Contraption, Quest, and Conspiracy

Will knew slavery in Fermion was legal, but he bothered to concern himself with it. Yesterday, he told Dhriti that he would have to think about it. Will was not in favor of slavery, not because it was a moralist, but on the grounds of productivity. Based on every dataset Will had seen, slaves had the lowest rates of productivity.

Productivity was profit. Only a fool would choose to own slaves unless they were very desperate or lack resources. Will neither was desperate nor lacked resources. What purpose would slavery serve besides slowing down his already profitable company?

But, still, a blacksmith was a blacksmith, and he need a blacksmith. He needed a blacksmith to build the bicycle frames and attach them to the cartwheels. What Will lacked right now for his bicycle was a blacksmith, leatherworker, basketweaver, and lots of metal. In truth, Will was also not sure which metal he should choose, copper or iron? Copper was cheaper, but iron was stronger. He'd have to ask.

In his Battle Tactics class Retired General vont Ying, lectured on when and how to use different spears, swords, and bows to your advantage and disadvantage. Additionally, she lectured on how to use the terrain to your advantage with each weapon.

"Remember archers are more effective on high terrain, spears work well against calvary, it's better to start fighting with spears than sword and shield. If you find your enemy has the high ground, withdrawal and look for better terrain," Retired General vont Ying lectured all week long on finer points.

In Will's Troop Leadership class, Marshall vont Cheng instructed students on common troop formations, how to rely on their subordinates. Marshall vont Cheng also had them practice issuing commands, using their 'commander voice.'

Will's Conjuring class, focused on spell crafting and shorter casting time. Professor vont Arguelles's lecture continued to review the principles of casting, mana manipulation. This less coupled well with Elder Thaddeus' early morning sparing session. Will was able to use the knowledge he gained in this class, and at the same time, he could use this class to improve his sparing with his master.

For Transfiguration, Magister Wright had the students transfigure non-animated objects to other non-animated objects. This class proved the hardest for Will. Where, unlike other classes, he could rely on previous knowledge or talent, for this class he couldn't rely on either. This made the class both the most challenging and rewarding.

For noble etiquette, the class practiced dining etiquette. Marshall vont Cheng and Retired General vont Ying made students pair up with opposite gender classmates and practice eating nobly. Will realized that his table manners were a bit lacking when he dined with Marlicia vont Hernandes. Which coincidentally was also the topic of the week at both the Knight and Mage Academy. Will was paired with Chole. Will and Chloe did their best to hold in their laughter as Marshall vont Cheng and Retire General vont Ying provided tips.

The Formation class was Will's hardest class. This was another week where Will struggled to construct the earth mana gathering formation. Will was once again stuck at connecting the second rotating pentagon. Will visualized a 4D mountain made from rotating pentagons, but his imagination was the only progress Will made.

In Arcan Blacksmithing Master Duncan had Will continue to stock the fires and cast [radar] on different metals. Will sat next to the furnace as Master Duncan lectured on exact heat to smelt various metals.

"Master Duncan, if I wanted to build a light chair, on wheels, would I use copper or iron?" Will asked.

"Oh, is this one of your new business, moveable chairs. It's not very innovative, is it? What is the difference between moving a chair and rolling a chair? Either would work, both are cheap metals, but I would use an iron pipe is slightly heavier, but more durable and it stands up better to the elements," Master Duncan chuckled at Will's moveable chair.

But, at least Will had the answer to his question on which to use for his bicycle frame.

In the library, Will wrote the points cadets earned or lost onto cards and sent them to the pagoda. Thanks to the new system, Will's work-study hours were cut in half and Will could speed through the list of cadets. In his free time, he read the laws and customs around slavery.

At the Guardian Guild, Will, Grace, and Sarah worked hard to get both the students' and army's supplies, order and delivered in a timely manner. Worse for Will, there was very little overlap, which meant more time-consuming work; but on a good note, it also meant more middle-man money. The money Will was earning was so profitable, he was able to pay Chloe and Sarah a weekly wage of 60 silvers.

This only served to put a spotlight on the Quartermaster Command Post. The Quartermaster Command Post, which was once seen as a graveyard position for students, had grown in popularity. Marshall Rolf was sent several letters from students and parents, asking him to add them or their children to the Quartermaster Command Post.

