Chapter 407 - Wizard Torvik

It's 2.30am Christmas morning right now for me and I'm really pleased I managed to get this one finished in time! Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoy the holidays.

Quick note about my comment in the last chapter about changes to Hump's rewards. There was some confusion where it sounded like I was nerfing Hump or giving him weaker rewards, but this isn't the case. I will likely replace either the Ring of Counter or Lifesaver Charm with a more generic artifact like a Cloak of Protection. Something of the same tier but without an additional function as it will overcomplicate combat too quickly adding so much in one go. I've not decided 100% yet, but will have a note to explain whatever I change once I do.

“Is everything alright?” Wizard Jentris asked, a look of concern on her face as she looked at Hump.

But Hump didn’t take his eyes from the man before him. He’d never heard the name Torvik Malvek before—not from his master, nor from Vivienne—yet he knew about the Book of Infinite Pages.

“You have no reason to fear me, young man,” the wizard said. “But I must speak with you.”

Wizard Jentris looked between them both, her concern morphing to confusion. “What is going on? Professor, you’re being rather intense.”

The old man sighed. “Forgive me, but it is a matter of urgency. Wizard Humphrey, would you spare me a moment of your time? I promise you it won’t be for long.”

There were murmurs around the cafeteria now. Everyone was looking at him, his name on their lips. Soon, Hump heard someone figure it out.

“Is that The White Flame?”

He was drawing too much attention. If this old man was after his book, there would be a hundred witnesses, and Wizard Jentris would know that Hump had been targeted. Hump met the old man’s eyes and saw now malice in them.

“Very well,” Hump said. “Lets go somewhere more private.”

“My office is close by,” the man said. “This way.”

Hump turned to Jentris. “Forgive me, Wizard Jentris, but I won’t be long.”

“That’s… fine.” Her eyes went from Hump to Wizard Torvik.

Hump followed the man back out into the herb garden.

“I’m sorry to startle you,” the professor began. “I came as soon as I had a gap in my schedule. I—”

Hump held up a hand, cutting him off. “One moment please.”

With a thought, Hump cast Distant Whisper, reaching out to Bud—he was in the temple district and the closest of his companions. “A Wizard Torvik Malvek has approached me about my book. He knows about the first master and seems to be no threat. If you don’t hear from me in the next twenty minutes, come find me at the academy.”

“A communication spell if my senses are correct,” Wizard Torvik said. “You are rightfully cautious.”

“Clearly not cautious enough,” Hump said, coming to a stop in the centre of the herb garden. “This is far enough. What do you want?”

“My office is only a minute away,” Torvik offered.

Hump shook his head, meeting the man’s gaze. “This is private enough. Now answer me!”

He felt surprisingly calm—ready even—and suddenly Torvik seemed unsure of himself.

“I truly do not mean you any ill will,” Torvik said. “I have no desire for the book. I knew Wizard Starris. He was a student of mine, and after his master, Wizard Lector, was killed, he consulted me regarding the book, seeking guidance on what to do with it. Unfortunately, it did not save him the same fate.”

“He was killed?” Hump asked.

The man nodded. “I suspect so. His body was never found. I had thought his spellbook lost, but here you stand. Am I to presume you are Sethril’s apprentice?”

Hump considered his words carefully. It was entirely possible that the man before him was part of the reason for the attack on his master at the academy. He could have been involved in the Silver Circle.

If he were, Hump would show him just how difficult it was to take him out.

“You answer my questions, and perhaps I will tell you,” Hump said. “You still have not explained what you want.”

“I wished to meet the man that inherited the legacy of my former student, and, more importantly, my friend. And to tell you that your defences are flawed. I detected the Book of Infinite Pages after I stepped out of class and was walking through the academy halls. Its aura leaks through your defences, and anyone sensitive to its magical signature could identify you in a heartbeat. The reason I sought you out is to warn you that you may very well be discovered already.”

Hump’s stomach dropped. He’d been too confident—stupidly confident. Things had been going too well, and he’d thought himself ahead of the game. He’d been cautious, using his rewards to better disguise himself and protect him, yet it had been for nothing.

The man tilted his head, studying him. “You appear surprised.”

 “More disappointed than surprised,” Hump said. “I thought my precautions to disguise its presence were effective. How can you sense it?”

