Oh and I didn't mention this when I posted the other chapter, but it's 7 chapters in this 'arc'. Im kind of sad about the chapter length for a couple though, but if I let it reach over 5k it gets unwieldy. At least for my tastes. Anyway here's the next one.
Chapter 8
The sun rises and fills my room, I turn and find my face in a soft pillow. The squeak of the sleeping lizard beside me, who for some reason wouldn't sleep in his own room. Maybe because he can't open the door? Whatever.
My day begins much like my last few days in Diedrich's estate. At dawn I'm taken by Ethel down to the baths where Juliet awaits me, to suffer another embarrassing wash and all that entails.
Juliet also brought something else with her, a translucent stone. Some sort of crystal. However from sight I already know what it actually is.
“A crystal beast core? Why do you have one?” I ask Juliet who is sitting behind me and forcefully scrubbing my back. “Lord Raul received it as a gift, I don't know the details but it's attribute is time.”
A time attribute crystal beast? This thing is beyond rare… Time or any of the other divine attributes appear rarely in men or crystal beasts, while the gods can tip the scales they rarely do. Myself and Zan being exceptions to the rule. If I recall I just need to pour mana into it.
Juliet slaps my head, “Pay attention Kadimae, if you stink at school it'll reflect badly on Tyrell.” Drawing my attention back to her she then asks me to turn around and face her. To which she then checks my face and etc.
“So Juliet, if your Diedrich's daughter are you the kings cousin?” She scowls at me for a moment before speaking, “By blood, yes. But mother served father, rather than wed him. I would inherit nothing anyway, not even status. Father was the eldest brother but found... lacking.” A strange silence persists over us as she finishes and stands up to leave.
“Lord priest said that the way crystal beasts imprint it's best to be naked. So finish that then leave.” She grabs a towel and walks off leaving me alone in the baths.
These people… not a family I'd like to be part of. Wasn't father a king? Are my brothers and sisters going to be this strange? Worrying about this isn't going to help at all…
I place my sight on the clear crystal Raul gave me. Mana from the air is bit by bit being pulled into the jewel. I pick it up and hand it between my hands before closing my eyes. Breathing in a regular rhythm I pull mana from my body and begin to circulate it around. Bit by bit the strands of mana gather coalescing into streams.
I open my eyes and focus the mana into the jewel within my hand. The mana that had enshrouded me begins to flow into the jewel and it starts to emit light. A single beam of light is being emitted from its surface and thin strands of silver sliver out. I place the jewel on the side of the bath as the strands become threads and then gather to create a…
Shell? Is that an egg? The crystal formed an egg the size of my head a thin line of mana connects me and the egg as well as specks flowing to it from the air. Peering at the surface reveals nothing as to what could be contained within.
Feeling slightly disappointed I take the egg and go get dressed before making my way out. The maids prepared me some casual clothes, trousers and a short sleeved shirt. Carrying the egg in hand I go find Raul. The old men spend the start of each day in the same spot so it takes little effort to find them.
I walk into the main hall to find Raul and Diedrich. “Ah Kadimae, boy. Why what's with the egg?” Diedrich asks me in between waffling down his breakfast. “Ah I didn't expect an egg, perhaps I should have asked what it was beforehand.” Raul says unconcerned before taking another bite of some food I don't know the name of. Might be some kind of fish dish?
I sit down next to Raul and the server walks off to collect my own breakfast. I sit the egg on the table. “How long will it stay an egg?” Raul ponders the question for a moment, “A couple days at most, it'll hatch when it reaches the first rank of strength. Do you have enough mana left to use your time magic?”
I search within to find ample mana remaining. “I should be fine, where's Tyrell?” Diedrich is the one to answer this time with, “Oh he had to visit my dear nephew before he's sent off to study. Students rarely visit the rest of the city, the academy's grounds are a town all their own. So I understand.”
Finally catching up with the rest of us Zan runs into the hall, I've grown used to seeing his scale covered form. It might even feel strange when he turns back. He jumps on the table landing in his backside and sits waiting to be served.
