Staring at the stars above me, understanding welled up within. The stars in the sky weren’t just there, randomly. There are different groups of stars, they formed unique patterns and symbols. Blinking and in a trance-like state, my gaze moved around the stars, seeing more than just the stars themselves as I make out different…a word comes to mind… constellations, they all had different meanings and unique types of energy.
In my trance-like state, I take a step forward, not knowing how I did so as my eyes refused to stop looking at the stars. Some were more powerful than I could understand or comprehend, others were easier to get a feeling for while others rejected me…I didn’t mind if they did, I knew they had a reason. Reason? Stars could have reasoning…this thought stuck with me as I started noticing something.
The place where the stars were is warm, yet where no stars were was cold, a coldness I couldn’t describe and made me feel fearful of it. It’s like the coldness there would never experience warmth. Focusing on that, I started to realise that it wasn’t starlight I needed, it was the vast emptiness where there were no stars.
Lunar magic was about the energy and power the stars and moon gave us. It isn’t simply just getting starlight energy or moonlight energy however, there is more to it. Constellations in the night sky…I need to learn about them and find out what they mean, I knew learning constellations would let me take a step forward.
A crack rang out in my ears, but I ignore it. I turned to the vast emptiness of the night sky, between the stars where nothing shined. The coldness that lay between them where no warmth could reach…Astral magic isn’t just an element and starlight, it’s the energy that came from the emptiness between the stars…
Feeling the energy from that nothingness, it was cold, freezing to the bone, but it was powerful. Understanding grew in my mind. Astral Ice used this energy, and just like how I could store Lunar energy and use it during the day, I could do the same with Astral energy. The energy didn’t come directly from there, it already surrounded me, surrounded everyone. It’s stronger at night, just like Lunar energy.
My understanding grew as I reached out a hand towards the night sky. The energy that came from the night sky is everywhere in our world, and like me was weaker during the day but was still present. I didn’t know enough, I yearned to know more about this world and the sky above. Closing my eyes, I blanket myself with Astral energy as I felt my physical body that is currently chilled to the bone.
Coming out of my trance-like state, I breathed in the freezing air around me. I felt the winds on my body, freezing me to the core. I knew I could die if I stayed like this for long, but deep down I knew I would regret moving at this time. Feeling the coldness around me, I sensed the energy from the emptiness of the night sky.
As I felt the energy, I gather it towards myself, as I had done in the past with Lunar and Wind magic. Merging it slowly with my mana, I recall a spell from the book. This spell was a slightly higher level one than what I’m used to, and visualizing it I slowly stand with my eyes still closed, holding onto the feeling of Astral energy and the coldness surrounding me.
My body was slowly getting used to this coldness, or rather the Astral Ice magic within me was making my body immune to the sheer cold affecting me. It’s like how mana circulated throughout my body, covering my body with the fusion of Astral energy and mana strengthening my body.
Taking another breath of the cold air, I raise a palm and finish visualizing the spell and using Astral Ice magic, formed with my mana, I felt the spell complete and opening my eyes I flicked my wrist. Behind me were a dozen spikes made from ice. Clear with no imperfections, all the spikes fly towards my target, the ground a few metres in front of me.
Seeing the spikes launch and slam into the ground, I repeat it again and again, getting used to the feeling. I knew if these spikes impaled a living thing it could be poisonous due to the energy within them. After a few minutes, I stopped and breathed out. Closing my eyes once again, I focused on wrapping my body with Astral energy.
Slowly my body absorbed the energy and got used to the coldness quickly. Over time, I found the surroundings less and less cold, and while it wasn’t warm, it no longer dug into my skin, in fact, I was fine without a coat. Breathing out once again, I opened my eyes and looked around. I saw Floof standing nearby with Jessica next to him.
Jessica had her palm extended towards me, a magic circle faintly glowing behind her. At first, I wondered what she was doing, but looking up, I saw what she was doing. Above me is a solid barrier, preventing a vast amount of wind and snow from coming down on me.
“Young fox, do you need more time?”
Shaking my head, I quickly make my way over to Jessica’s side.
“Alright, easy does it. Don’t let go of the barrier in one go, slowly let the wind in and make the hole bigger over time. Otherwise, you’ll destroy the courtyard.”
As Jessica does that, I bring up my System to view the messages I’ve received while still getting used to all the different energies my body is passively absorbing.
