Chapter 556: Chapter 555 – Another Vassal.

“UgHhH…”

“I did it!”

‘That was rather fast. No wonder so many people flock to this place.’

A woman, her face concealed, observed the defeated undead monster. Its body had mostly turned to dust after being struck by her spell scroll. The divine spell it contained was remarkably effective at dispatching tier-three monsters, something that should not have been so easily achieved. She examined the inscribed runes on the parchment and, despite all her current knowledge, could barely comprehend how such a feat was possible. Blending divine energies without a priest’s involvement contradicted everything known about magic in this world, and she could not wait to uncover more.

She glanced at her status screen, which displayed her progress. In just around a month inside this dungeon, she had gained more than forty levels, all thanks to her benefactor, Roland Arden. He was a mysterious man, the younger brother of her beloved Robert. Though the two shared similar appearances, Roland felt like he was not of this world. The things he could do and his knowledge went beyond the conventional understanding of this realm. He also did not truly act his age; he was always calm and collected, rarely showing emotion unless his wife or wolf was involved.

“That’s great! Are you going to attempt the ascension now?”

Robert stood beside her, keeping watch for any potential threats. He seemed even happier than she was that her journey to level one hundred fifty had finally come to an end. Though his helmet concealed his expression, the tone of his voice carried unmistakable joy. She, however, was not as ecstatic. Her life had changed so much, and she was not sure if she truly deserved all of this. But the moment Robert stepped closer and took her hand, all her doubts faded away, and she smiled.

“I’m not sure. It might be a bit too soon, and Sir Wayland wanted to see me before I attempted it.”

“He did? I bet he just wants to give you some advice and use that strange mind-restoring magic of his.”

“Hm… you might be right, but it felt like it was about something else.”

“Well, I’m sure he has something planned”

Robert said, his voice filled with admiration for his brother. Lucille couldn’t help but chuckle, recalling how strained Robert’s relationship with his younger brother had once been. He had confided in her many times about his past mistakes, carrying a heavy conscience over how he had treated Roland in their youth. Ever since Roland disappeared, Robert had been searching for a way to make amends. Now, working alongside the long-lost prodigy still felt like a dream, a dream she never wanted to wake up from.

This life was far better than the one her family had forced upon her. If not for the Arden siblings, she would have been trapped in a loveless marriage to an underage noble, her future dictated by duty rather than choice. Instead, she had found a life filled with adventure and excitement. She could study runic diagrams and schematics to her heart’s content, working alongside some of the finest dwarven craftsmen she had ever met.

And then there was Roland. He felt like a runic savant, someone capable of ushering in a new age of runic magic. She wanted to witness that transformation, to be part of it. But to do so, she needed to make herself useful.

“Shall we leave?”

“Yes, let us.”

With her decision made, Lucille and Robert began their ascent toward the surface. They were on the first level of the second dungeon, not far from the mining area and the checkpoint leading outside. Robert, ever the vigilant protector, kept his hand on the hilt of his sword as they walked, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

“It’s fine. There aren’t any monsters here”

Lucille said, hoping to ease his tension. But he would not relax. The armor she wore was equipped with technology from their benefactor, displaying a map of the area along with the exact locations of all the monsters on this floor. There was no chance of being ambushed, yet Robert refused to lower his guard.

“I heard a Lich escaped from this dungeon. There’s always a risk. We can never let our guard down in a place like this.”

“You’re probably right but we are almost there.”

Just as she expected, they arrived at the checkpoint without a problem. Thanks to their current identities, they were let through without any questions. Their personas as Durendal and Curtana were starting to garner a lot of respect, though most of it was focused on Robert, who had become a Knight Commander and had been given his own troops to train and lead. In a way, she felt slightly jealous of all the attention he was getting while she struggled to control just a few golems.

“Sir Durendal, Lady Curtana”

One of the soldiers greeted, stepping forward.

“The gate has been calibrated for your return.”

Robert gave a firm nod, then turned to Lucille.

“Are you ready?”

This gate had recently been established at this location. It was a miniature pathway, too small for large groups to pass through but sufficient for her training. The old entrance through the lava lake had been completed and was now used by the miners, while the teleportation gate was reserved for high-ranking members from Albrook. This gate was of lower quality and could not be used frequently, so traveling back and forth once per day was usually the limit.

