Chapter 21: Magecraft Societies
I think, "Societies" refer to something like club? or something like Extracurricular Activities? or circle.
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[Sub-quest 6 Generating... First Generation Magic Crest
Quest Description: Since the Master has obtained a dragon scale fragment, the initial conditions for generating a Magic Crest have been met. The Master is now tasked with finding a Crest Maker and an Apothecary to complete the creation of the Magic Crest.
Quest Duration: No limit
Quest Reward: A random dragon-type magic.]
As soon as Li Xiang returned to his dorm, Irigar's voice echoed in his mind.
'A Magic Crest? What does that have to do with a dragon scale fragment?' Li Xiang wondered.
[Of course, it's related! Do you know how the first generation of Magic Crests came about, Master?]
Li Xiang paused, realizing he had never really thought about it. Collapsing onto his bed and spreading his arms, he felt some of the day's exhaustion ebb away. He speculated aloud, "Is it possible that the first Magic Crests were originally created by embedding dragon scale fragments into a mage's body?"
[You're half right. More accurately, the first generation Magic Crests were created by embedding fragments of Phantasmal Species or Mystic Codes into the body. As a pinnacle of the Phantasmal Species, even though this dragon scale fragment is from a dragon-like creature with draconic blood rather than a true dragon, it's still an advanced material for creating a Magic Crest.]
"I see." Li Xiang stared at the ceiling, not feeling particularly joyful. "But finding a Crest Maker and an Apothecary sounds even more troublesome than I thought."
[Embedding foreign material into the body naturally causes significant rejection. It requires long-term medication and adjustments before the dragon scale fragment can become a proper Magic Crest. Once it's formed, you'll have a large and unique spell at your disposal, capable of turning the tide in critical situations.]
Li Xiang nodded in understanding. The Time Alter technique that Emiya Kiritsugu used was derived from the Magic Crest passed down through the Emiya family. This rare time manipulation magic accelerated the flow of his blood, burned hemoglobin, enhanced muscle movements, and granted him incredible speed, though it came at a severe cost to his body.
Likewise, the Magic Crests of the Tohsaka and Matou families had unique and powerful effects.
'If I could acquire a Magic Crest, even a first-generation one, it would significantly boost my combat abilities,' Li Xiang thought.
The only problem was finding a Crest Maker and an Apothecary.
When it came to a Crest Maker, Li Xiang immediately thought of Melvin Weins, the close friend of Waver Velvet. Despite being a physically frail mage who often coughed up blood after just a few sentences, Melvin was from a branch family of the prestigious Trambelio clan, one of the Clock Tower's three major noble families. He was incredibly wealthy and was Waver's creditor.
Although Melvin's magical abilities were average, his talent as a Crest Maker was legendary.
'If Melvin were to help, it would be the best chance.'
But Melvin was known to be a troublesome individual with a penchant for mischief.
As for an Apothecary, Li Xiang couldn't recall any specific character fitting that role. The anime he had watched in his previous life rarely delved into this profession, leaving him at a loss.
After pondering for a while, Li Xiang concluded that he would have to seek Waver's help.
But then another issue arose: money. He didn't have enough funds or suitable compensation to hire a Crest Maker and an Apothecary.
'Melvin, for instance, isn't someone who can be swayed by mere money. During the Magic Eye Train auction, he managed to gather 1.6 billion USD in a short time with just a few phone calls.'
'This task seems even harder than participating in the Holy Grail War. At least with that, all I have to do is fight,' Li Xiang thought, sighing as he decided to stop worrying about it for now. The overwhelming fatigue finally caught up with him, and he pulled the bed sheet over his body, falling into a deep sleep without even changing his clothes.
Irigar waved her small hand, and a breeze filled the room, causing the curtains to flutter and block out the remaining light from the sky. Her soft voice sang an ancient, desolate melody, like a lullaby from the Age of Gods.
Li Xiang's tense expression gradually softened.
---
'It's already morning...'
Li Xiang pulled back the curtains, revealing the early morning sunlight that cast a cool, refreshing atmosphere over everything. The sounds of people starting their day filled the streets below.
He picked up a watering can and poured water onto the potted plants on his balcony.
The seed of the Thames River fairy had yet to sprout. According to Irigar, the mana in the modern atmosphere was too sparse, so it could take a long time to germinate. The best method would be to use some kind of magical liquid.
However, Li Xiang was broke. His salary from the Department of Law had to be saved for emergencies, so for now, plain water would have to do.
After finishing his morning routine, he checked the course schedule posted on his wall. It was Monday, and Waver would be lecturing that morning.
He grabbed his textbook and headed outside. As he stepped into the courtyard, he stopped in surprise.
'Did I travel to another world again?'
Overnight, banners of all sizes had been hung from the tall trees opposite his dormitory.
'Are all mages night owls? Do they spend the whole night doing this instead of sleeping?'
The banners were advertising various magecraft societies:
"Strength in Knowledge, Power in Combat – Ba Ji Quan Magecraft Society."
"Elegant tunes and relaxing melodies, raise a glass and chat leisurely – Eastern Culture Research Magecraft Society."
"Free handsome president dolls, first come, first served – Automaton Magecraft Society."
"This is a welcome banner – Herbivore Magecraft Society."
"Why do all the flowers shy away? It's because you're too beautiful – Witch Magecraft Society."
...
'So it's a magecraft society welcoming event?'
Li Xiang left his dorm, still puzzled. The Sla Street of the Modern Magecraft Theory Department had transformed as well, with all sorts of decorations hanging from street lamps and trees, leading all the way to the main lecture building. It looked like they were celebrating a festival.
---
"Oh! Where is the scent of my dear Gray? I haven't seen my fair lady in so long!"
As soon as Li Xiang reached the classroom door, he saw Svin lying listlessly on the first row, sniffing around and muttering his usual perverted lines.
Classic Svin!
Li Xiang couldn't help but admire Svin's shamelessness. He was completely unfazed, even under the strange looks of others.
"Morning, Svin," Li Xiang greeted him. Noticing that he was alone, he asked, "Where's Flat?"
"This week is the recruitment week for student societies, so Flat's busy."
"So it's a welcoming event. No wonder it's so lively everywhere."
"Society recruitment is a rare and grand event here. Every September, when new students enroll, all the magecraft societies recruit members. The first five days are for warming up and promoting, and the last two days are for society performances. You'll see plenty of advertisements for different societies around campus, and they'll have booths set up in various streets. As a new student, make sure to check them out."
Svin pointed to the podium and added, "And the professors won't be holding lectures this week."
"The Clock Tower is that supportive?" Li Xiang asked, surprised.
"Not only that, but the Clock Tower also provides each society with a thousand pounds per member. Outstanding students might even get the chance to become assistants or disciples to the professors."
"A thousand pounds? The Clock Tower is really generous."
Li Xiang touched the two thousand pounds he had in his pocket and couldn't help but feel... envious of the Clock Tower's wealth.
"It's a one-time opportunity, so don't miss it."
Li Xiang nodded. Since there were no lectures, he would definitely go explore. As soon as he stepped out the door, he heard a loud voice shouting.
"Freshmen, come check out the Automaton Magecraft Society! See the pinnacle of the Creation Department's achievements—automata!"
Li Xiang instinctively turned towards the line of automata.
They were shorter than humans, with exposed wires and mechanical gears that resembled human anatomy. There were about ten of them, each holding a musical instrument like a trumpet or a double bass.
"This is our Magecraft Society's automaton band."
A young man in a black tailcoat stood beside them, holding a conductor's baton. He bowed slightly to the crowd, his face displaying a refined smile. "Please enjoy 'Moonlight Sonata.'"