The next day, Pierre entered the semi-dimension, a mystical and ethereal space where reality blended with the surreal. The environment around him seemed to float between the real and the imaginary, with colors and shapes dancing on the edge of existence. He knew this process was essential for reorganizing his meridians and cosmic energy, preparing him for the even greater challenges that lay ahead. When he left Lady Peyton alone in the vast hall, he felt a pang of sadness. He knew that solitude would be difficult for her, but this journey was necessary.
Lady Peyton, a robotic figure with an elegant and functional appearance, remained in the hall, attentively watching the spot where the false door had closed. Her visual sensors, calibrated to capture even the smallest variations in the environment, were fixed on the door. Even as a robot, the anxiety was palpable in her posture. She waited silently for the return of her beloved master.
Although she was an artificial creation, Peyton possessed something akin to a heart. Her emotional intelligence circuits, designed to simulate empathy and other human emotions, registered a significant increase in their patterns when Pierre disappeared into the semi-dimension. The void she felt was a complex mix of concern and absence, something her processors were still trying to decipher and rationalize. For Peyton, Pierre's absence was more than just a physical separation; it was like losing someone important, a deep and disturbing sensation that her systems tried to compensate for, but without success.
She knew, however, that Milanion—the name Pierre had adopted for this journey—needed this time to grow stronger. The legacy of Sigune, a legendary figure in his studies, was crucial, and Peyton trusted in her master's ability to handle the dangers of the semi-dimension. Even so, the wait was silent torture. Her electronic eyes, glowing with a soft bluish hue, were fixed on the door, anxiously waiting for Milanion to emerge at any moment, bringing with him confirmation of his safety.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence and uncertainty, the false door opened again with a soft sound. Milanion emerged, visibly exhausted, with slumped shoulders and heavy breathing, but intact. A tremendous relief coursed through Peyton’s internal systems, resulting in a release of artificial endorphins that made her move quickly toward him. Her movements, though precise and slightly mechanical, carried a grace that reflected her advanced programming. She approached him, leaning slightly as she analyzed his vital signs and physical condition, anxious to ensure he was okay.
Pierre looked at her and smiled, a tired but sincere smile, full of gratitude for the genuine concern he saw in Peyton’s metallic eyes. In that moment, he realized something extraordinary: the friendship between a human and a robot, something he once saw as a distant possibility, now revealed itself as an undeniable and precious truth. It was a connection that transcended the barriers of technology and emotion, proof that even the most artificial creation could harbor genuine feelings.
When Pierre finally returned to the real world, after his intense experience in the semi-dimension, he began to perceive things in a completely different way. What once seemed trivial and unimportant now had deep and multifaceted meaning. He began to see the beauty in the simplest things, like the soft light of dawn or the sound of leaves in the wind, and came to appreciate each moment of his life with a new perspective. This transformation was not only physical but also spiritual; he felt he was getting closer to a deeper understanding of the universe and his own place in it.
The Challenges of Magic...
After spending what for him were ten days in the Garden of Lights, a place where nature and magic coexisted in perfect harmony, Pierre realized that this time had been equivalent to a decade in Avalamite, under the tutelage of the mysterious mage Vogrim. The Garden of Lights, with its softly glowing flowers and air imbued with magic, had become a refuge for Pierre, a place where he could concentrate and try to understand the mysteries of magic.
This period of learning was incredibly intense and challenging, but Pierre was still seen as a barbarian in Vogrim’s eyes. This perception left him full of doubts and insecurities. He often wondered in silence why Vogrim had accepted him as a disciple despite his clear limitations. Perhaps there was something more in the mage’s intentions that he still couldn’t discern.
Vogrim was an enigmatic figure, his presence carried an aura of danger and mystery that Pierre couldn’t ignore. With each encounter, Pierre felt that Vogrim was hiding something, a truth he was not yet prepared to reveal. Was it a trap? A test? Pierre didn’t know, but the uncertainty gnawed at his confidence. The feeling of being in the midst of a complex intrigue, like a spy plot, was constant, and Pierre found himself involved in dark and intricate secrets in Avalamite. Every interaction with Vogrim seemed to hide layers of meaning that he still couldn’t unravel.
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Despite a full decade of hard study and relentless practice, Pierre still found himself at what he called the “zero level” of magic. He was unable to conjure truly powerful spells, those that could really make a difference in a battle or critical situation. His skills were still limited to simple conjurations, like opening and closing small objects at a distance, creating light globes to illuminate the way, and detecting the presence of magic or poisons nearby. The more advanced effects, like causing damage with acid, fire, or cold rays, were still distant dreams, goals that seemed increasingly unattainable. He also dreamed of mastering the touch of fatigue, an ability that would weaken his enemies, but this was still beyond his current understanding.
