“Hello”
“Are you there?” said Mira.
“Yes, sorry I got a bit distracted there. By the way Mira is this mana sensing ability something everyone knows or is this some sort of rare skill as well.” questioned Amar
As they continued discussing, Mira began to shed light on the origins and significance of the "Basic Mana Sensing" skill. Her voice carried a blend of pride and nostalgia as she revealed that this skill was a closely guarded secret, passed down through the generations of her family. It was not merely a technique but a legacy, a survival tool that had ensured the prosperity and longevity of her lineage amidst the perilous landscape of Astralis.
"This skill," Mira explained, her eyes distant as if lost in the memories of her training, "has been the reason our family has thrived through countless generations. It allows us to gauge the strength of potential adversaries, to discern when a battle could be won and when discretion would be the better part of valor."
She paused, a smile playing at the edges of her lips as she regarded Amar. "I taught you the basics, never anticipating you would grasp it with such aptitude. My father was my mentor in mastering Mana Sensing. He was a stern teacher but fair, emphasising not just the technique but the wisdom to use it."
Mira's revelation cast the skill in a new light for Amar. It was no longer just a means of detecting magic; it was a beacon of survival, a strategic advantage that had safeguarded Mira's family through tumultuous times. The fact that Mira had chosen to share this skill with him, breaking tradition, underscored the depth of her trust in him and the gravity of their shared journey.
Amar listened intently, absorbing every detail. The understanding that Mana Sensing could be a lifeline, enabling them to choose their battles wisely and navigate the dangers of Astralis with foresight, was empowering. He felt a renewed sense of respect for Mira, not just as a companion and guide but as a keeper of her family's legacy, now partly entrusted to him.
“Mira, do you have any connection to elements?” inquired Amar. only to satisfy his investigation into the reasoning for his Water Affinity.
Amar's question, seemingly casual, was driven by a deeper curiosity about the elemental affinities that defined the magic of Astralis and, more specifically, how his own affinity for water had come to be. Mira's admission of her high compatibility with wind and earth magic offered a glimpse into the diverse nature of magical affinities within this world and hinted at the potential complexities and synergies between them.
"Why do you ask?" Mira queried, her eyes searching Amar's for the underlying intent behind his question. Their journey together had been built on a foundation of trust and openness, a mutual agreement to share knowledge and doubts alike, understanding that their survival often hinged on their combined strengths and insights.
Amar hesitated for a moment, weighing the implications of revealing his newfound affinity. He realized, however, that transparency was crucial between them. "I've discovered an affinity for water," he confessed, watching Mira closely for her reaction. "I suspect it might be a byproduct of the ritual at the pond, the way the mana there interacted with me."
Mira's expression shifted from curiosity to understanding, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes before settling into contemplation. "That makes sense," she mused, her gaze drifting off as if piecing together a puzzle. "The pond is a nexus of pure, concentrated mana, ancient and powerful. Its essence is predominantly water, infused with the lifeblood of Astralis itself. Your exposure to it, especially during such a pivotal moment as your awakening, could very well have aligned your essence with its dominant element."
She turned back to Amar, a thoughtful look on her face. "This is fascinating. Elemental affinities often shape the path of a mage's development, influencing not just the type of magic they're most adept with but also their interaction with the world around them. Your affinity for water, Amar, could open up avenues of magic and power that we've yet to imagine. It's a rare gift."
Amar absorbed her words, feeling a mixture of excitement and responsibility at the prospect. The revelation of his water affinity not only deepened his connection to the magical fabric of Astralis but also to Mira, whose own elemental prowess in wind and earth could complement and enhance their combined capabilities. It was a serendipitous alignment, one that promised new strategies and strengths for the challenges that lay ahead.
"Are there more elements?" Amar's curiosity about the fabric of magic in Astralis was insatiable, driven by a desire to understand the world he now found himself a part of and how he might navigate its complexities.
