Chapter 14 - The Learning

As white robed figure approached, I tried to stifle quivering feeling in my heart. I could not help but look into his lavender eyes, which made striking contrast to his otherwise colorless self.

Suddenly his soft voice brought my attention back and I was really angry with myself for that momentary lapse.

-” Let us begin your lesson, Miss Audentia. Could you tell me how versed in the Magic arts you are? “, question asked in tranquil voice somehow projected a feeling of care…

I focused as fire in my veins reignited, the challenge was not yet lost.

-” Thus far I had only one lesson on Magic Theory, but it was not to my satisfaction “, I said truthfully.

Somehow he looked saddened by those words, so I decided to elaborate.

-” Class focused on the comparison of Fire and Ice system, though both have fundamentally different basis. I would much prefer lesson on core systems instead “, I said those words and had strange feeling of elation seeing that his features softened slightly in approval.  

-’ How does he do it? He has same distant expression all the time, but I can easily feel his mood ‘, I thought and tried to fight fluttering feeling that arose with his approval.

Suddenly he said something that threw me off, I felt like being basked in the light.

-” I am glad, I see great potential in you. Please do your best today, I am sure that you will be able to grab the hold of the basics “, mere hint of praise in his voice made butterflies fly all over my chest and I had fuzzy feeling traveling around my back.

-” Thank you, I have always wished to learn magic and I am really grateful for the guidance that you are offering me.. “, I said in dreamy voice, catching myself that I was just saying whatever.

-’ This is dangerous, I need to focus! ‘, I was at a loss about what was happening with me.

-” Since you have not been taught basics yet, let me explain. To cast a spell, one needs to perform several steps - gather mana into ether, imagine the effect, prepare spell matrix and then infuse it with ether. We will focus on the first step, as you need to activate your mana first “, his explanation, proclaimed in calm voice had almost hypnotic cadence to it, keeping the listeners attention on the subject.

-” Won’t my attire interfere? Also, could you provide more details about mana activation? It seems important “, I said as my curiosity stifled all other feelings.

His eyes glinted at my words, but I was focused, eager to sate my curiosity.

-” Yes, you are correct. Mana activation is really important, it is the way in which one controls one's inner energy. One needs to remember that mana usage is not limited to Mages only, many other individuals have different ways to tap into their inner potential. Warriors for example turn mana into, so called, Fighting Spirit which can protect their body or be channeled to a devastating effects. Even novice swordsman can cause his sword swings to hit harder or move swifter. More experienced ones can even channel them into mana infused blows, though they all claim its just their Fighting Spirit “, he said, his excitement evident. Suddenly he stopped his quite heated explanation.

-” Please do excuse me, Miss Audentia. My scholarly mind had gotten better of me “, though his voice was calm, I could feel that he was extremely embarrassed…

-’ Wait! Why did I have a sudden urge to hug him?! ‘, I caught myself just in time.

-” No need to apologize, Master Sylthfran...’, I said and was glad for the scarf and hat that hid my suddenly flushing face. I continued and tried to hide the stutter with meaningless movement of my hand.

-” Actually, I would be really glad if you continued. I find the subject highly interesting “.

He actually sighed as he said:

-” I am afraid that it would put a dent on my pride as a teacher, if I had used all of your precious practical lesson on academic discussions. I will gladly speak with you, at length, when the time is more appropriate “, I was really happy hearing those words and was beaming under the scarf.

-” I will gladly take you on your kind offer, Master Sylthfran “, I responded happily.

Suddenly annoyed voice reverberated across the square.

-” Sylth! Could you stop flirting already! For Gods sake, I am an assistant here, not the teacher! “, Sylthfran’s assistant was glaring at us expectantly, with his hands crossed on his chest.

Sylthfran’s gaze went to his assistant.

-” Athmael, please refrain from saying strange things. As you have mentioned, I am the teacher here and I will take as much time as is needed with each student. You can teach the class a new spell if you think they sufficiently mastered the previous one “, Sylthfran’s response seemed harsh, but did not bear any hostility or embarrassment.

I noticed several female students glaring my way, but I didn’t deign to acknowledge them.

Sylthfran turned back to me and started his explanation, which seemed a bit rushed:

-” Please excuse this interruption, Miss Audentia. As I was saying, there are several ways of activating mana, though the one we will be focusing on is Ether Transformation. Unfortunately there is no way to directly show how it is done. You will need to reinvent it on your own, though I assure you that it is not too complicated. Also, please do not worry about your attire - it will not inhibit this ability “, before I had a chance to ask for more details he continued, this time in his usual calm and clear cadence:

-” To begin Ether Transformation you need to become aware of your mana. You need to concentrate and feel the energy inside your body. It will be hard at first, therefore it might be easier if you calm yourself and then try to imagine a tingling feeling gathering in one place inside your body. Then try moving and gathering it at different places. Hopefully at some point you should understand what I am trying to say. Do you think you are able to give it a try? “, he asked with concern.

