Dunce readily agreed to wait. Since he'd already passed the Arcane Appraisal, a little more time meant nothing to him.
Geiger turned to the girl, offering a strained smile. "Young lady, forgive the presumption, but I'd wager a vial of Stelladust you hail from the Sanctum of Light?" (Assuming '教廷'转化为类似'光明圣所'的西方教廷组织).
The girl blinked, surprised. "How did you know?"
Geiger stroked his neatly trimmed beard. "Well, I *am* a Magus Arcanist. It'd be beyond embarrassing to miss the signature radiance of the Luminous Baptism. Dare I ask which High Templar you're related to?" (Using titles like 'Magus Arcanist' for '大魔法师', and 'Luminous Baptism' for '光神降临', implying a powerful holy ritual of blessing/protection bestowed at birth by a high-ranking holy figure).
Mystic Mystic Moon's jaw set stubbornly. She hadn't expected anyone in this backwater outpost to recognize her heritage. "So what if I do? I'm here for an Arcane Appraisal, not a genealogy quiz. Are you the local Arbiter? Let's get this done. Now."
Geiger internally groaned. The girl's connections screamed "high-maintenance trouble." The Luminous Baptism wasn't just some cantrip; it was a high-tier blessing bestowed only by Templars of significant rank, usually blood relatives, granting a Sacred Resonance that massively amplified light magic potential and purged impurities. This girl had VIP written all over her. The Arcane Enclave held prestige, but the Sanctum was another league entirely, with deep pockets and deeper grudges. Crossing her could mean very uncomfortable conversations with the Sanctum's equivalent of Internal Affairs.
"Miss," Geiger began diplomatically, "With your lineage and innate Sacred Resonance, wouldn't a path within the Sanctum be more… appropriate? If I were to Appraise you here, and your family discovered it… well, I'd hate to fall out of favor." He infused his tone with appropriate deference. He'd rather wrangle a pack of mana-starved imps than deal with Sanctum politics.
Mystic Mystic Moon stamped her dainty, polished boot. "No way! It's all praying and meditating and being *good* all the time. Boring! If you don't Appraise me right now, I'll go home and tell Daddy to pull the Enclave's grants!" She brandished her expensive-looking, intricately carved staff threateningly. The air shimmered faintly around its crystal tip.
Geiger paled visibly. *Yup. Daddy holds the purse strings.* Her threat confirmed his worst fears. She wasn't just connected; her father wielded significant power within the Sanctum hierarchy, the kind that could make life very difficult for the local Enclave branch. He quickly calculated the risks of refusal versus the potential fallout. The scales tipped heavily towards appeasement.
"…Very well, Miss. As you wish." Geiger sighed, feeling his carefully maintained control of the situation evaporate. "But remember, I won't be responsible for any… familial disapproval you face later."
"Yeah, yeah. How do we do this?" Mystic Mystic Moon waved dismissively, already impatient.
Geiger forced a professional tone. "Simply direct your most potent spell at me. Defensive assessment is sufficient."
Mystic Mystic Moon's eyes lit up with malicious glee. "Alrighty. Try not to get toasted." She raised her staff, the air crackling with burgeoning holy power. Her voice rang clear, the archaic syllables resonating with power: **"Illumination cleaves the darkness! Purity guides the astray! Manifest, O free essence that permeates the Void! — Purifying Radiance!"** (Duncepting '神圣之光' to 'Purifying Radiance' for a more standard western holy spell name, keeping the incantation feel). A nimbus of brilliant white light erupted from her staff, rapidly coalescing into a shield around her. The chamber filled with an oppressive sense of sanctity, like incense overload. With a flick of her wrist and a mischievous grin, she commanded, **"Shine forth, Radiance! Purge the taint from this world!"** A blinding beam of pure white energy, thick as a man's torso, lanced towards Geiger.
Geiger gritted his teeth. *Purge the taint?* He was about as "tainted" as a bureaucrat. Purifying Radiance was no joke – a potent holy blast most Light Adepts couldn't manage without years of training and high-end gear, like her clearly enchanted staff. Parrying it without injuring the caster was going to be tricky. He poured mana into the shimmering barrier of water coalescing before him, weaving its currents into complex patterns designed to refract and disperse the holy light harmlessly away from his center mass. Except he forgot about the room's other occupant.