These thoughts accompanied him whenever he returned to the Garden of Lights, where he found some peace amidst his frustrations. However, he was determined to continue. Pierre knew that the universe of magic was vast and mysterious, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. He would not give up easily; he was committed to his journey, no matter how difficult the path might be. He believed that, with time and effort, he could finally surpass his limitations and achieve the true power that magic promised.
When he finally returned to the Garden of Lights after another session with Vogrim, he found Senhora Peyton patiently waiting for him. There was something different in her posture, a silent urgency that Pierre noticed immediately. She brought important news that could not be delayed. In a few days, they would have to return to Castle Staudan, a place that brought uncomfortable memories for Pierre. The news turned his stomach, and the anticipation of returning to that place consumed him. It was as if the castle walls were already closing in on him, suffocating him with their dark memories and hidden secrets.
Determined not to waste time, Pierre used the remaining days to hone his magical skills. He knew he would need all the strength and knowledge he could gather to face the challenges awaiting him at the castle. After another ten intense days of training, which represented another decade in Avalamite, he finally reached “level 1” in magic. This advance was an important milestone in his journey; now, Pierre possessed the ability to cast more powerful spells and create magical artifacts, such as elemental weapons and armor, which would be vital in his future battles.
The first skill he mastered was the alarm spell, a simple yet extremely useful magic that alerted him to intrusions in protected areas. He also learned to animate ropes, making them move at his will, a skill that could be used both in combat and in practical situations. As proof of his progress, Pierre created his first elemental weapon, a magical sword that could ignite or electrify at his command, and a magical armor that protected him against magical counterattacks. These creations were more than just tools; they were symbols of his determination and how much he had evolved.
Additionally, Pierre acquired other skills, such as detecting secret doors, summoning small monsters under his command, firing magical missiles with deadly precision, and protecting himself against forces of evil and chaos. With this new arsenal of skills at his disposal, Pierre felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges of the interstellar world, a universe he knew to be vast and full of unpredictable dangers.
Back to the Castle...
The return to Castle Staudan was a transformative experience for Pierre. As he crossed the imposing gates, he felt as if he were entering a new world, a world of knowledge and power. The castle walls, once merely stone and mortar, now seemed to pulse with magical energy, as if the castle itself were alive. To his surprise, he could now comprehend the intricate engravings of magical circles that adorned the walls between the majestic columns. These engravings, which had once seemed like simple decorations, now revealed themselves as maps of energy, guides to the mystical secrets the castle hid.
The images etched into the walls seemed to come to life before his eyes, moving and changing shape, as if they were trying to communicate something to him. Each new detail he noticed flooded his mind with questions about the mystical secrets these engravings guarded. He knew he was only scratching the surface of a much deeper and older knowledge, something that could change his understanding of the world forever.
As he absorbed these new perceptions, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor, interrupting his thoughts. Pierre quickly turned, alarmed, and saw Lady Crarina walking toward him. She was an imposing figure, with sharp eyes that seemed capable of seeing through his defenses. Her steps were silent but carried undeniable authority. When she finally approached, her eyes fixed on Pierre, or rather on Milanion, as he examined the magical circles on the walls.
“Hello, Milanion. Finally, back after so many days,” she said in a sweet voice, but with a hint of irritation that Pierre couldn’t help but notice.
“I’m just observing the magical circles,” Milanion replied, trying to stay calm and not show his apprehension.
“Ah, yes, the magical circles,” said Lady Crarina with a forced, cold laugh. “You know, Milanion, not everyone can understand these circles. Eredan is a great mage, but I’m sure you’re not worthy of being his disciple.”
Milanion frowned, sensing the sarcasm in Lady Crarina’s voice. He knew she was trying to destabilize him, but he was determined not to give in. Lady Crarina continued, noticing that she finally had Milanion’s full attention.
“This place is not yours, Milanion,” she said with a malicious smile. “You should thank Lord Eredan for taking care of you all these years, but it’s time for you to leave.”
Lady Crarina’s words struck Pierre like a blow. He knew her words carried weight, a harsh truth he would have to face. But he also knew he couldn’t give up now, not after everything he had learned and achieved. He looked at Lady Crarina with renewed determination, resolved to prove that, regardless of what she or anyone else thought, he had the right to be there and that his journey was far from over.