Chapter 06

Under the protection of Serena’s domain, Elara’s pregnancy went without issue, and she gave birth to a blonde elf girl.

Toren and the team looked after the baby elf as Elara rested, weary from the process of giving birth, and Finn sat in the corner of a room giving space to the adults as they took care of the infant.

Finn had developed a schedule in his time at the peaceful village, and his ability to walk and talk were improving greatly.

Early in the morning, Finn would enjoy going on walks, his floating panda following along after him. Together they would take in the misty scene that would dissipate as the early morning turned to just morning.

Finn enjoyed the brisk temperature and the dew dripping from the leaves, the faint fog in the air. He would travel for around an hour every morning until the locals began waking up, and he had begun interacting with them more and more as he became more comfortable with the strangers, and his ability to communicate.

Around midmorning, Finn would visit the homes of the locals, offering his help with daily tasks. He particularly enjoyed his time with an older woman named Mirabel, whose wisdom and warmth reminded him of his grandmother.

Mirabel had a way of making even the simplest activities feel special, and today was no exception.

As Finn approached her house, Mirabel greeted him with a friendly wave. “Ah, good morning Finn, have you come to enjoy tea and help an old lady prepare breakfast with me again today?” she asked sweetly.

Finn’s face lit up with a smile. “Yes! What’s for breakfast today?” Then he frowned, “You’re not old”.

She only smiled, before waving her hand to dismiss the conversation, and waved him inside.

“We’re making 'ichiju sansai,' a delightful yet simple meal. Come, watch closely, and I’ll guide you through it,” Mirabel said, leading him to the kitchen.

The counter was neatly laid out with an array of ingredients. Mirabel moved gracefully, showing Finn how to select and prepare each item. She started with the miso soup, explaining how the balance of ingredients created its unique flavor.

Finn watched in awe as she skillfully sliced the vegetables, her hands moving with practiced ease. He tried mimicking her movements, finding joy in the simple act of cutting vegetables.

Next, they prepared the three side dishes. Mirabel shared little anecdotes about each dish, infusing the cooking process with stories and laughter. As they worked, Finn felt a deep sense of connection, not just with Mirabel, but with the traditions and culture of this new world.

“It’s all about balance and harmony in flavors, just like in life,” Mirabel said, her voice gentle yet profound. Finn nodded, absorbing her words. Cooking, he realized, was more than just preparing food; it was a way to connect with others and with the world around him.

As they sat down to enjoy the meal they had prepared together, Finn felt a surge of gratitude. These moments with Mirabel were more than just culinary lessons; they were life lessons wrapped in the warm embrace of shared experiences.

Finn reflected on his former life, where everything seemed to look like he was using a filter to make his life dull and boring.

His new world was so bright and colorful with magic, but he also realized he had never taken the time to even try to enjoy the little things had to offer him, he had stuck to microwave meals and playing games alone.

Finn was shaken from his thoughts when Mirabel announced that the food was ready, and together they ate and enjoyed tea.

In the corner of the room, Finn’s panda rolled around in the air, and Finn absently noted he still needed to decide on a name for the panda.

After finishing their meal, Finn helped Mirabel with cleaning the dishes, a task he approached with the same earnestness he applied to his magical studies.

With a warm farewell, he left the comforting presence of the wise woman who had become a cherished mentor. His next destination was the garden, a sanctuary where he could meditate and attune himself to the magical energies of the world.

As Finn walked, his thoughts meandered back to the kitchen, the warmth of Mirabel’s home, and the stories she weaved into their morning.

He had come to look forward to these mornings, not just for the cooking but for the stories of the village, of its people, and of Mirabel’s own life. He considered that the people were like threads, weaving together the tapestry of this world he was now a part of.

On his way to his favorite meditation spot, he reviewed the knowledge from his magical tablet. It had taught him that magic was an intrinsic part of the world, a natural force that every individual had the potential to harness.

The key lay in sensing and attuning to the ambient magic, a skill influenced by one's affinity and rank. Finn understood that each person was born with an affinity for a specific type of magic.

His own rare affinity for Arcane magic intrigued him, with its broad and complex applications.

He revisited the basic types of magic on his tablet:

Aeromancy: Mastery of air, allowing control over winds and weather.

Geomancy: Earth magic, involving manipulation of soil and flora.

Hydromancy: Commanding water in all its forms, including healing abilities.

Pyromancy: Fire magic, from ignition to heat control.

Biomancy: Life magic, encompassing healing and enhancement of physical capabilities.

Invocamancy: The rare art of summoning entities for various powers.

Arcane Magic: His own type, involving the manipulation of raw magical energy.

Astromancy: Cosmic magic, drawing power from celestial bodies.

Umbramancy: The control of shadows and darkness.