The man shrugged. “You have no aura yet the signature of the Book of Infinite Pages trails you like perfume. To those attuned to it, you are a man that has worn far too much. The method you have used to contain has sealed your soul within your body, much like a bottle, however the fragrance still escapes. A weaker wizard could not detect it, but to those with true skill… well, I knew of it from the moment I entered the academy halls. I am a Rank 6 wizard, so my senses are more attuned than most, but the danger is certainly there.”

“It was only after you entered the halls?” Hump asked.

“Indeed. The trail began faint, but it was unmistakeable. I followed it here.”

“Is the trail still there?”

Torvik inclined his head. “It weakens with tme, but yes. I suspect it will linger for a day, perhaps longer. To a more skilled wizards, its presence might endure days.”

Hump exhaled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. At least the Eclipse Brooch wasn’t entirely ineffective. Whoever wanted to track him would need stumble upon his trail and act quickly.

“Are there others here who could recognise it?” Hump asked.

“In the academy?” Torvik asked.

“Yes.”

“No. Goodness, no I don’t think so. There are a number of Rank 6 wizards here, myself included, however I know of none who were close to Wizard Starris. Even I didn’t know he had a successor before his passing.”

“Is that so?” Hump said, his tone neutral.

He still didn’t know whether or not to trust his man—he simply couldn’t. The fact was, he knew too much already, but there was nothing he could do about it. If Wizard Torvik was an enemy, then he’d made a pretty dumb move in approaching Hump now. It would have been far simpler to approach him under false pretences, act friendly, and find an opportunity to jump him when he was alone at a later date. Instead, Torvik had come forward in front of a number of witnesses, and answered Hump’s questions.

It's not like I can kill him to silence him, Hump thought. Nor could I kill someone in cold blood just to make sure my secret is safe.

If silencing him through force wasn’t an option, then Hump could only think of one choice—befriend him.

“You were truly a friend to Wizard Starris?” Hump asked. “Do you have any proof of that?”

Torvik’s expression shifted to one of realisation, his voice quick with enthusiasm. “Yes! Much proof, in fact. I have letters—years’ worth. Starris and I corresponded often, sharing ideas about the book and discussing those who sought it. All signed in his hand.”

“He wrote about the book?”

Torvik nodded. “Starris dedicated years to studying the book and those who coveted it. He hated the burden it placed on him, but he refused to pass it on. Instead, he sought to guard its existence, fleeing when he was discovered. Our communication continued only through letters after that. I tried to help him identify those who hunted him, but in the end, I failed.”

Hump’s mind raced. Perhaps Torvik might even recognise the warlock’s mark from the attack at Fort Nordric. Still, it was too soon to reveal that detail.

“These letters,” Hump said carefully, “can I see them?”

“They are in my study,” Torvik said. “I understand your hesitation. If you prefer, I can bring them to you here.”

Torvik’s study was tucked away in a quiet corner of the academy. The room was small but well-kept, its shelves crammed with books, scrolls, and artifacts. A large desk dominated the space, its surface covered in neatly organised papers and quills. A faint scent of old parchment and ink lingered in the air.

Torvik moved to a corner cupboard, rummaging through its contents. He dug past stacks of journals and boxes before revealing a hidden safe. With a muttered incantation, the runes on its surface glowed faintly and the safe clicked open. From within, he retrieved a small wooden box, carrying it over to Hump with reverent care.

“These,” Torvik said, setting the box on the desk and opening it, “are the letters.”

Hump leaned over, his breath catching as he saw the contents. The letters were delicate with age, their edges yellowed and fraying. The ink, however, remained sharp, each line written with precision. Some of the dates went back nearly fifty years.

Hump read a few passages, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the distinctive signature at the bottom of each letter—the very same written at the beginning of the Book of Infinite Pages. If these were forgeries, they were masterful ones.

“Is this proof satisfactory?” Torvik asked hesitantly, watching Hump closely.

“It’s hard to argue with what I see before me,” Hump said. “If you are a friend, I would be grateful for your help. But for now, I need time to think.”

Torvik nodded, his expression understanding.

“Would it be alright if I took these with me?” Hump asked.

Torvik hesitated, then sighed. “I would be sad to part with them, but if they are for anyone, they are for you.”

“Thank you.” Hump added the box of letters to his Bag of Holding.

Before Hump could leave, Torvik extended a hand. “Good luck, Wizard Humphrey. It was a pleasure to meet you, even if only this once. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to reach out.”

Hump shook the man’s hand but paused. “Actually, there is one thing. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen?”

