Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

"Shard Hamilton, Detective."

Shard introduced himself as they shook hands.

"Bill has already told me about you. It's lucky for us both that you could join."

The old man said cheerfully. At that moment, Shard noticed the champagne in the ice bucket on the coffee table, likely prepared by Dr. Schneider because the financial situation of Priest Augustus seemed only slightly better than Shard's.

Priest Augustus the Cleric was a Second Ring Sorcerer within the group, having become a Correspondence Circle Mage three years ago.

He was not a local born and raised in Tobesk City but hailed from a small town in the south of the Draleon Kingdom. Influenced by his family, the Old Cleric had believed in the True God "Mr. Dawn" since his teenage years and had passed the Tobesk Dawn Divinity Academy exam in his youth. At 23, he joined the Tobesk City Dawn Chapel, dedicating his life to the church without ever marrying.

Although for 30 years Priest Augustus had not advanced further due to various reasons, no one doubted his piety. The Old Cleric had high prestige in the parish church, highly trusted by both clergy members and believers within the Dawn Church's parish, and even the Archbishop of such a large archdiocese as Tobesk Parish consulted him on important issues.

Because of the awkward relationship between Correspondence Circle Mages and the True God Church, Shard would often need to conceal his identity in front of the church. Priest Augustus, meanwhile, had connections within the True God Church and was the best candidate to handle church matters for the group.

Despite his advanced age and not being very talented as a Circle Sorcerer, the group of five could definitely not do without him.

As a sign of mutual trust, Priest Augustus and Shard also showed each other their Rings of Fate. The clergyman fell into the unusual ordinary category, not like Miss Luisa with three rings, but only possessing one Core Spirit Rune "Glimmer."

The identity and Core Rune of Priest Augustus were in line with the requirements of the "Divinity Academy" at Saint Byrons Integrated Academy. However, he did not join the Divinity Academy; he was currently a member of the Chemistry Academy, specializing in the cultivation, harvesting, and mixing of Herbal Medicine and Magic Potions.

With Shard having met another member of the group of five, the remaining two who had not arrived were Miss Dorothy Luisa from the Folklore Academy, who might need some more time to come, and the Three Ring Sorcerer, Miss Luviya Annette, who could not come today as she was temporarily out of Tobesk City.

"Miss Annette is also different from us," he continued with the explanation. "Strictly speaking, she belongs to the Prophet's Society as a Circle Sorcerer. Annette wrote to us to say hello to you; she might be back next month, but actually, it's just a few days from today, next week."

Dr. Schneider continued to introduce the situation of the group, implying that Shard, whose handshake had ended, could find a place to sit.

"Since she also belongs to our group, isn't that lady a correspondence student from Saint Byrons?"

Shard asked bewilderedly, choosing to sit opposite Dr. Schneider.

Although Priest Augustus had a church background, he received adult education from the academy, making him a correspondence student of Saint Byrons. Miss Annette, however, was entirely different.

"No, she is also considered a correspondence student of the academy, belonging to the Astronomy College, expert in Divination. As for why she has a dual identity, are you familiar with 'joint training'?"

Dr. Schneider asked. Shard, who had initially been only puzzled, was now genuinely surprised, reaffirming that the force he had joined was indeed a school.

"She herself also belongs to the Prophet's Society but has been cultivated by both sides. In fact, Saint Byrons Integrated Academy, along with many friendly organizations, including Zaras Literary Academy and Xerxes Higher Medical Academy but excluding the church, all have such jointly trained students; you'll find out more later.

But you shouldn't have any preconceived notions about Annette because of her identity; just treat her as an ordinary member. Would you like some tea? You had some nice black tea last time at your place, and I've had the servants buy some too,"

Dr. Schneider asked. Shard thought for a moment:

"Yes, thank you. So, is Miss Luviya Annette just like us?"

"There's still a difference."