A kitchen worker I haven't seen before walks in with my soup and eventually Zan's breakfast too. Which is steak… I want some now. I think as I almost begin to drool.
Time quickly passes as we ready ourselves and finally find ourselves ready to take a carriage to the academy. Juliet hands me the bag now containing what few possessions I have and the egg. Diedrich then bids us farewell. “Good luck Kadimae. Raul will you be coming back?” Raul nods, “Good lodging is hard to find. With such a splendid host as well, thank you Diedrich.” I thank the old man as well and he waves us off. Even Zan tries to stand to free up a claw for waving, he tumbles over but it's the thought that counts.
We close the door of the carriage as we take the fateful trip to the academy. Wait I just realized… “Raul, how is Zan going to complete the entrance test without a human form?” A look of concern washes over the old priest's face. “That's actually an issue isn't it.”
“We will cross that bridge when it comes. At the very least he can communicate and cast magic as he is and the other two tests require no action at all.” Raul explains to me, which now that I think about it makes sense. Raul used magic while flying here and can understand Zan's sounds. Perhaps other members of the dragon race can act as an intermediary.
After many bumps, ascents and descents the carriage comes to a stop. A couple knocks on the door and a man, who I assume is the driver, opens it to say. “I can go no further your holiness, good luck on the ascent.”
“It is fine, the grounds are too dangerous for most. I understand.” The shimmer of a gold coin exchanges hands and we all exit the carriage to find ourselves before a grand stone arch. The carriage drives off behind us as I gaze at the sight.
A grand pillar that seems to stretch into the sky, when I saw it from above not a few days before I did not realize an entire district surrounds it. Beside Raul I walk across the boundary, a few steps and I feel like I've entered an alien world. “The mage's district can be quite overwhelming, I do agree.” The tiles on the ground are each engraved with a marking, wooden and stone buildings each etched with some arcane glyphs.
We begin our journey through the winding streets, shops containing a wide variety of items. From books to clothing to weapons and all else. Another man walk past us with a different arcane aura. Red and gray flickering about him. Fire and death magic? Strange mix.
However some things never change. Even here Raul is met with looks of fear or reverence from the populace. A young lady apologizes profusely for walking into him one minute and a bow the next.
“Why your holiness.” A young women dressed in fine red robes talks to Raul. “Ah madam Erent, how long has it been?” The priests scaly smile lights up and brings the women into a hug, “Too long old snake, I can see what brings you to town. It's already that time of year? Isn't it?” The previously ecstatic women now seems bothered. Raul chuckles at her words, “Why professor, it's your job not mine. How would I know?” Raul exchanges in small talk further with the professor before an interesting topic comes up. “You know Castor is doing the entrance exams this year? I pity the poor kids.”
“Oh truly? That old wart never took his job seriously when I knew him, what changed?” Raul’s demeanor grows cold in a second and gives Miss Erent a stern look. Miss Erent looks side to side a moment before whispering, so quiet I could only just hear it.
“I believe he seeks an apprentice.”
“Is that so strange? The old man has had a couple dozen as far as I recall, why he…” Raul is cut off by the red lady.
“No, that apprentice. A successor.” If Raul had a human face I could swear it would have gone pale in that moment. “I see.” Raul says as he turns back to me, “Come along boy.” He doesn't lighten up at all as we leave the professor behind. “Kadimae, did you hear that?” I respond with. “Yes.” Raul then continues to explain, “Now Castor is a rather dangerous man, while it would be nice if he took you as a student. We have a more immediate concern.” He puts great emphasis on that word, “Whoever proctors the exam can choose what is tested to an extent. I think he means to have the test of mysteries be a combat test.”
How can I fight with… no, it's impossible. I can change my perception of time for a few seconds, that is it. Now that's a pretty amazing ability contrary to how it sounds, it means that if I experience time at twice the rate I cast twice as fast. It has no use by itself however. And time compression is the only mystery I know…
“Could I try to figure out time acceleration?” I ask Raul, “No, don't even try. I will knock you out long before you even attempt it. Anyway, you don't have the time to learn.” Ok that avenue is done for. What else can I try? I have two death attributes… I could just overwhelm them with death mana but extermination of the soul isn't a mystery, that and it's murderer. Could I kill someone? For the greater good, so that day never comes? I don't know, I don't know at all.