Dunce stood frozen in awe. The sheer spectacle of Mystic Mystic Moon's magic dwarfed his own Fire Shower. The vibrant light, the sheer force… How could someone so young wield such power? He didn't grasp that the obscenely expensive staff was doing most of the heavy lifting. He just felt inadequate.
The Purifying Radiance slammed into Geiger's Aqua Guard. The water shield buckled violently, ripples turning into crashing waves. Sweat poured down Geiger's face as he strained. *Almost… There!* At the last second, he managed to deflect the core of the beam. Exhausted, he didn't have the focus or energy to direct its angle with precision. The refracted holy energy smashed directly into Dunce, pinning him against the back wall with crushing force.
Agony exploded in Dunce's senses. His meager mana reserves were depleted. The sacred energy scoured him, reducing the items he'd been holding to ash. Just as the cleansing power threatened to overwhelm him, icy coldness pulsed from the cursed longsword at his hip – Hades Sword (冥王剑对应更通用的名称). A shroud of faint, malevolent blue energy snapped into existence around him, repelling the holy onslaught for a split second. Simultaneously, the plain, milky-white ring on his left index finger *activated*. A barely visible vortex formed around the stone, *voraciously drinking* the Purifying Radiance. Dunce gasped as the crushing pressure vanished, the unholy shroud retreating instantly.
"Hey!" Mystic Mystic Moon yelped in shock and sudden weakness. She felt her precious mana reserves being violently siphoned dry, sucked into that unassuming ring. Within heartbeats, her reservoir was empty, the spell utterly dismantled. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the cold stone floor, staring wide-eyed at the bewildered boy. "What… what did you *do*?"
Dunce blinked. His ears rang, his back ached from the impact, but otherwise he felt… fine? He looked down at the ring, which had returned to its inert, plain state.
Geiger gaped, momentarily stunned. Recovering quickly, he channeled the dregs of his own mana, conjuring a soothing Revitalizing River over Mystic Mystic Moon. Color returned to her cheeks, and she managed to push herself upright, glaring daggers at Dunce. She pointed a perfectly manicured finger right at his nose.
"You!" she accused, voice tight with indignation and lingering weakness. "What kind of moron interferes with someone's Appraisal? You ruined it! You… you owe me! You owe me for that mana!"
Dunce winced. She *had* collapsed. He didn't understand the how, but the ring was involved. He felt bad. "S-sorry, Miss. I didn't mean to. How… how do I pay you back?"
Mystic Mystic Moon's eyes narrowed, then gleamed with acquisitive inspiration. "That ring! It stole my power! Give it to me. That'll cover it."
Give her the ring? The one the strange creature had entrusted to him? Panic surged. He shoved his left hand behind his back. "N-no! It's… special. Important. Please, ask for something else?"
Mystic Mystic Moon planted her hands on her hips. "No. That ring. Now." Entitlement dripped from her words. She was used to getting what she wanted.
Geiger stepped closer, attempting peacemaking. "Miss, please consider. Had the young man's artifact not intervened, the Purifying Radiance would likely have…" He trailed off significantly, gesturing towards Dunce.
"Oh, shut it!" Mystic Mystic Moon snapped, turning her glare on Geiger. "This is *your* fault! You're the one who bounced my spell like a cheap shield. I should report *you* for incompetence!" She waved her staff threateningly again, though weakly this time.
Geiger swallowed. Point taken. Better to let the spoiled princess vent her fury on the hapless boy than draw more fire himself. He took a half-step back, mentally wishing Dunce luck. *He's going to need it.*
Dunce looked helplessly between Geiger and Mystic Mystic Moon. "I really can't give you the ring. C-can I pay you in coins?" *One gold was twenty loaves of bread…* He pulled out the pouch Tranquil had given him, heavy with coin.
Mystic Mystic Moon sniffed disdainfully. "I don't need your pocket change. Fine! Keep the stupid ring." A predatory smile played on her lips. She saw an opportunity more entertaining than mere material gain. "But you owe me. Big time. Since you seem marginally capable, you can be my… escort. For a year. Call it community service for ruining my Appraisal. Lucky you!"
