After a while, Shio was once again in the king’s room. As if this place knew what he intended, another room was prepared for him. As he walked in he saw that it was simply a wide stone room with everything he had gathered today. Shio just smiled bitterly. Guess it’s too much to ask for Alchemy equipment. Though he thought this, Shio didn’t mind too much. He expected this since he had already found out that the weapons from the training room couldn’t be brought outside this place, as well as the books from the library. Luckily, Shio had another method of performing alchemy; Mandala Inscriptions.
Shio first sat down and entered a meditative state as he planned out the mandala inscription. One hour passed, then two, then a day, then three days, until, finally, on the seventh day, Shio opened his eyes. As Shio didn’t want any mistakes, he took into account every possibility until he finally had the perfect mandala inscription for his needs.
Shio then went to an empty space as a jug of the boar’s blood floated towards him. A small amount of blood lifted out of the jug, spreading out into thin line before its ends connected together forming into a perfect circle as it drifted to the floor and imprinting itself. Another thin line of blood drifted out of the jug, placing itself on the floor as a wavy line. Then a solid crescent shape and a small circle that looked to be its counterpart placed itself on the two shapes already on the floor. Finally blood was used to fill in one of the shapes.
The symbol glowed with a red light as this first part was completed. It looked similar to a yin yang symbol, but closer to two snakes snuggling against each other as the solid and empty spaces drew further into the other’s side of the circle.
A drop of sweat flowed down from Shio’s forehead, showing the amount of concentration he put into this. It’ll only get harder from here. Shio thought with a bitter smile.
Shio continued as the mandala inscription grew larger and larger, until Shio finally finished 5 hours later. Though Shio made some mistakes, they were easily corrected. The mandala inscription was about 5 meters in diameter and currently, all of it glowed with that dim red light. It looked like the sun, but upon closer inspection one would see that it was so much more as it was filled with inscriptions from different languages and symbols from several walks of life, as well as some universal symbols. All of this was used in perfect balance with each other, which could be easily seen just from the symmetry.
Sweat covered Shio’s face and drenched his shirt as he finally finished. He sat down silently for a couple hours, recovering his energy. Eventually he let out a sigh as he continued to work.
Slices of meat began to float out of the nearby plastic bags as well as a several dozen flowers from Shio’s backpack. The meat hovered over the mandala inscription and the flowers above that. Shio then spread his hands out, familiarizing himself with the mandala inscription’s energy pulse. He did this for every section of the mandala inscription, until he was finally satisfied.
Suddenly, Shio spread out his hands above his head, his hands seeming to have something weighing them down. Then the sun rays on the mandala inscription grew much brighter than the rest of it, as the meat suddenly exploded into a multi-coloured mist.
Shio’s hands didn’t stop as he spread his hands out to the side while another section of the mandala inscription grew brighter and the mist divided into separate colours, grouped together into bunches that formed into a circle. Shio, then pulled his hands down, while particles of the moonlight flowers were forcefully ripped from the rest of it and drifted into the middle of the mist circle, until it divided into a black and silvery mist. Then the red, yellow, and blue groups of mist flew above the silvery mist, fusing together in varying ways until it looked like multicolor piece of silk-like liquid. While this occurred, the silvery mist was forcibly compressed into a silver marble-like object.
Finally, the multi-coloured liquid covered the silvery marble, forming a seemingly solid multi-coloured pill about the size of quail’s egg, which Shio moved to a glass bottle where it immediately turned into a two separate layers of liquid once it escaped the mandala inscription.
A flame suddenly appeared underneath the jar, above the mandala inscription, slowly causing the liquid inside the jar to evaporate and gather in the air. This went on for several hours until all the liquid was turned into vapor which gathered in a group in the air, leaving behind a crusty black, grains in the jar. Shio gathered the vapor into a new jar and waited for it to cool down, slowly turning back into a new, white liquid.
This should take about three months to absorb. Shio thought before looking at the remaining two groups of black mist. He waved his hands and the two groups of mist compressed together with the grains of dark solids in the first jar, until all the darkness compressed into a tiny black seed which Shio put into a glass bottle.