On the third day of the week, Bradley vont Alms walked into Quartermaster Command Post.

"Will do you have a moment to talk in private," Bradley asked excitedly.

At this point, everyone knew that Bradley and Will were planning something, and this broad display of a private meeting prompted many to stop what they were doing and stare.

"Grace, Sarah, do you mind stepping out for a bit. I'm a little peckish. Feel free to spend some of my points to purchase a snack for you two, bring something back as well," Will said.

Both women knew Will well enough to know when he wanted privacy. They both agreed they were a bit hungry as well and walked to the snack bar on the first floor of the pagoda.

The women locked the door, behind them and left to get walked downstairs to get some snacks.

"Hey what's going on in there?" a cadet asked Grace and Sarah. Everyone was thinking the same thing, he just blurted it out first.

"Bradley is ordering some parts for the Engineering Command Post?" Sarah said nonchalantly.

"If that's the case, why didn't he place the order with you and Grace, like the rest of us?" another cadet asked.

"It must have something to do with the war effort, I don't know?" Grace said.

"Mind your business and get back to what you were doing!" Marshall Rolf yelled.

Hearing Marshall Rolff, all at once, everyone began moving again, albeit taking quick looks at the Quartermaster's office.

Bradley looked at Will and gave a knowing smile.

"Will, I think I finally found something. Someone was able to build a flying object in the past with a dragon beast core and runes. They used runes to empower a dragon core to make a ship hover off the ground. The book also said, dragon bones were necessary but didn't say how. The book was rather tattered, and I wasn't able to check it out of the library. The library staff feared it might fall apart," Bradley whispered excitedly.

"Great job, we found our first clue. Do you know where we might find a dragon core?" Will asked.

"Dragons are very rare, and I don't think anyone's seen a dragon in a thousand years. However, Wyverns are common. My father has Wyvern core on display in our house, " Bradley said.

"Okay, well how do we go about getting the Wyvern core?" Will asked.

"I don't know ask your master, " Bradly replied.

"Okay, then is that it?" Will asked.

"No, based on my estimate we need a seamstress to make us a giant blanket, an air mage, and a rune crafter. I know the Mage Academy has a rune crafter class, will you ask your master if I can take that class? I know it's a long shot, but it's always been my dream to be a rune crafter," Bradley said.

With that, both boys called their secret meeting over, and Bradley left just as Grace and Sarah were walking back up the stairs with an armful of snacks.

In the evening, at the cottage, Will and Elder Thaddeus were eating dinner. Dinners were much quieter without Teacher Eleanor. Her chair was still empty and Will caught glances of Elder Thaddeus looking at the empty chair with sorrow in his eyes. For some reason it made Will feel better knowing he wasn't the only one still grieving her loss.

"Master, where can I find a wyvern core?" Will asked.

The question caught Elder Thaddeus by surprise, "why do you wish to know?"

"Bradley and I are trying to build something, and recommend we purchase a wyvern core," Will said.

"Oh, that explains his interest in books about runes and arcane artificers. His book choices seemed a little unexplained, thank you for the context. Wyvern cores are extremely rare. There might be less than a hundred in the whole kingdom. Unless someone bequeathed you one or auctions one, your best chance will be to file a quest with the Adventurers' Guild," Elder Thaddeus said.

"Also master, is there a chance you can help Bradley get into the Rune class at the Mage Academy?" Will asked.

"I'm sorry Will there is not. Timothy vont Alms already tried to get Bradley into the Ma Academy. While the child is smart, he does not have much mana. I'm sorry Will. Your best chance to build your flying contraption would be to hire a Rune Master and air mage. This is exactly what I told Bradly this afternoon," he said.

And then added, "I would love to see a flying contraption. I do hope you both are able to make it work. I know some excellent professors would gladly aid you in your quest," he smiled and continued eating.

"Thank you, master," Will replied returning to his dinner.

On the fifth day of the week, after Will's classes finished, Will went to the Adventurers Guild, since he did not have any electives on that day.

The Adventures Guild was near Guidon's southern gate. The Adventure's guild was a large rectangular building, that also doubled as a tavern.

