“What do you mean by that?” Ariyana questioned. At first Liam wasn’t sure either. They had seen Nature Magic being used by Inyis back in the Tutorial Area. She had used Nature Magic from what he could remember. If what Omira was saying was true and Nature Magic truly didn’t exist then what was Inyis really using?
He was about to say something, but stopped himself as Omira continued, “Because Nature Magic was lost when the Deity of Nature disappeared.”
Liam grew even more confused by this. He remembered Uncle Naro had tried to touch on a subject before that felt eerily similar to this, right before his Deity stopped him. Seeing that Omira wasn’t outwardly or inwardly being stopped by any divine force or by Uncle Naro Liam asked, “What do you mean by the Deity of Nature disappeared?”
Omira looked uncomfortable talking about it all of a sudden. She turned her head from left to right before saying, “I can’t really talk much about it since the subject is only allowed for those who reach a certain power, but Nature Magic belongs to one of the Lost Fields of Studies.”
Liam and the others looked shocked. Their shock grew even more as she suddenly froze while looking out in the distance. Liam knew she was talking to someone and that someone had to have been a divine being. Which one, Liam didn’t know. He knew they wouldn’t get any more out of her if a divine being was interfering, but he had a question he needed to ask.
“If Nature Magic belongs to this Lost Fields of Studies group, then why are there magics like Plant, Water, and Earth? Wouldn’t they be considered Nature Magic?”
Omira opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. To her rescue, Uncle Naro cut in and explained, “While magics like Plant, Water, and Earth would be view as something similar to Nature, they are not.”
Omira looked visibly relieved that Uncle Naro took over as she relaxed herself and continued to listen to his explanation. “Plant, Water, and Earth are considered more Elements in the eyes and laws of magic. Many researchers and theorists believe that these three elements were once a part of what we believed were Nature Magic, but for some reason no matter which direction you grow them they will never turn into such a magic or field of study.”
“Eyes and laws of magic?” Mercer questioned as he took out his notebook and started writing.
“A subject we will be going into after you reach level thirty in a few of your Fields of Study as well as evolve the basic fields you have,” Uncle Naro replied. “For now just understand that Nature Magic does not currently exist and if it did then it would have huge implications in the world.”
Again Liam felt they had hit a wall. Even if they had gotten a bit more information than the other day with the bear of a man it was still the same answer. You are not ready to know. Liam wanted to protest. He had wanted to say they had seen magic that could have been Nature Magic, but then something triggered in his mind. It was his talk with Jude and the person he had seen using what he believed was Nature Magic.
Thinking more on the person and what he and Jude were talking about made him confirm what he was suspecting. Inyis was just like he and Jude. While he hadn’t really thought more about it before, since the other night talking about Kala and Lolita with Jude, his thoughts had often drifted back to the two. If Kala and Lolita were holders of Lost Fields of Studies then those two must have been as well. Liam’s eyes slight widened a bit before he controlled his emotions and thought to himself, If the five of them are holders of Lost Fields of Study then that would mean I am as well. And if that was the case then it makes even more sense why Eri is so adamant about me not revealing my Discord Magic so openly. Not only that but then that means Eri is also…
“I do apologize, but I feel that we have strayed off topic after discovering your Fae race,” Omira chimed back in. She looked a bit cautiously before adding, “I’m apprehensive to ask, but…is the reason why I could tell you were a Fae is because you are having issues understanding how to harness your Fae Racial Benefits?”
Liam’s eyes instantly fell upon Ariyana after the question was asked. After hearing what Ariyana had told them the subject was a bit touchy. He didn’t know how the girl would respond, but he was hoping for the best outcome. To Liam and the rest of their relief, Ariyana gave her a warm smile and nodded.
“Please,” Ariyana started. “I don’t know what I’m not doing or if I’m doing something wrong. But please…I would like some help.”
