Ethan's eyes slowly opened, drawn from his slumber by a strange but familiar sound. The room was dark, but not completely so, and he could make out details. Suspended from the ceiling were crystal-like objects emitting a soft glow, casting a dim light that danced across the bookshelves lining the walls. Dust particles floated in the air, caught in the faint rays of light, giving the room a mystical ambiance.

The room was filled with strange objects and unfamiliar symbols. In the center, there was an imposing oak workbench covered in dust and bearing marks of past use, with a collection of tools resting upon it. Ethan's mind raced, trying to comprehend the purpose of these objects and the room itself.

He noticed towering bookcases with shelves sagging under the weight of ancient-looking books, their faded titles and intricate symbols like a puzzle waiting to be deciphered. Ethan's mind was just now waking up, and he was equal parts curious and scared.

A subtle whirring of gears broke the silence, reaching his ears. His gaze searched for the source, and his eyes widened as he glimpsed a hidden corner of the room, where the faint mechanical hum emanated from. A curtain obscured the mystery behind it, intriguing him.

Ethan's heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and wonder as he sat up in the bed. He realized it was not his own bed and felt uncertain about how he ended up there, and where were his clothes? He was covered in nothing but a tattered sheet that had probably been white once, but was now gray and dirty looking. He wrapped it around his waist and stood up to get a sense of the place.

It looked like some kind of workshop, but not like the ones he was used to. There was no recognizable technology, and the room smelled of smoke, wood, and oil. He was used to clean workshops, with electrical tools, LED lighting, and proper ventilation. This place had none of that.

[https://i.imgur.com/u0oQOLr.jpg]

Barefoot, he slowly walked across the room and approached the worktable. It was weathered by time and use, crafted from polished oak, and bore the scars and marks of countless experiments. Covered in a thin layer of dust, the table's surface was a tapestry of intricate carvings. Delicate symbols and sigils, worn with age, intertwined and danced across it. Ethan's fingertips traced the faint lines, and they gave off a slight buzz, like electricity almost.

Scattered across the table were an array of worn and well-used tools, each seemingly with its own purpose. A cutting tool with a crystal blade lay alongside tiny brass gears, their intricate teeth catching the light that filtered through the workshop's dimness. Fine-tipped brushes, their bristles frayed but still workable, were stacked next to vials containing shimmering powders and iridescent liquids.

As Ethan examined the table, he noticed small compartments and hidden drawers, their contents partially exposed. Within them were curious objects—a tiny golden key, a cracked prism reflecting refracted light, and a weathered notebook filled with meticulous diagrams and observations. They were likely the belongings of the former owner, waiting to be rediscovered and brought back to life.

The worktable, though abandoned and coated in the dust of neglect, held an undeniable presence—a testament to the ingenuity and creativity that once flourished within the workshop's walls. It stood as a silent witness to the artistry and devotion that had once been poured into the work done upon it.

Admiration filled Ethan as he surveyed the table. It might not be as practical as a modern stainless-steel surface, but it carried a weight of history. "What is this place?" he wondered aloud, knowing there would be no immediate answer.

"Okay, so I am somewhere else," he mused, contemplating his situation. "It is not a virtual world since I can feel things. I could be dreaming, delusional, or possibly even dead. Hmm..."

Ethan had always been a logical person, more inclined towards the realms of engineering and scientific inquiry than physical prowess or social activities. While other children played outside, he disassembled electronic devices, driven by a deep desire to understand how they worked.

Dates and parties held little interest for him. He was captivated by technology, by the challenge of dismantling and reassembling objects just to see if he could. His world was one of structured thinking, and his current predicament fascinated him more than scared him.

He walked to the bookshelves and took a book into his hands, its fragile pages threatening to fall apart. Unfortunately, the text was not understandable to him. He tried another book, and then another, but the symbols within remained incomprehensible gibberish.

"Hmm... interesting," he mused. "These languages are unfamiliar to me, which would suggest that..." His voice trailed off as he continued searching until he stumbled upon a book written in English. The title read 'Enchanting for the Simple Minded.'

Ethan chuckled and opened the book, his eyes scanning the first few paragraphs.

[https://i.imgur.com/4HfVhm6.jpg]

‘’Introduction

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Welcome, dear reader, to the fascinating world of enchanting. In this humble tome, we aim to demystify the art of enchantment and guide even the most novice of minds on a journey of magical discovery. Enchanting is the wondrous practice of imbuing objects with mystical properties, breathing life into the mundane and unlocking their hidden potential.

