Chapter 92: Magic Lessons and Flying Fish
After escaping the wretched sewers, the party stopped at a clear riverbank to wash off the filth. Aki, who surprisingly still had the frog from earlier in his pocket, swaggered over to Rena with unearned confidence.
"Listen closely, Lady Rena," Aki began, gesturing dramatically toward the water. "In the Academy, you studied book-magic. But out here in the real world, you must master 'Thief's Arcana.' Watch as I catch that fish without even touching the water."
Aki attempted to mimic one of Von's (Volt's) shadow techniques that he had been secretly practicing. However, instead of snaring the fish, the spell backfired spectacularly. A large, needle-beaked lungfish shot out of the water, clamped its jaws onto Aki's tunic, and began dragging him toward the depths.
"HELP! Von! Sai! The fish is kidnapping me!" Aki shrieked as he was dragged waist-deep into the current.
Sai, busy scrubbing his shield, didn't even look up. "I think the fish is just trying to rescue the frog in your pocket. I don't interfere in aquatic politics."
Rena was doubled over with laughter. "Is this Thief's Arcana? Or is it a suicide ritual?" She raised a hand, casting a tiny ember spark that startled the fish into releasing Aki.
Von, sitting beneath a nearby tree while examining his new blade, remarked coldly, "Aki, if you attempt to mimic my magic again, I will personally tether you to that fish and send you to the ocean floor."
Aki crawled out of the river, soaking wet but somehow still holding the fish. "Fine... but at least we have dinner now."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Aki gained the 'Accidental Fisherman' skill. Rena's trust in the party increased by 10 points due to laughter. Sai is still annoyed.]