-” I think I should be able to grasp it “, I said confidently thinking that it seems similar to meditating.

-” Very well, please do not be upset if you won’t succeed at first. It is really elusive thing to do. Also, if you are successful you might try going a step further. Do you know which of those are Channeling Runes? “, he seemed concerned that I would get upset if I failed. I tried to ignore satisfied feeling that his concern was giving me.

-” Yes, I was instructed.. which runes I should use “, I responded hesitating a bit at the understatement.

-” Very good. If you succeed at finding your mana please try to imagine it moving into those runes. Also, do not be upset if you won’t succeed, Runic Channeling is actually a part of the advanced curriculum. If everything proceeds correctly you should become aware of the runes...that’s actually all I can say at this point. Please do not hesitate to call me if you need help. Now please excuse me “, he gave me a nod and then he smoothly moved to teach rest of the class.

I noticed that the students seemed to really like him, even that Eric guy. I cringed inwardly and started to wonder what to do now…

-” Milady, would you wish to use those accommodations during your lesson? “, Clothilde surprised me with her question.

As I turned I saw thick, decorative blanket laying on the ground. Maids were standing at attention around it and I blinked as I noticed that they had refreshments at hand.

I shook my head with surprise.

-” Thank you, Head Maid. I am grateful for your foresight “, I said in wonder.

Clothilde only bowed deeply in response.

I sat down in cross-legged position, skirts of my costume draped around me.

I closed my eyes and tried to get butterflies that were plaguing me today to settle down. Eventually I was calm. I could feel my every breath, weight of costume and miriad of other sensations…I quickly stopped thinking about particular sensations from my chest area.

I took deep breath and positioned hands on my knees.

-’ Breath in, breath out - just like that, Yoga style.. ‘, uninvited image of ridiculous dancer from korea popped in my head for a moment.

Once again I focused.

I ignored everything that was happening outside, bringing my attention inward. Relaxing myself, avoiding any distracting thoughts, I was finally able to meditate.

I imagined feeling of power moving through my body to the beat of my heart. I concentrated, willing it to concentrate at tips of my fingers. I felt small response or just imagined it.

I tried this few times, but couldn’t tell if that was it.

-’ So it probably wasn't ‘, I thought.

I tried again, willing the feelings to concentrate in my hands. It was same as earlier, so I decided to use peculiar feeling that my beating heart was giving me.

I concentrated and willed all the flowing feelings I had, the ones I thought were made by my beating heart, to move to my hands.

With something like a loss of breath, I felt a rush of energy suddenly leaving my body, flowing into my hands. Tingling sensation suddenly turned into lightning at the tips of my fingers.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I felt weakness engulfing my body, while burning, tearing sensation assaulted my hands. Reflexively I have willed the current to move into runes on top of my hands.

Power suddenly rushed out of my hands leaving burning pain and then power rebounded.

In shock I felt something like electric current of awareness filling web of darkness, lighting it with power - it went to life, like miniature suns connected by cords of blazing force. Beating with familiar rhythm.

-’ The rhythm of my heart ‘, I realized.

I was still trying to grasp what happened. I felt flowing energy. It was similar but at same time foreign to the feeling of electric current and heat, if such were moving through my body. It slowly flowed around my body, like a tingling wave of magma. And then it entered the web of light, which felt like it was inside and outside of me at the same time. Waves of force flowed across cords of power and I felt power change, sometimes purified, sometimes tainted with foreign force, but always coming back as a part of me.

I felt that the flow changed whenever I thought about it, it was like a white light that with barest thought could be changed to its prismatic colorful components.

Suddenly I was made aware of something strange surrounding me. As I opened my eyes, I saw that I was inside bubble of misty white light. I looked around disoriented and noticed that I was sitting on the spot of perched earth.

I reached out and put my hand on the shimmering wall. It seemed soft and yielding to the touch, so I raised while pushing on it with my hand. Suddenly it bursted into glittering wave of colorful sparks.

I looked around and saw my Maids looking worriedly at me. They were few meters away and I saw that I was standing in flower shaped spot of perched earth.

-” Ha, I see you are alive. That’s great. How are you feeling? “, Athmael asked me briskly.

As I taken another quick look around I noticed some worried faces, so I decided to not mention my aching hands.

-” Energized “, I responded briefly. Trying to sound as confident as possible.

-” See? All is well, I told you not to worry. Some fireworks is all, it was rather spectacular, I admit, but nothing unusual in the long run “, Athmael was speaking reassuringly to Sylthfran, who still had concern painted on his face.

-” Are you really alright? Its theoretically possible to hurt yourself during violent realizations “, he said calmly and gave me inquisitive look.

I felt fluttering sensations coming back at his concerned look.  I quickly decided to put a stop to it.

-” I am well, no need for your concern, Master Sylthfran. I am wondering if you will let me continue my lessons today? “, I said feeling burning sensations in my hands, contradicting my assuring words.

