Nefarious and Darius, venture out into the field. Today's lesson focuses on the intricate art of mana infusion, specifically infusing weapons with magical energy.

"The most proficient way of infusing mana into a weapon is by using Runes. These can be carved or engraved. Runes, as you know are symbols that help amplify your energy. Each rune has a meaning and by using multiple runes within a magic circle it tells the energy how you want to convert it, just like the individual steps of the spell. You must activate each one in the correct order. But instead of engraving a magic circle onto a weapon you can just engrave multiple into it because the weapon itself acts as the vessel. We use magic circles because we are the temporary vessel for the spell to be activated and the lines and circles guide the energy" Nefarious explains.

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"Once we infuse the magic into the rune, what happens when the magic is depleted in the weapon?", Darius questions.

"You must refill the weapon with mana, just like how our bodies can run out of mana, so does the weapon, but many mages use mana-infused weapons to persevere their reserves. Since all magic spells are temporary, they require refueling."

"Magic is temporary. In what sense? I've seen lock spells last for centuries."

"The spell depends on the amount of energy infused, how simple the spell is, and how powerful the mage who cast said spell."

Darius gazes at Nefarious's mage staff with curiosity, as Nefarious proudly presents it to him.

"My staff acts as a catalyst to my spells. I have runes engraved around it. It assists me in creating stronger spells at a quicker rate."

"So, runes can help preserve mana but also increase the speed at which they are cast. Makes sense, it's a lot quicker than saying the spells or having to form a magic circle every time you use a spell." Darius confirms.

"Remember to always restore mana in any tool you are using in battle, that extra reserve will save your life. In desperate situations, you can transfer the mana from that infused weapon to yourself."

He studies the engravings on the staff, noting how they are strategically positioned along its length. "When you say magic spells are temporary is that the same with elemental spells?"

"Since both Mana and Aura use elemental properties, they both manipulate the elements per se, however elemental users control the element itself, as magic spells only convert the elements. Aura users can change and shift the element at a whim. When they create a wall of stone it will remain permanent, if I cast a spell to create a stone wall, it will only stand until all the mana is depleted and will eventually crumble."

Nefarious reclaims his staff and polishes it with his robe.

Darius stands up straight. "Speaking of elementals and spells, how does dark magic fall into the color variants?"

Nefarious eyes open unexpectedly. "I would not have imagined you to be interested in that concept."

"Lately I've been introduced to darker energy than I'm used to." Darius shares.

"Dark magic is complicated. It's not attuned to a specific color variant. It depends more on the purpose of the spell and the origin of the energy. White and Yellow energy typically represent healing or protection spells, while black and purple represent more ominous spells. My necromancy is Amethyst, but other necroes may use Green or Verdant. Even with certain color variants some hues exist between. But every color does have specific properties they follow."

"What makes dark magic different?"

"Dark magic is usually performed when you are borrowing life energy from another and converting that energy to your own. It's magic that takes sacrifice and precision."

"Whose life energy are you using?" Darius asks.

"It can be energy from a plant, animal, yourself, or another person," Nefarious explains with a hint of desertion.

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"Borrow? Sure, let's go with that."

"Warlocks are especially known to make contracts with higher beings to use their energy, even spirits are considered a form of borrowed energy when we summon them. Unfortunately, the drawbacks of dark magic can corrupt the user. Their mind can become clouded with negative emotions, their thoughts could get twisted. That is why you must master every aspect of magic before you dip your nail into darkness."

Darius looks off to the side. "Alright, I understand.

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Spero approaches them.

Darius was caught off guard. "Hello, Spero?"

"Darius" Spero nods his head slightly.

Nefarious explains to Darius. "Spero and I have an important meeting, we will continue your training another time."

Darius gathers his belongings, preparing to depart.

Before he could leave, Spero gently taps his shoulder. "I know I've skipped out on our training a few times, but soon we will have a refresher."

Darius elicits a subtle smile, though his expression is tinged with disbelief. He leaves as Spero and Nefarious head to the sorcerer's lair.

Nefarious and Spero sit amidst the resources gathered from the demon's cave, surrounded by scrolls, journals, and vials.

Nefarious delves into the collected samples, "The fur and flesh you collected were from a hellhound and the teeth are from an Armored Fang."

He turns his attention to the map. "These landmarks are covered with the red lettering are locations that have been taken over by Daeva nests while the ones in black lettering mean that these are places where they searched for the chalice."

"They're spread out. No real pattern or logic to their locations." Spero chimes in.

"It is quite unusual even for demons. The journals are also quite encrypted, a few words of daimon I was able to translate but many smudges purposely made on certain letters and words."

"Daimon is a language that rarely anyone can read, so why would they feel the need to hide this from other daevas?"

Nefarious casts a spell to reveal the smudged writing. "They are working independently".

This unveils cryptic instructions that warn of the necessity to safeguard these discoveries. The ancient text hints at a hidden alliance between three powerful demon deities, exchanging information about their devoted followers across warring factions.

Nefarious continues. "The Demon god of death, wrath, and...who could be the last one?"

Spero's pulse quickens, a signal of trepidation as he hesitates to open his lips. "...Evil Mind"

Nefarious briskly snaps the journal shut. "What.... How did you come to that conclusion?"

"A demon who can communicate through large distances in an instant, the text indicates of one who can help others see the truth...also.... he has communicated with me a few times."

Nefarious rises from his seat. "No wonder they seek your power, that demon is a part of all of this. The Evil Mind? Even I can't comprehend his level of magic and dark prowess." He paces the room frantically. "We have to keep our distance from this, if he is leading them there's no telling what horrors are to come. We found out what they want and where they have been but it is best if we stop now."

In a burst of frustration, Spero's voice pierces the silence. "No! I can't let them toy with me until I learn the truth!"

"They have all the power they need to string you along; I will not be one of their targets...I could assist with any artifacts or scrolls you may find but I will not help pursue." Nefarious responds.

"Fine... I guess I understand"

"You did say you want to find the truth; I could still help you understand your powers a bit more if you are still willing?" Nefarious remarks.

Spero looks at him and exhales deeply. "I did make a deal with you"

Spero conjures a small mist-like ball of darkness infused with red hues in his palm. Nefarious, with a curious gleam in his eyes, fetches a simple stick and passes it through the mist. His eyes widen as the red hues pulsate brighter upon contact with the stick.

"You seem to have control of the darkness element, yet this crimson energy is unique while being intertwined with this darker energy. There are properties of dark magic, yet it is not fully mana."

Spero asks, "So you don't know?"

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Nefarious then procures a hollow stone adorned with a transparent center. He positions the stone in front of the mysterious mist, activating ancient runes etched on its corners. The runes come alive with a faint glow, and the transparent center emits a beam of light that weaves through the mist, channeling its energy into the stone.

"With this sample, I can learn a lot more" Nefarious carefully sets the tool on the table.

"Alright then, I'll let you get to it then."

With a silent nod, Spero takes his leave, the door closing behind him with a soft clang. Left alone in the room, Nefarious stares intently at the stone, a sly grin stretching across his face