PHENOMENAL: CHAPTER 5 ~MARTYR~
A few minutes later they had crossed a bridge to the adjoining water tower, a completely different scene that Myra found most pleasing appeared before her eyes. Water flowed through various crevices in the walls, upon closer inspection they weren't stone but some sort of marble. Along the top of rails water flowed beneath numerous plants. Greenery and water, she felt right at home as they descended a set of stairs. Nearing a storeroom Ophelia called out to a girl. "Neril, get over here."
"Yes mistress?"
"This is Myra, get her a set of acolytes robes and staff for someone her size. I want you to bring it to your room. She'll be the new roommate I mentioned when we last talked."
The shy, brunette pigtailed girl who was a about 5'5 nodded before entering the store room she'd been waiting near. As they ascended another stairwell Ophelia led Myra into a spiraling corridor of doors. It wasn't long before she stopped and opened a door while motioning for Myra to enter. "This'll be your room from now on, rest tonight so you can train well tomorrow."
"I can train now." she objected
"Nonsense, you've been traveling and the day is almost spent. Regain your strength Myra."
Myra reeled in her impatience and deferred to Ophelia's wisdom, "Thank you, Ophelia."
"I'm looking forward to our studies Myra, I need to explain a few things to Neril then I'll be on my way. Goodnight dear."
"Goodnight"
Ophelia excused herself as Myra turned to inspect her room. There was a bunk bed on the far left corner and a wide semi-circular window along the outer wall. Plants lined the windowsill and just as with the rest of the tower water flowed freely under those plants. A large wooden desk of some sort was on the adjacent right side wall and there was a table big enough for two in the room's center. It felt luxurious to Myra after all her time as a vagabond. She silently laid down near the window and gazed out towards the sky.
*ding*
Profession change!If you accept it, you can use exclusive abilities and perks related to the nature of this profession. This is a permanent decision.Become the Martyr?
"Yes" she spoke without hesitation, Guess that means they noticed me.
Myra felt a pulse course through her entire being as hair and eye color became what it once was. She had returned to being an albino. It was thanks to this feature that Drasil had first turned her from a rare snake into a minor goddess.
NameMyra VetalisAlignmentGoodLevel8ProfessionMartyrRaceDemigodTitleBenevolent SoulHealth750 / 750Mana2680 / 2680Venom100 / 100Poison100 / 100Strength15(+40)Vitality15(+40)Agility20(+40)Dexterity15(+40)Intelligence52(+40)Wisdom34(+40)Magic Affinity100Luck50(+40)Attack146(+12)Defense49Magic ResistanceFire0%WaterImmuneWind0%Earth0%Light50%Darkness50%Racial: Poison and water immunity, +50% light resistance.
-All attributes + 40
-Aura potency + 5
-Spellpower + 50
-Healing potency + 50
-Darkness resistance + 50%
-Water and light spells gain divinity.
-Equipment encumbrance halved.
Perk NamePerk RankPerk LevelPerk ExperienceMartyrdomParagonN/AN/AWithout hesitation or complaint you would endure suffering and death for a cause. Allies will be inspired and moral will be boosted when your presence is known. This perk gives you an indomitable will in the face of extreme situations. Nothing can shake your resolve to do what must be done. Monsters and demons that cause panic or fear will find you to be a natural enemy.
Taurus may have outdone himself this time... Myra realized that it was very likely someone from the higher realm was watching her at this moment, "Thank you for the divinity, I was having trouble deciding how to go about facing the demonic catalysts without it. I intend to fight back... but I guess you already knew that." she chuckled ruefully
Moments later the door opened and she heard a gasp, "What happened!?" Ophelia shouted as Myra cocked her head sideways in confusion.
"What?"
"You hair and eyes, they've changed!"
Myra took hold of some hair and inspected it, beautiful silvery white hair. She'd immediately realized what had happened. "What color are my eyes?" Ophelia told her red, "Well I just got a profession, it's because of that I think."
"How did you unlock a profession sitting in this room?"
Myra knew she'd have a hard time coming up with a believable lie, "It just happened I don't know..."
Ophelia gave in, "Are you happy with it?"
"To be honest, it suits me well." Myra gave her an awkward smile.
"Then it's fine, I've already filled Neril in on the details. Give her the robes and whatnot."
Neril walked past Ophelia while trying not to stare and handed Myra the equipment. A wooden staff and blue robes.
-You have received an Oaken Staff
Oaken StaffTypeLongswordQualityGoodDurabilityModerateAttack4-7SizeMediumWeightLightA common staff used by apprentice mages.Effect(s):
Intelligence + 10
Conjuring speed +10%
-You have received Acolyte's Robes
Acolyte's RobesTypeRobesQualityFineDurabilityLowDefense0ThicknessLowWeightLightWell crafted, lightweight robes made with the purpose of vanity in mind.Effect(s):
Intelligence + 10
They both gasped again when she removed the cloak Lance had made for her, exposing the large scar and barely fitting tattered rags she'd worn all this time. "How did they get like that?" Neril asked
Myra scratched the back of her head absently, "I wore them for a few years, it just sort of happened."
