The giant piles of precious ores have to be the most shocking thing Cain has seen in a long time. They have several mining teams in high-level dungeons, but this volume is insane.
According to the Bears, it is all thanks to the Summons. They know of an Elemental Hound who can sense underground ore, so they have managed to find every hidden deposit and precious vein in every dungeon the mining teams have entered.
The outreach programs are working amazingly well too, and Svetlana has received a commendation from King James for the Guild's work to help stabilize and heal the nation over the past few weeks while the majority of the Nobles and their armies have been away, taking over Niman Territory.
The only concerning issue is the single notification that Cain received from the System.
[Awakened Experience reduced by 99 percent in nonawakened areas.]
That's enough for Cain to call back his Echoes after their final run. If he is receiving 1 percent of what he could be, he might as well look for higher level places.
Sure, that's still more than the average transfer because of the number of summons, but how inefficient is that? Unacceptably inefficient.
Instead, Cain focuses on the Spellcrafting Book. In the early stages of training it is similar to an advanced version of Inscription, one that doesn't need fancy materials and in later stages it can create new skills.
There is a template and an example spell at Ancient Quality in the book, the easiest of abilities that the skill is intended to create. Spellcrafting can't be used by anyone but those with Ancient Blood, and you must be Awakened to learn the craft, as his System informed him the first time he opened the description.
Cain looks over the spell with his pen at the ready, preparing to do some serious learning.
[Summon Companions] Ancient Quality. Summon a permanent companion from species categories you are familiar with. Quality increases with knowledge.
Seriously? His single most remarkable ability is the introductory training primer for Spellcrafting?
Cain can't tell how many of the voices in his head are laughing at him, but he's pretty sure it is at least two more than he is currently merged with.
Fine, page two.
[Recall] Mythic Quality. Spellcrafter Only. An essential skill for every wayward child and shirking employee. It returns you home when the ability is used from anywhere in the world.
Now that's the sort of spell that Cain could make good use of. The instructions are clear and step-by-step since it is expected to be the second spell that trainees create. Cain follows them to the letter, slowly understanding the concept behind what he is doing and how mana control can substitute for materials, at least for an Ancient.
He even completed the spell successfully on his first try, feeling very proud of himself
[Skill Gained: Spellcrafting Apprentice 1]
[Spell Learned: Recall]
"So, you are going to create new skills and spells to empower the Guild you tasked with improving the world? Cyrene spoke highly of you, but you are even more impressive in person." A voice announces from near Cain's knee.
"Oh, it is you, Brazz. It is good to meet you properly. I've heard you are very dedicated to the Good Work of the Guild Outreach programs?" Cain greets the Crusader.
That gives him an idea, Spellcrafting isn't meant for simple things like a Summoned mount, but there might be something in the book he could use instead of giving her the Bonded Mount skill book that is so popular with the Goblins and Neffie.
There, page 23 has an option. It looks complex, but it is usable by any bipedal mammal. There aren't any class restrictions on this book though some the he flipped past have skill requirements. Without class restrictions, this ability might be perfect for the Guild.
"Wait here. I want to try making you a new ability called [Noble Steed]." Cain tells her, beginning his work.
This one is also an Ancient Ability, which shouldn't pose a problem later for her progression like a Mythic Ability which caused her to be labeled awakened would. It is still in the essential utility section, which all Spell Crafters are expected to learn and use, so he will have to do it at least twice. Once for her and once for his own utility.
It takes him three tries because he missed multiple lessons along the way, doing this out of order, but he does get it completed.
[Skill Learned: Noble Steed]
Like before, he learned the skill and was left with the physical written copy. But the moment Cain hands it to Brazz, the stack of paper changes into an impressively bound Ancient Skill book.
[Brazz Received Ancient Skill Book of Mounted Protector] is announced through the whole Manor on everyone's interface.
"Interesting, the skill had a different name in the book," Cain mutters as Guild Members come rushing in to see what Brazz has received.
She hugs the hefty tome tight to her body, smiling as she cries, so Cain picks the Gnome up and hugs her.
"I know it is a lot to take in. Just breathe, and then when you are calm, you can use the book." Cain whispers, stroking her back as she calms down.
"Sorry, it was a bit of a shock. Alright, I've got this. I am learning an Ancient Skill. I can do this. Just have to use the book." Brazz slowly psyches herself up before finally finding enough emotional stability to let her activate the book and learn the skill.
"Why don't we go outside and see what you have learned?" Cain suggests, leading the whole intrigued group out into the lawn of assorted herbs and fruit trees.
She summons the Steed and is lifted into the air by a glowing light. A horse-shaped ball of light grows underneath her, gradually turning bright white and then growing wings. The Steed for her [Mounted Protector] is a Pegasus.
"Good morning." Cain greets the mount, who nods and whinnies at him.
"According to this, it doesn't just fly; it reduces damage taken and allows me to Summon an Ancient Quality shield and Lance to use the [Charge] skill.
Brazz summons both, the tip of the 5-meter-long Lance pointed up into the air before suddenly apologizing to the Pegasus. "Sorry, so sorry. She can fly, she. Of course, a Pegasus is not an it. I didn't mean anything by it, just poor grammar."
Her attempts to console her annoyed mount are a great source of amusement for everyone, so Brazz opts to fly away to avoid the embarrassment.