After recovering his energy, Shio repeated the process, then again, until he used up all the flowers, most of the meat, and was left with three potions. He also now had 3 darkness-element seeds. At the end of it, the mandala inscription had faded to the point that it almost completely disappeared.
Earlier, Shio added a section to the mandala inscription to absorb the surrounding energy, but he didn’t know if that unyielding, pure energy in that place would allow itself to be absorbed.
As for the organs, Shio liquefied them into separate liquids, which he also stored. One of the tusks was transformed into a meter long staff with a round top and several indentations on its side. Shio even had one of the indentations fuse with Rockthrower Boar’s Earthcore. After which, Shio used some of liquefied boar’s brain to make several inscriptions around the section of the staff with the earth-element core to support the efficiency of using Shio’s earth-element magic.
The other tusk was transformed into two two-foot dagger-like objects. It was unlike a dagger in the way that it was round, thick and had no edge, but the tip of this object was extremely sharp, like the tip of a spear. Shio used the liquefied heart to imprint a strength-supplementing mandala inscription on the tusk-like objects. The tip of this object would be very effective for piercing armor or armor-like surfaces, but the base’s round shape and thickness would be just as useful for defense.
Shio also removed the fur and flesh from the boar’s skin and used magic turn it into tough, yet soft leather. Some of this leather was used as a grip for his tusk weapons, while the rest was made into an outfit for Shio, which he decorated with mandala inscriptions.
The rough fur and flesh, interestingly enough, was transformed into a thin, weaved fabric which was similar to the fineness and smoothness of silk and even outshined it in terms of the strength of the material. Shio used this as a hooded cloak, which was like-wise decorated in blood inscriptions.
Shio was quite satisfied with his work. The meat and organs that weren’t used were stored into glass containers which were sealed with magic. Although Shio assumed that this place would preserve the meat and organs, Shio wanted to be sure.
Now that most of his work was done, Shio was finally able to satisfy his excitement as he drank the white liquid potion. The liquid sat in his stomach, dissolving extremely slowly into a mist.
Shio directed this mist into a nearby area in the center of his abdomen, between his organs. This place was like a universe on its own, similar to the place in Shio’s mind where his mindforce was stored and the light portal was. This place was connected to the whole body through various energy channels, and was called an Energyrealm while the place where his mindforce was stored was called a Mindscape.
Shio sat cross-legged in a meditative fashion for one and a half months, directing that white mist into his energyrealm and focusing to keep it there. Once the white liquid dissolved and was absorbed into his energyrealm, Shio began to circulate this mist through his energy channels according to the Everchanging Mirror Art. As it traveled through Shio’s energy channels, the white mist began grew accustomed to its new home, growing less restless, allowing Shio’s control over it to increase.
Shio continued to dissolve and circulate the rest of the potions for the next 7 months, after which he circulated the energy according to a different method provided by the Everchanging Mirror Art, which served to strengthen and enhance the structure of his body’s cells, improving his body’s overall function.
When he was done, Shio’s body was covered in a perspired blood-like sweat, which Shio’s new energy had expelled from his body. After washing himself with water magic, his tanned skin and short white hair looked much healthier. You could tell at a glance that with his exotic looks and fine features, Shio would definitely attract his share of the ladies’ attention when he got older.
Shio’s body also grew a little leaner as his muscles became more compact and his skin also looked tougher. At a simple glance, he simply looked skinny, but that was also part of his strength, as you would underestimate him. He was just a kid after all.
Shio checked the power of his body and was satisfied. Although Shio was only at the stage of the Everchanging Mirror Art where his body was refined and strengthened, he still felt the power was comparable to his magic; though one had more uses than the other.
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As he was done here, Shio planned to leave. But before that he slept for a while in the king’s bed. Although this place supplied you with constant energy, it doesn’t help to relieve mental stress.
After a good rest, Shio went back to his house to wait for Ronin in the afternoon he had left behind, leaving the things he created in the king’s room.
