. Heck with being a doctor, I’m a wizard!
I took a moment to examine my unique talents.
Unique Talents
Eidetic Memory
Silent Spell Casting*
Dual Casting*
*denotes talents not yet utilized
I remember that I gained the silent spell cast and the dual cast before Lord Abraxas burned Draererth to the ground, however, I never had the chance to ask Hamon how to use them. Perhaps I could ask one of the professors assigned to me.
Then I noticed something interesting. I had scores outlined to my skills.
Skills
Strength
Athletics -1
Dexterity -1
Acrobatics -1
Sleight of Hand -1
Stealth -1
Intelligence
Arcana +8
History +6
Investigation +6
Nature +6
Religion +6
Wisdom
Animal Handling +2
Insight +4
Medicine +2
Perception +2
Survival +2
Charisma
Deception +0
Intimidation +0
Performance +0
Persuasion +0
I hadn’t noticed this before. Apparently, my Arcana Intelligence is the highest. No wonder I had the ability to recall spells, eldritch symbols, runes, and magical traditions with ease. I hoped I could leverage this somehow.
Then I noticed the spells I knew where outlined.
Spells Per Day
Cantrips: 3
Ray of Frost
Firebolt
Light
Level 1 Spells: 3
Magic Missile
Shield
Burning Hands
Charm Person
Mage Armor
Clearly, I’m going to have to add to my spell list. I was certain that I could do this quickly. Some spells that I did know weren’t on this list. Perhaps, I did not know them that well, so they were not labeled. Again, this should be my focus for this year. Then I can go get Hamon and bring him back to Draererth.
“Oh goodness! Sorry!” I examined as I stepped to head into the classroom where my first class was being held.
“Ed!” shouted a familiar voice.
Recognizing the voice instantly, I lifted my head, “Yves! It’s so good to see you. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good. I went back for a few weeks to see my parents and to recover from our little adventure. How about you?”
“I’ve stayed here mostly. I worked nearly every day in rebuilding Draererth. I just received my new schedule,” I explained.
“You’re still going to take classes here?” Yves asked.
“Yes. Headmaster Wavernjack and I were just discussing my class schedule, mentor, and plan for my magic development. Do we have any of the same classes?” I said as I pulled out my paper to compare with her.
“My schedule has been completely re-done as well. I have none of the same professors as last year,” explained Yves as she pulled out her sheet of paper.
I compared the list of classes and concluded, “No, we don’t have any classes together. Strange, I thought we would at least have one class together, you know, like last year.”
“I know, I would have thought at least one,” affirmed Yves. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Walter come up the stairs. Somethings do not change; he was as clumsy as he ever was. I thought I was going to see him trip on the last step. That’s all we’d need, for him to bust his knee on the new, slick, and sharp black and white marble floor.
He must have seen Yves and I talking in the hallway because he came right up to us. “Hey, guys! Great seeing you two. How have you been?”
Yves and I both answered, “Good.”
“Hey! I just received a new schedule from Headmaster Wavernjack. He gave it to me as I was headed to my original class. I have completely new classes, what about you two?”
“Mine are all different,” answered Yves. “I was just showing Ed. I have completely different classes from last year. I was under the impression that I would continue on with all of the same instructors. But they’re all different.”
I explained, “I wasn’t certain if I would be taking classes this year but decided to a few days ago. Wavernjack had a schedule prepared for me. I’m supposed to get a new mentor as well. Someone to replace Hamon, for the time being at least.”
“That’s right, I heard he was alive. Why are you not out looking for him?” Walter asked.
“Headmaster Wavernjack does not think I am prepared enough. He wants me to pass all of my classes before I go out and find him,” I explained.
“That makes sense, given what happened to Agnes,” replied Walter, he’s terse statement did not bode well with me.
“We were out there to save you,” I reminded.
“Right. After we had to flee Gilmore to save you,” retorted Walter. He had a point.
“Sorry, I don’t want to speak about what happened to Agnes,” I admitted. “Let’s see your schedule. I wonder if we have any classes together.” Knowing we probably didn’t, I wanted to at least check anyway. I had far more magical abilities than Walter, so I was confident we would not have any classes together.
I soon confirmed my suspicions, “Nope. No classes together.
“Wow! You have the course Arcane Alignment. I wish I could have taken that class,” said Walter as he held my paper in his hand.
“Maybe next semester,” I replied while snatching the paper out of his hands. Being back at Draererth and the wounds of Agnes’ death still fresh, Walter went back to annoying me. Momentarily, I had really felt for him and his past, but now he was riling up my feathers again. I found him to be an entitled, spoiled brat. For some reason, I resented Walter. I did not want this to be the case. Not again, but I could not help the way I felt. I blamed him. I blamed him for everything. Good thing Cecily was not here, or there would be no one to stop us as we each ganged up on him. Seeing Yves was a nice reminder of the home I made for myself at Draererth, but seeing Walter drug up everything I hated about this world…and the last one that I was in.
Something did cross my mind. I thought I would have been the only one to receive new classes since I wasn’t planning on taking any classes anyway. I mean, I was the one to get the Magi Staff and nearly single-handedly brought down Lord Abraxas, well at least stuffed him back into the Abyss. I wondered why both Yves and Walter received new classes as well. Walter’s was even hand-delivered by Headmaster Wavernjack. That must have been where he rushed off to when he gave me my new class schedule.
Yves interrupted my thoughts, “Why don’t we meet for lunch after our classes.”
“Great idea!” Walter exclaimed.
“Sure, sounds like a good idea,” I muttered. “My class is right there,” I said pointing to the open door that we stood in front of. “I’m sure I am late, I should be heading in now,” I whispered as I went inside.
As I walked into the classroom, right by the entryway of the room, students played a game that I had never seen before. The student mages stood in a group, one set of five students on one half of the classroom, and the other set of five students on the other side. Above where they stood was a target, where one person from each group took a turn, directing a dart at the target by only using magic.
These student mages were much older than I was, since this was an advanced class. I watched as one student nearly h
it the bullseye of the opposing team’s target. In addition to the target shot, the remainder of the students attempted to guard their tower from miniature fireballs that were shot across the classroom by the other students.
Game: Towers & Targets
DC: 15
Goal: Accrue the highest points on the target and maintain the most intact tower in a contest against another team.
I watched small orbs of red and orange colors go flying across that classroom in a flurry, while the students attempted to counter the fireballs to protect their tower.
Both teams cast miniature fireball at the other tower.
Spell: Miniature Fireball
School: Evocation
Skill Level: Cantrip
Effect: A miniature fiery ball of flames about the size of a marble can be directed at a target.
The classroom filled with a blaze of orange fireballs ping ponging across the room. All I saw were balls of fire fluttering across the classroom. “Goodness, gracious,” I muttered to myself, amazed at this type of game.
In the center of the classroom with exquisite concentration, stood Zagras. “Hurry Zagras,” one student shouted as Zagras aimed the dart at the target.
“Hold on, I’ve got to cast Shield first, to protect the towers,” replied Zagras, concentrating on what he was doing. “Clipeum!” Zagras shouted, summoning a transparent-blue disc, ricocheting the small fiery balls of flames that were once headed straight for the tower.
Zagras cast shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
The tall, young mage with brown short hair wore a white robe with gold embroidery on the sleeves. He appeared to be precise and have extreme focus. While I watched him, I admired the amount of precision he took with each rune manipulation.
