NOVEL NEXT Academic Report and the Secret Addendum
Systematic Magical Crisis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Uncontrolled Arcane Distribution Across Multiple Dimensional Planes with Particular Emphasis on Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Why Everything is Suddenly Magical and No One Knows Why (Except We Actually Do But Can't Say)
Principal Investigators:
M.E.V.N. Nightshade (currently managing three simultaneous crises while writing this), N.A.G. Obscuris (shapeshifting between panic and academic rigor), L.G.V. Frostbrook (maintaining professional composure despite everything being on fire, mostly metaphorically), V.D.E. Crowe (providing emotional support to everyone including himself)
Interdimensional Consultant:
Dr. E.R. Foster, Ph.D. (Human Sciences), magical network analysis specialist
Institutional Affiliations:
Umbra Academy Department of Interdimensional Crisis Management (now officially recognized after we figured out everything), Blackthorn Keep Institute for Progressive Magical Policy (Nightshade Empire), Crowe Family Archives & Historical Research Division (participant of the Goblin Literacy Initiative), The Abyssal Depth Covenant School of Negotiation (involuntary affiliation via contractual obligation)
Supervised by:
Prof. S.V.T. Malvolia v. Schmerzen
Abstract
Following reports of "impossible magical phenomena" affecting Earth's human population—a species with zero magical capability for their entire recorded history—our research team conducted extensive field investigations into what appeared to be a targeted magical infestation. The initial manifestations were exactly what one would expect from Julian Fennar's stated goals: humans gaining access to magic. The exact kind of magic is quite peculiar and unseen in the known magical worlds and planes and seems to be influenced by the human folklore: quantifiable magical attributes and systematic progression mechanics.
What wasn't expected—and what constitutes the actual mystery requiring additional investigation—was the phenomenon's spread beyond Earth and other human worlds. Julian Fennar's ritual supposedly targeted human worlds. While we weren't allowed access to his research papers, we could make educated guesses based on previous communication and interaction with Mr. Fennar. His research focused exclusively on the human magical integration. Yet somehow, goblins and members of other servant races in Blackthorn Keep and beyond began manifesting abilities. Dragon treasure hoards gained consciousness. Non-magical people across multiple demon realms started developing magic.
Through rigorous application of the "Try to Research While Actually Managing the Crisis We Definitely Didn't Cause" methodology, we have compiled comprehensive data on both the expected human manifestations and the entirely unexpected cross-dimensional spread. Transformations of the human worlds seem to comply with Julian Fennar's stated goals: systematic, quantifiable, democratic. The spread to other realms, however, suggests additional factors that Julian neither intended nor understood.
Our findings indicate that while Julian Fennar's ritual has successfully spread magic to humanity (his stated goal), the spread to non-human realms represents an unexpected secondary ripple effect that may be related to connections between the planes or spots where inter-world membranes are thinner than. Additional resources are needed to continue this research.
We observe the following distribution patterns:
Human worlds: average of 23% magical integration one week after ritual, that includes not only the humans, but also some species that weren't even considered sentient before. The spread of magic is uneven, and it is too early to tell if the spread will continue until all species are changed.
After the initial spike, the speed of spreading was constantly declining on a daily basis. We don't expect all humans to gain access to magic before Yule, but they will probably get there, eventually.
Demonic realms that were influenced by the process show different levels of integration for servant and other races. For the realms represented by the authors of this report, the rates are between 67% and 89% in servant class manifestation. These rates are higher than those in some other realms. Our current hypothesis is that the spreading is higher for people present during the final phase of Julian Fennar's ritual. Additional research into the ancestral domains of the Headmaster and other present faculty members is needed.
Introduction: When Reality Develops Socialist Tendencies, Dragons Account for That in Their Business Plans
Contemporary magical theory previously operated under several now-defunct assumptions:
Magic follows bloodline inheritance (proven false: goblins can now cast spells)
Formal training is required for magical development (proven false: humans are winging it successfully)
Dragons care only about hoarding gold (proven false: they also care about recurring revenue streams)
Academic reports should be objective (proven impossible: we're literally part of the problem)
Recent events across multiple dimensional planes have shattered these assumptions with what scholars are calling "aggressive thoroughness" and what participants are calling "oh gods, why is everything on fire but also somehow better?"
