The Black Cat's Journal - Volume 1

Chapter 3: Knowledge is Power

The morning light filtered through the high windows of the fort's old library, casting a warm glow over the ancient tomes and scrolls that filled the room. It was like something out of a cheesy fantasy novel, but hey, who was I to complain? I was lounging on a plush cushion, basking in a patch of sunlight, while the Netherwards were hard at work. The Netherwards, eager to unravel the mysteries of their new world, gathered around a large wooden table, each with a stack of books in front of them. They looked like a bunch of overgrown school kids cramming for finals, but instead of math and history, they were learning spells and skills, and the intricate details of the land's politics and daily life. I mean, who knew there were so many ways to zap, freeze, or blow up someone with magic? Mhelfrancovince, ever the leader, had already begun absorbing information at an alarming rate, thanks to his All-knowing Sage skill. He was practically inhaling books. "Alright, everyone," he announced, not looking up from his book. "Let's dig in. We need to understand the magic of this world, its politics, and everything in between. Knowledge is power, after all."

Airanikka was flipping through a thick volume titled "Elemental Manipulations for Advanced Mages," her eyes lighting up as she discovered new ways to enhance her Wind Magic. "Hey, check this out," she said, showing a diagram to Mhelpatrikus. "I think I can create a mini-cyclone with this technique." She mimed swirling her fingers in the air, clearly itching to try it out. "Imagine using this at our next campfire. We could roast marshmallows and launch them into the stratosphere!" Mhelpatrikus leaned in, his brow furrowing as he studied the diagram. "Or we could use it to blow away enemies," he said with a half-smile. "But your marshmallow idea has merit, too." Meanwhile, Mhelangelus, ever the practical joker, was perusing a book on earth-based constructions and traps. "Rocky and Pebbles are going to love this," he said, referring to his Granite Golems. "I can make them even more durable. Imagine them with reinforced boulders for fists. Talk about rock-solid bodyguards!" He chuckled at his own joke, flipping the page to a detailed illustration of a golem with spiked fists. "Or we could add spikes. Who doesn't love spikes?" Caraianna, sitting across the table, was deep into a manual on water magic, her fingers tracing the elegant runes on the page. "This spell here can purify any water source," she noted, her voice filled with awe. "That'll come in handy if we ever need clean water on the go." She looked up, her serious expression momentarily giving way to a smile. "Plus, I can finally take a decent bath. You guys have no idea how much dirt magic sticks to you." Mhelfrancovince, half-listening while flipping through his own book, glanced up with a smirk. "Just make sure you don't flood the place," he teased. "I'd rather not turn our fort into an indoor swimming pool."

Meanwhile, the bandits-turned-companions, affectionately dubbed "Los Bandidos" by the Netherwards, were receiving a crash course in all things magical and practical. Under the watchful eye of Nikkimae, Jozilaine, and Hazelucci, the bandits were learning how to harness their Null Magic aptitudes effectively.

"Strengthening and speed augmentation can be a game-changer," Nikkimae explained to Grubby, who was struggling to enhance his strength. "Just focus on channeling your mana into your muscles." Grubby, who looked like he was trying to flex his brain instead of his biceps, squinted in concentration. "Think of it like a magical protein shake," Nikkimae added with a grin.

Nearby, Hazelucci was demonstrating speed augmentation to a bandit named Swift, whose name was quite ironic considering he tripped over his own feet more times than not. "It's all about balance and focus," Hazelucci said, darting around Swift in a blur of motion. "Imagine you're running away from a giant chicken. It helps." Swift, despite his dubious look, nodded earnestly and tried to follow her lead, only to crash into a tree.

Grease, one of the bandits with sensory magic, was practicing his newfound skills with Violet and Alicent. "You can sense life forms from a mile away with enough practice," Alicent said, her voice calm and encouraging. "It's all about tuning in to the mana flow around you." Grease closed his eyes, trying to "tune in," though he looked more like he was attempting to tune a very stubborn radio.