Chapter 30: Temples
Mercedes’s third day of classes began with a short portal trip from the Academy Nexus chambers to the Arcanum’s Sanctum of Primal Convergence, a complex of four temples on yet another floating island obscured from the city by a barrier of violet-tinged clouds.
The first sight that greeted the Professor and his students as the Sanctum materialized around them was a hedgehog wearing suspender pants raking loose leaves and twigs into a pile on the edge of an immaculately stone-paved path. The creature’s head only came up to the Sparrow’s shoulder, but he was more than four times her size in width, though she estimated at least half of that was quills.
The gardener blinked at them with a huff of irritation before it registered Nicodemus’s presence, hurriedly bobbed its head, and combed a smaller pile of organic waste out of the Mystics’ path.
The garden, which the prickly creature had been tending to, stretched for about a quarter of a mile in each direction, split between four stone walkways that led to four separate temples visible in the distance. Among the various flowers, bushes, and trees, Mercedes saw several peculiar purple birds with long gray beaks, necks, and even longer pink legs. Several of these birds were nestled in what looked like nests composed of dark twigs and soft yellow grass.
Aside from the rather pompous-looking fowls, dozens of rainbow-colored butterflies flitted about, weaving across the paved stones to fresh blooms, leaving a trail of fuchsia-pink dust wherever they paused to rest or feed.
“Right, before we split you up to visit your respective temples, you all have two new spells to learn today,” Nicodemus announced, pulling the Sparrow’s attention back to her waiting group. “But before we get to that, all visitors of the Sanctum are required to pay their respects to the realm’s Primordial. The ceremony for this differs depending on the realm’s tradition. In the Arcane Realm, we offer up a humble prayer to Arcantheon by inscribing a message of gratitude on paper, which we sacrifice to the Guardian Phoenix’s Flame.”
Mercedes followed the Professor’s gesture toward a giant bonfire in the center of the Sanctum’s Garden Plaza. She and the other Initiates continued down the path toward the twirling purple flames, which cracked and hissed as another group of Mystics threw what looked like tiny rolls of parchment into the blaze.
A small oaken table was placed on all four sides of the silver fence that enclosed the magical fire. Each table contained a gold-trimmed onyx box filled with small square strips of cream-colored paper and an ink well of green fluids accompanied by a superfluously large purple quill pen.
“You will each take a paper and write down something you received, learned, or otherwise benefited from during your stay in Arcanum Haven,” Nicodemus continued.
Dimitri stepped forward and selected a scroll from the box with a sense of confident familiarity. Mercedes watched curiously as the blond scribbled two short lines, then hastily rolled up the parchment before stepping to the side.
“You may also write something you desire if you wish. When you’re finished, give your offering to the flames. Doing so will earn you +1 Favor with Arcantheon, with a limit of one prayer for each Supreme Being per day. You can do the same for each Titan once you visit their temples.”
The Professor watched as the blond Initiate tossed his scroll into the crackling blaze. A small burst of arcane sparks erupted around the rolled parchment as it was carried to the top of the bonfire, disintegrating into a tendril of smoke before it reached the summit.
“Building Favor is a necessary step toward obtaining your first tether. That’s why some of you have been brought to a temple at least weekly since you were born, so your parents could offer up prayers on your behalf. Those of you who showed dedication over the years will have accumulated more than enough favor to earn the support of a Primordial or Titan from your respective realms.”
Mercedes surveyed the younger initiates in their various states of agitation, from Dimitri's apprehensive frown to Hestia's nervous bounce of anticipation and Lorcon's fidgety nature that gave away his uncertainty.
“Now that you have your Astras,” Nicodemus continued. “Your goal and quest for today’s lesson will be to strike a deal with the Titan or Primordial you have earned the most favor with in order to obtain your first tether.”
The Sparrow blinked in surprise while the other Initiates glanced at each other. At Raimund’s urging, Lorcon stepped over to the table to scribble out his note.
“While you finish your offerings to Arcantheon, let’s do a quick review. Who can tell me what a tether is?”