My mind lost in its thoughts I like a machine follow Raul up the endless passages and steps. No longer paying heed to time or company I think longer on a solution. Fire attributes naturally allow one to obtain the mystery of pyrokinesis, what's the equivalent for death attributes? Isn't that just tampering with the soul again? Which leads to extermination of the soul… In my stupor I walk into the now stationary Raul. “Huh?” I back away from the Nute and look at my surroundings, yet another boundary and beyond that an assortment of buildings between here and the tower's walls. “It's nothing Kadimae, just a barrier.”
“My magician's title is Aratus, I bring two guests.” A slim finger touches a previously invisible barrier, that barrier then shines a brilliant orange before evaporating into nothingness. Between us and the tower is a large courtyard covered in a glowing diagram, circles and lines forming an intricate pattern. Raul pays it no heed and we cross toward the centre tower. Isn't it a bit quiet for the test day? I look around to see only a dozen or so people in the courtyard, most seem to already be students or otherwise working here.
“Hey Raul, isn't it quiet?” Zan chirps in what I assume agreement. “The actual testing period begins in three hours Kadimae, I'm here for another reason.” By this point I am unsurprised, this appears to be the kind of thing Raul does. “The dragon god asked me to fetch something. Just that word, fetch.” Raul growls in a rare moment of anger. “A unique artifact, nothing dangerous however.”
And that was that. Other than a few hushed whispers no one obstructs us, we leave the courtyard and enter the grand tower. The one thing I notice first is the this entire floor is just a balcony for the floor below, a wide open space which right now has no occupants. This entire complex is lit a ghastly blue by enchanted flames which burn soundless around the floor. The walls appear to be an unnaturally smooth stone and the entire place is dead quiet. To each side is a staircase, both leading up and it seems to the same room. Raul leads us up the left and we leave this eerie floor.
The pale blue glow of the enchanted flames from the floor below fade and an ambient yellow fills this floor. This looks like some kind of reception? A room full of chairs and a row of desks on one side. A colour scheme of red and gold, with a lavishness similar to how I imagine a palace should be. Rather than the citadel's ministries… While there are a few people sitting around they avoid making eye contact due to my escort. Raul walks up to the middle desk, a young woman sits there.
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“So uh, what can I do for you milor- I mean your holiness.” She stutters but Raul ignores it and asks his question. “I need to meet with a Miss Welden, Colette Weldan. I believe she resides here?” The receptionists demeanor changes and says “I can lead you there. Alone.” Raul smiles and says, “Yes, Yes. Of course she values privacy.”
“Kad take a seat, I'll be back in maybe an hour.”
Of all the fucking… Being stuck in here when I'd rather be trying to figure out a solution to the exam is just. Great! I'll just try on my own. Raul walks off up yet another staircase with the women and I take a seat on a chair near the back, hoping to remain undisturbed. Zan curls up on a nearby seat.
Mystery, mysteries. I peruse through my previous thoughts to continue from where I left off. Time magic will just kill me, death magic will kill my opponent and I don't know any magic of the last two attributes I have, spatial and lightning. Spatial magic is normally used for all-purpose barriers but uses excessive mana. It's not an option. Lightning requires I just shocked to learn the mystery, I don't have the time.
Time. Could I use time magic to give myself more time to think? I dismiss that idea however since it would exhaust all my mana. I wouldn't regain it in time for the exam. Isn't there just one choice left? If I cannot ask anyone here, why not Maru? Shouldn't he know something about death attribute magic?
I can tell it’s a long shot, the only place I've met Maru is in a sort of dream. I need somewhere to lie down if I'm going to try this. I turn to the small dragon beside me and say “Hey I'm going to look around for a place to lie down.” Zan raises then shuts his eye, unconcerned and trying to rest himself. With that said I take my leave of the reception. In this room there are three entrances, two sets of staircases up and down and a door that leads outside. I take that door and walk out into the fresh air.
