Time’s Up Let’s Do This
Stunned silence fell over the group as they watched Mocha and Akane stand their ground against the fort's bandits. Iris felt her heartbeat pounding in her ears as the bandits rushed the gates, their weapons and armor glinting ominously in the fading light–these were no second-string bandits like at the camp.
They were geared for battle.
“She stole my damn sword,” Iris grumbled under her breath, her gaze fixed on the vulpin...
2023-05-26 20:25:55 +0000 UTC
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Prepared and Unafraid
Gwyn stepped into the Hall of Magical Studies, marveling at the ornate architecture, and yet surprised to see it relatively empty. Almost immediately, she and her assigned paladins came to a stop as she was greeted by a poised high elf woman with a warm smile, who introduced herself as Lead Scholar Lirael. Gwyn couldn't help but notice the air of authority and wisdom that surrounded the high elf, making her feel both excited and slightly intimida...
2023-05-25 07:55:07 +0000 UTC
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Hey everyone!
Couple of announcements / updates for you.
Next Week (29 May - 2 Jun) is my admin week! There will be no Mayhem or Manabound. Still one more Manabound chapter on Thursday and Friday's Mayhem chapter this week.
The goal is to try and finish the book 1 edits over the next two maybe three weeks.
Which brings me to my next news! I have officially signed with Podium! I'll have more updates for you gu...
2023-05-22 07:24:18 +0000 UTC
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Demonstrations of Skill
Gwyn and Adrienne sat together in Class Ten's spacious room, their table strewn with parchment and quills as they focused on their midterm exams. The atmosphere was filled with the scratching of quills, the occasional sigh or mumble, and the gentle flow of sand through the large hourglass at the front.
Their high elf professor, his salt-and-pepper hair in a man bun, exuded an air of cool sophistication. He paced the room, watching the stu...
2023-05-22 07:01:00 +0000 UTC
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No Plan Survives Contact
The room fell under an oppressive silence, a tangible aura of shock filling the air in response to the sudden appearance of the kitsune. Iris found herself locked in the piercing gaze of the kitsune, who now stood in her humanoid form, the illusion almost uncannily realistic even if the adventurer knew what lay just beneath.
Each of the kitsune's eyes, one a mesmerizing violet and the other a striking cyan, shone with a mysterious blend ...
2023-05-19 18:45:06 +0000 UTC
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Alas, It Ends Too Soon
The small chapel was silent as everyone stared at Gwyn, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief. The weight of the title and the potential of her abilities hung heavy in the air, causing the atmosphere to feel charged with anticipation. Gwyn felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, suddenly self-conscious under the scrutiny of the onlookers. She clenched her fists at her sides, steeling herself for whatever came next.
The monk who perf...
2023-05-18 07:19:08 +0000 UTC
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When You’re Having Fun
Another six weeks had passed by so quickly that Gwyn hadn’t even noticed until the days grew longer and warmer, and spring finally settled in, fully transforming the landscape. The once frost-covered trees now flourished with vibrant green leaves, and the grounds of the Academy were adorned with a dazzling array of blossoming flowers. The air was filled with the sweet scent of nectar and the cheerful songs of birds returning from their winte...
2023-05-15 07:50:27 +0000 UTC
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Following Leads
Iris ignored the stares from her party as she made to go look at all of the loot, however, Gryff and Laken stepped in front of her. She gave the guys a smile, but their faces only hardened and then the head jerk in charge stepped in, blocking her path.
“Iris, when are you going to stop being a dumb bitch?” Mocha nickered in a low tone. Her ears twitched, and her tail flicked in agitation. “Going alone? You never go alone.”
2023-05-12 06:14:08 +0000 UTC
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You Know, Time Flies
Gwyn shot up in bed, her heart racing with excitement and confusion. Her Vision of Potential had shown what the Intent of Mana could do, but it had given no hint that it could speak. The vision had provided glimpses of power, but this was different. It was like someone had opened a door to her, revealing a new world of possibilities.
She wasn’t confined to just what her vision showed. Gwyn could make so much more magic than she ha...
2023-05-11 07:03:57 +0000 UTC
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Renewed Hope
Gwyn and Roslyn sat side by side on a plush rug in the Tiloral Mansion, the warmth of the fire crackling before them filling the room with an inviting glow. Outside, snowflakes gently floated to the ground, piling on windowsills and covering the landscape in a soft blanket of white. The winter nights at the Academy had been long and cold, which was why Gwyn was glad to spend her break with Roslyn. Winter in the capital was even colder than it had been whe...
