Chapter 23: Emporium
“I hope you are all well rested for today’s lessons,” Nicodemus said with an oddly cheerful note as he moved to stand in front of the four bright-eyed Initiates, ready to start their second day at the Academy. “We will begin by accessing the Mystic Emporium. While Disciple Raimund is handing out a single-use spell scroll to help unlock the Primordials’ store, can anyone briefly describe the Mystic Emporium and how it works?”
Mercedes wasn’t surprised when Hestia was the first to raise her hand. The Elemental Mystic Initiate seemed rather eager to impress the Professor.
“The Mystic Emporium is a magical store accessible to all Mystics who have at least one tether to a Titan or a Primordial.”
“Correct. Most of you know what a tether is, but can someone give me a definition?”
Hestia’s hand shot up again, and the Professor gave her a permissive nod.
“A Tether is a bond between a Mystic and either a Titan or a Primordial sealed with a magic oath of loyalty.”
“Yes, and since most of you have yet to obtain your first tether, Titan Astralindar has permitted me to grant you temporary access for the sake of your training. The scrolls being handed to you are single-use spells that will allow you to open the Mystic Emporium as a guest. Do not activate them until I say so. Now, can anyone tell me what else is needed to open the Mystic Emporium?” Nicodemus paused as Hestia’s hand was the first to rise yet again. “I would appreciate it if everyone was as eager to participate as the Initiate here.”
Dimitri quickly offered his hand and answered. “You need Spiritual Energy to open the store tab in the Mystic Emporium.”
“Correct. While the amount to open the store is minimal, you must also spend Spiritual Energy to unlock each tab inside the Emporium. The cost begins at 50 Spiritual Energy for your first tab and increases significantly with each tab you unlock, so—take your time and think carefully about your future before making a choice.”
Mercedes was the last to receive the spell scroll, which she unfurled on her desk, intrigued by the curious circle of dark purple arcane runes that danced around the image of a magical-looking door.
“Now, when you gain access to the Mystic Emporium, you will begin by unlocking the Arcane Tab and then wait for my instruction. Do not close the store panel unless you have been given permission to do so. You won’t be able to access the store again without a similar scroll or tether. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Professor!” the younger Initiates chimed in eagerly.
“Good. Now, to activate this single-use spell, you only need to place your Astra over the scroll and wait as Raimund comes around to assist you. You will be given 3 Common Mystic Tokens once the Emporium is open, which you will spend only on the spells I list out to the class.”
The Sparrow looked up as the ginger Disciple touched her shoulder. He offered her a reassuring smile and then nodded to the scroll. Curious, Mercedes placed her gloved left hand with its hidden Astra over the arcane runes and waited as the Disciple moved his hand just below her shoulder blades.
The albino blinked as a jolt of energy pushed gently but firmly through her body, drawn by some unseen current through her chest and down her left arm, where it swelled beneath her Astra as the scroll burned brightly. A new screen flashed open before her.
[Notice! Temporary Access to the Mystic Emporium has been granted!]
[Astra System Update! The Mystic Emporium has been registered under [Unknown] Tether. You can now access this store within the 12 Mystic Realms through your Astra.]
‘Wait. So, I no longer need a scroll. That’s helpful.’
The Sparrow canceled the notifications and focused on the new screen with four tabs, each containing slots similar to her magic storage obscured behind a veiled screen that read [50 S.ENG is required to unlock your first store tab. To unlock a specific tab, you must enter the realm for your desired discipline.]
She dismissed the screen only to be greeted by another.
[Do you wish to unlock the Arcane Realms Mystic Emporium Tab?]
‘This should be the right one. Might as well see what it has.’
Mercedes selected [yes], and the store opened to reveal several scrolls, potions, and a few other curious items. The potions were all Common grade with a dark wine-red bottle for VIT, a green potion bottle for STA, a silvery-violet bottle of fluid for M.ENG, and finally, a sky-blue potion bottle for S.ENG each of which cost 3 Common Arcane Crystals and 2 S.ENG.
Common Energy Potions
VIT Potions
STA Potions
M.ENG Potions
S.ENG Potions
Restores 200 Vitality.
Restores 100 Stamina.
Restores 400 Magic Energy.
Restores 100 Spiritual Energy.
Cost: 3 Common Arcane Crystals & 2 S.ENG.
Cost: 3 Common Arcane Crystals & 2 S.ENG.
Cost: 3 Common Arcane Crystals & 2 S.ENG.
Cost: 3 Common Arcane Crystals & 2 S.ENG.
Note: Every potion applies one count of Essence Fatigue to the Mystic for 30 minutes. When Level 3 Essence Fatigue has been triggered, a -3 STA debuff will be applied. At Level 4 Essence Fatigue, this debuff will increase to -4 STA, and so on.