Hestia quickly raised her hand. “A tether is a magical bond between a Titan or Primordial and their chosen Disciples. A tether with a Titan involves a promise of support for the Mystic, who will become that Titan’s Disciple in much the same way Master-ranked Mystics choose their Disciples. However, a tether with a Primordial comes with greater power, knowledge, and resources. It can only be obtained when a Mystic gives an Oath of Allegiance to their new Primal Master.”
“Good. Can someone else tell me what other ways a tether to a Titan differs from a Primordial?” Nicodemus’s gaze shifted to the blond Initiate, who straightened before answering.
“You can have multiple tethers to different Titans,” Dimitri said as Lorcon added his note to the flames. “Even if they come from conflicting disciplines or realms. But it is rare—or rather impossible—to serve more than one Primordial.”
“And?” the Professor pressed, turning his gaze to the brunette Initiate, who stepped aside as Hestia moved up to the prayer table.
“A tether with a Titan can be severed, though the process is rather complex and often dangerous,” Lorcon said as he rubbed his hands together. “But a tether to a Primordial is for life.”
“Correct, now who can tell me why a Primordial or a Titan would extend a tether to a Mystic?”
The Sparrow frowned as both male Initiates turned toward her, subtly implying that it was her turn to answer a question.
“Mercedes, would you care to offer a guess?” Raimund suggested with a note of amusement.
“Well,” she hesitated as she considered her answer. “Because they want something from us.”
Dimitri scoffed and rolled his eyes. “It’s a bit more complicated than that."
“The answer is acceptable,” the Professor said, waving a hand toward the blonde Initiate, who opened his mouth to object. “While many institutions, like the Academy, prefer to rationalize the relationship between these superior beings and their Disciples as a mutually beneficial contract, the truth is that we cannot determine with any certainty why the Primordials need us at all.
“At most, we Mystics serve as game pieces to amuse and distract them. The more value we hold, the more likely we will be sacrificed to avoid an all-out war among the Primal Rulers. The Titans, as powerful as they are, have suffered similarly at the hands of their Primal Masters, which is why they and the Archmages work tirelessly to maintain the peace between the realms.”
‘If you wanted peace, why would you—or Astralindar—offer me shelter?’
The Sparrow blinked as Raimund nudged her and gestured to the waiting table.
‘Right—I have to write something I’m grateful for.’
A lot of things came to mind as Mercedes selected a piece of paper. She could barely remember the last time she’d worn such nice clothes, had a room all to herself, or eaten properly. She’d never really attended school before due to her disability, so she was obliged to Arcantheon for [Quest Insight], which allowed her to read and learn. But all of these things lacked permanence and could be taken away, just as her life with the Bennets had.
She scribbled her answer down and added below it the one thing she most desired. She rolled up the note and stepped toward the Arcane Phoenix Flames that billowed over the silver fence to greet her.
The Sparrow flinched in surprise at the lack of burning pain as pure arcane energy enveloped her fingers and wrist like a warm breath before it snatched away the scroll that was carried, not up as the others had been, but into the center of the bonfire.
[Notice! You have obtained +1 Favor with Arcantheon, the Primordial Entity of Magic Essence, Ruler of the Arcane Realm, Purveyor of Mystical Knowledge, Keeper of the Arcane Secrets, and Protector of the bridge that connects each of the Thirteen Realms.]
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
‘There’s a fucking mouthful.’
[Notice! The Phoenix Guardian of the Arcane Realm is amused by your humble offering.]
An echoing musical roar burst out of the flames that blasted out through the silver fence with alarming ferocity, knocking over the prayer tables. The albino stumbled back in surprise, colliding with Hestia, as both Initiates tumbled to the ground. A creature of dark purple feathers covered in arcane fire soared free of the swirling blaze, its wings and body expanding as it loomed above the paralyzed Initiates below until it dwarfed the nearly smothered bonfire beneath its shadow.