Mira nodded, her gaze taking on a distant quality as she delved into the lore of their world. "Yes, there are five major elements that the majority of individuals in Astralis align with: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Darkness. Each element is unique, governing different aspects of the world. They form the foundation of our understanding of power and its manifestations."
She paused, ensuring Amar was following, before continuing. "Aside from these, there exists Holy magic, which is quite distinct. It's a byproduct of one's devotion to the gods of Astralis. Holy power is derived from worship, and thus, it transcends the traditional elemental alignments. Anyone can possess Holy magic, regardless of their primary elemental affinity, as long as they pledge themselves to a god's faction."
Amar absorbed this new information, intrigued by the complexity and depth of the magical system in Astralis. The existence of Holy magic, in particular, piqued his interest. It was a testament to the intertwining of faith and power in this world, a dynamic that was foreign to him.
"So, in theory, someone could wield both elemental magic and Holy magic if they were devout?" Amar asked, trying to piece together the implications of such a dual alignment.
"Exactly," Mira confirmed. "It's rare, but not unheard of. Those who walk that path are revered and feared, for they command the forces of the natural world and the divine. However, such power comes with its own burdens. Allegiance to a god is not without its demands and sacrifices. The gods of Astralis are as varied and complex as the elements themselves, each with their own agendas and expectations from their followers."
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
The conversation deepened Amar's understanding of the world's magical and divine structure, highlighting the diverse paths one could take in their pursuit of power. It also underscored the potential for complexity in his own journey. With a natural affinity for water and now the knowledge of Holy magic's existence, Amar began to contemplate the breadth of possibilities that lay before him. Could he, too, find a way to harness multiple facets of magic? What would it mean to align himself with a god, and how would it affect his relationship with Mira and their shared goals?
Amar's thoughts swirled with the revelations Mira had shared, especially regarding the existence and influence of gods in Astralis. The concept was not entirely foreign to him; after all, the diversity of divine beliefs on Earth had painted a complex tapestry of faiths and deities, each with its unique narratives and doctrines. However, the tangible presence and power of gods in this world, capable of bestowing Holy magic upon their followers, introduced a new layer of complexity to his understanding of Astralis.
The idea that gods—entities with presumably immense power—played an active role in the dynamics of this world sparked a cascade of questions in Amar's mind. Who were these gods? What were their natures, their desires? The potential for them to be either allies or adversaries loomed large, influencing Amar's considerations of his place within Astralis. The notion that a god might have orchestrated his arrival here was both intriguing and unsettling. It suggested a level of interest and intentionality that Amar could not yet comprehend, raising the stakes of his quest for answers and, ultimately, a way back to Earth.
Amar recognized the necessity of understanding the pantheon of Astralis. Knowledge of the gods, their followers, and the politics of divine allegiance could prove critical in navigating the challenges ahead. It was possible that among these deities, he might find an ally, a benefactor who could aid in his quest for answers, perhaps even facilitate his return to Earth. Conversely, the risk of crossing a god or falling afoul of divine machinations was a danger he could not ignore.
"Understanding the gods of Astralis is essential," Amar mused, his resolve firming. "Their favor or enmity could shape our path. And perhaps, among them, I might find the key to unravelling the mystery of my arrival here—and, just maybe, the way back to Earth."
Mira, sensing the shift in Amar's focus, nodded in agreement. "The gods are as varied as the stars, Amar. Some are benevolent, others indifferent, and a few, capricious. We must tread carefully, for the divine is a realm of great power and greater peril."
“ Yea sounds similar to where I come from as well.” Amar chimed in. Recalling the religious structure from earth.
Probing further into this topic Amar was able to discover that the gods in Astralis operated in the form of a Pantheon, consisting of several gods each with their own laws they governed. Yet the gods were also part of their own circle with their own hierarchy.
As they settled into the safety of a hidden grove for the evening, Mira took the opportunity to deepen Amar's understanding of Astralis and its divine overseers. The flickering light of their campfire cast dancing shadows around them, the perfect backdrop for tales of gods and the powers they wield.