1.1 Scope of Investigation
Our investigation covered the following increasingly chaotic territories:
Earth (one of the affected human realms):
Population: 8 billion confused humans
Magical literacy: 0%. They think magic is fairy tales. No, they don't know about the real fairies. Yet
Current status: 23% showing magical manifestation despite previously not knowing magic exists
Economic impact: governments all over the world are instituting local currency to soul sliver exchange rates, but don't know yet how large the global economy really is
Blackthorn Keep Territories:
Goblin literacy rate: Approaching 45% (historically impossible)
Productivity increase: 234% following D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework implementation and launch of the parliamentary process
Magical unrest: Channeled into social justice rituals and rhythmic chanting
Crowe Family Demonic Estates:
Servant races magical manifestation: 67%
Torture device repurposing: 89% converted to wellness equipment
Expected hierarchy disruption: Manageable with D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework
Aristocratic pearl-clutching incidents: 47 per day
Frostbrook Winter Domains:
Environmental-emotional coldness: 89% of territory
Ice sculpture sentience events: 23 documented cases
Acceptance of the D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework by the ruling class: 69%
Obscuris Rigidity Territories:
Reality fluidity index: 2.38% above baseline
Identity flexibility enhancement: 89% of servant population
Level of the psychological stability of Lord Obscuris: 99.99%, thanks to the D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework
The Abyssal Depth Covenant:
Servant population requiring management: 3.6 trillion servant beings
Interest in subversively progressive labor policies: Unprecedented for a Top Four house
Results: To be assessed in the upcoming 6 weeks
Methodology: Academic Rigor Meets Cosmic Panic
Our research methodology evolved from traditional academic observation to what we're calling "participatory crisis management with footnotes." This approach acknowledges that when reality is breaking, standing around taking notes becomes ethically questionable. Even if very exciting.
Phase 1: Initial Denial
Observe phenomena
Insist it's not our fault
Document everything to prove it's not our fault
Realize documentation actually proves it might be our fault
Continue documenting anyway
Phase 2: Reluctant Acceptance
Acknowledge possible minor involvement
Implement damage control measures
Pretend damage control measures are research protocols
Success! They're the same thing!
Phase 3: Aggressive Problem-Solving
Deploy the experimental and completely unrelated D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework to affected areas
Watch revolutionary sentiment transform into social justice campaigning
Negotiate with dragons while internally screaming
Maintain academic composure through caffeine dependency
Quantifying the M.E.S.S. (Julian Fennar's Mysterious Experiment: Spreading of the System)
3.1 The Thirteenth Chamber Incident
What Actually Happened:
Date: Night of the Ball
Location: Thirteenth Chamber, Umbra Academy
Perpetrator: Julian Fennar (human research assistant with romantic delusions of grandeur)
Technique: Soul-anchoring using Milo and attempted use of other people present in the chamber
Witnesses: Mo Nightshade, Nyx Obscuris, Lucian Frostbrook, Valerius Crowe, Headmaster Ashenfall, several professors
Outcome: Julian disappeared into dimensional void, Milo consumed by ritual, reality permanently altered
Cover story: "Spontaneous magical evolution of unknown origin"
System Parameters (As Determined by Julian's Ritual):
LitRPG-style interface (because Julian Fennar stole too many fantasy novels from Morgana Nightshade)
Distribution without any prejudice (his one good idea, poorly executed)
3.2 Human Realms and Earth Magical Manifestation Statistics
Total affected population at the moment of writing the report: 1.84 billion humans (23% of global population)
Average manifestation level: 1.3 (scale of 0-100, where 0 is "normal human" and 100 is "accidentally became a demigod")
System interface comprehension: 17% (some think it's a hallucination)
Attempts to use magic for currency mining: 2,847 documented cases
Manifestation Categories (Earth):
Emotional Amplification: 34% ("My feelings have feelings now")
Environmental Manipulation: 28% ("I made it rain during my ex's wedding")
Probability Adjustment: 19% ("I keep winning scratch cards")