You have discovered Astral energy and Astral Ice Magic.
You have learned a new spell: Astral Glacial Spikes.
Using Astral Ice magic, create spikes that contain potent Astral energy that may wreck havoc within enemies you impale.
Mana Cost: 300 per spike.
You have gained a new talent, Cold Resistance. Due to adapting to Astral Ice magic, your body has gained some resistance to freezing temperatures.
One who is bound to your soul is nearby.
You have gained insight into Lunar Magic allowing you to spy upon its secrets, increasing the potency of your Lunar magic.
Lunar Magic Tier increased to Tier 2.
Your Domain feels more complete.
Feeling out the energies within me, I maintained them in a well-ordered balance. I needed more practice to ensure I could use all my magic without difficulties. Looking over my magic under my Status, I glanced at Lightning Magic. Out of the magic I knew, I couldn’t get a grasp on how to utilize this magic. I understood Lunar, Wind and Astral magic fairly easily and all three felt natural.
Turning to Floof, I asked him about this, wondering if there is a reason for it. Explaining to him about my magicks, I left out the information on my Race and Class…I didn’t fully trust him to reveal everything about me.
“There are magicks or skills people understand very easily. It comes down to various reasons, but it’s likely for you due to having a natural affinity for those types of magic. Some people only have an affinity for one type of element. I know a few people who had a natural affinity for eight or more types of magic, even awakening their True Magic Nature in which they only had one or two. So in your case, while you gained a slight understanding of Lightning magic you simply have no affinity for it.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t learn it, but rather you would have to put a lot of effort into slowly crafting abilities and spells for it. The System can help you with this at some stages, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on the System for strength. Learn it yourself, train yourself. The System helps but never rely on it.”
Saying advice that is nearly identical to Teacher Lee’s words, I nodded a bit meekly before turning my attention to one System notification that stuck out to me. One who is bound to my soul is nearby? Looking at Alice, I wondered if the System meant her. I had bonded with her through a blood oath, would that mean she is bound to my soul? No, that didn’t feel right…
“Well Young Fox, with the storm hitting us, I believe you have some time on your hands. It’s nearly morning so why not get started on getting some of the basics down about helping around the inn?”
Thinking over my condition, while I felt a bit tired because of learning Astral Ice magic and gaining inspiration for Lunar magic while ranking it up, I still had enough energy to last for the day. Accepting Floof’s suggestion, since I had already taken a request from the Guild to assist the inn, he smiles and says “Alright, go up and change into the new clothing Jessica bought for you.”
Turning to Jessica, he then says “I’ll leave her with you.” Jessica bows at his words before turning to me.
“Don’t hold us back.” Saying simply this, Jessica turns and walks back inside. Hearing Floof chuckle, he follows her. Shaking my head with a frown, I turn to look at the courtyard. Since Flood had been here then the blizzard must’ve started, and looking at the conditions in the courtyard I figured that was the case.
Snow was falling so quickly and heavily and a rough wind was blowing past. For some reason it never reached the walkway we were standing in. Feeling Alice land on my head, I considered walking into that blizzard, would my newly acquired resistance allow me to be in it just fine?
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Just as I’m about to ask Alice to wait, I felt that presence again…the presence from the sky when Elise and I were in the springs. Turning in the direction I felt it, I didn’t see anything. It had felt closer than before but still distant. Remembering the message from the System I started wondering who this was…or what it was. Recalling the spiritual remains of that God, I shivered before picking up my coat…I no longer felt the need to wear it.
***
Pulling the gloves up, I finished dressing into the clothing that I had been provided. Looking down, the dress I wore is beautiful, it had a flowery design that is a mix of purple and green, both light in colour and on my right breast is an image of a lily, something that I had learnt earlier, with the words “Lily Pond Inn” underneath. The material felt smooth on my skin as well, with the dress reaching past my knees.
I had long socks that reached up to my knees, light green in colour and the shoes were enclosed, flat on the bottom.
“Alice, how do I look?”
“Kraa!”
Giggling, I pet her head before placing her on my head. After this blizzard passed and the request from Floof ended, I planned to head back to that Deep Dungeon and do some training and levelling, this time being careful so as to not exhaust myself…well, last time was an exception. It’ll be a good way to earn some coins and train Alice too.
