Spatial Skills

Asher carefully looked over the enhancement grimoire. He wanted to learn the element skill. However, the enhancement element did not have magic circles like the other magics. The lack of magic circles made it difficult for Asher to wrap his head around how the spell would even work. The spell circle was a map of how the mana flows through the environment.

He gave up trying to understand the essence of chakra and energy maps that grimoire described. Asher placed the grimoire in his inventory before pulling out the space element grimoire. He flipped through the list of skills, carefully considering how to use each. Asher came across two spells that were very similar to each other.

The names were 'Repulse and 'Withdraw.' They were mirror reflections of each other and would allow Asher to attack from any angle. The spells manipulated the flow of space, like stretching and compressing a spring. 'When you release the spring, it immediately snapped back to its former shape. The fabric of freedom is the same as the spring.

The spells compressed or stretched the space between two objects, with one being the anchor. The anchor would be unaffected, but the other would be launched toward or away from the anchor. Asher summoned his broadsword and held it out straight in front of him. He focused on the magic circle for 'Repulse.' A magic circle formed around his wrist.

The silver circle began to glow, triggering the spell. The broadsword launched forward. It flew out of Asher's hand and sunk into a tree. The force was strong enough that the broadsword did not even wobble. Asher then focuses on the spell 'Withdraw.' The spell circle appeared around his wrist again. It was like the reverse of the 'repulsion' spell.

Asher focuses on the broadsword. It did not budge from the tree trunk. Asher focused harder, causing the circle to glow in brighter silver light. The sword began to shake a little. He strengthened his focus on the blade, causing the circle to shine brighter and brighter. The sword finally came free. It flew out of the tree at high speed toward Asher.

Asher hit the ground as the sword flew over him. The blade would have taken his head if he did not drop to the ground. Asher looked at the sword, which cleaved halfway through a tree. "New rule. Don't practice space magic with sharp weapons." Asher instinctively rubbed his throat where the sword would have hit if he had not dodged.

Asher grabbed the hilt, which vanished in specks of light as Asher placed the sword back in his inventory. As Asher walked away to continue to practice, he heard the sound of something cracking behind him, followed by a loud crash. Asher turned to see that the tree he pulled the sword out of was lying on the ground. Asher took a quick look around.

When Asher saw no one around, he turned and quickly walked away. "I was never here."

Asher walked away until he walked right up to the lake. The water was a pristine blue and reflected the sun's light beautifully. "This would be a perfect spot for a picnic," Asher stated as he smelt the fresh, clean air. Asher found a rock on the ground and an idea formed in his head.

He grabbed the rock and tossed it. The spell for 'Withdraw' appeared around his wrist. As if it had a will, the stone flew back toward Asher. The silver spell changed to 'Repulse,' and the rock flew away again. Asher played with the spells like this, switching between 'Repulse' and 'Withdraw.'

Asher soon learned that he could pick out points in the area. Soon the rock was flying around the lake as if it was alive. The stone would fly up, left, right, down. The rock darted around the lake as if it was a fairy. Asher finally called the rock back to his hand. It flew around, and he caught it as it fell into his hand. The system chimed that he had successfully learned the spells. However, there was another skill added.

[Congratulations! You have learned the spatial spell. 'Repulse']

[Congratulations! You have learned the spatial spell. 'Withdraw']

[Congratulations! You have learned spatial skill. 'Sparatic Control']

[Repulse (LV .1)]

Type: Spatial

Quality: C

Mastery: 0%

[This spell bends the fabric of reality to push anything away from the designated area. The user is not affected by the fluctuation of space. This spell can be strengthened by adding more mana to it.]

[Cost: 5 MP]

[Withdraw (LV. 1)]

Type: Spatial

Quality: C

Mastery: 0%

[This spell bends the fabric of reality to pull anything toward the designated area. The user is not affected by the fluctuation of space. This spell can be strengthened by adding more mana to it.]

[Cost: 5 MP]

[Sparatic Control]

Type: Spatical Skill

Quailty: A-

Mastery: 0%

[This spell marks an object. The user can control the fluctuations around the object during the duration. The user can telepathically control an object within 30 meters of them. If a managed object leaves the control range, the spell will be canceled.]

