Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

Over the next week I learned that Archibald had been suspended, for now. Apparently the academy took potential treason charges seriously. However, the investigation was ongoing. Simon had been suspended as well, because of his attack. He tried to stab an undead and not a student, but it was still considered unacceptable. I was not sure how long his suspension would last though. Jack and Florence were still around but kept their distance, for now.

Meanwhile we were working hard on the spellblade project. Gronir barely slept, being so excited about our new discovery. It still took two weeks until we were ready. Horas helped Cassie with the ink and Mary had successfully changed the runes together with Gronir.

All of us were very excited as we met on a Solday to create the first vampire spellblade. Hatsumi sat on a stool in her underclothes, her tail swishing nervously. Mary seemed calm but excited as she prepared her needle.

"Ok, I will go over the runes we have selected." She began. "We will add runes to your arms, legs and your back. Your legs will focus on muscle enhancements and some durability to cushion falls. Well, the undead equivalent I suppose, since you do not have normal muscles. Your arms get the control runes, like normal spellblades. You also get increased strength and reinforced hands for your blood claws. It will be curious to see an inborn ability being enhanced."

While Mary talked I studied the runes she had prepared. I was not required to truly memorise them, thankfully. I just had to provide a lot of necrotic mana through the joint casting. Still, I was pretty nervous, despite all of our preparations. Helena placed her hand on my shoulder, it helped to calm me a bit.

Mary continued with her runes: "On your back we will have a lot of the general body enhancements. Improved regeneration will be a big one but also tougher skin. Oh, and there will be a small circle of runes around your neck, like a choker necklace. It should help your fangs and give you even more control of the poison you inject with a bite. It might also allow you to draw a bit more power from drinking blood."

"We are truly creating a new form of a vampire, an enhanced vampire! This is so exciting." Gronir said. He looked tired but also excited and was taking notes.

Kaito observed everything calmly. He had brought refreshments and placed them on a table, since the procedure was going to take a while. Cassie and Skadi sat on a couch, holding hands and watching. The cats were on the couch as well and Nyx was telekinetically floating a treat from the table towards her mouth.

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Helena stood next to me for encouragement. Once everything was ready I touched Mary's back and focused on my magic. I had quite a bit of experience with joint castings but only with my friends. While I trusted Mary I did not have the same connection with her. It made the whole process more exhausting but Hatsumi would be worth it.

With the mental link established Mary grabbed the needle, filled it with ink and started working on Hatsumi's legs. I simply closed my eyes and focused on the mana. She was in charge of the casting, I simply focused on the runes she had given for the inscription spell.

Interestingly I could feel the link to Hatsumi change. I could feel the spell flowing through it as Mary worked. I lost track of time but I was getting tired. Kaito offered me water and snacks periodically. He likely fed Mary too but I was too focused to pay attention.

Suddenly I felt a huge draw of mana. I poured my magic into it and saw the runes on Hatsumi lighting up. I gasped, cold sweat formed on my forehead but I kept feeding the spell. Then it was over.

"It is done." Mary said, looking exhausted.

"Marvelous…" Gronir whispered.

"That looked intense." Skadi commented.

"Yeah, it seemed a lot harder than your runes." Cassie added.

Helena was still next to me and I leaned into her.

"Good job!" She told me and drew me into a hug.

"This was an interesting experience." Mary said. "I underestimated how much mana it would take." She opened and closed her fingers, holding a needle for that long must have been unpleasant. I looked at the runes, they looked perfectly drawn. She was truly a master.

Hatsumi still sat there, staring in awe at the lines marking her body. She gently traced the runes on her left arm with a finger. "How long until I can fully use them?" She asked.

"Well… I have no idea." Mary admitted with a chuckle. "You are the first vampire spellblade, a miracle, really."

"No, not a miracle, a breakthrough!" Gronir said. "We have made history. Koyuki has not only found a way to advance necromancy itself, this project has demonstrated the new possibilities for our art!"

"How do you feel, Hatsumi?" I asked.

"It is strange having my available mana reduced but I feel stronger. I feel like I have a bit more control over my blood. I am unsure how much I want to try now, maybe it is best to wait for my body to adjust first." She replied.

"A bit of rest is usually a good idea. Maybe you should eat something as well?" Mary suggested.

"I do have a blood potion!" Cassie said and offered one to Hatsumi.

"Thank you!" She took it and downed the entire potion, then she looked at the bottle thoughtfully. "Somehow it tasted different. More intense. Maybe because my fangs have changed?"

"We do need a test subject for your bite, once you have settled. I can't wait to find out what has changed! And your blood too! Our discoveries shall continue!" Gronir said.

Mary nodded, then she yawned. "We should certainly check on the runes in a few days again. But for today we should probably rest, or party."

"Rest does not sound bad." I mumbled into Helena's embrace.

"Thank you for this gift, all of you." Hatsumi said and bowed. "I am lucky to have such an amazing mistress."

I sighed. "Not mistress, just Koyuki."