image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]
A large tree had fallen on the road, its tree branches spread out all over the surroundings, blocking further passage. With the caravan coming to a sudden halt, the trio within were left bewildered. Stepping outside, they were met with Graybeards worried look, who enlightened them about their current predicament. "It appears that the road ahead is blocked. We'll have to continue the rest of our journey on foot."
Arbious wondered why they didn't just take the wagon around the tree, but he did not question it. His eye turned to Aria, noticing her preoccupied with something entirely different. She held what appeared to be a book with a leathery cover. Curious, Arbious approached her. "Is there something wrong?"
Aria's eyes scanned information in her book as she replied. "If I'm not mistaken, the mushrooms I seek to collect tend to grow beneath Astral trees. These trees have the unique ability to absorb and channel astral energy, which the mushrooms thrive on."
"Astral trees?" Mila questioned, her voice lingering.
"Yes...?" Aria questioned, not liking the way Mila questioned her statement in such fashion.
Mila thought for a moment before speaking her mind. "Well, there aren't many astral trees left in this area... It might prove quite challenging for us to locate one."
"Wait, what?" Aria asked, visibly confused. "Aren't these trees common?"
"It appears you haven't been around here for long... The astral trees were cut down for their timber," Graybeard interjected.
Aria took a step back in shock, her eyes widened in surprise. "What madness? To cut down the gifts of Tasildor for mere timber? that's Unbelievable... " Aria muttered to herself.
After a brief moment, Mila, not liking how things were going sought clarification. "So, what do we do now?"
Aria surveyed the surrounding forest, its dense foliage enveloping them. "There must be at least one astral tree remaining... And I know how we can locate it."
"You do?" Graybeard questioned; surprise evident on his face.
"The reason this forest was once infested with wraiths was due to the presence of astral trees... So, if we find a wraith, we will likely find the tree."
"But how can we find the wraiths?" Aria inquired.
"That's where it becomes challenging. Astral trees absorb dark energies, which in turn draws in the Wraiths. Considering you wield holy magic; the wraiths would attempt to conceal themselves from us."
Once Aria finished speaking, a tormented wraith emitted a blood-curdling scream as it flew directly towards them. In a reflexive motion, they all ducked, narrowly avoiding its path. "What in the world?! I've never seen wraiths so agitated!" Aria exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear in response to the haunting screams.
"What sorcery is this?" Graybeard bellowed, his hands instinctively covering his ears.
Three more wraiths descended upon them, following the first. "What's attracting them here?!" Aria exclaimed, drawing a small yet ornate dagger from within her cloak. The blade shimmered with holy magic, an effective weapon against creatures of darkness.
Mila cast an anxious glance in Arbious's direction, her eyes filled with fear at the menacing presence of the wraiths.
"These are not ordinary wraiths! They appear to be far stronger than their predecessors! Mila, use your holy magic and banish these wraiths!" Aria exclaimed, swinging her dagger each time a wraith would come close.
"But what about the mushrooms?" Mila questioned; her voice tinged with worry.
"Forget about the blasted mushrooms! If we don't act swiftly, we'll die!" Graybeard shouted.
Could it be that these wraiths are here in response to my dark presence...? I could easily force them to submit, yet I'm curious to see whether she can prevail against one of them.
Mila's gaze trembled with fear as she confronted the wraiths. Despite her trepidation, she summoned her courage and resolved to make an attempt. Raising her finger skyward, she began chanting her spell, blue magic circles enveloping her figure. "Winds of the heavens, push back the forces of evil that stand before you."
A sudden chill filled the air, accompanied by a gathering of magical energy at Mila's fingertips. The air surrounding her picked up pace, as the winds were funneled to a gathering point above her finger.
The wraiths had turned their attention to her as she powered her spell with mana. Sensing the impending danger headed her way, Graybeard positioned himself defensively in front of her, gripping his axe firmly.
"Heavens above, I beseech thee! Show your judgment, punish the evil before me."
The winds intensified further, yet the wraiths remained unyielding, unaffected by Mila's efforts.
"It's not working..." Aria muttered in dismay.
Arbious's attention turned to Mila, whose hands shook with fear. When the first wraith attacked them, its scream had applied great mental strain on all present. Mila however was the one who was most affected by the scream. Because of that, the amassed magical energy strained against her control and threatened to erupt. If she continued at the same pace, the magic would most certainly erupt.
"Mila! Cease the incantation! Now!" Arbious shouted urgently.