Liam saw Artem let out a breath of air as he gave the woman a soft smile. The others looked happy that Ariyana didn’t react negatively and the look on Omira’s face brightened. A wide smile grew as she nodded. Liam turned his gaze towards Uncle Naro and saw he was looking at him. The look on Uncle Naro’s face took away the joy on his as he saw the mischievous grin slowly start to grow.
“Now that that’s settled, “ Uncle Naro called out, grabbing everyone’s attention. “I think it’s time you all started your training.”
“What do you mean by training?” Roman questioned as he looked around. “Is it even possible to train on this boat?”
“We have certain areas designated for magic training and weapons training for those who seek to work on their skills,” Key butted in. Everyone turned their attention towards her as she continued, “The area we were just at up there is an area for those who want to work on certain magics that require more room or need to be launched out into the waters.”
Liam looked back at the opened area they were at not too long ago. He could see how the open space could be used for the types of magic like fire, lightning, air, water, and even gravity. Since there was nothing behind the boat but open waters then there was no risk of damage happening on the boat.
“If no one is practicing their magic then you could also work on Weapon Skills up there,” Key continued before pointing below. “We also have a small, ranged archery area set up down below.” She then looked at Liam with a smug grinned and added, “And a room for a crafter.” Before Liam could say anything she continued, “However, practicing by yourselves is a bit boring.”
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Liam and the others noticed a few of the crewmen walked up behind her. It was a couple Mermen and women as well as a couple of male and female Sea Elves. “They may not be the best in what they do, but they can help guide you better in certain areas I’ve been informed you are working on.” Key pointed to Ariyana. “I heard you were interested in a Dancer fighting style, yeah?”
Surprised by this, Ariyana slowly nodded her head. Key smiled, “Good, good. After the little Ocean Fae has helped you out some, my girl Alic’eth can get you started on learning how to start that fighting style.” Shen then looked to Mercer, Artem, and Roman. “You three are learning how to use Water Magic correct?”
The three men nodded. “Gor’estic here can help you get a better feel with Water Magic and whenever I’m available I’ll give some tips as well. He’s also good with Ice Magic.”
Key then continued to inform who she had available and what they could help with. Avery was surprised when Key told her she would personally work with her on her rapier skills and more. Even Gimmel was given an instructor with something he was working on as well.
As Key talked to each of them and the people she had approached the others, Uncle Naro pulled Liam off to the side and motioned him to follow. Liam did so and followed the man down below three sets of stairs. After reaching the floor, Uncle Naro then led him towards a room down at the end of the hall way. When they entered, Liam saw how spacious the room was.
Even though the room was spacious, there was still a table with a couple of chairs in the middle of the room with stacked unprocessed logs of wood. The stacks of wood slid back and forth as the boat swayed. Liam hadn’t noticed it when he had entered the room at first, but the wood didn’t move past a certain point. When he looked closer there was a clear divider that looked like it was plastic.
The plastic-like divider looked to be strong as it held the massive amounts of wood back from going any further. As he stared at it he then noticed something else. The table and chairs weren’t moving around as the ship swayed. He turned his attention onto the objects and noticed something. On the legs of each item were patterns of symbols.
It had been a while since Liam had seen symbols like these. Without realizing it, he said in almost a whisper, “Are those Runes?”
Uncle Naro smiled as he looked at Liam. Before he could say anything, Key appeared by the door and said, “I’m surprised you noticed that.” Liam turned to look at her. “Do you have experience in Rune Crafting already?"
Liam shook his head. “No. I haven’t had the chance to start practicing the craft yet. But I have been reading the Knowledge Theory Book Beginner’s guide to Understanding Runes. I was told I needed to study up on it as well as Enchanting.”
“That’s good. You don’t need to go in blind on either of those. One wrong move and you could have the object you are working on explode on you,” Key said as she laughed.
Liam froze at her words. While he hadn’t done any Rune Crafting yet, he did go in blind on enchanting few specific daggers. If there was a chance they could have exploded on him then he was extremely grateful they hadn’t during that time. Not only would that have been bad, but those items he had enchanted were essentially helpful during his time on that floor. They were also helpful after leaving the Tutorial Area.
