The explosion had created a thick sparkling purple fog that expanded outwards just beyond the ritual circle and lingered a few moments before dissipating. Karl could be heard coughing from within, and Goodewin could see the Oorakai’s vague form.
“Karl! Are you alright?” The gnome asked from behind the anvil.
The seasoned enchanter knew not to enter the magical fog cloud. Especially one with sparkling energy.
“Yeah,” coughed Karl.
When the Ooraki left the fog, Goodewin began to hysterically laugh. The little gnome fell over, clasping their chest with their one good hand.
“What?” Asked Karl.
“Look at yourself,” Goodewin said when his laughter subsided to a giggle.
“What in the hells!” Exclaimed the Ooraki.
He had tiny purple spots all over his green skin.
“Count yourself fortunate,” the gnome replied, holding up his stump.
Karl’s eyes went wide, and he called, “Nameless!”
The fog cleared, and the two could see the knight lying on the ground, still within the circle.
“Is he alright?” Karl asked.
“I don’t know,” Goodewin responded.
The gnome was no longer laughing, and he waited for the magical fog to fully dissipate before going closer.
“Nameless!” Karl called out again.
This time the armor stirred, and the knight sat up shaking his great helm. Karl came over to help the knight to his feet. Nameless glanced at the Ooraki.
ARMOR: MAGIC REMAINING 50.25%
MAGICAL EXPLOSIONS:
YOU TWO ARE FORTUNATE. MAGICAL SIDE EFFECTS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN DEATH. INSTEAD, YOUR ARMOR TOOK MINOR DAMAGE, AND YOUR FRIEND HAS BEEN INFUSED WITH MAGIC. ASIDE FROM THE UNFORTUNATE COSMETIC BLEMISH, YOUR FRIEND WILL BE ABLE TO DO SOME ENCHANTMENTS WITHOUT MANA CRYSTALS. THEY CAN ALSO CONSUME MANA. HOWEVER, LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS ARE STILL UNCLEAR.
“You have purple dots,” Nameless observed.
Karl chuckled and replied, “I’m glad you are alright, friend.”
“Did it work?” Goodewin asked. He was still some distance away.
Nameless nodded his head. “The armor is halfway charged, and it tells me that Karl can do enchantments without mana crystals.”
Goodewin’s eyes went wide, and he asked, “the armor speaks to you?”
Nameless nodded.
“With messages that I can read,” the knight replied.
“Impressive. Too bad we don’t have time. I would very much love to study you some more,” the gnome said.
“What do you mean I don’t need mana crystals?” Asked Karl.
“It means you are a lucky bastard. You are also no longer an Ooraki. You are something else now,” Goodewin retorted.
“What am I?” Karl asked as he looked at his green-skinned hands that were covered with purple dots.
“A magical creature. I wager you could consume mana crystals now. Bloody convenient if you ask me.”
The gnome’s eyes went wide, and he turned toward Nameless.
“I am thinking, have you tried to consume a mana crystal?” The gnome asked the knight.
Nameless shook his head and asked, “why?”
“Will this go away?” Karl asked while motioning to the spots that covered his entire body.
“Suck it up, buttercup. You were always ugly, but now you have a gift,” Goodewin growled and turned toward Nameless.
“Try to absorb this,” the gnome said, holding up a mana crystal toward the knight.
Stolen story; please report.
Nameless took the crystal and held it in his hands. “Like this?” He asked.
Goodewin shrugged. “I don’t know. Polka Dot, you try as well,” the gnome said while handing a crystal to Karl.
Karl slowly put the crystal in his mouth, and it dissolved.
“It has no taste,” the Oorakai said.
“Hmm, and your eyes still have pupils. You found a way to channel magic without getting tainted. Lucky Bastard!”
“Wait, I can cast spells now?” Karl asked.
“I doubt it. I mean, you are too dense in the head, but I think your magic is only for enchanting. If you were to cast spells, I think you would become tainted. I’m not sure what additional side effects that would have. Magic can be very unpredictable. My advice? Don’t even try to cast spells,” the gnome explained.
“I don’t have a mouth. How do I consume this?” Nameless asked, holding up the small crystal in his black gauntleted hand.
“Squeeze it?” Goodewin offered.