The Sparrow then turned her attention to the six magic scrolls that had been unlocked and noticed that they all required at least 1 Initiate Mystic Token and 1 S.ENG.
Common Spell Scrolls
Common Spell Scroll: Mystical Meditation
Common Spell Scroll: Vitality Essence Absorption
Common Spell Scrolls: Mystic Essence Absorption
An active training spell designed to guide and assist Initiate Mystics in learning focused meditation exercises.
An active training spell that allows the Mystic to draw upon the vital essence present in nutrition-rich food throughout the Mystic Realms.
An active training spell designed to absorb the essence of a Mystic's discipline-aligned energy from a naturally occurring resource, such as a magic crystal.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
Common Spell Scroll: Mystic Appraisal
Common Spell Scroll: Refresh
Common Spell Scroll: Mend Fabric
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A Common spell used to acquire comprehensive information and insight about any object or individual provided the target is equal or of lesser rank than the Mystic casting this spell.
A Common spell that harnesses the forces of water and air to cleanse and revitalize the targeted person, garment, or object.
A Common spell that allows the caster to repair minor damage to their clothing, ensuring that they always maintain a neat and orderly appearance without the need for traditional sewing or tailoring.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 1 S.ENG.
‘Those are probably the items he wants us to buy. I recognize some of the spells from the primers.’
Below the spells and potions were a collection of strange-looking snacks.
Arcane Mystic Edibles
VITALITY
STAMINA
M.ENG
S.ENG
Shadowhorn Vitality Jerky
Energizing Mystic Figs
Arcane Essence Plums
Enlighted Gumdrops
Succulent jerky made from the Amethyst Shadowhorn Elk meat, infused with arcane herbs and spices to enhance vitality, making it a favorite among Mystics. [+1 VIT for 30 min. Can be stacked up to 3x.]
These dried figs are bursting with natural energy and infused with mystical properties, making them a perfect snack for boosting stamina and endurance. [+1 STA for 30 min. Can be stacked 3x.]
These enchanting plums are imbued with properties that boost magical energy, making them a sought-after fruit for Mystics. [+1 M.ENG for 30 min. Can be stacked up to 3x.]
These magical gumdrops are infused with spiritual essence, offering a delightful and uplifting experience while significantly boosting spiritual energy. [+1 S.ENG for 30 min. Can be stacked up to 3x.]
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Enigmabite Cookie:
Enigmatic Vigor Egg
Enigmatic Sorcery Salad
Ethereal Spirit Nectar
Delicate, buttery cookies made from enigmatic wheat, imbued with arcane energies to provide a revitalizing effect, perfect for boosting vitality on magical quests. [+1 VIT for 30 min. Can be stacked 3x.]
Boiled Arcane Owl Eggs are known for enhancing stamina and energy, making them a popular choice for Mystics needing a stamina boost. [+1 STA for 30 min. Can be stacked 3x.]
Crafted from Cryptic Eggplant, Sorcerer's Lettuce, and Dewy Cucumbers, this salad is renowned for enhancing magical energy, making it a favorite among practitioners of the Mystic Arts. [+1 M.ENG for 30 min. Can be stacked up to 3x.]
This honey, derived from spiritual essence, exudes a heavenly aroma and bestows a profound spiritual energy upon those who partake, making it a cherished elixir among Mystics. [+1 S.ENG for 30 min. Can be stacked up to 3x.]
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Cost: 5 Common Arcane Crystals & 10 S.ENG
Note: Only Four Edibles can be stacked at any given time. Stacking similar stats can boost the timer up to 60 min. Edible buffs do not stack with the [Mystic Nourishment Diet] buffs.
‘Those edibles look useful enough, if expensive. But I was rather hoping for something similar to my [Alternative Mystic Diet].’
“Alright, everyone should have the Mystic Emporium open,” Nicodemus called out, pulling the excited Initiate's attention back to the front of the class. “If you check the currency panel in the top right, you should see 3 Initiate Tokens. I want you to use them to purchase the following spell scrolls: [Mystical Meditation], [Vitality Essence Absorption], and [Mystic Essence Absorption].”
Mercedes scanned the top right corner of the Emporium screen curiously and nearly choked as she eyed the number of magic crystals she currently possessed.
Currency:
10 Superior Death Crystals
10 Rare Void Crystals
50 Common Arcane Crystals
0 Inferior Crystals
3 Initiate Tokens & 2 Superior Death Tokens
‘Wow. Okay, so the Death Crystals are from the territory dispute, and the Arcane Crystals were an investment from the Mystic Bank. That leaves the Void Crystals, which must be from the quest that brought me to the Mystic Realm. Not bad. But since I’m limited to Arcane currency in this realm, those 50 Common Crystals probably won’t last very long.’