“I’m ready.”

They approached a hidden area carved into one of the dungeon's walls. Inside was the gate they would be using. The runes flared brighter, and the space within the small archway twisted, forming a shimmering portal. Without hesitation, both of them stepped through and emerged on the other side in Roland’s underground workshop.

“Welcome back.”

A familiar voice greeted them. Roland stood before a massive and intricate runic schematic, something she could only dream of understanding. The runes were drawn with precise detail, but she had no real grasp of how to read them. Despite being given numerous research papers, she struggled to visualize these runes in a three-dimensional state and comprehend how that form influenced their internal operating system.

“I see you’ve completed your training.”

Lucille stepped forward, nodding hesitantly as she studied Roland’s expression. It was one of those rare days when he wasn’t hiding behind a helmet. The one she wore came off rather quickly; even after months, she still hadn’t gotten used to it.

“Yes, I have. My level has reached one hundred and fifty.”

She nodded again, confirming his question.

“But you are still lacking in your skills, as I recall?”

“That’s true, but it shouldn’t take much longer.”

Their conversation felt somewhat awkward. He wasn’t truly looking at her, his gaze fixed on the intricate schematic in front of him. Sometimes it felt as though he had eyes in the back of his head, always aware of his surroundings. While her levels and battle skills had all been maxed out, some abilities that couldn’t be improved through combat alone were progressing more slowly. Then there was the new skill she had acquired upon reaching level fifty in her Rune Mage class, one that would likely take time to develop.

Her new skill was a rare dual-type: both passive and active. It allowed her to expend mana to analyze complex runes but also increased their power. The Rune Mage class revolved around controlling and enhancing runes through magic. If she already understood a rune well, this skill would make it easier to use enchanted equipment, but as a Rune Mage, she still couldn’t create her own runes. Perhaps that would change once she reached Tier 3.

Higher-tier Rune Mages were said to be capable of invoking runic symbols and forming temporary spells from nothing. That was her ultimate goal, to become an Arch-Rune Mage, someone who didn’t rely on cumbersome metal to wield runes. However, achieving this was easier said than done. Her current class setup wasn’t ideal. She was both a Rune Mage and an Ice Mage, a combination that might lower her chances of acquiring a powerful advanced class.

“Aiming for the Master Rune Mage class?”

Roland’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as he finally turned away from the schematic.

“Ah, yes. That would be splendid!”

Professor Arion, her former teacher, was a Master Rune Mage. She wished to follow in his footsteps and had gathered all the necessary skills to qualify for the class. Now, all that remained was to enter the ascension space and undergo the class change.

“I see…”

“Is there something wrong? Is that a bad choice?”

Roland seemed to hesitate for a moment before shaking his head.

“Not necessarily. The Master Rune Mage is a powerful class. It’s excellent for controlling runes and manipulating the internal components… but there could be other options waiting for you.”

“Better options?”

She asked, unsure whether there were better options available or if she could even qualify for something superior. Even now, she wasn’t certain she could attain the Master Rune Mage class, as it typically required two rune-based classes. Arion had chosen Rune Mage as his first Tier 2 class and had followed it up with another rune-focused class, likely Rune Enhancer. She wasn’t entirely sure, but if she could turn back time and start over, that probably would have been her choice as well.

“Perhaps, I’m not sure yet, but it’s worth a try.”

Roland replied while glancing toward Robert, as if this had something to do with him. Lucille didn’t respond, sensing that Roland wasn’t finished speaking. She listened intently.

“As you know, Robert here unlocked a special path through his vow to me.”

“Yes? We discussed this before, but I’m not a knight, nor are there any mage contracts that work the same way… None without harsh consequences… ”

Lucille had done her research. Magical contracts that connected two people in a way similar to a knight’s vow of vassalage usually came with massive drawbacks. Most fell under the domain of dark magic, binding a person’s soul to powerful demons or sinister spellcasters in exchange for enhanced abilities, but at the cost of complete subservience.

“Roland, you can’t be asking Lucille to sign one of those slave contracts!”

Robert’s voice rose in anger, but Roland remained calm, cutting him off before he could overthink the situation.

