Upon hearing Clayton's question, the shopkeeper immediately began to explain.
"Well, here's the thing, sir. There is a spell that fits your request, but… it's considered forbidden."
"Forbidden? What kind of spell are we talking about?"
"It's extremely powerful and has a wide area of effect. But that's precisely the problem—it's incredibly hard to control. If you make a mistake while casting it, it could drain all the mana from your body and leave you in a coma. Repeated use could even be life-threatening."
Clayton nodded slowly, a chill running down his spine at the thought. But instead of being deterred, his curiosity only grew stronger.
The shopkeeper let out a long sigh. She could see the eager glint in his eyes. Clayton had been a regular customer lately, and the last thing she wanted was to lose him to some foolish accident. Still, despite her hesitation, she continued.
"This spell has near-unlimited destructive potential. The damage depends on how much energy is poured into it. But here's the strange part—it's actually most effective when used by apprentice-level mages. "
The more Clayton heard, the more fascinated he became.
"In that case… I'll take it," he said firmly.
"Are you sure? Don't you want to think it over? There are plenty of other powerful spells that are much safer," she reasoned.
"It's fine. I'm sure this is the one I need," Clayton replied confidently.
Finally, the shopkeeper nodded and retrieved a scroll from a shelf at the back.
Etched clearly across the top: Abyssal Vortex.
"How much is it?"
"It's free. Think of it as a bonus for being such a loyal customer."
Clayton was momentarily stunned but eventually accepted it and packed his things before leaving.
As his figure disappeared into the distance, the shopkeeper watched him with a worried expression.
"Please… survive that cursed spell…"
...
Clayton didn't linger after leaving the shop—he went straight home. Once he dropped off his things, he headed to the lake where he'd trained before.
Upon arrival, he set a few traps and ordered his mini skeletons to stand guard around the area. Once everything was ready, he walked to the lake's edge.
With both arms outstretched, Clayton began chanting the incantation written on the scroll. He was so intrigued, he completely ignored the two other spells he had bought earlier.
The water in front of him began to ripple… then swirl.
Within seconds, it looked as if the lake were being sucked into an invisible hole. Clayton struggled to control the surge of energy. Sweat poured down his face.
"Damn… this spell is no joke," he thought. The sensation was like being dragged by a raging current. If he closed his eyes, he might've thought he was drowning.
After steadying his breath, he tried again. He failed—again and again. But Clayton didn't give up.
Finally… he succeeded.
Clayton stood with clenched fists. In front of him, a small vortex spun furiously like a spinning top. The ground trembled, and part of the shoreline was ripped apart by the force.
He gritted his teeth, trying to maintain the vortex as long as possible. At first, he managed it.
But then the vortex began to consume everything around it. Panic rose in Clayton's chest, and he tried to cancel the spell.
The vortex slowed… but continued spinning from sheer inertia.
Instinctively, Clayton tried to sever the connection between himself and the spell. But the backlash struck him like a hammer to the skull.
Suddenly, the vortex pulled him in.
Clayton was dragged in helplessly. He struggled to break free, but the magical tether held fast. His body was flung into the vortex, sucked beneath the surface. His ears rang. His vision blurred.
All he could do was hold his breath and pray he didn't drown.
Minutes passed before the vortex finally slowed and the spell's connection broke.
With great effort, Clayton swam to shore. He collapsed, chest heaving, completely drained.
Now he truly understood… why the spell was forbidden.
But that didn't mean he would stop.
If anything, Clayton was now more determined than ever to master it. If the incomplete spell was this strong, he could only imagine its full potential.
Exhausted, he ended training for the day. He changed clothes and returned home with his mini skeletons.
...
Back at the farming complex, he noticed a crowd gathering. Curious, Clayton approached.
"Brother Grass, what's going on? Why's everyone here?"
"I'm not exactly sure, Clayton. But word is, someone from the city administration has an important announcement."
Clayton nodded and began chatting with nearby farmers. A few minutes later, a group of muscular men arrived. The tenant farmers immediately fell silent.
"Is everyone here?" asked one of them—Brother Tiger.
"We're all here," someone replied.
"Good," said Brother Tiger. "Starting tomorrow, all tenant farmers will be required to patrol the area around the complex. Form your own groups to stay safe."
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
"Hey, do you know why we're suddenly being told to patrol?"
"They say a group of people got killed by a monster earlier today. And… the monster still hasn't been found."
"You're serious?! That's dangerous as hell."
"That's why they want us patrolling. It's riskier to move around alone."
Some nodded, already forming groups.
Just as Clayton was about to do the same, he felt a piercing gaze from afar.
He turned—and saw Brother Tiger staring at him. Cold. Sharp.
A wave of unease washed over Clayton. If that man harbored ill intentions, then tomorrow… he might be walking straight into a trap—or worse.
He had to find a way to make peace.