[Cost: 50 MP]

[Duration: 10 minutes]

Asher was amazed that he could acquire a spatial element skill along with the two spells. A new fighting style was now available for him. Asher thought long about how to maximize his talents. Asher looked at his status to find that he only had 5 MP left.

Asher could not fight more slimes like this. He thought about using a mana potion but decided not to conserve his potions as the low-health potion only recovered half his health. The potion removed cuts and bruises but did not relieve the soreness.

Luckily, Asher had three days to finish the mission as that is the average time for mercenaries of his level need to complete the mission. He already had the amount needed, but he wanted to test his new skills. Also, if he got more, he might impress the alchemist. Asher decided to head home and return tomorrow to practice.

=======================

Entering the manor ground was much easier than exiting. Asher summoned the mutate doppelganger and let it terrorize the guards while he slipped in through the same hole in the iron fence he used to leave. He had to admit watching the doppelganger running around as the guards kept trying to kill it did not make him feel good about his chances of them stopping an actual assassin.

Asher could not believe that this was supposed to be the people that we're the ones that were in charge of protecting him. Asher moved through the shadows, silently moving through the hallway. He came to the intersection where Henry was talking to Ms. Cratz.

"I am sorry, Valeria. But the young master is ill and unable to see anyone, and the duke has expressly forbidden it."

"I know, but I want to know how he is. All anyone would tell me was that he had that nasty disease," Cratz complained. She folded her arms in a huff as she was not allowed to pass.

"I can assure you. We are doing everything in our power to ensure he will be okay. We have some of the kingdom's top healers coming. There is nothing you can do," Henry explained. "You should be getting ready to leave, and aren't you leaving in a month?"

"I am well aware when I am leaving, but that doesn't mean I don't care about my wards." The sentiment touched Asher.

"Do you know where you are going to go?"

"Yes, a small barony in the south. They have three kids, with the oldest just turning 4."

"I see," Henry pushed his glasses up his nose. "With that distance, I doubt we will see much of each other. So on beneath of the Richt family and staff, thank you for your years of service."

"That is it. After all these years, I only get a simple thank you." Cratz sighed. "How many years have we known each other."

"About 30, if I had to guess."

"30 years and all you have to say is 'thank you for your service.' I pity these boys." Cratz had a sad look cross her face.

"How so?" Henry gave Ms. Cratz a questioning look.

"Those boys had their entire lives planned from the moment they were born. From 4 to 10, they would have a governess like me teach them about the world. Then after their awakening, they would spend six years perfecting magic control. Then after university, upon graduating, they would be forced to take on the role. They probably won't have a choice of who they marry."

"I suppose you are right."

Ms. Cratz looked out the window at the setting sun. "Most people think that the commoners are the ones that are trapped, but in truth, it is the nobles who are leashed like dogs. They forget that a gilded cage is still a cage."

Henry remained silent as Ms. Cratz turned to face him. "Do you remember that question I asked you all those years ago?"

"Yes, and I stand by my decision. Some might argue that my life could have been better if I had agreed, but I have had a fulfilling life. It has been an honor to serve the duke's family."

"I don't think dukedom will survive much longer. Asher is bedridden, and Jude is not mature enough to be ready to be in charge of the dukedom."

"I am sorry, but I have to disagree with you. I believe that when push comes to shove, you will be shocked by the outcome."

"You are not telling me the full story, are you." Ms. Cratz carefully examined Henry and sighed. "You always had a talent for secrets." She turned and began to walk away. "I just pray those secrets don't get you killed. I do not want to visit a graveside anytime soon."

When she was out of earshot, Henry turned toward Asher. "You know it is rude to easy drop." Asher disengaged his veil and stepped out from around the corner.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Asher was shocked that Henry could spot him again, and he was sure he was careful. "What did she mean by the question she asked before?"

"Valeria and I go a long way back. We have much history together. Though I doubt you are interested in old tales from an old man." Henry pushed up his glasses as he turned to walk away.

"Did you mean what you said about being shocked by the outcome?"

"Yes, I know that you are more capable than most. If I didn't think you could do it, I would have never let you have your little excursion." Henry walked away before stopping and looking back at Asher. "Oh, make sure your father does not find out about your little adventures, or it is both our heads." Henry laughed as he walked away.

Asher left the other way and continued to his room. When he finally got there, he summoned the enhancement grimoire and tried to decipher the book until he could not keep his eyes open.