PHENOMENAL: CHAPTER 6 ~RAGE~
As Myra was on her way back to the training area she spotted a familiar face... engaged in some suspicious activity. Walking up behind of him and looking around the taller person's shoulder she immediately spotted what he was looking at. "Spying is a bad habit Nocturne."
Nocturne nearly jumped out of his skin, "Myra?! What's up?...What happened!?"
Myra stared him down while ignoring his obviously inquisitive glare at her new features, "How did you know my name back when we first met?" Myra realized earlier after they parted for the first time that Nocturne had used her name and it was a one sided introduction on the youth's part, he shouldn't have known her.
Nocturne awkwardly laughed and averted his gaze, "Spying on people is a bit of a hobby, I happened to be around when Rifel was telling Ophelia all about you... sorry."
This time Myra chuckled, two girls were practicing their water magic by summoning ice walls then launching frozen arrows and seeing who's held up to the assault longer. "Why were you watching them?"
"Well water is my second best affinity and I've never been very good at it, I was hoping to learn something from them. Those two girl's are nearly advanced now so their beginner spells are well trained."
Myra wanted to do as little as possible to distract the tower's leaders from cultivating the seeds she'd planted in her first encounter with Luger. So in an effort to not distract Luger from his work Myra gave Nocturne an appraising gaze, "How good are you with light magic?"
"Pretty decent I'd say."
She gave him a flat look, "...proficiency?"
"Journeyman" he nodded apologetically
Myra began to descend a stairwell leading into the training area near the acolytes, "Keep watching" she commanded
Nocturne was a bit confused at first as he watched the seven year old girl approach two mages at least twice her age. He became less confused as they took obvious offense. Then he became intrigued when the girls started getting friendly with Myra's seemingly humble attitude, what came next was beyond anything he had imagined... Myra had asked the girls about the rules then challenged both of them. The first girl barely managed to scratch her wall before Myra blasted a pinpoint spear through the weaker wall. When the girl asked her why she had used the weaker beginner spell and how it did so much damage to the wall Myra simply explained that she hadn't had time to level up her frozen arrow spell yet so frozen spear was the better choice.
At this point the girls both stopped underestimating Myra who had already accomplished her goal, He'd be a bit handsome if his mouth wasn't gaping open like that... Myra thought absently while facing her second opponent who was defeated with equal ease. The girls, instead of being offended seemed to take an immediate liking to the obviously skilled fledgeling water mage. After introductions were over they asked her to summon a new ice wall. Myra made her way back to Nocturne's perch as the girls gaped, her well trained wall was holding up under constant attacks from frozen lances and frozen arrows.
All that training she'd done in the caverns had made Myra capable of creating an incredibly durable wall of ice. Most of these mages had never thought about practical combat applications and never bothered to level up their ice wall spell specifically as a focus like Myra had. Back when she was trapped Myra thought that maybe running away and casting walls of ice was the only way she would ever escape the nest.
Nocturne had an entirely new look on his face as Myra approached, "I happen to have a decent amount of mastery in the beginner level water spells."
This time he gave her a flat look, "You don't say?"
"I also happen to be interested in light magic... and I'd rather not disturb Luger."
Nocturne saw exactly what she was getting at, "Oh no no no, you're his student! I could get in sooo much trouble for teaching you spells!"
The girls had noticed the rowdy peeping tom, who was apparently a regular customer.
*Splash* Nocturne gave her another flat look as Myra laughed hysterically, "I think we should leave."
"Thank you" he mumbled
As they walked away from the training area Myra resumed her attack, normally she wouldn't stoop to underhanded methods but in this case the end justifies the means. "You don't seem to have the best reputation."
Nocturne sighed, "I get into a fair amount of trouble, yeah."
"So if I happened to already know a certain difficult light spell like say... I don't know, toxin destruction..." he gaped at her "... and claimed that you taught it to me..."
"You're evil!" he cried out
Myra didn't really like being called evil, "Oh, I think my feelings are hurt... where can I find headmaster Luger at?"
Nocturne was now on his hands and knees before the cunning child, "Please don't do that, I'm begging you here. I'll do it, I swear I'll do it well!"
Good boy... Myra motioned for Nocturne to resume their walking pace, "You'll find this to be a mutually beneficial arrangement Nocturne."
Nocturne looked at her suspiciously, "Rifel said you were a genius, she wasn't making light of it... I wish she was."
Myra made a complex expression of pain and sorrow, "I had to throw away this childhood that I'd been gifted with... it was pleasant while it lasted but I've given up on being a child. I'm fine with being a genius."