Caught off guard, Mila momentarily appeared dazed, but as she regained her senses, she realized the volatile path her chant was leading to. She immediately halted her incantation.
For someone without experience, attempting to prolong a magical incantation or use a tier of magic beyond their capabilities could backfire, causing serious harm. Mila was fortunate in this instance; had Arbious not warned her, she would have been gravely injured.
The wraiths swooped in for another assault, their torment-filled visages sending shivers down their spines, plunging the group into a sense of despair. Arbious, witnessing the group's overwhelming hopelessness, made a resolute decision to lend them his strength.
His words came out of his mouth as a hushed whisper. Each word reverberating around him with infernal energies. The words came out twisted, not meant to be heard by any creature for it was so foul and cruel just hearing it could drive anybody mad. They were the very words of the infernal scripture itself, and each word carried a stronger presence than the prior.
"Infernus Maxim, Kedaresh Mafiers."
The wraiths abruptly halted, while the winds intensified. The currents turned against them, pushing them closer together. The wraiths struggled against the walls that confined them, an impenetrable force that surrounded them, tightening its walls as it suffocated them. Mila and the others watched in awe as Arbious focused his hands, trapping the wraiths within his magical grasp. Once the wraiths were close in proximity, he continued his incantation.
"Death's grasp awaits your souls, return to the depths of hell where you belong."
image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]
10th Tier Magic: True Flames of Hell
Effects: Casting this spell will result in the formation of a True Flame of Hell, a black flame capable of burning away the very soul, leaving behind nothing, not even ash.
Casting requirement: Mastery in Dark Arts / Negative Alignment
image [https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]
A surge of unparalleled power materialized, manifesting as an inferno of black flames that gracefully danced and encircled the wraiths in their sinister embrace. The echoes of hell itself reverberated, drawing the wraiths back to the very depths they had sought to flee. Guided by the flames, fueled by Arbious's actions, their spirit, their souls, their essence as a whole, were ruthlessly consumed, piece by excruciating piece. The wraiths writhed in unimaginable torment, experiencing a pain that surpassed human comprehension. Each fragment torn away from them nourished the growing blaze, obliterating all that the wraiths represented. Their final anguished screams echoed through the air, until they dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind a void, as if they had never existed in the first place.
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Arbious was engulfed by the cacophony of their screams, which stirred a sinister satisfaction within him, reigniting the flames of hid dark ambitions. The death he had brought upon the wraiths filled him with a twisted joy, as if their demise validated his power and superiority. The flames that blazed before him served as a testament to his ever-growing might, a tangible manifestation of his mastery over the arcane arts. It became evident that he had transcended his prior restrictions, as he was now capable of effortlessly wielding the highest tier of magic, a realm unknown and unattainable to even the highest of beings.
Mila, Aria, and Graybeard stood in stunned silence, their voices robbed by the sudden and overwhelming display of power before them. Never in their entire lives had they witnessed such an extraordinary feat. As they observed the tormented souls being consumed by the merciless flames, a profound sense of pity welled within them, mingled with a deep-seated discomfort. Reluctantly, they averted their gazes, desperate to forget or, rather, to ignore the gruesome scene unfolding before them. While the flames brought Arbious perverse joy, to them, it evoked a profound despair. Despite their best efforts to unsee the haunting sight, they remained captive observers.
As the spell's conclusion neared, the weight of despair was etched in their eyes. They struggled to comprehend the enormity of what they had just witnessed, for in their understanding, combating wraiths had always been associated with employing holy magic.
There remained one key issue in the magic he had just cast. Any skilled magic caster would know of what Arbious brought forth. Should they realize that he was the Demon God, he would have had no choice but to kill all of them there. So Arbious patiently waited, his red eyes gleaming, waiting for them to make a move.
A moment of heavy silence enveloped them, and it was Mila who found her voice first.
"That... That was beyond anything I could have imagined," Mila murmured, clapping her hands together in awe, oblivious to the malevolence of the inferno Arbious had unleashed. To her untrained eyes, it appeared as nothing more than another impressive spell.
"Indeed, it was quite extraordinary... To think we had a mage of such immense power fighting alongside us..." Graybeard spoke cautiously, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.
"What in the world was that?" Aria questioned, her voice filled with a mix of astonishment and confusion. "I've never witnessed anything like it."