Ophelia made a mental note that the girl had seen some sort of hardship before excusing herself. Neril quietly observed as Myra inspected the staff. "Do you like it?"
Myra gave her a perplexed look, "I don't intend to use a staff in the end... so I think it's best that I don't learn with one."
"What do you mean?"
"I was thinking more along the lines of a blade... I'd like to use longswords like my father."
"But your a mage." Neril stared at the steel sword Myra had been carrying with her.
"I'm learning magic, there's a difference."
Neril was just getting a bit too confused and gave up, "I'm Neril Lemming, fourteen."
"Myra Vetalis, seven. How long have you been here Neril?"
"All my life, I'm journeyman ranked in water magic and beginner in every other element." she claimed proudly
"I'm glad I've got a talkative roommate."
"I'm just glad to have a roommate at all." she looked at the bunk "What bunk do you want Myra?"
"I'll take whichever you aren't using."
Neril smiled widely, "Yeah, we're gonna get along just fine."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ophelia frowned at Myra, "Where's the staff?"
"I don't intend to use one."
Ophelia recalled what she'd said about becoming a warrior, "Oh well, that was meant to boost your mana a bit." Myra was led into a large dome like area on a higher level of the water tower, "Normally I'd be training you from the ground up but I heard you were the little rainmaker running around the place lately." Myra giggled, "So I'm giving you the test for journeyman level training right off the bat."
They had stopped a while ago and were now in the central garden, "What's the test?"
"You create a unique beginner level water spell... actually you may have already done that, show me your spells." Myra used frozen spear, ice wall, conjure water and freeze one after the other. "This was all self taught?"
Myra nodded, "Yes"
"That's pretty impressive, you've got all but one of the standard spells." Ophelia raised her staff and conjured a small storm of hail. "That ones a bit difficult and it's meant to distract more than damage, I'll come back after you can..."
Myra raised a hand and mimicked what she had felt Ophelia do.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Hail
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceHailBeginner10%Use mana to conjure small blocks of ice and harass opponents.
-Spellpower: 5
-Damage type: Blunt
-Range: Medium.
-Area of effect: 1 meters.
-Costs 15 mp/sec.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 1
Perk NamePerk RankPerk LevelPerk ExperienceMana controlJourneyman10%Improves your ability to efficiently and skillfully use mana.
Increases natural mana recovery speed by 10%
Decreases mana penalty for non-spell elemental manipulation by 10%
"You didn't!?" Ophelia shook Myra by the shoulders.
"I got the spell..."
Ophelia gave her a flat look, "I see" That isn't normal at all. "That was way too fast Myra..."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Myra realized that it was going to be difficult to hide everything from a teacher, "Show Ophelia Evaans perk information, Demigod."
Perk NamePerk RankPerk LevelPerk ExperienceDemigodParagonN/AN/AYou are born with an innate connection to magic. This perk gifts one with magical affinity and double the mana of other beings. This perk allows one to master abilities utilizing mana with unnatural ease.
"It seems that I was touched by a god or something before I was born, you know what demigods are right?" she lied
Ophelia held back her excitement, "Yes of course, demigods are usually born through some unholy pact for power or a blessing from one of the higher realms inhabitants."
"Could you share that with Luger before he teaches me anything?"
"Of course, where were we... Oh right, make a unique beginner spell to pass the test and I can start teaching you moderate level spells."
Myra hadn't wasted any time, she actually heard about the test from her roommate last night and spent all morning brainstorming. Without hesitation she raised her hand and mimicked what she had seen Rifel do with fire. Roughly thirty seconds later a spiraling wave of water swept across the room knocking over various plants. Myra sighed when she hadn't generated the spell.
"...you didn't get a new spell right?" This girl... with the non-spell penalty that should have taken around 1800 mana to cast.
"No... I really thought that would work to."
"Well it would have if you were an artisan."
Myra looked a bit relieved, "Oh, oops."
"How much mana do you have Myra?"
Myra childishly giggled, "Bunches!"
Myra moved on to option number two while Ophelia shook her head vacantly. After an amount of time that she felt was far too long to be practical in real combat...
*Crash!* *Splinter*
A large block of Ice had formed above a small tree and came down upon it with thundering force.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Glacier
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceGlacierModerate10%Use mana to conjure a massive boulder of ice above your target before dropping it.
-Spellpower: N/A
-Damage type: Blunt
-Range: Medium.
-Area of effect: 5 meters.
-Costs 400 mp.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 2
Proficiency NameProficiency RankProficiency LevelProficiency ExperienceWater Magic ProficiencyJourneyman24%Increases spell power with water magic by 24%
Decreases mana cost of water magic by 20%
When casting near a water source increases spell power with water magic by 24%
When casting near a water source decreases mana cost of water magic by 20%
One no longer requires a water source to cast spells.
Allows the use of moderate level water spells.