When Will entered the building on there was a festive mode. Drunk men and women merely sang songs of triumph, danger, and death.

In his Knight Academy uniform, Will stood out as he approached the counter. He saw greeted by a beautiful woman with short black hair and brown eyes.

"You look too young to be a 4th yea cadet. Anyway, 4th can't register with us until they graduate," the woman cheerfully explained to Will.

"No, you misunderstand. I want to place a quest," Will shouted over the cheers and signing.

"To place a quest, you must pay 50 silver, and the amount you'll pay for the completion of the quest. Here's a form you can fill out, but we warned if you don't pay enough it won't be enticing to adventures to complete your quest," she add with a smile.

Will started filling out the form, when the clerk shouted, "oh goddess, your William vont Ballard?"

At the mention of his name, the Adventurers Guild became silent. Everyone turned and looked towards the counter. The cheerful fellows and ladies now looked like ravenous, rabid dogs ready to kill Will, without a single thought. Will could feel the layers of bloodlust in the room.

Grabbing the hilt of his sword, Will was ready to fight his way out of the building. William responded, "Yes, I'm William vont Ballard."

"Hey everyone Marcus' little brother is here!" the clerk shouted to cheers.

People came over to say hi to Will. They shared funny and daring stories about his brother Marcus. Apparently, Marcus was known for being an escape artist, he had escaped from some dangerous adventure and some unsuspecting noble husbands. All the stories made Will cry tears of laughter.

Will was used to being the center of attention, the main attraction. He relished being called Marcus' little brother like his accomplishment were obscurities. It felt liberating.

"So why'd you come here today, to put a bounty on your brother?" a person said, to a chorus of laughter.

"No, I came to place a quest for a Wyvern," Will said to a room empty of laugher.

The clerk looked at Will's paperwork and nodded, "Marcus' rich little brother is looking for a wyvern core," she confirmed to the quiet room.

Addressing Will, the clerk said, "that will be 60 silvers and bounty, please?"

Will handed the clerk 500 gold and 60 silver, in the silent room whistling was heard, and Will could feel the bloodlust return.

***

In Fermion's capital, a royal adviser rang into the thrown room shouting. Thankfully, the day's business concluded, and except for the advisor and general, the royal court had left for the day.

"Your majesty here is the latest report," cried a civil advisor to the king.

"Are you sure this is correct? This is very curious. Why would William post a quest for a wyvern, 1000 cartwheels, a carriage, three giant oval blankets, and request a Rune Master and air mage?" the king questioned.

"We're not sure your majesty, maybe he wants to absorb the magic from the mana core?" said another civil advisor apologetically.

"Sire, maybe Will is planning to sabotage the kingdom's war effort?" said a military advisor.

"Sabotage the war? Is that the best you got, his Quartermaster duties have immensely helped the army prepare for the upcoming war, you think all that work is a big rouse? another military advisor laughed.

"Is this another business venture then?" said an economic adviser.

"Yes, I agree he must be preparing for a new business. I cannot wait to learn the details," said a second economic adviser.

"Sire, our best guess is that he and Bradley vont Alms are building a flying machine," whispered the concealed spymaster in the king's ear.

"A flying machine," yelled the king in surprise.

The entire royal chamber went silent.

"Your majesty, are you sure? Just think of the military advantage we would have if we could attack from the air. Our military would be unparalleled," said the first military adviser.

"Your majesty, air travel would benefit, not only the military but also, the kingdom's civil and economic sectors as well. Sire, if we allow William vont Ballard and Bradley vont Alms to build a flying machine then they'll gain control too much power. Sire, we can not allow that to happen!" said the first civil advisor.

"Sire, how many times have people tried to create a flying machine in the past, and it never worked. Why should we get excited about the delusions of a 14-year-old boy?" said the second civil advisor.

"Concerning the second civil advisor, never before in our history has someone had the money and resources to build a flying machine. There is a small chance, young William vont Ballard may actually accomplish what has never been done in human history," said the first economic advisor.

"Spymaster, double the spies around young William vont Ballard. General, increase the guards stationed in Guidon. I have a feeling that we'll see a flying machine in the future.