Priest Augustus said while fiddling with his old pipe. Naturally, he would not smoke in the clinic; it was just a habit:

"Apart from acquiring knowledge at the Academy, the Prophet's Society also provides conveniences for Miss Annette, as the Circle Sorcerers there hold her in high regard. So relatively speaking..."

The Priest glanced at the doctor, who shook his head indifferently, signaling that the grey-haired Old Cleric could continue:

"Although she is only a Three Ring Sorcerer, standing just one ring above me in the group, in a non-direct confrontation, even the doctor isn't sure he could defeat her. Of course, this is also due to Dr. Schneider and Miss Luisa's abilities, which aren't suited for frontal combat."

Priest Augustus believed that although Circle Sorcerers possess power, this profession is meant to explore the world, delve deep into oneself, and is not intended for killing and conflict. In the old man's view, Circle Sorcerers are more like scholars, not mercenaries.

He shared the doctor's viewpoint that becoming a Correspondence Circle Mage does not mean one should indulge the heart due to power gained but should rather be humble and cautious.

In other words, they were subtly reminding Shard to be careful, to avoid getting involved in matters he shouldn't, to patiently study, engrave Spirit Runes to accumulate spirit, read notes from predecessors, and learn more Arcane Technique and Sorcery — that's the proper lifestyle of a Correspondence Circle Mage.

Shard thus suspected that the doctor had already informed Priest Augustus about his encounter the day before yesterday. Priest Augustus feared that Shard, having suddenly gained power from remnants of the Old God, might crave more power through similar adventures.

Priest Augustus was also a very nice person.

"Speaking of which, I am quite curious about something."

Shard then asked about the relationship between Circle Sorcerers and combat:

"Considering Circle Sorcerers themselves gather elements, and even engrave Spirit Runes because of these elements, would killing a Circle Sorcerer allow one to acquire their power, such as Spirit Runes or the scattering elements, or maybe their elements turned into artifacts?"

"Oh, that's a terrifying thought."

The grey-haired Old Cleric shook his head and clasped the Holy Emblem on his chest, closing his eyes in prayer. The doctor, looking very serious, shook his head and his blue eyes scrutinized Shard:

"Shard, I don't know where you got such a horrifying idea. But killing a Circle Sorcerer unrelated to you, you would gain nothing but their corpse and a guilt that would follow you for life.

From Draleon to Carsonrick, from the Old Continent to the New World, from cities like ours with steam industries to dark rural graveyards. Circle Sorcerers can appear almost anywhere, but remember, this is the age of civilization, not the dark forest of survival of the fittest. If someone attacks you, you can fight back, but do not kill for mere profit; it will make you more likely to lose control."

Shard also realized that his words were somewhat out of line, spurred only by fantasy stories he had read in the past. The outlander had no desire to acquire power by killing; he was merely worried that others might:

"Sorry, I was just curious. Yes, such a world would be too terrifying... like people could sustain themselves by consuming others."

Priest Augustus, holding the Holy Emblem, looked at Shard. His gaze was not as stern as the doctor's, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes gave a gentle expression:

"Although our world is so bizarre and terrifying, teeming with countless Evil Objects, relics of past ages everywhere, dangerous and mysterious knowledge constantly challenging the sanity of ordinary people, Evil Gods walking the earth, and abyssal creatures lurking under the seas of the Old and New World, we are still happy that the world exists. Come gentlemen, to this kind world."

The Old Cleric was moved by his own words, spontaneously lifting the cup of tea before him. The doctor nodded in approval, raising his cup, while Shard smiled. No matter how troublesome his experiences had been since his arrival, it seemed as if the world was compensating him by bringing such wonderful friends:

"To this kind world."

The three men said aloud together, the outlander's smile genuine.

Just then, the door was pushed open. The Blonde Writer, who hadn't heard the earlier conversation, entered without knocking and saw the three men raising their tea cups, one looking sacred, one stern, and one smiling.

Miss Luisa looked hesitantly at the men, wondering if she should withdraw:

"What were you guys doing just now?"