Nocturne really didn't understand what she meant but knew that it was a very serious statement. The mischievous light mage had fallen into Myra's hands at this point. "We should train outside of the towers, I tend to draw attention and I don't want anyone knowing that were training together... Luger would break me over his knee... how old are you Myra?"
"Seven"
"Great, I'm being blackmailed by a girl twelve years younger than me. The world is an odd place." he chuckled ruefully
Myra ignored that, "Know a good place to train water and light magic within the city?"
Nocturne made a haughty sound and announced, "I happen to spend quite a bit of time outside the towers, I know just the place!"
This boy is useful... and entertaining, I think I'll keep him for now. The once goddess in her was completely fine with making use of Nocturne. After all that she'd seen people suffering through terrible conditions up till this point. The mortal realm's enduring sorrow had made Myra more than willing to make use of anything she could in her path for redemption. She wouldn't be willing to cause people harm, in her eyes this was a good thing for Nocturne. Myra would teach the outcast light mage how to harness water magic effectively and she never intended to actually get him in any sort of trouble.
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Nocturne had led her to a large rectangular building on the outskirts of Tal'ma'thul. It was made of what seemed to be hardened mud, when they entered the place she could feel the temperature drop. Myra silently appreciated the level of craftsmanship and ingenuity it would take to make this sort of structure. There was a set of stairs directly connected to the left wall made out of the same material as the building, for that matter it seemed the entire building was made of this reddish substance. Those stairs led to a second level and both levels had many tables with many benches.
"Where are we Nocturne?"
He grinned, "This is the old knight's guild headquarters."
Myra perked up at the chance that she might find a sword instructor here, "Where are the knights?"
"... they left when we closed the city off, chivalry and all that ya know? The knights just up and left, families and all. From what I've heard most of them took up residence about a months journey to the south in Ustven'lir."
Her spirits dropped, "This place is a bit dark and I don't see water Nocturne..."
"It's out back Myra, come on."
Nocturne led her through the hollow structure until they encountered a large set of wooden doors. Myra absolutely beamed with delight as he flung them open. "Nocturne! This is amazing, incredible!" I will be keeping him!
The Building wasn't a complete rectangle. Cut out of the center, in between the wall and the building a large open area bloomed with overgrowth. A water canal flowed in a recess across the courtyard's far end near the wall and nature had taken over. Myra admired the tall grass and overgrown plants, her time as an albino snake was long since gone but just the thought of diving in to find tasty morsels set her heart ablaze.
Nocturne seemed quite pleased with himself, "I take it you're happy?"
"More than you'll ever know... would you mind if other people started to come here?"
Nocturne cocked his head, "I don't own the place, why?"
"Adriel would love this place, that tree would make a perfect perch."
"A bird?"
Myra gave him a roguish smile, "Of sorts..." I'll wait until we finish learning each others spells then ask him to find me some carpenters. The goddess of spells should have her shrine in a place where everyone of Tal'ma'thul can see it after all. This building could be a useful place as well...
"Shall we get to it?" he asked
"Right, I'll go first and if I'm having trouble I'll ask for your help. Just watch for now."
Myra refreshed her memory of Neril's spells, the cures and the torch... just then an idea hit her. An ophidian's toxin proficiency rises with age for the most part but it also rises the more it has to generate new toxins and poisons for the body to use. Having a higher toxin proficiency would obviously be useful in many ways. Without giving it much thought she turned and bared her fangs at Nocturne who screamed and fell backwards.
"I'm part ophidian, help me improve my antitoxins Nocturne. Use toxin destruction on me whenever you get the chance. It should also raise your mastery a great deal seeing as that's how the spell is meant to be used."
Regaining his composure Nocturne nodded in agreement and quite happily cast the spell. "You're right Myra, 13% of a level for a single cast at spell level fourteen."
Myra had been using toxin destruction on herself up to this point in an effort to rise the level of antitoxin in her blood, watching a person die because of poison would not please her at all. Having Nocturne around meant she wouldn't have to bother with the spell during training. Such a useful boy. Myra began to conjure mana again.
"What light spells do you know Myra?" he broke her concentration
"Regenerate and toxin destruction." she answered calmly while focusing her efforts, "Now be quiet please, I need to concentrate."
"Sorry"
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Cure Venom
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceCure VenomBeginner10%Conjure the power of light to heal venom.
-Cures low level venoms.
-Range: Touch.
-Costs 20 mp.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Cure Poison
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceCure PoisonBeginner10%Conjure the power of light to heal poison.
-Cures low level poisons.
-Range: Touch.