The Sparrow gawked in utter amazement at the sheer size of the mystical bird before the mere flap of its wings flattened her to the ground as swirling pages of parchment spiraled overhead. Blinking against the sudden gusts of wind, she caught a glimpse of the guardian’s talons, encased in some sort of golden bejeweled armor almost twice her size.
All the Mystics gathered in the Sanctum’s Garden Plaza, who weren’t caught off guard and knocked to the ground, took shelter behind erected magical barriers to protect themselves from the Arcane Phoenix’s wings. A similar barrier shielded Raimund and Lorcon as the ginger Disciple determinedly pushed his way toward the two dazed female Initiates.
Nicodemus’s silver spectacles twinkled as he gazed up at the Mystical Guardian, which now flew off into the distant horizon of clouds far beyond the Titan’s temples. Dimitri cowered behind the calm Professor, who stood without protection, as still as a statue, aside from his billowing robes.
‘First the Basilisk—and now a Phoenix?’
“Was—that—” Hestia trailed off with a hoarse cough as Raimund placed himself in front of them, shielding the pair from the weakening gusts of winds while Lorcon helped the Initiates to their feet.
“Thank you,” Mercedes murmured before checking her uniform for damage. Thankfully, there was none.
“What exactly did you write on your offering?” Lorcon asked half-jokingly, the faint tremble of nerves betraying his otherwise composed demeanor.
“Nothing,” the Sparrow protested with a glance in the Professor’s direction.
“Are you sure you didn’t provoke it with a curse?” Dimitri muttered doubtfully, averting his gaze the moment the albino turned in his direction. “I mean—what reason could the Guardian Phoenix have to listen to your request?”
“Never mind that now,” Nicodemus interjected, nudging his spectacles up the bridge of his nose as his gaze turned from the shrinking phoenix in the distance to his students. “The Phoenix Guardian was likely just playing a prank on all of you. Now, let’s return to our goal for today’s lesson. Keep in mind that the single-use Emporium spell scroll I’m about to give you is the last one you will receive as students of the Academy.”
Raimund guided the Initiates over to a nearby bench, where he handed out the scrolls as Hestia and Dimitri took a seat. The Sparrow opted not to join them, given how visibly the blond Initiate didn’t like her.
“When you open the Mystic Emporium, you should have two Common Initiate Tokens waiting for you, one of which you earned in yesterday’s quest. You will use those tokens to purchase [Spiritual Meditation] and [Spiritual Communication] spell scrolls. Both of which will be used to complete today’s very important quest.”
Mercedes activated her scroll first and scanned the Arcane store tab, taking note of the two new scrolls that awaited her.
Common Spell Scrolls
[Common Spell Scroll: Spiritual Meditation]
[Common Spell Scroll: Spiritual Communication]
This active training spell is designed to enable Mystics to tap into their Spiritual Connection to the Primordial Realm and replenish their Vitality, Stamina, and Spiritual Energy at an accelerated rate.
This active spell allows a Mystic to open a communication channel to otherworldly beings, allowing them to communicate with spirits, ancestors, mystical guardians, Titans, and even Primordials.
Note: While using this meditation spell inside a temple, no additional S.ENG will be consumed.
Note: While using this communication spell inside a temple, no additional S.ENG will be consumed.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 2 S.ENG.
Cost: 1 Initiate Token & 5 S.ENG.
‘Interesting. That Spiritual Meditation spell is probably more useful to Soul Reavers who rely on Spiritual Energy more than Magic Energy,’ Mercedes mused as she obtained both scrolls. ‘But this Spiritual Communication spell. Could this be what I need to communicate with Vortexus again?’
[Acquired! [Common Spell Scroll: Spiritual Meditation] and [Common Spell Scroll: Spiritual Communication].]
[Notice! You have obtained two new spells! Would you like your Astra to consume the following spell scrolls: [Spiritual Meditation] and [Spiritual Communication]?]
The Sparrow selected [yes] and then opened her Skill List, sighing as she confirmed her choice yet again before the screen of Active Spells popped open. Then, she focused on the two spells marked [New].