Outside is a large field extending over hundreds of meters, a plateau beneath the watchful gaze of the tower. While there are a couple smaller structures dotted around its mostly open field. I pick a glassy bank with some shade beneath a tree and settle down beneath the summer sun.
* * *
I awake under a pleasant sky, and a warm sun awaits me overhead. Otherwise this world seems devoid of anything but the sky, and a bed? I find myself lying atop an old wooden bed amid an open field. Scouring around I see the same tower in the distance although it looks a bit closer. The sound doesn't loop as it did before either as I hear a subdued breeze.
“Huh? How'd you get here?” That voice! “Maru?” I turn my head in its direction to find Maru and some strange man at a desk with what looks like chessboard. The Man has shoulder length gray hair but doesn't look all that old… maybe a little above thirty? He doesn't look at me as he ponders his next move. Rhythmically tapping the table, I wonder why he's here…
This is meant to be my world, so I'm safe. But why is he there? Is he another god or perhaps one of the dead? Describing the appearance of a god is pointless since they can just change their own features as they please. “Maru who is this?” I ask trying not to sound aggressive. The man doesn't react but Maru answers, “Tarkus, god of mankind.” fuck fuck fuck… ok actually I should be fine. The king of the heavens should be above punishing petty things. Or at least I think.
“Maru can I talk to you while he picks his next move?” Maru shuffles off the seat and says “Sure, he takes a couple days per move.” Ignoring the fact they are using my mind or soul as a venue for meet ups I ask Maru. “Maru I need to learn a mystery for death attribute magic, something that doesn't involve killing the opponent. Or destroying their soul.”
“Nope, I can't use magic. I can't teach mystery, only how to borrow my own powers. Divine magic.” The feeling of despair sets in on me and then. “I know someone who can, though I don't think you'll want to meet each other.” I have a good idea of who he means, “My father?” Maru shakes his head, “The dragon god. We could ask Lahtain as well but he's sleeping somewhere.”
“You mind?” Maru asks Tarkus, who then clicks his fingers in a greatly exaggerated motion...or not. From his fingers a shock wave bursts out almost knocking me to the ground. A storm forms in the heavens and my once peaceful dreamscape is thrown into disarray.
“Shut it worm. Get down here.” Tarkus shouts at the dragon god as a gold aura gathers about him and a thin circle of light rests upon his brow. The wild winds and rain stop and the dragon's form coalesces to form the silhouette of a man. Floating silent in the sky. Who takes a moment's respite before flying down.
The third guest inside my mind being the dragon god had the traits of a human with dragon blood while in his human form. Like some barbarian his hair is long and uncut while being a bloody red, even darker than my own. Tall and somewhat muscular he gives the impression of physical power from his very presence. A thin red tail sways side to side from what looks like some tribal dress from the waist down, made of various hides and fabrics. His hands and feet are clawed, scales extending half way up both limbs before becoming human again.
He gives me a sideways glance before walking towards Tarkus, “Why did you call me?” Tarkus gives Seteri a look as if to say you know. “The boy? He's not my son Tarkus, respect the difference.” As Seteri whines Maru starts chuckling, causing the red haired man to turn his gaze. “And you, why that body Maru?” While he sounded angry talking to Tarkus , the god could not even raise his voice at Maru.
“You shouldn't forget kid.” Maru sticks out his tongue while winking at the god. Forget what? From the start I thought Maru just copied me… “Either of you.” Maru says referring to the other Seteri as well as present company.
“So why Tarkus?” The man returns to his original line of questioning. I speak up, “I need to learn a mystery quick, weren't you a magician? I mean when you were the other one…” I say quick hoping to not offend him.
“I can't help you either. I was never a good magician, my mortal self just has stupid amounts of mana. My mysteries were basic, most of the time after I was made mortal Seteri just invoked law instead of his mysteries.” Seteri shaked his head and sighs, “And it's centuries too soon for you to invoke law, hardly a first rank magician.”