“Calm down, I’m not. It’s not a contract or anything like that. It’s more of a persistent buff that could, perhaps, function similarly.”

“I’m not sure I understand, could you explain?”

Robert asked and Lucille leaned in to listen, this seemed to be some new development that Roland had in mind.

“It's not a contract in the traditional sense but a skill that I recently received. I'm not sure that it will work for the ascension but it seems safe and without any real drawbacks on your part.”

Roland took a deep breath before continuing, ensuring he had Lucille and Robert’s full attention.

“This new skill allows me to register up to three individuals as my vassals. Those who accept gain some buffs: enhanced mana regeneration, increased resilience, and a boost to their overall abilities. The effect is strongest when they are near me but remains even when they are farther away.”

Lucille tilted her head slightly, her analytical mind already dissecting the implications.

“And the drawback?”

“I will always know your location and If you try to attack me or betray me in some way, there might be some kind of backlash, I’m not sure the skill description was vague but I imagine it’s something similar to a knight's vow…”

“Then you mean!”

“I think it’s worth a try, we’ll see if it amounts to anything.”

Lucille was ecstatic, as she knew well how intriguing Robert’s new class was. He was a knight who could imbue runes into his armor—something that should only have been possible for a runesmith. She already knew that he had achieved this through gaining the Rune Mastery skill and performing the vow. So perhaps, if she did something similar with Roland here, a new opportunity would open itself to her.

“You don’t need to decide now, we can talk about it lat…”

Before Roland could finish his sentence, Lucille jumped forward to stop him.

“Later? No that won’t be necessary. I don’t need to think it through. Let’s perform the rite. Do I have to do something specific? Perhaps kneel?”

She had already been on board with making a knightly vow if it meant getting more involved with runic magic. However, when she noticed Roland looking somewhat uncomfortable at her willingness to go down on her knees, she blushed. Straightening herself, she remained in place, waiting patiently for him to perform his skill.

“Fine then. Accept it.”

‘Oh? Overlord?’

She knew her benefactor had a somewhat unique class, but she had never actually seen his status screen. It was an unusual title, considering she knew him as a skillful runesmith. Without thinking much, she quickly accepted and immediately, a strange power washed over her body.

“Oh!”

She gasped as a notification appeared—she had learned a new skill. The knowledge of how to use it rushed into her mind, similar to the sensation of an ascension trial.

“Is something wrong?”

Lucille glanced at the strange skill she had received. It wasn’t something a rune mage would typically have. She already possessed Rune Control, but that skill required physical contact with a runic object. This new ability, however, seemed to alleviate that limitation, allowing her to manipulate runes from a greater range.

“I’ve got a new skill,” she said.

“Did you get one of my skills, or is it something entirely new?” Roland asked.

“It’s called Rune Region.”

Roland nodded at her response but didn’t comment further. The bond had been formed, and with it came a trait that reinforced their connection.

Lucille felt the rush of mana coursing through her veins, an invigorating sensation unlike anything she had ever experienced before. The runes within the workshop felt startlingly close, as if she could sense their presence and access them without even needing to touch them. This was truly a magnificent feeling, something she had long yearned for.

“Incredible… I can feel the runes”

She whispered in awe as her fingertips tingled.

“I take it, you approve of this change?”

“Approve?”

“Yes. If you wish, I can always remove the skill if you change—”

Before he could finish, Lucille interrupted him again.

“No, please, never remove it! This is too grand of a gift! I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to repay you for your generosity. You’ve already done so much for me… how could I ever hope to repay you?”

She spoke quickly, shaking her head as if Roland had given her something invaluable. Then, out of nowhere, she raised her head, clenched her fists, and proclaimed with fiery passion.

“This is it! Sir Roland, I’ll make sure to get a great class and take control of those pesky golems! Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you! I’ll surely gain the Master Rune Mage class… No! something even better!”

With that, she stormed out of the workshop toward the training area, her eyes ablaze with passion. She was eager to test her new skill and refine the one she had just received.

“...”

“Well… at least she seems enthusiastic about it,” Roland muttered.

Robert chuckled before following Lucille to see what she was up to. Time was running out, but there was still an opportunity for one more person to reach their Tier 3 class.

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