2023-05-08 06:59:04 +0000 UTC
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Mischief and Mayhem
Iris stepped out of the inn, her armor and herself freshly cleaned and her sword at her side. She had eaten a quick meal and was now on her way to help the farmer with his monster problem. As she looked around, she saw Bree standing there, her expression one of worry.
“Hey, Bree,” Iris greeted her with a smile, hoping to alleviate some of her concern. “Is everything alright?”
Bree’s gaze flickered over I...
2023-05-05 07:02:31 +0000 UTC
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Until Proven Guilty
Yemina opened her eyes slowly, groaning as the pain hit her all at once. She tried to move, but her body felt heavy and unresponsive. Looking around, she realized she was in a small room, lying on a bed. She didn't recognize the place, and panic started to set in.
She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her chest, and she gasped, clutching at the bandages wrapped around her torso. It was then that she noticed the raith...
2023-05-04 16:43:36 +0000 UTC
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Shoved Down Deep
The group rushed back to the wagon, the two captured bandits leading the way to ensure they made it back to the road as quickly as possible. Mocha was pacing nervously as they exited the woods and came within sight. Each moment that passed felt like an eternity, the urgency of the situation weighing heavily on them.
When she saw Kaira's condition, Mocha whinnied with concern. “Iris? What happened?”
“She’s hurt, but she’l...
2023-05-03 09:04:29 +0000 UTC
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Expected Obstacles
No Death Without Payment.
That was the motto of the Blades Guild. An organization known to exist, but one that still skirted the shadows of society. There were not many branches of the guild, as most cities and nations did not want them operating within their borders, but those that did have a Blades Guild had one thing in common: they were feared. The guild was made up of trained individuals who were paid to carry out covert oper...
2023-05-01 09:02:31 +0000 UTC
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Hidden Camp
With Mocha corralling the other horses and watching the wagon, Iris felt safe as she and her party followed Laken through the woods. As they followed Laken deeper into the woods, the trees grew thicker and the underbrush more tangled. But Kaira trusted Laken's instincts, and he seemed to be following clues that Iris could only guess at, so she was more than willing to let the man take the lead.
She was more of the ‘find the monster already there’...
2023-04-28 07:12:20 +0000 UTC
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The Quest Begins
The next few days were spent training as a party and planning their quest. While the three lower leveled members worked on creating abilities, Iris honed her capability to alter her spells only to affect enemies. Laken focused on his archery skills, the man extremely interested in Iris’s [Unerring Shot].
They also spent time discussing strategy, going over maps of the area, and planning out their approach to locating the Marau...
2023-04-25 08:15:33 +0000 UTC
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Hey guys! Please see attached for epubs for books 2 and 3. They are basically just copy and paste what is currently on RoyalRoad, with the exception of a partial prologue for book 2.
I will start compiling chapters as the book finishes. Eventually, when books move to Kindle Unlimited, this will have to come down, but we have a time before that happens. Book 1's rework is taking a minute.
Speaking of, I did not include Book 1 because the rewrite is currently at 18/32 chapters comp...
2023-04-23 22:30:27 +0000 UTC
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Forming a Party
As Iris and Mocha approached the entrance to the City Guard's training grounds, they could hear the sound of metal clashing and grunts of exertion coming from within. The imposing entrance loomed before them, flanked by two armored guards who eyed them warily.
Undeterred, Iris sat up in her saddle, chin held high and her back straight, projecting an air of confidence and authority. Mocha strode along as if she owned the place, her head held high,...
2023-04-21 23:14:06 +0000 UTC
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Dimming Light
Sloane and Nemura were marched down a narrow, dimly lit hallway, their hands tightly manacled in front of them. The oppressive air was damp and musty, and the rhythmic drips of water added a haunting cadence to their every step. Sloane strained to hear beyond the jangling of the guards' armor, hoping to catch any sound that could provide insight into their location. The muted voices of other prisoners carried through the winding passages, taunting her wi...
2023-04-20 07:53:03 +0000 UTC
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Schism Between Light and Dark
The Blade instantly drew two daggers while Sloane filled herself with mana, keeping a connection, ready to cast spells in an instant. The two spun around and saw a group of masked figures approaching.
Stefan took two steps away from Sloane and pointed one of the long daggers at the group. “Who are you?” he demanded, his voice steady and low.