Liam let out a nervous laugh as he said, “Yeah…good thing.”
Uncle Naro and Key caught the nervous laughter and stared at him. With a playfully curious expression Key asked, “Oh? Did you perhaps try to do some…”
“It was Enchanting wasn’t it?” Uncle Naro cut in before he brought up a hand to his chin. “You had mentioned before that you had Enchanting unlocked, but I don’t think we ever got around to you telling me how you unlocked it.”
Key looked surprised at hearing this. As she turned her curious gaze on Liam she gave him another look over. With a sly grin she stated curiously, “I feel there’s a story there. Do you mind telling us about it?”
Liam felt their gazes linger on him making him feel uncomfortable. He hadn’t told Uncle Naro why he had the craft unlocked because he wasn’t sure how to explain it. However, feeling their gazes made him feel pressured into saying something. So he decided he would explain some of it, but at the same time not explain it all.
“I happened to attempt it on the last floor of the Tutorial Dungeon I was in,” Liam started, catching their attention. “There was an…incident that had me go into the dungeon before the others.”
“An incident?” Key echoed as she looked at Uncle Naro. Uncle Naro answered her questioning look with a shrug then a shake of his head indicating he didn’t know either.
“Yeah. One I do not wish to talk about for the moment,” Liam replied before continuing the story, “When they caught up to me they had a few items from Galin and Fia. Fia had a few throwing daggers that were crafted with Runes on them and an Unattuned Enchant.”
“Unattuned Enchantment? Are you saying you attuned these daggers?” Key questioned with a look of disbelief.
Liam nodded. “I attuned one with Lightning and the other with Gravity.” Liam pulled out those two daggers and handed them to Uncle Naro and Key.
They inspected both daggers. Liam could see their eye light up indicating they were using Mana Sight. He then heard Key mutter, “The craftsmanship on these two daggers are definitely Fia’s handywork. Even the Rune Crafting. The Enchantment…Yeah I see it. While the placement and readiness for an attunement looks great the mana used to attune them is…” She paused as she looked at Liam for a moment considering her next words. With a look of resolve and with a tone that stated she didn’t want to lie to him, she finished, “It’s shoddy as hell.”
Liam surprised them both as he laughed. Key looked both relieved and a bit perplexed. To ease her mind he continued, “I was just learning how to use different Mana Types at the time, so I think you calling my handy work shoddy is being nice. I know I need to have better understanding and practice, but I believe I’ll be there one day.”
Key let out a laugh, understanding what Liam was saying. He knew his work wasn’t the best. He was still learning and knew he had a long ways to go. He wouldn’t lie though that it kind of stung that she blatantly said it out loud, but it was good to have that kind of criticism. It would help him grow.
“I like your attitude kid,” Key stated. “You are going to need that kind of attitude to keep your head up these next few days.”
Liam gave her a puzzled look. She recognized the look on his face and then looked at Uncle Naro. “Since he’s your apprentice do you want to explain the hell he’ll be going through?”
“Hell I’ll be…,” Liam softly repeated before giving Uncle Naro a suspicious look. “What is she talking about?”
Uncle Naro scratched the back of his head as he gave Liam a half smile. “I wouldn’t call it hell per say…I’m just going to have you work on your Construction Crafting skills by making tables and chairs…”
Liam felt slightly relieved but also underwhelmed by this proclamation. Making tables and chairs wasn’t that bad. He had made a few back on Cashat Port after the monsters destroyed the city to help out those who needed new ones. The more he thought about it though, the more he felt something was off. If making them was all he needed to do then it wouldn’t warrant Key to call it hell. Would she be inspecting the items and telling him if they were passable or not? If so then that would be fine since he knew they weren’t going to be the best and he would need to have some critique what was wrong with his finished items.
Liam went to open his mouth to voice this but stopped as Uncle Naro explained everything he hadn’t said in the beginning. “However, you will not be making them in the conventional way of using your physical hands. Instead, you will be making them while using your Mana Type Hands. Each one doing a different task…”