Reality Commentary: 12% ("My toaster won't stop giving life advice")
Interdimensional Communication: 7% ("My cat is negotiating with something in the walls")
(See the addendum for definitions of feelings, scratch cards, toasters, and cats)
3.3 Demonic Realms: Distance Decay Theory
The spread differs significantly across demonic territories and demands additional research and analysis. It seems plausible that the speed of spreading correlates inversely with the distance of any representative of the ruling house from the Thirteenth Chamber at the moment of the event. Hence, the worlds and dimensions of the few people present at the location of the ritual are affected the most:
Nightshade Territories:
67% servant class manifestation (Morgana Nightshade was present)
Crowe Estates:
58% servant class manifestation (Valerius Crowe was present)
Frostbrook Domains:
51% servant class manifestation (Lucian Frostbrook was present)
Obscuris Territories:
49% servant class manifestation (Nyxir Obscuris was present)
Other Demon Realms:
3-15% manifestation (depending on Umbra Academy student presence)
However, as attendance of Umbra Academy includes scions of almost all demonic houses, we theorize that the new magic will soon spread to all realms, planes, and pocket dimensions. Conservative estimates suggest complete saturation within 18-24 months.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
3.4 D.E.V.I.O.U.S. Framework for Integration Crisis Mitigation
Comparative analysis of magical integration outcomes reveals statistically significant differences between territories with and without D.E.V.I.O.U.S. implementation:
Territories WITH D.E.V.I.O.U.S. Framework:
Servant class mortality during integration: 0.03% (near zero)
Productivity during transition: +234% above baseline
Magical incident severity: 89% classified as "harmless" or "beneficial"
Civil unrest incidents: 2 (both resolved through representation)
Profit margins: +347% (exceeded all projections)
Worker satisfaction: 8.7/10 (unprecedented in demon realm history)
Territories WITHOUT Framework:
Servant class mortality: 17.8% (primarily from uncontrolled magical manifestation)
Productivity: -67% (chaos, fear, and confusion)
Magical incident severity: 74% classified as "destructive" or "catastrophic"
Civil unrest incidents: 847 per territory (average)
Profit margins: -89% (economic collapse in 3 territories)
Worker satisfaction: 2.1/10 (active revolt in 7 territories)
Research Team Bias Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that our research team may exhibit certain biases, given that:
We developed the D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework
We profit from its implementation
We were present when Julian Fennar broke reality
We have vested interests in not being blamed for said reality-breaking
We represent houses that have active partnerships with the Nightshade Empire or the Nightshade Empire itself
However, we maintain that these statistics are accurate and have been verified by independent archfiend actuaries.
Conclusions: The Establishment Didn't Stop Julian in Time But At Least There's Someone to Manage His Mess Profitably (The Authors of this Report)
Our investigation demonstrates that systematic magical democratization, triggered by Julian Fennar's unauthorized ritual in the Thirteenth Chamber (which we definitely tried to stop but he was very determined), represents both catastrophic disruption and unprecedented opportunity.
Key findings:
Julian was wrong about the method but created some interesting opportunities for demonic research and business
The new magical System reacts to the proximity of the ritual
Milo's sacrifice was tragic, but his essence may still exist within the System
Academic objectivity is impossible when you were literally there when it happened
We recommend immediate universal adoption of D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework, not just because Nightshade Empire would benefit financially (though it would), but because it's the only proven method for managing the magical chaos Julian Fennar unleashed. Also, at least one draconic house is already involved, so we're committed now.
References
Fennar, J. (2025). "Quantifiable Magic Distribution Through Dimensional Manipulation."
Unpublished due to author's disappearance into dimensional void. Text redacted. Only the title provided to the research team.
Doomwhisper, M. (1456). "Theoretical Frameworks for Accidentally Revolutionizing Everything."