Dunce shook his head adamantly. "No. I can't. I have things I need to do. Places I need to be." *Master Gorith… WatanaOwen's grave…*
Mystic Mystic Moon's eyes locked onto his. For several seconds, she just stared. Then, like a switch flipped, her eyes welled up, red-rimmed and glistening. Her lower lip trembled violently. A sniffle escaped, then a choked sob. Tears began to cascade down her porcelain cheeks. "Y-you— *hic*— you big bully!" she wailed, her voice scaling up in pitch and volume. "B-bullying a helpless girl! A p-princess! What kind of m-man are you? *Waaaahhhh!*" She sank dramatically to her knees, burying her face in her hands, shoulders shaking with the force of her manufactured sobs. It was an impressive, award-worthy performance.
Panic seized Dunce. He hadn't seen tears like this since… well, since his own losses. Had he *really* hurt her that badly? Had siphoning her magic caused this anguish? "Miss! Hey! I'm sorry! Truly sorry! Please, don't cry!" He knelt awkwardly beside her, patting her shoulder uncertainly.
This only made her cry harder, louder. Desperate pleas turned into heart-rending wails. Geiger watched from a safe distance, silently praying for deliverance. If anyone saw this tableau – a crying girl, a distraught young man in mageling robes – rumors about the Enclave's 'morals' could spread like wildfire. He wanted them gone. *Now.*
Dunce caved. The noise, the guilt, the potential consequences… "Okay! *Okay!* Please stop crying! I… I'll do it. I'll be your escort."
The waterfall of tears stopped instantly. Mystic Mystic Moon lifted her head, cheeks tear-streaked but eyes sparkling with triumph. A smug smile replaced the sorrow. "You *promise*? Cross your heart? No take-backs?" She held out a little finger.
Dunce sighed, defeated. He hooked his calloused finger around hers. It felt disturbingly fragile. "I promise. One year. But you have to buy my food."
Mystic Mystic Moon beamed, wiping her face with a silk sleeve. "Food? Whatever. Easy. But for a year, you answer to *me*. Forget it, and I swear I'll bawl my eyes out right where you stand." She got to her feet, brushing imaginary dust from her skirts.
Geiger inwardly breathed a sigh of relief for Dunce's inevitable suffering. *Good luck, kid. You're going to need it with that one.*
Mystic Mystic Moon turned imperiously towards Geiger, who had wisely slipped away during the theatrics to finish the necessary paperwork. "Well? Did I pass? Hand over the goods."
Dunce mumbled an apology. "Sir Arbiter? The things you gave me… they burned up."
Geiger couldn't care less. The most important goods were their signatures and their departure. "No matter, no matter. Here are replacements." He held out two bundles: one containing pristine white robes and a simple, token wooden staff for Light Adept (对应'高级魔法师'), another with crimson robes and a similar staff for Fire Apprentice (对应'中级魔法师'). He also held two palm-sized, magically inscribed crystal tablets. "I need names and registered origins for the Arcana Log."
Mystic Mystic Moon snatched her bundle, inspecting the robes eagerly. "Mystic Mystic Moon. Origin, you already snooped."
Dunce followed suit. "Dunce. Origin… the Dunce Basin Hamlet, Westwood Tribe?" (西波族的石塘镇 转化为更具西方奇幻感的偏远部落定居点名称).
"Very well," Geiger nodded, his voice regaining some formal authority. "Miss Mystic Mystic Moon, by the authority vested in me as Arbiter of this Enclave chapter, I recognize your power and confer upon you the rank of Adept of the Mystic Moon." He turned to Dunce. "Dunce, I recognize your competence and confer upon you the rank of Apprentice Artificer of the Blazing Hand." (光系高级魔法师 - Adept of the Mystic Moon; 火系中级魔法师 - Apprentice Artificer of the Blazing Hand, using more fantasy-guild specific titles).
Mystic Mystic Moon scowled. "Adept? I expected Master rank at least! Or Artificer!"
Geiger sighed, the familiar weight of bureaucracy settling back. "Miss, I lack the authority for Master, Artificer, or higher. Only the Grand Chapter in Brilliant Province can issue those ranks."
"Ugh, fine," Mystic Mystic Moon rolled her eyes dramatically. "Whatever. Brilliant Province is practically next door to the Sanctum estate anyway. I'll hassle Daddy about it later. Now, hand them over." She gestured at the crystal tablets.
Geiger quickly passed them on. "Your robes and token staves signify your rank. The pouch marked with the Seeker's Stella contains your stipend. Adept rank is fifty gold crowns monthly. Apprentice rank is twenty." (绣着六芒星的袋子 -> 更具普遍奇幻感的'寻路者之星' Seeker's Stella). "The tablets hold your identification credentials. Present them monthly at any Enclave branch for your stipend. Damaged robes can also be replaced there. Now, if you'll excuse me…" He practically shooed them towards the main hall door.
