Exhaustion weighed heavily on Ashlyn as she slumped against the cool, rough surface of a rock within the cave. Her voice, a mix of fatigue and triumph, echoed in the confined space. “I feel it!” It was a small victory, the first tangible step in mastering the arcane power.
For the past day, Ashlyn had immersed herself in the initial phase of her training, guided by the strict instructions of the Neuroenhancer. The enhancer, insistent on precision, corrected her every time she referred to the phenomenon as magic, preferring the term 'field interference'. But old habits die hard, and to Ashlyn, it had always been magic, a term used by basically everyone.
Despite the Neuroenhancer's suggestion to rest, Ashlyn had thrown herself into training with relentless determination. Her grief and pain were shelved, locked away behind a newfound purpose: vengeance. She clung to her father’s words like a mantra: 'Always move with a clear goal. Otherwise, you’re just prey waiting to be slaughtered.'
The first task, as outlined by her invisible mentor, was to attune herself to the interference field emanating from the arcanite. The stone now hung close to her heart, a makeshift pendant pressing against her skin, essential for generating the necessary field. Her initial contact with the arcanite had been overwhelming, her senses heightened to an almost unbearable degree, making even the simplest movements feel alien. Thankfully, the Neuroenhancer possessed the capability to dampen these effects, making them bearable. This gradual easing into the heightened sensory state made it clear why a resonant needed the enhancer to effectively manipulate the interference field. To endure the raw power of enhanced senses without it would indeed be a daunting ordeal.
Now, as she rested in the cave, the weight of the arcanite against her skin was a constant reminder of the path she had chosen. It was a path fraught with unknowns and dangers, but also one that promised mastery over forces that had once seemed beyond reach.
Ashlyn's next challenge was to truly 'feel' the interference field. Her initial encounters with the arcanite had only introduced her to the field's effects, not its essence. She dedicated the following day to this task, breaking only for brief periods of sleep and hasty meals of dried food. The experience of sensing the field was revelatory. It was akin to uncovering an additional layer of reality, a hidden dimension that had always been present yet unnoticed. The field seemed to extend a few meters around her, an omnidirectional force that even permeated the ground beneath her.
[The next step is to create your natural ring of field manifestation. This ring is often referred to as the ‘zero ring’.] The Neuroenhancer's guidance was clinical, its instructions clear and devoid of any flourish.
Rings, as the enhancer explained, were tools used by resonants to manipulate the field – a rotating container in the shape of a circle that harnessed the interference field within to exert control. To Ashlyn's understanding, while the field itself was invisible to the unringed, the rings were translucent, unless intentionally made otherwise. She had many questions about this peculiar attribute, but her guide, adhering strictly to its programming, only divulged information pertinent to her current level of training. Ashlyn found this limitation somewhat ironic for an 'unrestricted version'.
To forge the zero ring, Ashlyn was instructed to envision a rotating ring between her hands, simultaneously focusing on her newfound sensitivity to the interference field. The Neuroenhancer assisted in adjusting the distance between her palms, ensuring the ring wouldn't be too large or too concentrated, which could lead to its collapse. With time and practice, she would gain the ability to create rings of varying sizes, but for now, the focus was on mastering the simplest form.
Though the enhancer deemed the creation of the zero-ring an almost instinctive process, Ashlyn found nothing instinctive about visualizing a rotating ring between her hands. Nevertheless, to her surprise and delight, the ring materialized within a mere ten minutes of her attempt. It was a slender, translucent golden circle, about 25 centimeters in diameter, spinning rapidly between her hands. The sight of it was mesmerizing.
However, as soon as the ring formed, Ashlyn's panic set in. She reflexively withdrew her hands, causing the ring to dissipate. Despite its brief existence, it had been long enough for her to witness the interference field taking shape within the ring. This was not just a sensation or a perception; she had actually seen the field, a visual representation of the invisible forces she was learning to harness. It was a moment of awe, the birth of her first ring, marking the beginning of a journey into a world where the lines between reality and magic blurred.
As Ashlyn watched her newly dissipated ring vanish, the enhancer provided immediate feedback. [Your natural ring properties are as follows: 50% Consistency and 50% Alignment.] The words appeared, offering a technical analysis of her initial attempt into ring manipulation.
“What does that mean?” Ashlyn asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
[Every natural ring possesses properties from two schools of manipulation. These properties are reflective of a resonant’s perception of the interference field and serve as the foundation for their ability to manipulate it. Your higher rings will inherit these properties.] The Neuroenhancer's explanation was as precise as it was cryptic.
“But what does that actually mean? What are these schools, and how do they affect my magic?” Ashlyn pressed, seeking clarity.
[Schools of manipulation are categorized characteristics of the interference field under a resonant’s control. The aim is to alter reality to achieve specific effects. These alterations are influenced by the properties of the rings used. The known properties are categorized into five schools: Consistency, Alignment, Abstraction, Waves, and Disruption. A resonant’s natural ring will embody properties from two adjacent schools in this sequence, with Disruption adjoining Consistency.]