Not too long afterwards, Shio sensed Ronin’s presence and went to the door to greet. As he opened the door, Shio saw Ronin hurriedly step back in fright.
“Woah, how’d you know I was here?” Ronin asked in suspicion.
Shio chuckled. “You’ll be able to do the same once you start practicing magic.” Shio replied.
Ronin laughed. “Then hurry up and teach me already!” He responded eagerly.
“Alright. Come, let’s go somewhere more private.” Shio’s said, leading the way.
They ended up on a small hill close to the edge of the town where he and Ronin sat down. Shio then pulled out a rectangular piece of transparent glass covered in inscriptions except for a circular area in the middle. The piece of glass started to float in between Shio and Ronin, as that clear circular area aligned with Ronin’s face.
“I’m going to have to hypnotize you for a moment. Is that alright?” Shio asked.
Ronin thought about it for a moment, then nodded his head. He knew Shio’s nature. “Alright. I trust you.”
“Okay, I’m starting.” Shio said as he raised his palm to the glass and that gentle flame appeared. Ronin watched the flame through the glass, subconsciously relaxing. “Look deep into the flame. Let the flame wash over you. Feel its warmth and gentle touch.” Shio began, watching Ronin’s shoulders slump and his face become void of emotion as Ronin got lost in the illusionary embrace of the flame within his mind.
“Listen to my words closely lest the flame disappears, leaving you alone and without warmth. Listen, lest you forget its gentle touch. Tell me your name.” Shio continued.
“Ronin Amoneh.” Ronin replied obediently.
“Good. Tell me where you live.”
“The town of Newleaf on the edges of the Rising Tide province of the country of Reyah.” Ronin said blankly.
“Good. Now go deep into your mind.” Shio instructed as he waited a moment. “Tell me what you see.”
“Images of my life in a wide, open space.”
“Good. Now go deeper; seek out and recognize your soul.” Shio then waited several minutes before continuing. “Nod if you see it.” Ronin nodded. “Good.” Shio then let the flame disappear as he touched the glass, watching as the inscriptions started to glow. A moment later a red serpentine figure came into view on the glass. It had a long whiskers, large teeth, red scale-armor, ivory horns, a majestic tail, and a fierce gaze. Flamegod Dragon! Shio thought as his eyes widened in shock.
Ronin awoke from his daze soon after the flame disappeared. He took a moment to recall what happened before focusing on the image that seemed to be flying on the glass. “Hey, Shio what’s that?” Ronin asked curiously.
Shio moved the piece of glass to the side before answering. “It’s an image of your soul. Surprisingly, it’s actually a Flamegod Dragon, a world-dominating Godbeast.” Shio replied, awe still on his face.
Ronin stared at it for a while before his face broke out into a wide grin. “Awesome! Hey, Shio, can I keep this?”
Shio chuckled. “It’s yours.” Ronin immediately grabbed the mirror, staring at it for a while before putting it on his lap.
“Are you going to teach me magic now?” Ronin asked, a little impatient.
Shio responded with a smile. “Wait for the others to arrive first.”
Ronin raised an eyebrow in confusion. Suddenly, he suddenly noticed two figures. They were slightly taller than Shio and Ronin as they were slightly older. The girl with the brown ponytail and pretty face was 12 while the slightly thin, taller boy following was 13. There was a slight annoyance on the girl’s face which saw some relief as she discovered Shio and Ronin sitting on the hill.
“Hey,” the girl called out as she approached in a familiar manner. “What are you guys doing here?” She asked sitting next to them. Her name was Elaine.
When the tall, thin boy saw that Elaine sat rather close to Ronin and Shio, leaving no room in between for him to sit there, a look of disappointment appeared on his face. If he were to force his way in or sit behind her, it would be rather awkward, thus he was forces to sit opposite Elaine. The boy’s name was Theo.
“Shio was just going to start teaching me some magic.” Ronin replied.