Mystic Mystic Moon's focus shifted to the gear. With an excited giggle, she shrugged on the white Adept robes. The oversized cowl and voluminous fabric swallowed her frame, the deep hood effectively shadowing her face when pulled forward. "Perfect!" she chirped.
Dunce, caught up in the novelty, unbuckled his massive sword harness – Hades Sword – and pulled on the crimson Apprentice robes. They were tight across his broad shoulders and chest, but wearable. Gripping the simple wooden staff, he looked every inch the rookie fire-mage.
Mystic Mystic Moon did a little twirl. "Finally! Free! They'll never track me down in this!" She eyed her token staff with distaste. "This stick is *lame*. Good for kindling." She tossed it carelessly aside. Its negligible enchantment meant nothing to her. Her gaze then fell on Hades Sword. "What's with the giant metal slab? Trying to be a knight? Or are you actually strong enough to lift that thing?" Skepticism dripped from her voice.
"It's Hades Sword," Dunce said flatly, slinging it back onto his shoulders. "I know some swordsmanship."
Mystic Mystic Moon strode over and squatted next to the sheathed blade. Intrigued despite herself, she grabbed the thick leather scabbard and pulled. Hard. It didn't budge an inch. She strained, grunted, but the enormous sword remained immobile. Frustrated, she glared up at him. "Cheap junk! Fine! You pick it up then. Show me!"
Dunce hesitated. "A weapon isn't a toy, Mystic Mystic Moon. It's for… defense." He felt tired just contemplating the argument.
"So?" Mystic Mystic Moon put her hands back on her hips. "You're my escort. I command you to demonstrate. And make it flashy! Or… I'll start crying again." She tilted her head, activating her most potent weapon: threatened tears.
Dunce inwardly groaned. *One year… only one year…* "Fine. Okay." He drew Hades Sword in one smooth motion. He scanned the room. The walls looked solid, reinforced. Geiger *had* said they had warding spells. A solid strike should be impressive enough and safe. He picked a spot near the rear entrance.
Mystic Mystic Moon skipped closer, excited. "Ooh, what are you gonna do? Smash something? Yes! Do it!" Her eyes gleamed with the prospect of destruction.
Dunce took position a few feet from the wall. "Stand back. There might be… kickback." *Mostly so she doesn't get hurt and extend my sentence.*
Mystic Mystic Moon raised an eyebrow, intrigued for a different reason. "Aw, concerned about little ol' me?" She didn't move far, her natural curiosity overriding caution.
Dunce didn't deign to respond. He gripped Hades Sword's hilt with both hands. His Core surged – the internal life force cultivation WatanaOwen had drilled into him (生生真气 -> Core Energy or similar). Pure white energy, infused with an unexpectedly serene, almost sanctified quality, flared along his arms and wreathed the greatsword's immense blade. The air hummed. With a grunt of effort, he took a heavy step forward, raising Hades Sword high overhead. **"HAAAAAA!"** He brought it down with devastating force, aiming squarely at the magically warded stone.
"STOP!" Geiger's yell was too late.
***BOOOM!***
The impact wasn't just loud; it was concussive. Dunce erupted in a cloud of dust and shrapnel. Ancient mortar and fractured magical glyphs glowed sickly as a massive chunk of the inner wall, easily ten feet across, disintegrated. Dunce stood frozen, Hades Sword embedded slightly in the floor, blinking at the gaping hole that now connected the chamber to… well, outside.
Geiger reappeared in the doorway, clutching two tablets, his face a mask of utter horror. He gaped at the destruction, the color draining from his face. "My… my wards… Three centuries… the enchantments…" he whispered, stricken.
Mystic Mystic Moon, dust settling on her pristine robes, screamed in pure, unadulterated delight. "YES! SO AWESOME!" She bounced over, completely ignoring Geiger's distress, and actually *hugged* Dunce's arm. "Escort *and* personal juggernaut! Score! This is gonna be fun!" Her eyes shone with unholy glee.
Geiger mechanically handed the crystal ID tablets – one pale white etched with golden glyphs, one deep red etched with fiery symbols – to the stunned Dunce and the bouncing Mystic Mystic Moon, respectively. "Just… just go," he rasped, his voice hollow with despair. "Please. Just leave."