Stepping out of my room, I see Jessica standing and waiting for me. Since it was still very early morning there was very little traffic in the inn. Carefully looking me up and down, Jessica moves over and straightens certain parts of my dress. Taken off guard by such an action, I let her do what she wanted, thinking that this must’ve been something that was required.
After tidying my clothes for a minute, she stands back and once again looks over me. Nodding, she looks at me and says “Make sure to straighten your clothing.” Without a word, she walks downstairs.
Following behind her, she leads me through to the kitchen. There were two people here making food, the smell was amazing, and lingering scents of spice were everywhere. With my heightened smell I could make out countless different spices and food, which started making me feel hungry. Ignoring the feeling, I glance at Jessica as she looks around.
She reminded me of Sally a bit, an expressionless face, took action without saying a word and seemed caring deep down. Suddenly turning to me with a frown, she asks me a question. “Have you ever served a customer?”
Tilting my head in thought, I shake my head. “I don’t know what a customer is.”
Without a word, she reaches into her pocket and hands me a pencil and paper. “Can you write?”
Looking down, my mind spun trying to figure out if I could or not. Grabbing the pencil, I do my best to write my name…when I finished, I looked at it and felt embarrassed…that wasn’t my name, in fact, it looked like I just scribbled.
Taking the notepad and looking at it, she looks back at me and asks “Is this a magic circle?” Wondering if she was joking, her voice was completely serious and with her expressionless face, I knew she wasn’t joking. Biting my lip, I told her that I had tried to write my name.
Tearing the page away, she put the notepad away and once again looked at me. “Can you cook?”
Thinking about it, the most I had cooked was simple meat, however, I had read the book about cooking and sharing this information with Jessica, she puts a hand to her chin and appeared to be deep in thought.
“Alright, let's try that. I’ll get you to help prepare food and if you’re unable to do that I’ll get you to serve customers during the breakfast run. I’ll pair you up with Gordon, he’s a bit grumpy but he will teach you well.”
Leading me to one of the two people, dressed in all white with blonde hair and green eyes. He had an apron on and was busy cutting various different types of food. Shooting Jessica a glance, he stops and turns to her completely.
“Miss Jessica, is there a problem?”
“None. I’m giving you this Young Fox, she’ll help you out.”
Glancing at me for a second, he turns back to Jessica. “What experience does she have?”
“None, but from what she told me she’s used a Tome of Basic Knowledge and memorized the content.”
Raising an eyebrow in surprise, he turns to me. “Missy, you used a Tome of Basic Knowledge for something as easy as cooking?!”
He sounded angry at me, causing me to shrink back a bit. Nodding a bit meekly in response, Gordon shakes his head. “Well, what is done is done. Leave her with me Jessica, I’ll beat her into shape. You, what’s your name?”
“A-Alisha, s-sir.”
Grunting in response, he hands me an apron that he took from a cupboard. Taking it, I put it on and tie the straps behind me. When I next look up, he has set a cutting board and knife with some ingredients for me. Pointing to the top of my head he says “The bonded pet can’t be in here while we’re cooking.”
“Kraa!” Sounding a bit angry, Alice seemed to respond to the man, and surprisingly he responded too.
“I don’t care if you stay on her head, if a feather of yours ends up in my food I’ll serve you as a dish.”
“Kraa!”
“You can try!”
A bit stunned at this sight, the two seemed to argue for about thirty seconds before Jessica reaches up and scoops Alice from my head. Before I could respond, she holds her to her chest and petted her head. Alice at first seemed surprised before seemingly accepting it…I’ve never seen her like this towards new people.
As I watch, I see Alice look at Gordon with a prideful look, like she’d won whatever argument she just had. Hearing a scoff from Gordon, he turns to me and says “Alright, let's see what you can do.” Is he changing the topic?
Seeing Jessica walk out with Alice, I trusted that she would be fine. Approaching the cutting board and knife, both looked similar to what was described in the book. Picking up the knife, I held it according to what I remembered, and looking down at the ingredients I frowned slightly. Laying there were four different types, only two of which were in the book.
Starting with those, I start cutting from memory. Just as I make a second cut, a loud bang sounds out next to me, scaring me as I look at the source, Gordon’s hand.
“Wrong! Stop intimidating a damned book. Look at where you’re cutting, you’re missing vital parts! Sense the energy within the ingredients, and cut it so the energy is evenly spread. Try again.”