-Costs 20 mp.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
Proficiency NameProficiency RankProficiency LevelProficiency ExperienceLight Magic ProficiencyInitiate212%Increases spell power with light magic by 2%
Decreases mana cost of light magic by 10%
When casting near a light source increases spell power with light magic by 2%
When casting near a light source decreases mana cost of light magic by 10%
Requires a light source to cast spells.
Allows the use of beginner level light spells.
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Torch
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceTorchBeginner11%Conjure the power of light to summon a floating orb that illuminates nearby surroundings.
-Can be destroyed.
-Duration: 15 minutes.
-Costs 40 mp.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Nocturne had decided that anything about a ~genius~ wasn't about to surprise him, that said... he was surprised. Little more than a few hours had passed and with only a few rough concepts from him Myra had managed to learn the three remaining beginner level light spells.
"That was fast, well done Myra." he commented
"Thanks, so you know spell circles for these right?"
Nocturne prattled on, "Yeah, yeah I'll show you those to."
"Any unique spells?"
The youth grinned from ear to ear, "One"
"Mind teaching it to me?"
Nocturne readied his staff and instead of raising it drove the shaft into earth. After a few moments of concentration the atmosphere had changed, she could feel it.
"What is this?"
"An aura I made, it increases all regeneration rates... sadly this would also effect monsters so I was barely given a pass for it."
Myra pondered something for a moment, "Suppose the spell had divine properties?"
"Normal monsters and creatures would still be buffed by it but demonic creatures and dark monsters wouldn't... in fact it might be detrimental to them, why?"
"No reason..." It really didn't take Myra more than half an hour to figure out how he had achieved the effect. Nocturne looked on as she shattered his confidence.
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Regeneration Aura
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceRegeneration AuraBeginner11%Conjure the power of light to sustain a field of energy that aids in the regeneration of health and mana.
-Heals 0.1% of the targets health every five seconds.
-Heals 0.1% of the targets mana every five seconds.
-Area of Effect: 1 meter.
-Costs 2 mp/sec.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
"Thank you Nocturne."
"Don't mention it." he answered dryly, "We're almost out of daylight, let's go back for now."
Myra looked up towards the sky, "You're right, I'm sorry I used up all of our time today. I'll be sure to help you with water spells tomorrow."
Nocturne smiled happily, "Well I'm sure I couldn't have a better teacher, just don't tell anyone please..."
Myra couldn't help herself, "I don't know..."
"Myra..." Nocturne looked pitiful at this point.
Feeling a bit guilty she spoke up, "I'm kidding, it'll be our secret... oh but my roommate, this won't be easy to hide from her."
"You can tell her, no one else okay?
"Promise."
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Myra returned to her dorm room just before sunset to find Neril doing something rather embarrassing... Myra awkwardly closed the door and silently waited for Neril to open it.
"Welcome back Myra...."
"I saw nothing." she replied vacantly while averting her gaze
Neril about had a panic attack, "Oh come on! I was just swinging the sword around a bit! It's not that bad!"
Myra imitated certain sound effects, *Woosh* *clang clang* *Uryaaaaaaah!*
Neril flushed blood red, knelt down and shook her head back and forth. "Please, forget it."
This is fun... "Don't worry about it Neril, I'm sure tons of people have imaginary sword fights."
"..."
"..."
"Hungry Myra? Dinner is at sundown."
She changed the subject! "I am pretty famished."
Neril led Myra to a similar mess hall area as the one she'd eaten at earlier in the light tower. Dinner was an assortment of various beans and grains seasoned to perfection with some sort of pinkish jelly dessert. The commotion was beginning to annoy Neril, "What!?" she abruptly announced as the others nearby reeled back
"Is that your natural hair and skin color?" an acolyte asked
Myra having been fond of the albino she once was answered, "I wasn't born this way but I am quite taken with the appearance, it makes me stand out doesn't it?" I will need to make an impression on people after all.
"It's beautiful" another chimed in
Myra was quite happy with all of the attention and gladly responded to everyone's inquiries before contently returning to her room with Neril. "How's the light magic training going?"
"I learned all of the beginner level spells, I mean the rest of them earlier today."
"... really?"
"Really"
"Could you explain toxin destruction to me?"
Myra slid around the table and sat next to Neril, "The only way I can help you understand is by letting you feel what it's like to have antitoxins in your system. That's how I managed it."
"Great where am I supposed to find antitoxins?" she vexed while Myra drained a glass of water before holding her hand over it, "What are you doing Myra?"
Myra bit down on her palm voraciously while Neril watched and began to drain droplets of blood into the glass. "I'm giving you some antitoxins, drink enough of it and you may even gain some sort of effect."
