It is difficult explaining the complexities of energy conversion to someone who lacks even a rudimentary knowledge of physics, particularly when I am in no way an expert on the topic myself, but it is even more complicated when also trying to figure out how to apply that knowledge to magic.

However, Rose is an attentive listener with a keen mind and a thirst for greater knowledge and understanding. She has also proven to be good at filling in the blanks in converting that knowledge to practical application in the times when I am unsure how to proceed. I cannot help but wonder what she might have been able to accomplish had she received a proper education.

But then there are times when she asks me about topics that I do not even know where to begin explaining them, because I have no understanding of them myself.

“Can you tell me how telepathy works?” This is one of those times.

Why do you ask?

“I thought it might be useful one day if I could communicate with other imps the way you do. But so far, I haven’t been able to figure it out,” she explains.

When I do it, all it requires is reaching out to my target with mana and I am able to send my thoughts to them through that connection.

“That’s what I assumed and I’ve been trying that, but all I’ve managed to accomplish is transferring mana to the one I’m trying to communicate with. I’ve mostly been trying with Violet so far, since we’re both guardians now and you can reach both of us when we’re outside and it’s even a two-way connection when you do, so I thought there might be a better chance of success with her, but it hasn’t worked so far,” she laments.

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Unfortunately, I have little advice to offer. I have never given much thought to how it works, it just does. I do not understand the mechanics behind it.

“So you don’t have any ideas?” She inquires?

You could try asking Igneous. His primary means of communication seems to be some form of telepathy. Perhaps he could offer some insight.

She pauses for a few seconds, then shakes her head.

“Of course, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Thank you, I’ll go talk to him right away,” she exclaims and heads off in search of the gargoyle.

I leave her to it and turn my attention to other things for a while. When she later returns to her room, I go in to check on her.

Were you able to figure anything out?

Rose lets out an exasperated sigh.

“No. Maybe he’s not good at explaining things, or perhaps his particular method of telepathy is unique to his species. Whatever the reason, I found his attempted explanation to be completely incomprehensible.”

I see. That is unfortunate.

“I think I might need to just set this aside for now. I don’t plan to give up on it, but I’m not seeing a path forward at this point in time,” she decides.