Chapter 7
Mother has forbidden me from leaving the glade till she is sure I am fully recovered. I suspect this is just her excuse for keeping me grounded though. Fortunately, the down time allows me to continue my experiments. Today I’m set on starting the new miniaturization array.
Thankfully I still have a good stock of magic conductive metal. All painstakingly sourced from around the forest.
I have no idea what kind of metal is this silver-like ore. All I know from experiments is that it’s extremely mana conductive compared to other minerals. Increasing the precision and flow of all mana passing through.
Refining it on the forge, the “lens” housing begins to take shape with my forming. Magic smithing is in ways more convenient than regular smithing as I can simply mold the metal and manipulate it using mana. Instead of painstakingly hammering it away.
The forge is heated by runes itself, so it just needs the occasional recharging. And instead of checking the temperature by the color. I’ve learnt to do it by measuring the mana flow through the forge and the material.
Levitating the whole crucible outside. I begin magically separating the remaining impurities. And making the initial shape. By repeatedly folding the metal, I can control the way mana passes through the material.
Even so, this process takes days till I get the proper form and micro directionality in the material allowing for the desired optimum mana flow.
After the casting comes the mana engraving. This requires an incredible amount of concentration and precision. This array has the function of “copying” the transcribed array above it and reducing it into the target material. Its complexity, the culmination of my work all these years.
Engraving is done by guiding the mana in the speed and perfect tridimensional position through the material, imbuing it with the intent of searing the process into place. Any mistake here is costly, as it requires starting the whole section over again from scratch. Luckily, I have a few years of practice in this process. Not only on materials, but as well as myself. And trust me, you don’t want to repeat this process on yourself.
Content with the work so far. I started detailing the stone pedestal to house the apparatus. The large pedestal takes shape with slots for the target pieces and the lens.
The ground begins to rumble with the stone seemingly sprouting from below. The operation greatly aided by a set of runes extending from my lower chest towards my legs, representing earth magic.
The following days. I take my time between playing around, doing my chores and making the final adjustments in what I now call the micro-rune artifact.
And then it comes the day of the proper test. Even Mother could tell how excited I am after running to the lab immediately after doing my chores.
The first item to be made, is a long time set aside project. A personal item set.
It consists of two silver bracers and two ankle rings magically linked up, and packed with functions. A masterpiece item I could never finish engraving due to the sheer complexity of it.
Finally placing the first item on the Micro-rune artifact. I begin powering it over. It’s runes glow to life, affecting the surrounding mana.
I then begin to concentrate on engraving the runes on the air above the lens. After a few last-minute adjustments, they begin to get sucked through the device, and appearing on a much smaller form on the bracer slotted below. Success.
Is this what crafters call “working frenzy”? I don’t even know how many days I’ve been at this. Even mother is getting pissed again because I’m not giving her proper attention. But I can’t just stop now. This work is too captivating to give it up.
And Mother seemed to understand when I said this will allow me to avoid a defeat like last time and keep me safer.
Which of course led to a whole lecture from her about how I should not focus only on this, and instead get stronger through the proper mana affinity cultivation like her.
Not that I don’t do it as well. But it will probably take me decades to get on her level. Not to mention meditating on the nature of magic, and refining mana is boring as hell. I’d rather play with Balto and Lily.
After much work and meticulous adjustment. I’m finally done with the items. Now comes the proper test.
The set consist of two round metal bracers covering my lower arms. Its silver color adorned with faint runes and multiple embedded crystals hidden under them. Makes for a pretty luxurious look, if I say so myself.
This will also help me block if I get into a close quarter combat situation again. As I imagine It could properly resist the blow of a steel sword with no scratch. Even without the barrier. Seriously. What is this metal?
The other part is two large ankle rings. Equally decorated. These serve as mostly space for extra runes and more capacity.
I settled into this design because I really don’t want to wear armor around. Worse. Putting runes over the runes in my skin could interfere with my own magic. So, it seems this world will follow the stereotype of mages who can’t wear plate. At least for a rune-based mage like me.
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As I finally put on the items. Activating them, I can practically hear the hum of power. The separate pieces magically linking up to the whole. I feel like a certain billionaire activating his suit of armor. No soothing voice greets me though.
I can now have permanent effects like self-cleaning, personal barrier and continuous healing. All into one set of items. I wonder if I could sell an item like this. How much would it cost? Perhaps I could earn money crafting when I set upon traveling.
When I find myself contemplating if dreaming of swimming on gold coins is perhaps a tad too materialistic for a Dryad. I am approached by Mother in an uncharacteristic grave expression.
“Come with me. It seems we have a visitor.”
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As I prepare myself for the journey. Stuffing my backpack, doing maintenance on my weapons and so on. I’m suddenly interrupted by a girl barging through the door.
“Elder Zaina told me what you intend to do. You must not go! It’s suicide!” Screamed my clearly distressed daughter.
“I must go! If you heard the whole story you know why this must be so. You know as well as I we won’t survive the next few years if we don’t get help. If we survive next winter after the bloody taxmen takes everything that is.” I said, steeling my heart for what I have to do.
“Please… I can’t… Lose another one…” She said almost in a murmur. Tears now painted her face.