"... you want me to drink your blood?" her face was a bit annoyed as Myra turned and showed off her fangs, "Holy Penguin!" Neril gave her an appraising glance before picking up the cup as Myra healed her wounded palm. "Part ophidian?"
"Yeah"
"That explains the water affinity... and those scales on your arm."
"Right, anyways just build up enough antitoxins in your system then... I don't know figure it out." she wasn't really sure how to explain the sensation, "You know how people who drink a lot of ophidian blood can attain the toxin resistance feat?"
Neril gagged as she finished off the glass, "Why else would I drink blood?"
Myra ignored the sarcasm, "Well maybe that'll help you get an idea about the spell and if not it may still save your life someday."
Neril gave her a concerned gaze, "Be careful Myra, you know what happens to some of your people out there right?"
Myra's expression turned incredibly pained, "I know, I wouldn't tell a complete stranger... not yet, when I have the strength and confidence to defend myself though..." she looked at Neril "... I'll let the whole world know, slavers can come after my blood as much as they want. I'll kill them all for what they've done to my ophidians."
Neril shivered to her core at the look of unmitigated rage on Myra's face, an expression incredibly misplaced and even more so terrifying to see on a child. They didn't speak very much after that, most of the time was passed with Neril showing Myra the basics of a spell circle. In the morning Neril woke Myra up and told her it was time to have her lesson with Ophelia.
Myra found the lesson mildly entertaining and was happy to have received a few scrolls detailing every standard spell she had learned up until that point. When Ophelia was satisfied with her progress the lesson was ended and Myra once again returned to her room.
"How was it?" Neril asked
"Just as you'd said it would be." Myra made Neril another glass of antitoxins, "Spell circles are terrifying, I don't even want to think what would happen if I misfired one in the middle of town."
"Well just make sure to practice your artistic capabilities and try to stay out of a situation where you'll need to use one." Neril made an unpleasant face while downing the steely flavored substance. "Where are you going?"
Myra had begun to leave again, "I have more training to do, I'll be back before supper again."
"Mind if I join you today?"
Hmmmmm.... "Not really, let's go."
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As they arrived in the courtyard Myra spotted Nocturne, he had beaten them there. Neril gave Nocturne an unpleasant greeting, "Set any towers on fire recently?"
Nocturne bowed in apology, "I swear that was an accident, why won't anyone believe me?"
"Because it's the tower of water you dolt!"
Myra laughed wholeheartedly as Neril reprimanded the older student. "The two of you know each other?"
"He's the son of Luger Felthan, the light headmaster. We've known each other forever."
Myra gave him a chagrined look, "Really?"
"Well you didn't ask."
"Whatever, mind trying to explain toxin destruction to Neril in a more detailed way? All I can do is shove..."
"No no no!" Nocturne looked at the hysterical Neril confusedly. "He doesn't need to know that."
Myra shrugged, "Alright, I'll be practicing some while you do that. When it's over we can start with the water magic."
Just like this Myra fell into a daily routine with rare interruptions and for nearly two years she tirelessly practiced magic while learning spell circles. On one particularly sunny day she was practicing alone in the courtyard of the old knight's guild when she decided it was about time to learn a new spell. She'd need one for the light test that was coming very soon. Myra had brought her father's sword today for this purpose. Another spell she'd find useful in combat. Roughly focusing on the blade's core Myra began to conjure while swinging the blade as hard as she could at a tree.
*Ka-pow!* *ding*
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Glam Strike
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceGlam StrikeBeginner10%Conjure the power of light into a weapon and produce a stunning effect.
-Blinds foes.
-Range: Melee.
-Area of effect: 0.5 meters.
-Costs 70 mp.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
Extremely satisfied with her new spell Myra absently returned to her routine and about a week later managed to get journeyman.
Proficiency NameProficiency RankProficiency LevelProficiency ExperienceLight Magic ProficiencyJourneyman10%Increases spell power with light magic by 20%
Decreases mana cost of light magic by 20%
When casting near a light source increases spell power with light magic by 20%
When casting near a light source decreases mana cost of light magic by 20%
One no longer requires a light source to cast spells.
Allows the use of moderate level light spells.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 5
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 15
Wisdom has reached 50. Mana +100. Healing potency +10
The title "Sagacious" is now available.
The title "Sagacious" is no longer available.
The title "Benevolent Soul" has been augmented.
Benevolent SoulPerforming selfless acts for the sake of another is second nature to you. Your kindness is unconditional and untainted. Your intelligence and wisdom makes you more capable at dealing with adverse situations.
-Certain beings will be able to sense that you are a gentle person.
-Increases spell experience gains by 10%
Myra quietly basked in the feeling of her achievement and decided it was about time to bother Luger and begin work on Adriel's shrine.
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