Nameless gently squeezed the crystal, and it was absorbed into his armor. He felt full, like he had eaten too much.
“Anything?” Asked Goodewin.
Nameless shook his head. “I feel full.”
“Your armor magic go up?” Karl asked.
“It didn’t say anything.”
“Can you ask it?” Said Goodewin.
“I think it decides when to give me information,” Nameless said.
The gnome nodded and placed his one good hand on his chin. He snapped his finger.
“Mana crystals are like food to you. That should replenish your Soul Powers.”
“Huh?” Asked Karl.
“When mages and templars use their abilities, it takes away from their energy. In order to recover, they need rest and food like all of us living things. Nameless here is something else, but his powers still come from his soul, and when he uses them, he needs to replenish them. I don’t think he needs rest, but he still needs something. He can’t eat food, but he can consume mana crystals. He is a magical being. Like you, kid,” the gnome said to Karl.
“Speaking of food. I’m hungry, and the mana crystal did nothing for me,” Karl said.
“Hmm. I suppose for you, it just goes right to your polka dots. I wager when you enchant items, you will draw magic from them. Don’t eat too many crystals. We don’t know what will happen,” Goodewin cautioned.
Nameless glanced at the sky. It was getting dark. The gnome and the Ooraki had worked long hours trying to recharge his armor. The three made their way toward the center of town, where people were gathering. Townsfolk had decided to evacuate, and this was their last night in town. They could hear Elora’s musical voice singing a song.
VICTORY SO SWEET,
FEELING JUST LIKE WINE.
THE LOSS OF A FRIEND,
TENDER PAIN OF MINE.
NEVER THOUGHT TO END,
RELIEF, I TRY TO FIND.
VICTORY SO SWEET,
FEELING JUST LIKE WINE.
Elora’s song went on and captivated the audience. Some were wiping tears from their eyes, and others smiled. Everyone enjoyed the song, and Nameless decided that the elf was very talented.
“I do not think this is a good look for you, Karl.” Zel had appeared next to the three.
Karl growled in response and asked, “where are your zombies?”
“Number 3 and 4? I left them at the edge of town. The people here have not fully enlightened to the wonders of Necromancy,” the necromancer responded.
“You are not worried that they will attack others in your absence?” Asked Karl.
Zel snorted, “please, I have full control over them.”
The necromancer’s pale face softened as they placed a hand on Karl’s shoulder and asked, “Karl, are you alright?”
The polka-dotted Ooraki glanced at the floor and grunted, “yes, I suppose.”
“What happened?”
“We attempted to recharge Nameless’s armor,” Karl answered.
“Did it work?” Asked Zel.
“Yea, but there was an explosion, and well, you see the results,” Karl said and held up his purple dotted covered forearm.
Zel held the forearm and closed their eyes.
“I sense magic,” they said.
“Nameless’s armor told him I can enchant without mana crystals.”
Zel’s eyes widened, and they exclaimed, “that is fantastic! Such a small price to pay for such power!”
Karl rolled his eyes and began to search for food.
When Elora finished her set, she joined her friends at a table. Mayor Ned was also sitting with them.
“Arrangements have been made. Most of the townsfolk will set out tomorrow,” the mayor was saying.
“Any word on Prince Zaverick’s army?” Asked Nameless.
Ned shook his head and replied, “no word from our riders, and all the folks in the farmsteads were either killed by the blasted demons or are here in town.”
“It is wise to leave soon,” the knight added.
“We leave first thing tomorrow?” Zel asked, in between bites of their food.
“Aye, to speak with the Wizards of Tameal,” Elora answered.
“What will you do after?” Karl asked Nameless.
The knight shrugged their plated shoulders, “I will wait and see what the armor tells me.”
“I, for one, would like to continue journeying with you,” Zel offered.
“Thank you, but I can’t ask that of you,” Nameless said.
“Oh, it would allow me to spread the wonders of Necromancy!”
“I, too, would like to help,” Elora added.
Karl was looking at his hands, and he shook his head. “Sorry, friend, but I will see about enrolling in the University of Tameal. Adventuring is not for me, and I wish to continue my studies if I am to become a professional Enchanter.”
Elora opened her mouth as if to speak but closed it. She rubbed Karl’s thick shoulders.
“Well then, you all better get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day,” the mayor said.