Using the three Initiate Tokens she had been given, the Sparrow selected each of the spells the Professor had listed and added them to her inventory.
[Acquired! [Common Spell Scroll: Mystical Meditation], [Common Spell Scroll: Vitality Essence Absorption], and [Common Spell Scroll: Mystic Essence Absorption].]
[Notice! You have obtained three new spells! Your Astra can absorb Common Spells for future training and use. Would you like to consume the following spell scrolls: [Mystical Meditation], [Vitality Essence Absorption], and [Mystic Essence Absorption]?]
“Alright, it looks like everyone’s finished with their purchase.” Nicodemus’s amber golden gaze examined each Initiate from behind his crystal spectacles. “You should already have a prompt to add them to your Astra. Go ahead.”
Mercedes confirmed [yes] and saw a brief flash of arcane magic through her left glove as the Astra absorbed each spell scroll directly from her inventory.
[Astra System Update! New spell(s) acquired! [Mystical Meditation], [Vitality Essence Absorption], and [Mystic Essence Absorption].]
“Once you’ve finished, go ahead and open your Astras. The new spells you purchased will be listed under Active Training Spells. We’ll begin today’s lesson with Mystical Meditation.”
The Sparrow found the new information panel under her Astra Profile and opened it to find each new spell listed with additional information that she briefly glanced over as the Professor continued.
“The primary objective of [Mystical Meditation] is to help attune your mind to the dormant magic essence energy residing inside your power cores. Once you’re able to connect to your power core, you will learn to harness and control this energy and use it to cast spells. Like the other spells you’ve obtained today, [Mystical Meditation] is a fundamental training spell that requires consistent practice and dedication to yield optimal results.”
The albino glanced up as Nicodemus began to pace through their desks, a habit he seemed to have while talking through their lessons.
“As discussed in your primers, these active training spells will help unlock your true magical potential and pave the way toward future growth and mastery of your mystical abilities. Your future lessons will incorporate each of them in some way, but that should not limit or prevent you from additional training outside the Academy grounds.”
The faint scrape of a chair pulled the Sparrow’s attention to where Disciple Raimund had taken his usual spot at the back of the class, though closer to the Basilisk’s door than usual.
“The first step in any meditation is learning to master yourself by calming your mind and focusing your conscious thoughts inward. Now, close your eyes and try visualizing your power core beating in tandem with your heart. Allow your instincts to sense the ambient magical energy flowing through you in and out of that power core.”
Mercedes felt a bit ridiculous but followed along, folding her arms against the desk as she closed her eyes and drew in a slow breath.
“Remember that the air you breathe carries magic essence. The blood flowing through your veins carries magic essence. You have simply been oblivious to it all this time. Ignore everything but the sound of my voice and the current of energy that fills the world around you and flows through you.
“Once you begin to sense your internal power core, focus on it. It is just as much a part of you as the organ beating inside your chest. Remember that power core is what connects a Mystic to the magical essence of the realms.”
‘I feel nothing…’
The Sparrow shifted uncomfortably in her chair as the Professor stopped speaking, and the classroom fell into a restless silence. Behind her closed eyes, all she could feel was the slow, steady pulse of her heart thudding within her chest. She tried to focus on her breathing and soon became aware of the focused breaths coming from the other Initiates, but—nothing else.
A tingling feeling ran down the albino’s spine as she instinctively sensed a powerful pulsating energy only a few feet away. Hopeful, she focused her senses on it and stiffened as the glowing red beacon of energy followed Master Nicodemus’s quiet, graceful footsteps to her left, leading back to the front of the class.
‘Is that—the Professor’s power core?’
Mercedes’s brow furrowed as several other beacons of similar pulsating energy materialized in the darkness around her. She stiffened as each steady, drumming note echoed from the Initiates seated and even the Disciple at the back of the class.
‘That—can’t be their power cores. There’s no way I could sense all theirs before my own. Then—is it?’
An aching pain sprouted from the roots of her canine teeth as the Sparrow inhaled, tasting the potent vital life essence that filled the room with each of the oblivious Mystic’s relaxed breaths. Hunger burned at the back of her throat as the albino focused her sharpened senses instinctively on the weakest among them, the frail blond boy at the front of the class whose feeble heart suddenly thudded just a bit faster than before.
‘Shit, shit, shit!’ Mercedes’s eyes snapped open as she covered her mouth in horror. She raised her gaze and froze when she found the Professor’s clinical stare focused directly on her. The Sparrow quickly shut her eyes and bowed her head, cowering behind her folded arms as she tried to calm both hunger and fear that raged within her.
The sound of Nicodemus’s quiet footsteps heading in her direction sealed her fate as Mercedes held her breath.
And waited…