Ashlyn absorbed the information, piecing together the implications. The schools represented different aspects of manipulation, and her natural ring, combining Consistency and Alignment, would shape how she interacted with the field. Yet, the practical application of these properties in her magic remained unknown.
With renewed focus, Ashlyn positioned her hands once again, about 25 centimeters apart, and concentrated on summoning the zero ring. To her amazement, it materialized within seconds. The sight was still startling, a fantastic display of spinning light, but she steadied herself, maintaining the ring's presence. Guided by the enhancer, she observed the ring, striving to understand its nuances. This zero ring was not just her initial step into the world of ring manipulation; it was the cornerstone upon which all her future rings would be built. It was a manifestation of her unique interaction with the interference field, a tangible representation of her newfound abilities.
As Ashlyn further experimented with her zero ring, she discovered a curious relationship between its rotation speed and the 'materiality' of the field it contained. A faster rotation made the field more tangible, more observable. It was an intriguing phenomenon, one that seemed to embody her natural properties of consistency and alignment, though she struggled to articulate exactly how. The properties were there, subtly influencing the ring's behavior in ways that were both profound and misleading.
She devoted herself to understanding the ring, repeatedly summoning and dismissing it, each cycle deepening her connection to it. But soon, a wave of dizziness and fatigue washed over her, a reminder from the Neuroenhancer that manipulating the field was taxing on the mind. Reluctantly, she ceased her magical training, understanding the need to rest and adapt to the mental demands of her newfound abilities.
Not yet ready to confront the emotional turmoil of her situation, Ashlyn turned to physical training, a familiar and comforting routine. Years of rigorous conditioning by her parents had ingrained the movements into her muscles. She methodically performed stretches and exercises, each movement fluid and precise.
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Next, she conducted a cautious reconnaissance around the cave, her senses attuned to any signs of danger or anomalies. Despite the slight annoyance of this habitual caution, she recognized its necessity now more than ever. As she alternated between jogging around the secured perimeter and practicing target exercises, she remained vigilant, scouting for potential prey and useful flora. Her cousins might have called it paranoia, but in her current predicament, such vigilance was vital.
During her jog, she identified some edible herbs and wild berries. Securing sustenance was a top priority. Without food, her ability to master magic and seek justice for her family would be severely hampered. She noted the absence of meat, resolving to set snares and traps at a later time.
After her physical exertions, Ashlyn visited a nearby stream to refill her canteen and cleanse herself. She may not have inherited her mother's meticulousness for tidiness, but she refused to neglect her hygiene.
Returning to the cave, Ashlyn resumed practicing with the zero ring, pushing herself until exhaustion took over, her body demanding rest. As she finally succumbed to sleep, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and plans, balancing the raw potential of her new magical abilities with the primal necessities of survival.
In the eerie stillness of the night, Ashlyn was engulfed in a tumultuous dream. She envisioned two figures, Ellen and Jacob, frantically navigating through a dense forest. Desperation marked their every move as they darted from tree to tree, seeking cover from their relentless pursuer. Their bodies bore the evidence of a harrowing ordeal – cuts, scratches, and deeper wounds. Jacob limped, pain etched on his face, a makeshift bandage wrapped around a deep gash on his left arm, the result of a narrowly avoided lethal strike. Ellen, normally the epitome of composure, was disheveled and bleeding, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Ashlyn couldn't help but wonder what she would say if it were the other way around.
A resonating sound, alien and ominous, punctured the silence of the dream. Time itself seemed to crawl as the couple exchanged looks filled with dread. Suddenly, a ring of translucent golden light materialized between them, erupting into an explosion that shattered the dream's fabric.
Ashlyn awoke with a scream, her body drenched in sweat, her heart racing. "It was just a dream... only a dream," she whispered to herself, trying to calm her racing thoughts. But the haunting possibility that her parents might be in danger like the figures in her dream lingered in her mind.
With a weak slap to her face, Ashlyn dispelled the remnants of sleep and the haunting images. Dawn was approaching, and she knew further sleep was futile. Her resolve hardened; there was work to be done.
Before commencing her morning routine, Ashlyn dedicated time to her zero-ring training. The Neuroenhancer had indicated she would be ready to progress to higher rings once she could summon the zero ring at will. Progress was evident; her ring now formed in about 7 to 8 seconds, a testament to her growing mastery.
Following her magical training, Ashlyn performed a series of stretches and light exercises, maintaining the discipline ingrained in her by her parents. Breakfast was a sparse affair of dried food and water, a somber reminder that her supplies were dwindling. She needed to supplement her rations soon.
Equipped with a rope, a knife, and some strings packed into her bag, Ashlyn left the cave. Her immediate goal was to set traps, hoping to capture prey to sustain her in the days ahead. As always, she first ensured the perimeter was secure, a habit born from a life of constant vigilance. With the traps set and her mind focused, she braced herself for the challenges that lay ahead, each step a blend of survival and the pursuit of the power she now wielded.
As she navigated the challenges of survival, she contemplated a worst-case scenario: the necessity of venturing downstream in search of fish where the waters deepened. This would mean increased exposure and a deviation from her cautious routine, but survival often demanded such compromises.