Umbra Academic Press.
Foster, E. (2025). "I Don't Understand What's Happening But Here Are Some Charts About the Thing Mr. Fennar Did."
Classified Earth government documentation.
Nightshade, M. (2025). "How to Stop Your Ex-Boyfriend from Breaking Reality (Spoiler: You Can't)."
Personal diary, heavily redacted.
Ashenfall, H. (2025). "Incident Report: Thirteenth Chamber Unauthorized Access."
Umbra Academy Archives, restricted access. Only the front page was provided to the research team.
Various Professors (2025). "Collective Testimony Regarding the Night We Don't Talk About."
Sealed depositions. We could only guess that this exists.
Crowe, V. (2025). "On Being Used as a Ritual Component Without Consent."
Testimony to Umbra Ethics Board.
SECRET ADDENDUM: Not For High Council or Umbra Academy Eyes. Nightshade Empire Internal Use Only
Discussion: Why Everything Is Our Fault But in a Good Way
1.1 Theoretical Framework for Systematic Magical Distribution
Our analysis reveals several key principles governing magical democratization, all of which can be traced back to the specific parameters of Julian Fennar's ritual:
The Julian Was Right But Wrong Principle: His ritual to democratize magic technically worked, distributing magical abilities to previously non-magical populations. Unfortunately, he failed to consider that giving everyone magic without preparation, training, or consent might cause some minor issues like reality breaking, dragons acting like venture capitalists, and toasters achieving sentience.
The Ritual Participants' Influence Pattern: Those present during the Thirteenth Chamber incident (Mo, Valerius, Nyx, Lucian, and several Umbra professors now missing various limbs) show disproportionate influence on System behavior. The System appears to have imprinted on their magical signatures, which explains why areas implementing Mo's progressive policies show better integration—the System literally learned from her during its creation.
The Coffee Shop Competence Correlation: Individuals with customer service experience demonstrate 156% better crisis management outcomes during magical manifestation events. We theorize that dealing with caffeine-deprived customers provides ideal training for managing reality-breaking phenomena.
The Dragon Capitalism Paradox: Ancient beings hoarding wealth for millennia have suddenly discovered recurring revenue models. The Abyssal Depth Covenant's adoption of D.E.V.I.O.U.S. framework suggests even dragons recognize that sustainable exploitation requires healthy workers.
The Academic Intervention Inevitability: Despite our best efforts to remain objective observers, we keep accidentally breaking and then fixing things. This suggests that competence in proximity to crisis naturally results in crisis resolution, regardless of institutional intent.
1.2 The "We Were All There But Can't Admit It" Problem
The most challenging aspect of this investigation is maintaining academic objectivity while every member of our research team was literally present when Julian Fennar broke reality. We've developed several strategies for handling this:
Selective Memory Protocol:
We remember being at the Ball but mysteriously have gaps in our memory around the Thirteenth Chamber incident
Passive Voice Maximization:
"Reality was altered" sounds better than "Julian Fennar altered reality while we watched"
Academic Hedging:
Liberal use of "appears to," "suggests," and "correlates with" to avoid stating what we know for certain
Blame Deflection:
Focus on the positive outcomes (increased productivity!) rather than the whole "unleashing chaos across multiple dimensions" thing
The Abyssal Depth Covenant's approach to magical democratization—treating it as an investment opportunity rather than existential crisis—represents a refreshing trend. If dragons begin thinking like venture capitalists, traditional power structures face additional disruption through market forces.