Torvik handed them over, his expression curious. Hump sketched the symbol he’d seen on the warlock who attacked him at Fort Nordric as best as he could.

Professor Torvik leaned over the drawing Hump had carefully sketched, his brows furrowing in thought. He traced a finger over the edges of the geometric lines, his eyes narrowing as he studied the blend of harsh angles and smooth, swirling patterns.

“This is fascinating,” Torvik said, his voice tinged with both intrigue and caution. He tapped the coiled serpent at the center. “The ouroboros—a serpent devouring its own tail. A symbol often associated with cycles, infinity, and renewal. Yet this specific depiction, paired with the runes, suggests something far more nuanced.”

“You recognise it?” Hump asked, leaning forward eagerly. “Someone with this mark attacked me.”

Torvik shook his head. “Not the exact symbol, no. However, the style of magic is unmistakeable. This comes from the Far East. There, magic is often wielded through intricate markings etched directly onto the body, functioning as both a source of power and a channel for specific spells. The designs themselves act as magical constructs, binding essence into the caster’s body to allow them to manifest spells.”

Hump frowned. “I noticed a similarity between the tattoo and a Chosen’s circles when I looked at it with Essence Sight.”

“In a sense they are similar,” Torvik said. “Their designs are more fluid than our wizardry, blending language, artistry, and intention into a single formation, but they lack the completeness of God Glyphs and blessings. The layering of runes here is particularly advanced compared to others I have seen too. I suspect the owner of this mark was of quite significant power.”

Torvik raised an eyebrow toward Hump, curious eyes assessing him once more. Hump didn’t know what to think, but quickly the old man looked back at the paper.

He gestured to the faint depiction of the runes in the serpent’s eyes. “These runes are intriguing. Their glow suggests they’re active—likely tied to an ongoing enchantment. Unfortunately, I can’t read this language. It’s far removed from the common magical lexicons of Alveron or even the southern reaches of Nilesh. I’ve only encountered a handful of examples in my studies, and those were fragmented at best.”

“I see,” Hump said. “And how do you know all of this? Did Starris encounter similar markings?”

“Goodness, no, no. Nothing like that I’m afraid. I’m an old wizard that has been at the limit of modern wizardry for likely more than twice as long as you have been alive. One finds their attention drawn to such curiosities seeking answers to the questions we all have.”

“And what would that be?” Hump asked.

The man smiled. “Whether or not there is a way to go further. To breach the seventh rank and create a Soul Domain.” He chuckled. “But enough of fantasy. If you would leave this with me, I can see what I can find.”

Hump hesitated, then nodded. “That would be brilliant. Thank you. Until next time.”

Only after Hump left the study did he finally feel the weight in his chest lift. His instincts had screamed that he was walking into a trap, but no harm had come. There had been no magical snares, no veiled threats. He’d been free to leave.

As Hump walked back toward the cafeteria, his stomach churned with unease. He cast Distant Whisper again, reaching out to Bud.

“All’s fine. Meeting went well. I’ll see you in the temple district in about an hour.”

Before he could meet with the knight, Hump had a lunch to attend. It was slightly unfortunate that his stomach now felt like there was a hole in it.

True to Wizard Jentris’ word, the food was unlike anything Hump had ever tasted. The dishes were infused with alchemical enhancements—sauces that sparkled faintly with essence, bread that never seemed to go stale, and desserts that melted on the tongue like warm honey.

And yet, Hump found it impossible to enjoy the meal.

Torvik’s words weighed heavily on him. He had been a fool to think he could rely on artifacts to hide something as powerful as the Book of Infinite Pages.

“There are no shortcuts to power,” the old man would often tell him. It was one of his master’s most repeated lessons, and Hump had prided himself on taking it to heart. Yet here he was, relying on trinkets to mask a glaring weakness. Perhaps it would work on those too weak to pose a true threat, but how could he have ever fooled himself into thinking he was safe from demons like Karlac.

To her credit, Wizard Jentris didn’t ask about the encounter beyond if Hump was alright. He didn’t linger after lunch, parting ways with her promising to pass on his request for access to the Archive. Bud was waiting for him by a fountain when Hump arrived in the Temple District, the knight pacing back and forth. Together, they made their way back to the Rike Estate, Hump reciting the short version of events as they went. He would save the longer explanation for when everyone was gathered.

At least this was good news… probably. If Professor Torvik really did recognise the mark, Hump might finally have a lead.