Theo shook his head as he heard this. “Shio, just because you read some general books on magic, that doesn’t make you an expert. Even a dandelion must mature before spreading its seeds.” Theo reproved, saying that Shio wasn’t knowledgeable enough to teach magic.
“Hey, what’s that? It looks like it’s moving.” Elaine asked, interrupting the conversation, as she pointed at the piece of glass on Ronin’s lap.
“Oh,” Ronin replied, lifting up the glass for them to see. “It’s an image of my soul. It’s a Flamegod Dragon. Heheh.” Ronin said, rather proud of the fact.
“Wow!” Elaine exclaimed as she looked at the majestic dragon that seemed to be soaring in the sky. “Where can I get one?” She asked, an enchanted look in her eyes.
Ronin chuckled. “It was Shio who made it; ask him.”
Both Elaine and Theo looked at Shio with wide eyes. Neither of them expected Shio to be able to capture images of people’s soul. Theo knew that one would have to have some expertise in magic to accomplish such a thing. Did I speak too soon? Theo wondered, a slight blush of embarrassment appearing on his face.
“Shio.” Elaine called out in a charming voice. “Won’t you make one for your Elder Sis?”
Shio slightly blushed. How can I say no when she looks at me like that? Shio thought before nodding. Since he chose this hill in expectation of this situation, he had already prepared beforehand.
When Theo saw Shio nod, he hurriedly said, “Make one for me too! Your Big Bro will surely repay you!”
“I’m going to have to hypnotize you, just so you know. You’ll be in quite a vulnerable state for a while.” Shio said honestly.
Elaine nodded her approval; she trusted Shio and not just because of her innocence as a little girl. Theo also trusted Shio, and plus, Ronin would be watching. Knowing that guys attitude, he wouldn’t let anything funny happen, thus Theo also nodded.
Shio nodded with a smile before beginning the ritual. I never thought they’d be so trusting…
Two pieces of glass similar to Ronin’s floated out of Shio’s backpack to float in front of Theo and Elaine. In between the two pieces of glass, Shio held up his palm as a gentle flame appeared.
Several minutes passed by before the two awoke from their daze, focusing on the images in front of them.
“Ahhh!” Elaine exclaimed as she saw the beautiful, sparkling, light-golden gazelle that seemed to be galloping across the skies.
As for Theo, he didn’t know what to think as he saw the image of his soul. It was a dark golden elk that was laying lazily on the ground. If one watched for a moment longer, one would see as the elk would occasionally open its slumbering eyes and look at the sky, giving off a sense of yearning.
Theo was hoping his soul image would be something cool like Ronin’s dragon.
Shio was once again shocked to realize they were both Godbeasts. Though the shock soon disappeared before he secretly smiled as he looked at these two images. The others didn’t know this, but there was a legend that went along with these two Godbeasts. Shio sighed, feeling a sympathetic melancholy as he recalled the legend.
From the moment he was born, the Emperor Godelk’s rule and domination would spread to wherever he set his gaze, but one day he saw a young, beautiful golden gazelle, and was immediately enchanted, but the young gazelle would not even look at him. So the Emperor Godelk seized every opportunity to be with the young gazelle, constantly pestering her. The gazelle was annoyed to no end, but eventually, without knowing it, instead of mocking the Godelk’s silly and clumsy manner when he spoke to her, she started smiling. As she saw his domineering attitude when facing other beasts of the land and how subservient those beasts were, she compared it with how he would speak to her and she would let out an amused laugh. Before long, the gazelle had come to accept the young elk in her heart without realizing it, and eventually they were always together. But as the young gazelle matured, she grew even more beautiful, till she was recognized by the heavens and was given dominion over the sky for the heavens knew the proud sky beasts would heed her every enchanting word. Thus, she became the Skygovernor Gazellegod, and was forced to separate from the Godelk to rule the sky, as she could not go against the heavens. The Emperor Godelk, was overcome with great sadness at the loss of his love, and gave up his rule over the land to live in seclusion on a tall mountain, where he would slumber and wait for the rest of his life. He would often awake from his slumber to gaze at the heavens, hoping to see his love again.