Some of the terminology in this world was alarming, as he realized that the translation of some words like geomancy, actually referenced his own definition of Earth.

He had always found it weird that Earth was the name of the planet, and the dirt. But coming to another planet to learn that they still referred to the terrain as Earth, at least in some capacity, really plagued his mind.

Shaking the thoughts away, Finn pocketed the tablet as he arrived at his garden retreat, nestled under the protective canopy of Serena’s domain. The garden's ambiance, with its thunderous clouds and gently trickling water, was soothing.

Finn knew his current rank limited his full comprehension of these magical phenomena. Each day, however, brought him closer to a deeper understanding and control.

Settling into a meditative posture, Finn drew the ambient magic towards him, focusing on its flow and texture.

Inhaling deeply, he visualized the magic entering his body, not through his lungs but as a conduit, regulating the mana within himself. In his right palm, he formed an ultraviolet sphere of magic, which he then shaped into a cube.

An odd thought crossed his mind: What did magic taste like? Finn looked around shiftily, and seeing no one watching, brought the cube to his lips and placed it on his tongue.

To his astonishment, the cube dissolved into an array of flavors, each representing a different elemental magic. The experience was more than sensory; it was a revelation.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

He was tasting the essence of magic itself – a symphony of elemental forces, from the gusts of air to the warmth of fire, all interwoven with the mystique of the arcane.

As the flavors dissipated, Finn was left in wonder. He had not only shaped magic into form but had also experienced its fundamental nature.

This realization was profound: magic was not merely a tool for manipulation; it was an integral part of the world's fabric, engaging and interacting with all senses.

This newfound understanding deepened Finn's appreciation for his studies. Magic, he realized, was more than a quest for power; it was about connecting with and understanding a world far more complex and enchanting than he had ever imagined.

The day continued with him practicing his newfound ability to shape and manipulate magic, finding joy and challenge in equal measure.

Eventually, Finn got up, and followed the path until he arrived at a brick building that had smoke puffing from an exhaust chimney on the roof.

Finn stepped inside and felt the gust of hot air hit him in full force. It wasn’t enough to be harmful, but enough to make him instantly feel like he was sweating, which he realized he was.

Inside was Branok, bringing down his blacksmith hammer on a red hot glowing piece of metal. He looked entirely unperturbed by the heat, in fact looking rather comfortable.

"Ah, Finn! Ready to learn a bit more about the art of smithing, are ya?" Branok said, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious forge. He set down his hammer and lifted his arm up in a slanted upright angle, to bump forearms with Finn, which was a common friendly greeting in some cultures of the world, including dwarves.

Finn raised his own arm to greet Branok, creating an “X” of their crossed arms, and nodding to each other.

Finn nodded eagerly, pulling out a small notebook and a pencil from his pocket. “Eager, are ya?” He said with a chortle. "Alright then, lad. Best get started," gesturing for Finn to come closer to the anvil.

"First things first, Finn. Every piece of metal has its own spirit, its own essence. You've got to understand the material you're working with. Is it iron? Steel? Or maybe even mythril? Each has its own temperament, its own way of responding to the forge's heat."

Finn jotted in his notes. Although he was learning in the native language, he still preferred to write notes in his original world’s language, which also allowed him to write faster, with the practiced familiarity he hadn’t quite reached with this world’s language.

“Now then” Branok continued, “The forge's heat isn't just about making the metal malleable. It's about awakening the magic within. Too hot, and you'll burn away the essence. Too cold, and the magic won't rise. Finding that perfect temperature is key. It's a dance, Finn, a dance with fire and metal."

He paused, and Finn watched as Branok seemed to stare into the heat intently to study the heat of the fire.

"As you shape the metal, you're not just hammering away. You're guiding it, giving it purpose. Each strike is a word in the story you're telling. Remember, the final form won’t be just a tool or a weapon; it's a manifestation of your will, your intention. That's what gives it power.”

Finn watched as Branok lifted the glowing metal with tongs and submerges it into a basin of oil, causing it to hiss and steam dramatically.

Branok emphasized that this rapid cooling isn't just about temperature but is crucial in defining the metal's physical and magical properties. The oil bubbled and the steam rose, signifying the metal's transformation.

"This is where the magic happens," Branok says, pointing out the emerging intricate patterns on the metal's surface, which represent its newfound strength, resilience, and contained magic. Finn watched, captivated by the transformation and the significance of this crucial step in the smithing process.

Branok gave a hefty laugh at the look of fascination on Finn’s face. "And finally, the enchantments. This isn't just about etching runes or casting spells. It's about sealing a pact between you and the creation.

The magic you imbue it with, it's a promise, a bond. That's what turns a simple blade into a legend, a mere tool into a talisman."