The day unfolded uneventfully, marked by neither accidents nor successes in trapping prey. However, Ashlyn's foraging skills proved fruitful; she gathered an assortment of edible and medicinal plants. Realizing the importance of maintaining her only set of clothes, she took advantage of the scorching midday sun to wash and quickly dry them. These clothes were her sole protection, and she needed them to endure the unpredictable future. The approaching winter loomed in her thoughts, a challenge of yet another kind, but she clung to the hope that her burgeoning magical abilities might offer new solutions by then.
By the fourth day since her abrupt solitude, Ashlyn had achieved a significant milestone: the ability to summon her zero ring at will. Her rigorous training schedule had paid off, and alongside this accomplishment, she gained valuable insights into the manipulation of the interference field.
The enhancer had explained that while the zero-ring served as a foundational creation and containment tool, the subsequent higher rings would impart the actual effects. Each additional ring increased the complexity of the summoning, requiring precise and intricate modifications through her perception and imagination. The Neuroenhancer's assistance was crucial in this regard, offering the precision needed to achieve the desired effects. Still, the level of concentration required was frightening, a skill she had yet to fully master.
Thus, understanding her properties, Consistency and Alignment, became paramount. To Ashlyn, Consistency felt akin to the stability of the field within her ring - 'stability' seemed more appropriate than 'solidity'. As for Alignment, it appeared to be the way the field distributed itself, though 'distribution' wasn't quite the right term either; perhaps it was more about the field's sparsity. These were her initial interpretations, and she understood that they would evolve and refine as her mastery progressed.
In these solitary days, Ashlyn's world had become a delicate balance between the practicalities of survival and the intricacies of her magical training. Each day brought her closer to understanding the depths of her powers.
As she delved deeper into her training, she discovered a unique advantage: her balanced properties of Consistency and Alignment, each at 50%, greatly facilitated the creation of complex rings that typically demanded high-level mastery. This equilibrium was exceedingly rare, bordering on unprecedented, according to the Neuroenhancer's extensive records. Ashlyn couldn’t help but speculate whether this extraordinary balance was a factor in the relentless pursuit of her family. However, any confirmation of this theory remained uncertain, as the enhancer lacked specific data on the properties of others who had the same genetic marker.
The first ring, constructed atop her zero ring, was designed to impart a basic effect to objects that touched it. The concept was deceptively simple: add an intent to interact with an object, making it a target of the ring’s effect. In her rudimentary understanding, the ring could imbue an object with added stability and a sense of 'tightness'. The potential outcomes of this interaction were a mystery to her, but she surmised that experimenting with soil might yield intriguing results.
However, the practical application proved to be anything but straightforward. Summoning the zero ring had become almost second nature to her, but introducing an additional ring was a formidable challenge. She focused intently on the rotating golden circle, attempting to visualize another ring encompassing it, all while imbuing this conceptual layer with the intent to interact with a nearby pile of soil. The zero ring vanished the moment she tried to manifest the first ring. It occurred to her that maintaining a 'conceptual' connection with the zero ring was crucial while summoning the subsequent layer. It was akin to dividing her attention between two highly demanding tasks.
The morning passed in a series of failed attempts, each one leaving her more drained and frustrated, culminating in a throbbing headache. Despite her persistence, her efforts throughout the day met with similar failure. The level of concentration required was immense, a testament to the complexities of ring manipulation. Yet, Ashlyn was no stranger to rigorous training and the demands of mastering a difficult skill. She was determined to persevere, understanding that each failure was a stepping stone toward eventual mastery. With each attempt, her resolve only strengthened, fueled by the challenges that lay ahead.
"Damn! I will cut you short! Let’s see how you can resist me then…" Ashlyn's words echoed in the empty cave, a feigned threat to an unseen adversary. As her voice faded, a wave of sadness washed over her, the reality of her solitude becoming painfully clear.
Ashlyn often found herself forgetting her situation. The Neuroenhancer, with its constant availability for interaction, provided a semblance of companionship, but in the end, it was merely a tool, devoid of human warmth or understanding. Now, she struggled with her hair, attempting to fashion it into the practical and elegant braid her mother had always effortlessly created. This hairstyle, ideal for their nomadic and cautious life, had become a cumbersome task for Ashlyn to manage alone.
She paused, knife in hand, hovering over a lock of her hair. A sense of defiance flared within her as she gritted her teeth, torn between practicality and sentiment. Cutting her hair shorter was the logical choice, a necessity to avoid any hindrances during emergencies and a concession to the limited time she had for personal upkeep. Yet, her hair was more than just hair; it was a tangible link to a life that had abruptly vanished, a life filled with her mother's caring presence.
Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to surrender to her emotions. With a firm grip on the knife, Ashlyn began to cut through her hair, each lock falling away like a piece of her old self. With each snip, her resolve hardened, her face setting into an expression of determination. What remained was not just the physical manifestation of her decision but a symbol of her transformation – a vow of vengeance and survival in a world that had taken everything from her.