The dragon god paces for a moment before some realization occurs within him. “... Can I just shock him with lightning?” Seteri turns towards Maru to ask, Maru on the other hand looks like he struck gold. I don't like the look of this… A wide grin emerges on the death god's face, “Do it.” He says.
The following few minutes are incredibly painful. I can't be harmed here but pain still exists, a punch or a lightning bolt will still hurt me but I'll live.
It turns out that is very abusable. Seteri shocks me for what is the ninth time, I'm somewhat able to feel how the mana flows when he attacks. It doesn't move with any reason or form that I can discern though.
It starts from his finger, a thin string of blue light slivers out from the tip. Making its way through the air not in a straight line but a meaningless winding path. In less than a moment it connects to me. Leading to the second stage of his 'spell’ if it can be called that. A great mass of lightning mana gathers at his fingertip and is then thrust through the string. The mana becoming physical, materializing as lightning.
Looking Seteri in the eye however, he's thinking nothing that complex. No concentration on the minute details-
What kind of state am I in? So much thought in a moment-
The dragon man shocks me with lightning again and I wince before returning to my pondering. He doesn't think on the little details, as if that's how lightning works… if that's the case then do my observations mean anything? Can I make mystery with just assumptions and preconceptions? What's the point of something like that, to be able to perform any magic just because!
No stick with what I can see, for now. Lightning mana makes a path, the route it picks is winding but is probably the best route. After making the route it creates lightning itself and forces it down the route. Electricity? Raul used that word…
I can only take this little understanding and try to make magic out of it, a half baked mystery. I know it works, so it should work.
I look Seteri in the eyes and his drops his hand. “Give it your best shot.” He says, goading me on. His hands raised wide. His voice dripping with arrogance, “Ahhh.” I raise my hand and shout. Realizing the mystery a bolt of lightning winds it way to Seteri before… it curves into his hand.
“My power is law. The world's lightning is mine little Kadimae.” He smiles, obviously you can't hit a lightning god with lightning. I look at the other two gods, to see Maru grinning and Tarkus trying to hide it. “A genius. I'm sure.” Maru says to Tarkus, who only responds with a 'yeah’ as he ponders his move. “I can't say anything about it Maru, I never understood mystery to start with.” Seteri says, as if there's some conversation I'm not privy to.
“Well it doesn't take much to be better than you Seteri.” Maru remarks in a snide fashion. “The way you understood mystery is the best I've heard. Although i don't talk about magic often… you should be able to study a variety now.”
So my mystery issue is fixed? Lightning magic will pass me for certain, even if I lose a fight. Although-
“There is one more thing Kadimae…” Out of nowhere says Tarkus, “The way you understood mystery… you understand we can read your mind? As the gods who blessed your birth it's natural for us but I digress. Your method allows for the creation of entirely false mysteries, magic which has no basis in the living world.”
“Do be aware of that.” He finishes as the sound of a chess piece strikes the board. “Your move.” Tarkus leans back in his chair and stretches, “Oh and Kadimae, tell Diedrich it's ok for him to visit his little nephew.” Our gazes lock for just a moment and I feel a sliver of, remorse? “I'll not smite him for that.”
His fingers click, then darkness.
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Some author stuff.
Among the gods Tark is a favourite of mine, god of space, humankind, lawful and rightous rulership, kings and what not. Thanks to his domain however his touch on the concept of time is pretty loose, which is why he taps as he ponders his moves in chess.
The death god hears a lot about pain, since many people complain about it once they die. Maru seems delighted to observe it first hand.
The dragon god is a dragon, as per my lore(the joys of original fiction.) the larger a dragon is the less it does. His true body is large enough to fit earth in his mouth. Que him complaining about being woken up like some kind of teenager, everyone likes picking on the youngest god.
While these guys are somewhat important for the main plot only Maru counts as a supporting character. The dragon god seems content to laze the next few dozen chapters away and the story will end long before Tarkus makes his next move. Add some stuff here about how divine intervention causes some demonic recoil and this is about done.