Branok took a step back, looking at Finn with a mix of pride and expectation. "Smithing, Finn, it's not just a craft. It's an art. An art that blends strength, will, and magic. Keep these lessons close, Maybe one day, you'll forge something that'll outlast us all."

Finn scribbles down Branok's words, each sentence feeling like a trove of knowledge. He understood that smithing, like magic, is a deep and complex art, one that requires not just skill but a connection to the materials and forces at play.

As Branok picks up his hammer to resume his work, Finn watches with a newfound appreciation for the craft. The forge, with its flames and shadows, feels like a place of magic, a place where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

In this moment, Finn felt a spark of inspiration, a desire to one day stand at the anvil himself and contribute to the legacy of magic and craftsmanship that Branok embodies.

Eventually, Finn and Branok packed up shop and headed home, to eat dinner and spend time as a family and team. On the walk back, Finn rode on his panda’s back, and reviewed his notes.

“So, there are different types of weapons you can craft? And you can make a simple non magical weapon, which uses non magical resources, and does not need to be infused, you can also make weapons from natural resources but can craft them with runes, allowing magic to flow into it, and use it to channel your natural magic into it, and lastly, you can craft magical weapons, using magical ore, as well as imbuing magical cores, crystals, or other objects to make an even more powerful weapon?” Finn asked.

Branok nodded, “Yes, I would say those are the three primary types of weapons, but there are also subtypes, many times you will find mixes and variations on what you have just explained.”

The rest of the day was spent in the company of his family, absorbing lessons about the world's economy, laws, and structure.

Finn learned that there was a Guild Society, a coalition that maintained order and provided a framework for adventurers, and of the evolving economy transitioning from bartering with magic cores to a centralized currency – Aether Coins.

The day culminated with Elara's announcement at dinner. She named her baby daughter Thalia and revealed plans for a formal marriage with Toren. The news was met with cheers and toasts, the team's camaraderie blending seamlessly with the celebration's formality. Finn, partaking in the joy with a wooden mug of fruit juice, felt a sense of belonging.

Despite his youth, his ability to speak and walk was rapidly improving, and he was eager to be an active participant in the festivities and the adventures ahead

For several hours, Finn immersed himself in manipulating magic, transforming it into various objects and projecting it skyward. He relished the challenge, the magic responding fluidly to his will.

As his proficiency grew, so did his desire for more complex challenges. His journey here had been one of gradual mastery – from first sensing the magic around him to internalizing it and finally to shaping it at will.

This progression had not only honed his skills but also deepened his understanding of his own potential.

Later, Finn joined his family, engaging in educational sessions with each member. They imparted knowledge about the world's core principles – its economy, laws, and societal structures.

He learned more of the Guild Society, the organization that centralized adventuring and maintained order, balancing freedom with responsibility. The society played a crucial role in defending against magical threats and maintaining peace in unclaimed territories.

Finn discovered that the economy was transitioning from a bartering system, predominantly using magic cores, to a more practical and sustainable system.

This shift was in response to the growing population and the impracticality of relying solely on cores. The Guild Society, in collaboration with the Magic Institute, had introduced Aether Coins – a new currency crafted from magic cores. These coins were designed to be more versatile and accessible, adapting to the evolving economic needs.

He also learned about the laws that governed their world. In unclaimed lands, the Guild Society enforced basic laws against murder and theft, issuing contracts for the apprehension of criminals.

Within kingdoms, each had its own set of rules. The society's approach was to offer adventurers freedom while ensuring their actions contributed positively to the world, focusing on combating monsters and completing quests.

As the day's lessons concluded, Elara announced the readiness of their meal, and the group gathered to dine together. During the meal, Elara stood, drawing everyone's attention.

She revealed that she had named her baby daughter Thalia, a name that resonated with a melody of its own. Finn realized he had never known anyone's last name, a detail that had somehow escaped his notice until now.

Elara, joined by Toren, then shared their intention to formally marry, an announcement met with a chorus of cheers and raised drinks. The atmosphere was a blend of formality and camaraderie, a testament to the bonds they all shared.

Finn watched the celebration with a sense of contentment, his wooden mug of fruit juice raised high. Despite his youth, he felt an integral part of this family, this world.

His abilities to speak and walk were rapidly improving, mirroring his growing connection to the people and magic around him. As he observed the festivities, he felt a surge of happiness – he was more than just a spectator; he was a participant in a life filled with wonder and discovery.

Finn continued to revel in the peaceful village under Serena’s domain, using every second he could to improve his magical abilities, knowledge, and mobility.

He watched as his family ate and drank together happily, and his thoughts flashed to the fight they encountered just before arriving in the village. He needed to get stronger so he would be ready to fight alongside his family, he knew they couldn't stay there forever, and he yearned for adventure, and to see the rest of what this world has to show him.