D.E.V.I.O.U.S. Framework Adoption Rates
Early Adopters:
House Frostbrook: 285 million beings covered
House Obscuris: 168 million beings covered
Crowe Estates: 465 million beings covered
Combined annual revenue: ~3,300 soul cores
First Top Four House (60% discount):
Abyssal Depth Covenant: 3.6 trillion beings covered
Annual revenue: ~17,000 soul cores
Projected Revenue Change
8% increase for the Nightshade Empire
Projected Additional Contracts:
29 demon houses, including all houses in the state of active revolt expressing interest
Potential revenue if 10 Top 20 Houses sign: ~200,000 soul cores annually
Nightshade Empire revenue projection: Potential doubling within fiscal year
Coffee Economics
Earth coffee in demon realms: 15-36 copper slivers per cup
Blackthorn Keep production: 400% above Earth yields
Daily consumption at Umbra Academy: 500 soul slivers worth
British government exchange rate: 1 soul sliver = £250
Dr. Foster's daily coffee budget: £750 (3 soul slivers)
Parliamentary Democracy Performance Metrics
Blackthorn Keep Parliament First Session:
Attendance: 100% (unprecedented)
Rhythmic chanting incidents: 47
Productive policy discussions: 73%
Revolutionary sentiment channeled into democratic participation: 100%
Coffee breaks requested: 17
Chant [R]evolution Analysis: "WORK REFORM! LIVING WAGE!" → "D.E.V.I.O.U.S. NATION! COMPLETE LIBERATION!" → "EVERY COMMUNITY! EVERY VOICE!" → "DEMOCRATIC FUTURE! PEOPLE'S CHOICE!"
Statistical linguistic analysis shows 89% rhyme consistency and 94% rhythmic accuracy, suggesting goblins have natural aptitude for political theater.
Economic Impact Analysis: The Nightshade Empire Profit Report
5.1 Current Revenue Streams:
Pre-Integration Annual Revenue: 217,000 soul cores
New Revenue Streams (Post-"Academic Investigation"):
D.E.V.I.O.U.S. Framework Licensing:
Abyssal Depth Covenant: 17,280 soul cores/year (confirmed)
Early adopters: 3,305 soul cores/year (confirmed)
29 pending contracts: ~50,000-200,000 soul cores/year (projected)
Total framework revenue: 70,000-220,000 soul cores/year
N.E.C.K.E.D. Medical Services:
Full price for Covenant (100% adoption, unrealistic): ~80,000 soul cores/year
Additional contracts: ~200,000-600,000 soul cores/year
Coffee Export Empire:
Current production: 10,000 soul cores/year
Earth exclusivity arrangement: Priceless market position
Projected growth: 5000% on sulphurous demonic soil over 5 years
Magitech Development Division:
Earth technology integration: Infant industry
Projected revenue in 5 years: [classified] soul cores/year
Patent rights: Incalculable
5.2 Total Projected Annual Revenue
500,000-2,000,000 soul cores Percentage increase: 130-1,000%
Strategic Advantages:
First Mover Advantage:
Nightshade Empire is the only one with tested frameworks for magical democratization management
Earth Monopoly:
By allowing Morgana Nightshade to be the first representative of the demonic worlds on Earth, Umbra Academy and the High Council created almost a "fox in the henhouse" situation. Exclusive relationships with Earth governments provide unprecedented access to 8 billion potential customers, which is not much on the scale of multitude of worlds, but significant if you consider the spread of Earth practices and technologies outwards
Coffee Diplomacy:
As an example, control of premium coffee supplies creates diplomatic leverage even dragons can't resist
Risk Factors:
High Council Suspicion:
They may start to notice the correlation between Mo's presence and "spontaneous" adoption of the magical System
Dragon Attention:
Once Top Four houses are involved, everybody watches and someone definitely gets eaten
Earth Integration Complexity:
Humans remain adorably incompetent at magic
Coffee Dependency:
At least one diplomatic strategy relies on caffeine addiction
Recommendation:
Continue "academic investigation" while building economic empire. By the time anyone realizes Morgana Nightshade orchestrated everything, she'll be too economically powerful to stop. Also, invest in coffee futures. Also dragons.
Final Note:
This addendum will self-destruct if anyone asks about it. Morgana Nightshade definitely didn't write this section. It appeared spontaneously, probably due to magical manifestation or System interface malfunction. These things happen now.
End of Report
Please direct all complaints about report length to the Department of Academic Standards
Free coffee samples and complementary therapy services available for those traumatized by reading this entire document