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CHAPTER 265
297 AC
POV THIRD PERSON
Adrew, Dacey, and Rickon convened beneath the towering canopy of the ancient weirwood tree, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow of a meager flame. With determined resolve, they endeavored to kindle a more substantial fire, knowing that within its crackling embers lay the key.
In the shadow of the Wall, where ancient magic mingled with the currents of the ley lines, Rickon recognized the unique convergence of forces—a potent magic that promised the manifestation of elemental mana. He needed to harness more fire elements.
Adrew, Dacey, and Rickon set about crafting a giant pyre that would beckon forth the fire element from the ley line. Branches were gathered, tinder piled high, and kindling carefully arranged. As the flames licked hungrily, Rickon could see more of the pure mana coming into the flames.
In the realm of magic, specificity reigns supreme. Crafting mana attuned to a specific element demands meticulous attention to detail and an intimate understanding of the natural world. It is not merely a matter of conjuring fire from thin air or summoning water from a parched land; rather, it requires the harmonious convergence of myriad elements, each carefully chosen to resonate with the desired aspect of nature.
Because Aermir's powers came from divinity, he never needed to study like Rickon was doing; everything came to him so naturally. He just intuitively knew what he needed to do. But Rickon was different; his power came from his blood and soul. So he needed to learn everything like a newborn.
For mana imbued with the essence of fire, the prerequisites are clear: a roaring conflagration, a blaze that consumes with unbridled fury, and an inferno that rages unchecked. It is not enough to simply ignite a bonfire; true elemental mana demands the fierce intensity of a volcanic eruption or the relentless advance of a wildfire, where flames dance and sparks fly in a chaotic symphony of destruction. That is why it was the first time he saw a fire element mana outside Aermir's spells.
Similarly, for mana steeped in the essence of water, one must seek out the tranquil embrace of a vast lake or the tumultuous fury of a raging river. It is the endless ebb and flow of water that pulls out the elemental mana to itself. And for mana attuned to the rhythms of nature itself, one must immerse oneself in the heart of a dense forest, where the ancient trees whisper with their creaking trunks as the wind blows. Then, the mana thrums with the pulse of life itself, resonating with the vitality of the natural world.
However, the unique location beneath the weirwood tree was exceptionally rich in pure mana, allowing even a bonfire to absorb traces of fire elemental mana. The trio aimed to capitalize on this phenomenon by constructing a substantial pyre, hoping to amplify Rickon's collection of fire element mana.
As they worked to construct the pyre, the clash of elemental energies became evident. The pervasive ice element in the surroundings seemed to resist the encroachment of the burgeoning fire element, creating a dampened effect on their magical endeavor. Despite their efforts, the flames struggled to assert themselves fully against the chill of the air, their crackling offering only a muted promise of a potential breakthrough in Rickon's magical pursuits.
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Rickon nestled beneath the gnarled branches of the ancient weirwood tree, the ambient chill of the small grove near the Wall seeping through his fur-lined garments. With focused intent, he initiated the delicate process of drawing fire elements towards himself, the essence of his surroundings shifting subtly in response.
Adrew and Dacey observed Rickon's efforts with bated breaths, their eyes reflecting a mix of hope and uncertainty. As they stood on the snow-laden ground, the soft crunch of each step echoed in the cold air, accentuating the tense atmosphere surrounding them.
Around the great pyre, the snow began to melt, the intense heat of the flames gradually overcoming the wintry chill. Yet, despite their collective anticipation, Rickon's troubled expression betrayed the lack of progress in this endeavor.
In the midst of this profound stillness, the ancient weirwood trunk, its bark etched with the weight of countless years, began to show signs of agitation. Subtle cracks marred its surface as if the tree itself were awakening from a long slumber. From these rifts, an otherworldly green light seeped forth, its ethereal glow suffusing the surrounding grove.