The five figures stopped a few feet away from them, and one of them stepped forwar...
2023-04-17 07:34:57 +0000 UTC
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Self Awareness
As Iris tossed and turned, a muffled and indistinct voice resonated in her subconscious, interrupting her rest. She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her body. It was as if the voice came from all around her, a disembodied presence that she couldn't quite grasp.
[Storm Warden – Step 45 attained!]
[Conditions Met: Trait – Self Awareness obtained!]
2023-04-17 05:05:13 +0000 UTC
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Hey everyone!
We've officially hit 60 patrons! I really appreciate the support of each and every one of you. I am going to start looking for an artist to commission a cover for Mana & Mayhem.
On Mana & Mayhem and schedules in general, I talked briefly about the schedule in other posts, but let me expand a bit on that.
The chapter days for Manabound will not be changing, however, the posts will be a bit later than usual next week due to my work sch...
2023-04-15 01:35:42 +0000 UTC
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Dangers in the Night
The Many Parties War showed the region how easily the weaknesses within the Sovereign’s political structure could be exploited. Early in the war, the Vlaredian Empire constantly outmaneuvered the Sovereigns, however, the Siege of Marketbol would come to be known as a pivotal turning point in how it ensured the Sovereigns could maintain their territorial integrity. Not to mention, the siege represented the first time magic wa...
2023-04-13 08:30:11 +0000 UTC
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Hey guys! So, with this, I've officially completed writathon. So to save my sanity, the story will be moving to a 1 full chapter-a-week schedule. Well, at least, 1 chapter a week. I may still write an extra or two here or there.
I will still be splitting the chapter before putting them up on RoyalRoad, so there will be 2 release days there.
With this, we are moving into the last third of the book, which will end around chapter 21-ish.
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2023-04-12 19:19:34 +0000 UTC
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Electrifying Moves
As the carriage made its way along the winding path through the estate, Iris and Kaira could see the grandeur of the Arden Manor come into view. The estate was surrounded by high stone walls, and the gates were made of wrought iron, intricately designed with the House's emblem. Beyond the walls, the estate sprawled out, with lush gardens, fountains, and ornamental trees dotting the landscape.
As they approached the large manor, Iris turned to ...
2023-04-11 09:23:12 +0000 UTC
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I see all of you guys reading this, come chat about the story in discord! ;)
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A Parting of Friends
Cristole walked into the tavern like a man on a mission, his eyes scanning the crowded room until they found the familiar faces of his companions. With purposeful strides, he made his way over to the table,...
2023-04-10 07:01:00 +0000 UTC
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A Shocking Appearance
Iris dodged to the side, swinging her blade as three wolf-sized rats charged her all at once. Her Storm Armor lashed out, a surge of lightning shocking the closest rat, causing it to screech and jump away from her.
The second rat lunged at Iris with sharp claws, but she was quick to parry its attack with her sword. The third rat circled around behind her, trying to catch her off guard. Iris spun around with a susurrus of no...
2023-04-10 05:29:50 +0000 UTC
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Easy Side Quest
Iris woke up before dawn, determined to be fully prepared for the day ahead. She quickly got dressed in a comfortable tunic and trousers, paired with her trusty calf-high leather boots. She didn't want to wear any armor just yet since Sera was still asleep and she didn't want to wake her up. Iris wanted to take a moment to herself before the busy day began.
Still, she strapped her sword to her waist and looked around to make sure she wasn’t for...
2023-04-08 14:45:53 +0000 UTC
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One Day at a Time
Iris stared open-mouthed at the Umbral Seer, the Hierophant had just dropped several bombs on her.
“So, you do not know what stats are?” she asked.
The man shook his head. “If what you are saying is true, then it is something that we have not yet learned,” he explained. The moon elf gestured toward the parchment. “We know of three attributes: Capability, Control, and Constitution, but we do not know how to measure this within ea...
2023-04-06 06:26:06 +0000 UTC
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A Gift for a Lady
The night sky was clear, revealing a canvas of twinkling stars against a deep black backdrop. Though both moons were both naught but slivers, they shone down upon Eona, combining to cast a pale, silvery light that illuminated the surrounding landscape. The air was refreshingly cool, the kind that made you want to wrap yourself up in a warm blanket, even though it wasn't necessary. A soft breeze blew, stirring the leaves of nearby trees and creating a...
2023-04-06 06:23:35 +0000 UTC
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