"Amar," Mira began, her tone both earnest and instructive, "to truly understand Astralis, you must first learn of its Pantheon, the nine gods who shape our world."
"Let's start with Aelius," she said, pointing towards the setting sun. "Aelius, the Sunbringer, governs the light and warmth that sustains life. He is a beacon of justice and growth, revered for his fairness. His followers are known for their skill in light-based magic, their societies prosperous and vibrant."
"As night approaches, think of Thalassa," Mira continued, her gaze shifting to a distant sea. "She whispers to the waters, commanding the seas and rivers. Her mood, like the ocean, is ever-changing. Her children learn to navigate both the calm and the storm."
"Feel the earth beneath you? That is Terra's domain," she explained, patting the ground. "The Earth Mother nurtures all life, her bounty unending. Her followers, skilled in earth magic, honor her by protecting the natural world."
Mira then gestured to the breeze. "Ventus, the Galebringer, commands the winds. His followers value freedom, their spirits as untamed as the air. They are masters of the skies, their knowledge as vast as the horizon."
"As darkness falls, Nocturna's embrace envelops us," Mira said softly. "She governs the night and the secrets it holds. Her followers seek understanding beyond the veil, finding solace in the mysteries of the dark."
"See our campfire? Ignis's essence burns within," she noted, the flames reflecting in her eyes. "The Flameheart embodies passion and destruction. His followers wield fire with unmatched prowess, their spirits as indomitable as the blaze."
Mira smiled, gesturing to the surrounding forest. "Sylvanus, the Greenwood Lord, is protector of forests and wildlife. His followers live in harmony with nature, their magic rooted in the very essence of life."
Her tone grew solemn. "Mors watches over the cycle of life and death. He is the final judge, his followers' guardians of the balance between the living and the departed."
"Lastly, Lux, the Beacon of Hope, shines light in darkness," Mira concluded, her gaze warm. "Her followers heal and protect, their magic a testament to the power of faith and hope."
As Mira wove the tapestry of the Pantheon through her words, Amar listened intently, absorbing the complexities of the divine landscape of Astralis. Each god, with their distinct domain and followers, painted a vivid picture of a world deeply influenced by the divine.
"To know the gods is to know Astralis," Mira stated, her lesson drawing to a close. "Their desires, conflicts, and alliances shape our world. As we continue your journey, remember their stories, for they are the foundation upon which our world stands."
“Oh and until you are capable of doing so, do not go around fighting anyone that has been marked by a god. Doing so will be the last mistake you ever make.” warned Mira, staring into the camp fire with a troubled look.
As the conversation about the divine rulers of Astralis came to a close, Mira suggested they take the rest of the evening to replenish their strength. "Let's rest for now, eat and sleep. We will continue our journey when there is light once more, as these forests are laden with danger," she said, her voice carrying the wisdom of someone all too familiar with the perils that lurked in the shadows of the night.
The night air was cool, and the sounds of the forest seemed to hum with a life of their own—a reminder of the untamed beauty and hidden threats that existed in balance within Astralis. Mira, with her intimate connection to the land, had foraged for food earlier, utilizing her abilities to gather what the forest had to offer. Their meal, though simple, was a testament to her skills and the bounty of nature.
As they ate, the fire crackling softly between them, Amar couldn't help but reflect on his journey thus far.
Mira, noticing Amar's contemplative silence, offered a reassuring smile. "You're doing well, Amar. Better than most would in your situation," she said, her voice gentle yet earnest. "Astralis is not an easy world to navigate, but you have strength and a willingness to learn. That counts for a lot here."
Their meal concluded, and the fire reduced to embers, Amar and Mira prepared for sleep, the canopy of trees above them a natural shelter from the elements. Laying there, Amar felt a sense of peace despite the uncertainty of his situation. He had survived a few days in Astralis, each moment a step further into the unknown. With Mira by his side, he felt a cautious optimism about the journey ahead. For now its time to rest.