At its essence, enchanting is the harmonious fusion of imagination, intent, and arcane energy. It is the ability to channel the raw forces of magic and weave them into tangible manifestations of power. Though often considered a complex and esoteric art, we shall endeavor to present enchanting in a straightforward and accessible manner, making it attainable for those with a simple mind and a curious heart.

Within these pages, we shall explore the fundamental principles of enchantment. From understanding the basic elements of magical essence to harnessing its transformative properties, we shall lay the foundation for your journey into this captivating realm. By nurturing your understanding of enchantment, you will unlock the ability to infuse objects with extraordinary qualities, transforming them into tools of wonder and awe.

But let us not be hasty. Patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the unknown are the key virtues of any budding enchanter. With every turn of the page, we shall delve deeper into the intricacies of the craft, unraveling the secrets of creating enchantments that can illuminate darkness, strengthen defenses, or bestow extraordinary abilities upon their wielders.

So, dear reader, prepare to embark on a remarkable adventure. Within the following chapters, we shall explore the art of enchanting with clarity and simplicity, empowering you to awaken the dormant magic within yourself and bring forth wonders that will captivate both your imagination and those who witness your creations.

May this humble guide serve as a beacon of inspiration as you step onto the path of enchantment, for even the simplest of minds can wield the most profound magic.’’

Ethan smiled, his curiosity piqued as he finished reading the introduction. It appeared that the book was a guide on magical crafting, a "how to" manual for something he would usually find difficult to accept—magic. The concept seemed implausible and contradictory to the scientific principles he held dear..

Notice:

Available spells:

Reward:

You have learned basic enchanting

None

3 Essence points (EP)

Ethan's eyes narrowed in curiosity as he examined the screen that had suddenly appeared before him. "Now, this is intriguing," he murmured, reaching out to touch it, only to have his hand pass right through. A perplexed expression crossed his face as he realized the screen was intangible, like a hologram of sorts.

"Huh, so I've apparently learned some basic enchanting, but it seems I don't have any spells at my disposal," Ethan remarked, his gaze darting around the room while the screen obediently tracked his movements. He even gave himself a spin to test its persistence, confirming that the screen remained fixed in the center of his vision, regardless of his orientation. Closing one eye and then the other, he frowned at the inconvenience caused by the persistent display. It ruled out the possibility of a hidden projector, making him wonder if this whole experience resembled a video game.

Lost in thought, Ethan considered his options. Should he give in to panic? Should he dismiss this as a strange lucid dream? Or should he accept that he might have stumbled into an entirely different reality? Whatever the case, he knew he had to approach the situation with logic and base his decisions on the evidence before him.

Resolving to accept the circumstances for now, he focused on the screen, attempting a mental command to minimize it. To his satisfaction, the screen vanished, freeing his vision to explore further. Setting the book down on the workbench, he made his way towards a wall adorned with an array of tools—a collection of axes, carving knives, hammers in varying sizes, and a sturdy shovel.

Continuing his exploration, Ethan approached a wooden door, its brass handle emitting a faint squeak as he pulled it open. Stepping closer, he peered into the darkness beyond.

Ethan's voice reverberated through the darkness as he called out, "Hello!" The echo returned, and he suspected that he might be in a large cave or a similar environment. However, what caught him off guard was the unsettling sound that accompanied the echo—a cacophony of chittering and scuttling, as if countless legs were moving in different directions. Unable to see anything, he swiftly closed the door, realizing that he needed some light before venturing further.

Standing in the darkness, he listened intently, his heart pounding in his chest. The door received a few forceful thumps, as if something sizable was attempting to break through. Judging by the weight behind the impacts, Ethan inferred that whatever lurked outside possessed considerable mass.

With a sigh of relief, he exhaled as the thumping ceased, grateful that the door held strong. While he never considered himself a coward, he held a healthy respect for wildlife, particularly those capable of causing harm. In fact, he had intentionally avoided venturing into any forests due to such concerns.

Noticing a key inserted under the door handle, Ethan decided to take precautions and turned it, hearing the satisfying click of the lock. His eyes widened in surprise as the entire door briefly emitted a faint glow. Though fleeting, the sight was not easily dismissed as a mere trick of the mind. Placing his hand on the smooth wooden surface, he felt no discernible change, prompting a frown to crease his brow.

"Enchanting, huh?" he mused aloud, his habit of talking to himself helping to organize his thoughts. "If enchanting were real, it would make sense to apply it to the door, keeping out... whatever those chittering things are."

Casting a glance back at the expansive workshop, Ethan sighed, acknowledging the need to find a source of light within his surroundings. "Well, better figure out how to illuminate this place," he muttered.