-” Very well, if that’s what you wish. Please rest while I take care of other students “, he said calmly and started to walk from student to student. It was impressive how quickly he was putting everyone at ease.

I looked as cheerful expressions quickly appeared on the faces of students that he was speaking to. They seemed so determined to finish their assignments after he left them...

I shook my head and looked at Athmael instead. I watched as he taught Eric and his friend. His methods were vastly different, he was full of arrogance and kept mocking his pupils. But it seemed to be bearing effect, he made a show out of showing them an example and then kept teasing them mercilessly until they learned how to do it properly.

I closed my eyes focusing on the new sensation of which I was now aware. Slow, powerful motion flowed within me.

I started exploring the feeling and I soon found out that, if I wanted, I could single out particular...hues and feelings. I was at a loss as to how I should describe it. Different hues had different meanings associated with them.

I concentrated on the blue one and it gave me a slithering, wet feeling…

-’ Probably Water ‘, I thought.

Black one, which had no color at all, felt empty and cold...soon I guessed that this must be Frost.

I quickly located orange, red, purple and aquamarine, which gave me a pause. I was sure that all of them were associated with Fire or Energy, but at the same time each felt differently somehow. I decided to not dwell on that for now.

Exploring gray and brown seemed to bring the feeling of stability, so I associated them with Earth.

As I went for emerald I was baffled again, it felt vibrant and full of energy.

-’ I guess you can’t associate green with wind only because you ran out of distinct colors… ‘.

As I explored dark red I noticed that somehow I could meld it with original white, as strange revolting feeling started to spread I quickly stopped that.

I soon realized that mapping the colors is fools errant - almost all of them could be mixed with white or each other producing some strange effects. As I was despairing over this hurdle I heard a soothing voice.

-” Miss Audentia, if you are unwell maybe you should retire for today. I assure you that no one will hold it against you. Quite the opposite actually, finding ones mana usually takes few days... “, as I opened my eyes I saw Sylthfran standing in front of me. His calmness as striking as ever.

-” Thank you for your concern, Master Sylthfran. I am well enough. Could you explain what’s the next step of spellcasting? I have gotten stuck over what I am supposed to do with colors... “, I said pleadingly. I wanted to learn how to cast simplest spell before I had to retire.

He seemed a bit surprised by my words.

-” Ahh, that’s really hard to explain. There are several casting systems, each vary greatly in complexity, variation, casting time and automation “, his calm demeanor stopped me from exclaiming my exasperation. Instead I started thinking and assembling facts.

-” I have not been aware of that. Could you tell me which systems are being used usually? “, I asked, trembling due to suddenly awoken curiosity.

-” Commonly used system is by far the easiest to learn. Its called Evocation and It is based on metamagical formulas derived from mathematical principles. To cast a spell one needs to know glyph of the formula and associated keyword which usually takes a form of a chant. Glyph is graphical derivation of magical equation that needs to be remembered, during casting one needs to imagine the shape and fill it with colors appropriately. I am aware that this was crude comparison, but it was very fitting, so please bear with it. Once Glyph is assembled one needs to provide the keyword and it will unleash the effect. Actual keyword need not be spoken aloud, but due to additional power transferred during activation it can boost effectiveness of the spell by up to 25% “, he explained  and he seemed really happy that he can share his knowledge.

I cringed inwardly as strange fuzzy feeling assaulted me at sight of his glee.

-” Evocative system requires spell glyph formula, which is considerably difficult and complex to create. Spellcrafters are widely respected and well paid specialists. I have seen certain spells bought and sold for small fortunes. Apart from that downside, Evocation is characterised by its low casting time, low complexity and high automation, which makes spells easy to replicate or teach. Additional downside is in the spell glyph itself - low amount of variation is prevalent, as including wide array of variables into a glyph is exceedingly difficult “, he finished and I felt daunted.

-’ Some developers must have had a CEO as relative. This is only one spellcasting system and there are supposed to be several - this is just insane... ‘, I looked at misty white dome above me and tried to decide…

[ -” Should Almisha learn about other magic systems or not... since I am going to write it next the poll is short. Decide whether Chapter 14.5 should be made, but be aware that there will be more of Sylthfran’s encyclopedic explanations “ ]

[ -” PS This will NOT be a bonus chapter, but I see that it might be an Extended one “ ]

===========

Hey~, Author’s here~

I hope you liked today’s developments, please tell me how you find basic magic system? It should be nicely balanced, but having faulty magic system is best way to have one’s back grilled so tell me before some reviewer spots any loopholes :P

Of course comments about Sylthfran or others are appreciated, so please have a go at them too!

Also, do vote in the poll, the sooner I know who is winning the sooner I start to work ( not that those magic systems will not exist, they will just remain a mystery till I find appropriate place to introduce one )

Cheers,

Mea

Ps The Narrator is currently...indisposed...

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter - 14.5 - The Studying

http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=13015&pid=130944#pid130944