Within the luminous arc formed by the burgeoning radiance, a membrane akin to rippling water took shape. Gradually, the form of Aermir materialized within this radiant portal, clad in his distinctive Druid attire.
The once tranquil grove now hummed with subtle energy, resonating with the arrival of Aermir and the natural forces he embodied. Adrew and Dacey, deeply moved by the presence of their revered leader, instinctively placed their fists atop their hearts in a gesture of reverence. With a half bow, they addressed him in deference:
"My lord..."
Rickon's revelation filled Aermir with a mix of excitement and frustration. He listened intently as Rickon detailed his newfound understanding of mana manipulation. Aermir's heart quickened at the prospect of Rickon's breakthrough. He was very angry that he had not been informed when Rickon learned to control mana, so he showed his dissatisfaction. Upon this, Rickon said,
"I might be able to control mana, but I can't cast spells; I can just move it like fanning the air. I tried to teach them this, but it is not working. Because they cannot see mana, they cannot visualize it like I do, and that is why they are not able to control it; they don't know what it feels like. It is like trying to teach fish about how to fly. I realized first I needed to create a mana heart and help them move the mana in their body so they could learn how to feel and manipulate mana. It would be like lighting the first spark; after that, they can fan flames themselves."
Rickon's method of manipulating mana stood in stark contrast to Aermir's innate abilities. While Aermir possessed a natural mana heart, allowing him to draw in ambient mana effortlessly, Rickon had devised a more intricate approach. His technique involved meticulous control over external mana, akin to marionettist guiding strings. Once the mana danced in proximity, Rickon, through a methodical process, absorbed it through the very pores of his skin. It was akin to breathing with your skin.
After drawing the mana through his pores, Rickon utilized the intricate network of his blood vessels to circulate it throughout his body. In previous attempts with other elemental mana, the energy had always slipped through his grasp like water through a sieve. Yet now, as he focused on the fire element, he found success. Concentrating intently, he amassed the mana around his heart.
Aermir, seasoned in the arcane arts, scrutinized Rickon's display with a discerning eye. The boy's unorthodox approach unveiled an innate ingenuity and adaptability within the complex domain of magic. Aermir discerned that grasping Rickon's method might hold the key to kindling mana hearts for others.
However, Aermir also comprehended the inherent challenge of replicating such a feat. Despite his exceptional 5x talent, mastering Rickon's method and the limited ambient fire element would demand at least a month of dedicated effort. It would necessitate time and patience, luxuries they could ill afford in the face of imminent challenges.
For now, Aermir's focus shifted. He acknowledged the pressing need to aid Rickon in collecting fire element mana more efficiently. Despite their efforts with the pyre, the wood of this grove was ill-suited for such endeavors. Aermir began pondering alternative sources of fire element mana. Initially, the idea of burning the forest crossed his mind, but given the current climate, such a feat would prove nearly impossible.
He contemplated a solution but he had so little man left that is why he decided to rest first, allowing his mana to replenish. After a sufficient rest his mana was replenished, he commenced casting fire spells. With each surge of mana infused into the incantations, the pyre swelled, its flames climbing to three times their original height.
Upon seeing the rich fire element, Rickon tries to pull it into his body, but this fire element acts volatile and doesn't listen to him like before. "It isn't working; the mana doesn't listen to me like it already has a master. It must be because you are the one controlling them. It looks like I can't absorb another person's spell."
Aermir sighed heavily, his expression betraying a hint of disappointment. "It was a long shot anyway," he conceded, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Even with this amount of mana, it would have taken you a few months to create your mana heart. We need somewhere filled with fire elements. The closest volcano is on Skagos, and it looks like we need to go there."
Aermir turned to Dacey and Adrew with a determined expression. "I will take Rickon there with Sith, so we are not going to wait for you. Try to reach there as fast as possible," he instructed firmly. Using the water walk spell, Aermir could reach there in two days, while it would at least take a week for others even if they hurried. He summoned Sith, and both of them started racing through the land like the wind.