Active Spells
[New] Spiritual Communication
This active spell is used to open a communication channel with higher sentient beings such as spirits, ancestors, mystical guardians, Titans, and even Primordials. These channels may be used to earn favor, obtain guidance, and even physical assistance in the form of blessings or rewards.
Cost: 2 S.ENG per minute for Astral Spectator Channel and at least 5 Favor with the spirit or guardian you wish to communicate with.
Cost: 5 S.ENG per minute for Titan Observer Channel and at least 10 Favor with the Titan you wish to communicate with.
Cost: 10 S.ENG per minute for Primordial Ascendancy Channel and at least 25 Favor with the Primordial you wish to communicate with.
Note: An open channel will automatically consume S.ENG. More than one communication channel can be opened when [Spiritual Communication II] is unlocked.
[New] Spiritual Meditation
A common active training spell used to tap into a Mystic's Spiritual Connection to the Primordial Realm, allowing for faster energy regeneration of Vitality, Stamina, and Spiritual Energy while strengthening the Mystic's Spiritual Power Core.
Cost: 30 S.ENG.
Note: [Spiritual Meditation] and [Spiritual Communication] cannot be used at the same time until [Spiritual Meditation V] has been unlocked.
Mercedes raised a brow as she checked her spiritual energy, which was currently at [159/166].
‘30 Spiritual Energy for faster regeneration doesn’t seem like a bad deal, but I’m not sure about these communication channels. Looks like I could keep an Astral channel open for about an hour. I think that means I can finally communicate with Vortexus. He should qualify as an otherworldly being, right?’
“Has everyone obtained the two skills they need?” Nicodemus asked as he glanced at each Initiate for an affirming nod. “Excellent. Initiate Lorcon and Initiate Hestia will go with Disciple Raimund to the Pantheon Temple, where you will find a smaller shrine dedicated to the other 11 Primordials. They may also be used to connect with a Titan from your realm, provided you have enough favor to establish a communication channel. I wish you every success. Should you encounter any difficulties, please seek counsel from either Disciple Raimund or myself.”
“So, what happens if we don’t get a tether?” Lorcon asked nervously, fiddling with his lower lip.
“It need not happen today, but the lack of a tether will impede your future progress and training. A tether is required before entering a dungeon due to the risk involved. Not to mention spell scrolls, which can only be obtained from the Mystic Emporium.”
The brunette Initiate nodded and dropped his gaze. The Sparrow could practically feel the tension growing among them.
“It should be said that I have never accepted a student who was unable to earn a tether,” Nicodemus commented, a hint of encouragement hidden beneath his boastful words. “I trust that none of you will damage that record.”
‘Way to add more pressure.'
“You should all receive your quests now,” the Professor said, tapping on a prompt that only he could see.
Mercedes blinked in surprise as a screen opened before her, then sighed in relief as she registered the familiar quest name.
[Quest Update: [Answer the Call of the Keeper of Mystical Knowledge] in progress.]
You have been invited to a Titan’s private temple to converse one-on-one with a Superior Being of this realm. Titan Astralindar looks forward to discussing the paradoxical complexities of your future as a Mystic of the Realms.
Requirements:
Obtain support from Professor Nicodemus to enter the Arcanum’s Sanctum of Primal Convergence 1/1.
Enter the Temple of Knowledge and listen to the wisdom offered by Astralindar 0/1.
Reward:
+10 Favor with all Titans of the Arcane Realm.
+25 Favor with Titan Astralindar.
+1 Favor with Primordial Arcantheon.
Mystic Earring of Arcane Alignment.
Deadline: 3 days.
Time remaining: 8 hours and 47 minutes.
‘I guess it’s time to see what sort of information Astralindar has to offer me.’ The Sparrow nudged the quest screen to the side, keeping it open to avoid it jumping into her field of vision again.
The ginger Disciple and his two elemental Initiates headed out to the temple in the southeast corner of the Sanctum’s Garden Plaza, leaving Mercedes and Dimitri to follow their Professor, who led them up the northeastern path toward the Temple of Knowledge.