Looking down at the spring onions, I focus and found sensing the energy was rather easy. I saw what Gordon meant, there was an energy within the ingredient, from the white stem it was very strong and the further it went up the weaker it got. Frowning slightly, I wondered how to make it stronger. Gordon takes the two I had cut while I grabbed the another two.
Experimenting a little bit, I decided to try and guide more of the energy I could sense with my mana. Injecting a tiny bit of mana, I used it to guide mana along the spring onion until the energy was evenly spread. Taking this chance, I start cutting the spring onion into slices, making them as even as I could.
After I was done, Gordon gave me a strange look. “Missy, how did you achieve that?” Tilting my head, I wondered if he was testing me. Explaining how I used my mana to guide energy along the spring onion, he looked down at the slices. My mana had dissipated already and the energy was still even. Looking at me again, Gordon frowns slightly.
“Missy that isn’t something just anyone can do. Guiding mana into another life form is not a feat many can accomplish, even if it’s just a plant. Can you do this with all types of ingredients?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I tell him I wasn’t sure. I grab a tomato next and ask Gordon how it should be cut, and confirming it to be into slices I repeat what I just did. I sensed the majority of the energy from the middle and using my mana I once again spread the energy.
I noticed that the tomato had a unique type of energy compared to the spring onions, but I found it just as easy to guide. Once done, I sliced the tomato quickly. Seeing Gordon nod, he looked at me.
“How do you do it?”
“I’m not sure…I just kind of knew it would work so I did it.”
“Instinct huh? Well, your slicing is uneven, I’ll show you some techniques to work on and I’ll get you to assist me. With such energy evenly spread like this it’ll make the ingredients a lot more flavourful!”
Looking rather excited, Gordon starts teaching me different ways of cutting, like how to hold the blade, how my hand should be placed while cutting, what I should do with my free hand and so many other small things. Absorbing what he taught me rather quickly, I started enjoying this work.
Third-Person Point of View
Within the Church of the Moon Goddess stood a statue of a beautiful woman. Carved from the finest marble, it stood at ten metres. With her head slightly bowed, her hands held a moon to her chest, and a marble robe covered with engraved stars is wrapped around her figure. The moon in her hands let out a soft glow.
Standing before the statue is an elderly woman. With her hands clasped in a circle, they represented the moon. Softly praying before the statue, she had her eyes closed. She wore a black robe, and on the back were stars, similar in pattern to the robe worn by the statue. On her upper right chest is the symbol, a moon with a palm under it, like it was holding it up. The palm seemed to be a woman's, and the symbol represented this person as an Archbishop.
Behind her to the right was a naked man, gagged and tied to a chair. Over a hundred cuts had been made to his body, and a pool of his blood lay at his feet. He sat there, weakened, with tear marks down his face. The man was Bud, the one who had visited the Lily Pond Inn.
Several minutes passed, and the only sound in the hall came from the whispering prayer of the Archbishop. Soon, she turned to face the man, unsheathing a dagger from her waist. Approaching Bud, she flicked her wrist as another cut appeared on his chest. Barely responding to the cut, he slowly looks up at the Archbishop.
“Oh, Bud. I actually liked you, but you just had to go against me. When that Cardinal came swooping in, taking the old Archbishop and promoted me, it had to be the best thing to have happened to this branch. Yet you had to go and defy me, me who was chosen by the Moon Goddess.”
Flicking her wrist again, a cut appeared on Bud’s forehead. This time Bud doesn’t respond, his eyes slowly losing their light.
“To think you of all people would hide the location of a freak of nature. You must know the Sisterhood would never allow such a disgusting breed into their ranks, we must do as we have been chosen to and eliminate her.”
Slumping forward, the last of the light from Bud’s eyes disappeared. Tsking, the Archbishop turns towards the doorway as two cloaked figures approached her before kneeling.
“Your target is in the Lily Pond Inn. It matters not how you kill her, just bring me her head so that I may present it to the Sisterhood. Here is a portrait of the target, now go.”
Handing a slip of paper to each of the cloaked figures, they spied on the paper before storing it away. On the paper was a young girl, with blue eyes, black hair and a pair of fox ears on top of her head.
In the next moment, they disappeared as the Archbishop returned to her silent prayer, oblivious to the moon losing its glow for a moment, before returning to normal.