"Oops"
Ophelia gave her a flat look, "Well you passed the journeyman level test." *pft-hahahahaaaaa* They both laughed heartily, "Think smaller Myra, both of those were huge spells."
Myra nodded and tried option number three, she stomped on the ground and to Ophelia's honest shock used water magic a way she'd never seen a mage use it before.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Ice Nova
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceIce NovaBeginner10%Use mana to conjure an outward blast of ice that damages and repels all surrounding creatures.
-Spellpower: 50
-Damage type: Piercing
-Range: Personal.
-Area of effect: 1 meters.
-Costs 75 mp.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 1
Myra smiled very happily. "Did I pass?"
Ophelia nodded in approval at the most talented student she'd ever seen. "You made that with melee combat in mind didn't you?"
"What do you think?"
"It's a good idea... do you really need a teacher?"
Myra chuckled, "You're here to make things go by faster, I'm sure there's plenty you can teach me that I wouldn't find out on my own."
"Well then let's get right on to the... mind showing me that again?" she asked awkwardly
"Of course" After about ten minutes of back and forth Ophelia had generated the spell.
"Now then on the the four standard moderate level spells, cloudburst, frozen lance, tidal wave and frozen arrow. I know you can use cloudburst and sister tells me you hit about thirty reavers with a tidal wave. Which would you like to see?"
"I already know frozen lance, can I see the arrow?"
Ophelia had gotten used to Myra's surprises and didn't even bat an eyelash this time. Within seconds she fired a splinter of ice from her staff's point. Myra asked for her to do it once more so she did. Then Myra stepped forward, It didn't seem all that different from the spear... just a lot more... After about a dozen puddles Myra loosed a proper arrow.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Frozen Arrow
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceFrozen ArrowModerate10%Use mana to conjure a splinter of ice and fire it at enemies from afar. Does more damage as distance increases and velocity is gained.
-Spellpower: 150-300
-Damage type: Piercing
-Range: Very far.
-Costs 75 mp.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 2
*clap clap clap* "Well done, now you have to practice those moderate level spells and beginner spells until you reach artisan mastery. In the mean time I'll be teaching you how to draw spell circles for every one of the standard spells, making spell circles for a unique spell is a bit more difficult or rather it hasn't been done in ages. I'm actually really, really stunned that you're already at the level where we allow our students to branch off into other schools of magic... mind showing me that glacier spell a few more times?"
Myra thanked Ophelia for her guidance then demonstrated the glacier spell a few more times. After Ophelia had mastered it Myra didn't even bother explaining herself before casting Ice prison on another small tree.
Ophelia sighed and dropped her shoulders, "I see you've already figured out the spell I created for my own test."
"Oh, sorry that was a bit pompous of me."
"Not at all dear, you've got the talent for this... that's for sure."
"So now I just learn circles, train and cast tons of spells?"
"Well you could do that to raise proficiency but it's better to compete with other students using the standard spells. We have games designed to train your mastery of the spells. Just don't hurt anybody else with your magic. Always keep an open mind and work towards creating new unique spells, they give large amounts of mastery after all." she explained while walking up and placing a silver pin on her collar, "You're a journeyman now, normally it takes at least a month of training to master the standard spells not a few hours... I am a little disappointed but much more excited to have such a promising student. We'll handle learning circles another day."
Myra recognized the pin as the same one that Tanner had worn on a necklace, "Did you know a Leana Vetalis?"
Ophelia was nearly floored by her question, "I had a lover named Leana Marque, I did hear that she married a man about ten years ago..."
What!?... "My mother was a water mage."
"I see, so you're Leana's daughter." Ophelia smiled fondly at Myra, "I hope that you inherited more than her gift for magic little one."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upon returning to her room Myra was greeted by a jovial Neril, "How was your first da... is that a journeyman's pin?" Myra nodded, "You're really seven?" Myra nodded, "Congratulations?"
Myra laughed, "Thanks, I guess?"
"Sorry it's just unexpected, you must be really good. Maybe we can train together... I'm almost an artisan water mage."
"I'm level two journeyman so Ophelia claimed it'll be a few years before I hit artisan, unless I can generate a hundred spells." she mused
"Ha, good luck with that." Myra gave her an appraising stare, "What?" Neril asked
"Do you know all of the standard beginner light spells?"
"All but toxin destruction, that one's rarely mastered." she claimed proudly
Myra decided not to boast, "How many are there besides that spell?"
"Four"
"May I see them?" Myra paid close attention as Neril demonstrated regenerate, cure poison, cure venom and torch. "Thank you Neril."
"Anytime, I take it you've an interest in light magic?"
"It's the only other magic I'm capable of using."
"That's a pity, fire and earth can be a lot of fun."
"I want to go do some more training before lunch, goodbye Neril."
"Bye"
Myra walked out of the room and back towards the dome level while keeping exactly what Neril had just demonstrated clearly in her mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PREVIOUS CHAPTERNEXT CHAPTERDISCUSSIONSTATUS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~