Lost Knowledge

Reaching for the closest book to him, Alexander read the cover. Before he had a chance to understand what it said, he received a prompt.

Linguistic Aptitude

You have learned a new language!

Old Common

"Hmm," Alexander exhaled, his breath stirring the dust in the air, "I guess it doesn't explain anything else." After dismissing the prompt he once again looked at the book and read out loud, "The rise and fall of House Loriend."

Curiosity piqued, he pulled the book from the shelf and began to peruse its contents. The pages were yellowed with age, and the ink had faded in some places, but the story within was still clear. The paper felt brittle under his fingertips, and the musty smell of old parchment filled his nostrils.

The book chronicled the family line of Ser Loriend, from the founder of the family to the time when the family met its end. It told of their triumphs and failures, their loves and losses. Alexander read with fascination as the story unfolded, each generation building upon the legacy of the one before. The words painted vivid pictures in his mind, and he could almost hear the clash of swords and the cries of battle as he read.

As he turned the pages, he came across a section that described a great dragon that had once plagued the land. The dragon had been defeated by Ser Loriend himself, and the book went on to describe how the dragon's scales had been used to forge a powerful sword that had been passed down through the family for generations. The description was so vivid that Alexander could almost feel the heat of the dragon's breath and the weight of the sword in his hand.

Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he read the words. Thinking back to his close encounter with his first dragon, he wondered how exactly Loriend had the balls to go toe to toe with one. "Magic, probably," Alexander mumbled to himself, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "I think I might want magic."

Alexander was lost in the history of the family line as he read on, but his concentration was soon interrupted by a loud rumbling noise coming from his stomach. "Damn, I'm hungry," he groaned, rubbing his belly, "I suppose I've been a bit preoccupied."

He stood up, stretching his legs and looking around the room. The library was filled with shelves of books, each one a treasure trove of knowledge and history. He could spend days in here, exploring the secrets of this world. But for now, his hunger was a more pressing concern.

Alexander perused the shelves, scanning the titles of the books with disinterest. "'The Mystical Properties of Avendorian Dust'? Hard pass. 'The Avendorian Diet: Recipes for Every Occasion'? Not feeling it." He continued browsing, hoping to find something worth his attention. Eventually, he stumbled upon a dusty glass case containing a book that caught his eye. As he picked it up, a prompt appeared, sparking his curiosity.

Examine

Spell Book

Resonant Pebble

Element: Earth

Level: 1

Rarity: Rare

Effect: Harnessing the potent energy of the earth element, this spell summons a small but mighty Resonant Pebble. After channeling the required energy, you can launch the pebble at high velocity, creating a powerful shockwave that emanates outwards on impact. This wave of sonic force inflicts damage on both the target and anything nearby, leaving them reeling and disoriented.

"HELL YEA" Alexander shouted, his voice reverberating through the room. The sound bounced off the walls, filling the space with his excitement. "Now how do I use this exactly?" As he went to open the book, he received another prompt.

You have found: Spell book

Resonant Pebble

Would you like to learn this spell?

Yes No

Alexander concentrated on hitting yes and the prompt closed, followed by another.

Congratulations! You have learned a new spell: Resonant Pebble

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Harnessing the potent energy of the earth element, this spell summons a small but mighty Resonant Pebble. After channeling the required energy, you can launch the pebble at high velocity, creating a powerful shockwave that emanates outwards on impact. This wave of sonic force inflicts damage on both the target and anything nearby, leaving them reeling and disoriented.

Before he had time to reflect, he received another prompt.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill! Earth Magic

Alexander felt a surge within himself. It was as if something that had been dormant deep within his soul was brought forth to the surface. Rather than feeling like he had gained something new, he felt as though the power had always been a part of him, waiting to be awakened. He flexed his hand, feeling the newfound energy coursing through his veins. It was a sense of power that he instinctively knew he could harness at will. "Looks like I have a few new tricks up my sleeve now, and a pebble that packs a punch might just be the one to turn the tides in a pinch" he said to himself, a grin spreading across his face. "I guess I have magic now. I never would have thought to say those words with no sarcasm."