Mystic Mystic Moon swiped her tablet with a grin. She shoved the red one at Dunce. "Yours, Riverer Destructo. Come on, escort! We're hitting the Blades Guild!" She practically dragged a shell-shocked Dunce towards the exit, leaving Geiger slumped against the ruined doorway, moaning about repair costs and contacting expensive geomancers.
Out on the bustling city street, Mystic Mystic Moon threw back her hood just enough to let the sun hit her face and drew a deep breath. "Freedom! And officially certified!" Her exuberant shout drew stares from passersby, which quickly morphed into respect and awe at the sight of their pristine Enclave robes.
Mystic Mystic Moon poked Dunce's head with her expensive personal staff. "So, my dear Riverer Destructo, escort extraordinaire… where to first? Adventure awaits!"
Dunce just stared numbly ahead, juggling Hades Sword's weight and the impossible task ahead: surviving a year with this force of chaos. "Adventure? You just wanted… someone to trail behind you?"
"Exactly!" Mystic Mystic Moon chirped, oblivious. "And you're perfect! Hey, what's that place?" She pointed across the plaza to a heavy stone building with crossed-swords banners flapping. Loud voices spilled out, along with the clank of armor and weapons. "Looks rowdy. And everyone's got swords and axes, just like you pretend to use. A fighters' den?"
"The Guild of Blades," Dunce supplied dully. "Mercenaries. Contracts."
Mystic Mystic Moon's eyes lit up like captured stars. "Ooh! Mercs and quests? Hell yes! Lead the way, escort!"
Dunce balked, digging his heels in. "No. Please, not there." Images of Tranquil's earnest face, the press of bodies clamoring for stories, flashed through his mind. He wanted anonymity, not complications.
Mystic Mystic Moon frowned, feeling her leverage. She planted herself firmly. "Why not?" She tugged his hand. Hard. Her smaller frame collided with his solid body. "Ow! Jerk! You bruised my arm!"
Dunce winced. Apologies tumbled out automatically. "Sorry! Really, sorry! But… but I have an errand. Something I need to do before…"
Mystic Mystic Moon narrowed her eyes. "Errand? Or escaping? Remember," her voice dropped into a dangerously sweet tone, light gathering threateningly around her staff tip again, "one year. Break your word, and I'll scream 'villain' so loud even the Sanctum Inquisitor will hear it back home."
Dunce looked defeated. "I'm not running. I owe the baker."
Mystic Mystic Moon cocked her head. "The baker? Ooh, bread! That smell when we came into town? That's bread baking?" Curiosity momentarily trumped her mercenary plans. "Fine! We'll settle your debt *first*. Then… the Guild!" She grabbed his arm again with surprising strength, steering him down the crowded street.
As they walked, the scent of baking bread grew stronger. They reached a bustling, open-air bakery where a stout man with flour-dusted arms shouted orders, sliding steaming loaves into baskets. The warm, yeasty aroma was intoxicating.
Mystic Mystic Moon sniffed the air appreciatively. "Ooh! That smells amazing! Way better than sanctified wafers! Buy me one," she commanded Dunce, already marching past the line forming. She walked right up to the counter where the portly baker was loading a rack, reached out without hesitation, grabbed a golden-brown roll, and took a large bite. She chewed thoughtfully, frowned slightly. "Huh. Tastes… fine, I guess. Nothing special." With utter nonchalance, she dropped the half-eaten roll onto the dusty ground at the startled baker's feet.
Dunce, frozen halfway between the queue and Mystic Mystic Moon, witnessed the act. A wave of pure, cold contempt washed over him, hotter than any fire he'd ever conjured. The casual waste, the sheer disregard… it reminded him of things best left buried. His knuckles whitened on Hades Sword's sheath. He strode towards her, the crowd instinctively parting slightly before his imposing, robed figure.
Mystic Mystic Moon, completely oblivious to the emotional landmine she'd just stepped on, turned to him, wiping imaginary crumbs from her fingers. "Well? Aren't you going to pay the nice baker man for your debt? And get me a decent one? That one was stale." Her tone was light, dismissive.
Dunce stopped inches from her. His voice, when it came, was low, tight, and colder than the deepest mine shaft. "Stale?" He looked from the discarded bread on the ground, to her imperious face, then back to the baker whose mouth hung open in offended shock. The bakery crowd had gone silent, watching the confrontation between the two young mages. "You think food… is *nothing*?"