Rushing into her. We settle into a hug. After a few moments of trying to fight my own tears I say:
“I know it’s a long shot. We don’t know if they’ll even help us. But I’d rather have faith. Can you do this for me? Have a little faith?”
“This is the cruelest thing you can ask of me.”
“I know… I love you my dear Aida.” I say brushing her now sticky hair from her face.
“I love you too mother. Please come back.”
“I will.”
My departure was a silent affair. Trying to avoid rumors, only a few hunters and the elders knew where I was going. Leaving at dawn, the first light of day illuminated my path.
Entering the woods, it would be almost another day till I get to the Untamed Forest proper. Traveling light, I make haste towards my destination.
That night, settling on top of a tree. I ate my portable rations and thought of the mission ahead. Elder Thana spoke about the Dryads. How power came to those who seek their guidance.
I wonder if I can get them to hear our plight. I only have a small token to offer. But if they deem to take my life as payment. So be it.
The next few days were spent silently stalking through the Forest. This place is home to many species of monsters, and animals that might as well be just as dangerous.
In the fourth day I had a close brush with a giant boar. It smelled me and rushed with its giant tusks.
Thankfully there was a sufficiently large tree to hide and pelt it with arrows till it died. But it was way too close for comfort. If reckon such creature could have destroyed our whole village by itself if it left this forest.
Monsters and beasts are an integral part of any wilderness. But the threats in this forest take another scale. Giant lizards, Tusked boars, Goblins, and even Trolls I had to steer clear. I reckon even the kingdom’s army with its mages would have trouble passing through these woods.
By the fifth day, my rations ended. Thankfully the Untamed forest is a treasure trove of fruits. You don’t even need to be a woodsman to feed yourself here. If only we could safely gather from it for our village…
And now the eight day of my expedition. It seems I arrived at my destination. The very forest seems to vibrate with power, and I find myself into what looks like a large outdoor throne room. On top of the raised dais, lies a throne that seems to be made from the very green of the forest. With flowers giving it perfect decoration.
While I’m concentrated on the structure before me. In the blink of an eye, I find myself surrounded.
A large pack of Fenrirs cover all sides and seem to warily maintain their distance. Just one of these would be enough to cause great damages to any of the kingdom’s cities. And now they surround me.
“Please. I wish to have an audience with the Dryads!” I shout in a supplicating tone.
After a while, before I can see it. I very much feel the raw power in front of me. The Fenrirs make way for a woman. She practically glows with power. As if the very nature was hers to command. Her beautiful body, long hair and intricate marks all over her skin makes the perfect image of a queen. Her long ears seem to indicate an elven heritage.
As she walks with grace and takes her sit before the throne. I notice she is followed by what it seems to be a human girl. Her smaller frame and youthful appearance suggests she is younger than my daughter. But looks can be deceiving. Her auburn hair, cut by her shoulders in a straight line, perfectly frames her cute face. Is this the one who saved Aida? She seems to fit the description.
As the girl takes her place at the right side of the one in the throne. I hear the older one. Her voice vibrating with power and immediately taking me to my knees.
“I am Haltia. Queen of the Dryads. And this is my daughter Rhea. For what does you seek of our presence? Speak.” Her very gaze making it perfectly clear there wont be any disrespect in her court.
“My name is Layla. Chief of the Dark Elves. I come here to thank you for saving my daughter’s life and bringing her back to me.”
Taking a breath, I continue.
“Our kind suffers a great peril. Through the words of our elders. I hear that the Dryads provide guidance to those who seek you. For that I offer this.”
I place the dagger on the pedestal.
“This is the dagger of the forebearers. This is an item representing our ancestry and pride. I offer thee our greatest treasure. And if that is not enough, my life is yours to take.”
I say so as I take a prostrating stance.
“First of all. The matter of the rescue of one of yours, you should thank my daughter over here. We consider this matter closed, as is only our obligation to purge this forest of monster influence.” She said making a gesture to the waving girl besides her. The girl seemingly finding the situation amusing.
“As for the matter of guidance. For many generations now the races have forgotten about us. You are the first one in a very long time to seek us for our aid.”
She continued, with a grave tone and expression.
“Know this, our guidance comes with a price. An oath to preserve this forest free from the reaches of civilization. And to never corrupt yourselves to the wrong ways of magic. For it is our duty as Dryads to make the will of the Goddess true. Know that turning on your word will have grave consequences.”
“I am ready to do what is necessary for saving my kind.” Is the only thing I manage to answer.
“So, make your case to me, and I shall judge whether you are worthy” Says the queen in a haughty tone.
I then proceed to tell them the story of our village. The raids, the slavery and the hunger. As I’m telling the story. I notice the queen is taking a serious expression, while the princess seems to be quietly quenching her fists in rage.
As I finally finish my piece. The very forest seems to fall into silence before I hear the Queen once again.
“Very well. I shall deliberate on your story. You should wait here, and tomorrow you will have your decision.” She said before rising and taking her leave.
Before the two fell out of sight, I catch a glimpse of the younger Dryad looking back at me with a concerned look on her face.
As they finally leave, I see myself falling down from the release of tension. Her very presence is like a hammer chiseling at your will.
I really hope this was worth it.