Shortly after, he decided to try his new ability. He lifted his hand and, almost giddy with anticipation, he attempted to use his mana and cast the spell, all the while yelling "MAGIC PEBBLE GO." Standing with his feet spread and his hand out, looking like a pop star doing a pose, he was suddenly glad he was alone when nothing happened and he was left standing. Then a prompt appeared.

Arcane Interface prompt

You have attempted to use a spell, Resonant Pebble. You do not currently hold an Elemental Stone and the spell has failed. Acquire a stone of Earth to use Resonant Pebble.

"Damn," Alexander mumbled, his face falling, "the quest said something about finding an Elemental Stone didn't it? I guess I'll have to do that before I can use the spell." With his disappointment subsiding he decided to continue on with his quest.

"I guess I can try and find something to eat. What I wouldn't do for a McDonald's right now..." he pondered, his mind drifting to images of juicy cheeseburgers and crispy fries. With food on his mind, he wandered throughout the castle until he stumbled into an ornate bedroom ruined through time. "Found your room, Ser Loriend," he said to the empty room, his voice echoing in the silence, "let's see what you left in here." Looking through the room, Alexander saw nothing but tattered sheets and worn furniture. The room was filled with the ghosts of grandeur, the faded remnants of a once-lavish chamber. The wallpaper was peeling, and the once vibrant colors had dulled to a muted palette. The air was heavy with the scent of decay, and the silence was almost oppressive.

As he went to look inside what seemed to be a dresser, he tripped on an upraised section of the floor. Looking back, he saw that the stone had shifted slightly after he kicked it, a slight glow emanating from the cracks. His interest piqued, and he attempted to lift the stone. After straining with all his strength, the stone budged and was dislodged from its place in the floor. In its place, Alexander saw a small leather pouch emanating a light brown glow from its opening. As he picked it up and dropped its contents into his hand, a prompt appeared before he could react.

Quest complete!

Ruined castle

Rewards:

1,000 experience

Everlasting Satchel

Before he could will the prompt to close, he was hit with something from above. After the shock subsided, he reached to his head and grabbed the leather pouch about the size of a laptop bag. "So this is it, huh? A bit anticlimactic, but I'll take it," he said, his voice tinged with both excitement and disbelief.

Suddenly, two more prompts appeared.

You have found:

Earth Elemental Stone

Rarity: Common

Effect: This stone contains the power of Earth magic and grants the user the ability to greatly enhance their mastery of earth spells. When in possession of this stone, the wielder can channel the elemental power of earth to use spells from the same school of magic.

"Magic pebble here I come!" Alexander exclaimed, his eyes wide with anticipation. Before he had the chance to test out his spell, Alexander received another prompt.

You have found:

Everlasting satchel

Effect: This bag contains a pocket dimension which can store much more than would be possible for a bag of its size. The contents remain in suspended animation while in the satchel, and the weight of the bag is decreased drastically. This magical item can work in conjunction with your Arcane Interface to provide a means of viewing the contents.

Looking inside the pouch, Alexander saw only pitch black, as if a black hole started at the pouch's opening and went on to infinity. "I have so many questions..." Alexander said, almost incredulously, his mind reeling with the possibilities. "Add it to the list, I guess."

He spent a few moments examining the satchel, marveling at its construction and the magic that allowed it to contain so much more than its size would suggest. The leather was soft to the touch, and the stitching was intricate and precise. He could feel the power of the magic within, a gentle hum that resonated with his newfound abilities.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Alexander continued to explore the castle, his mind still buzzing with the excitement of his discoveries. The castle was a maze of corridors and chambers, each one filled with the echoes of a time long past. He found himself drawn to the windows, looking out at the landscape beyond. The view was breathtaking, with rolling hills and dense forests stretching as far as the eye could see. The world was alive with color and movement, a stark contrast to the decay and ruin of the castle.

As he wandered, he stumbled upon a kitchen, its once grand hearth now cold and lifeless. The cupboards were bare, and the pots and pans were coated with dust. His stomach growled again, reminding him of his hunger. "Guess I'll have to forage for food," he muttered, his thoughts turning to the forest outside.

With a sigh, he made his way to the castle's entrance, his mind still reeling from the day's events. He had learned so much, yet there was still so much more to discover. The world was filled with magic and mystery, and he was only just beginning to scratch the surface.