Before Arbious could concoct a plausible explanation, Mila interjected, her curiosity getting the better of her. "I believe it could be a variation of the Arch Angel Flames, a spell of the 7th tier known for their ability to incinerate anything in its path. Perhaps what we witnessed was a unique manifestation of that spell?"
"But why were the flames black?" Aria pondered aloud, her brow furrowed in perplexity.
"The color of the flames reflects the essence of the wraith's souls," Arbious responded, seizing the opportunity by offering lies to their bewildered inquiries. "The black flames symbolized the depth of their torment, leaving no other choice for the flame but to mirror the darkness it consumed."
Mila, Aria, and Graybeard exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of his words. The concept seemed foreign to them, challenging their existing understanding of magic and its manifestations.
"I never imagined that the flames would burn the color of the soul it consumes, its a scary thought..." Mila murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of fascination and unease.
"It's a testament to the complexity and depth of the arcane arts," Aria added, her eyes still reflecting traces of disbelief. "We still have much to learn."
Graybeard remained skeptical; his gaze fixed on Arbious with lingering suspicion. "Be that as it may, such powers can be dangerous. We must remain vigilant and question the true origins of your abilities."
"He clearly knows what he's doing!" Mila retorted; her voice tinged with frustration at Graybeard's accusations. "He acted decisively to protect us, and his actions were undeniably effective. I see no reason to doubt or question his intentions."
Mila's impassioned defense of Arbious's actions brought a brief pause to the tension in the air. Graybeard regarded her with a mixture of skepticism and contemplation, his hardened expression showing signs of softening.
"You have a point, Mila," Aria interjected, lending her support. "We may not fully understand the depths of his abilities, but it's evident that he used them to safeguard us in that dire moment."
Graybeard's gaze shifted between Mila and Aria, his reservations gradually giving way to a begrudging acceptance. He let out a sigh, his wariness still lingering but tempered by acknowledgement of Arbious's aid. "So? Are there any other surprises you have for us?" Graybeard questioned.
Hm... I need to be more reserved with my magic... I know! I'll show them a basic magic.
With a flick of his hand, Arbious conjured a shimmering portal within the air, its ethereal red glow captivating the attention of the group. Stepping forward, Arbious reached into the depths of his arcane stash and retrieved a scythe hidden within. As the gleaming weapon emerged, the group's eyes widened in awe and curiosity, their gazes fixed upon the imposing scythe.
"What kind of magic is that?" Mila whispered, her voice filled with a sense of fascination.
Aria leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Is that ancient magic?"
Ancient magic? Is she crazy? This is so basic!
Graybeard remained silent, his weathered features reflecting a combination of caution and intrigue.
"I suppose this is as good a time as any," Arbious spoke, turning to Mila with a faint smile. "Are you ready?"
Mila's eyes widened with curiosity. "Ready for what?"
"Every mage should be capable of accessing their own arcane stash—it's one of the most fundamental spells. However, it seems you haven't learned it yet. Allow me to teach you."
Mila's excitement grew palpable. "Really?!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.
Arbious nodded, his hand extending in a graceful gesture, inviting her to follow suit. Standing side by side, he positioned himself behind her, guiding her movements gently. "Raise your hand alongside mine," he instructed, his voice soft yet commanding. "Envision a pentagram taking shape before you. And now, chant these words with me: 'Great Treasurer, Open Your Vaults.'"
Mila mirrored his actions, her palm held outwards, fingers tracing the invisible lines of the pentagram in the air. With determination, she repeated the incantation, her words infused with her magical energies.
As her voice resonated with power, a soft shimmering light emanated from her hand, gradually materializing into a translucent portal.
Mila's eyes widened in astonishment, a mix of awe and gratitude reflected on her face. She had taken her first step into unlocking the secrets of the arcane.
Encouraged by Mila's success, Aria eagerly stepped forward to join their training. With focused determination, she raised her hand, tracing the intricate lines of the pentagram in the air. Her voice echoed with newfound confidence as she repeated the incantation: "Great Treasurer, Open Your Vaults."
A surge of energy accompanied Aria's words, shimmering and intertwining with her gestures. In a breathtaking display, a portal materialized before her, mirroring the one created by Mila.
"Now this portal shall serve as your personal vault," he explained, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "You can see why I prefer this method over entrusting my belongings to a mere bank." He mused. "The next step involves learning how to interact with the portal. It's quite simple, really. Just place whatever you wish to store inside the portal, and when the time comes, you can reopen the portal to retrieve your items."
Mila and Aria listened attentively, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and a touch of excitement. They understood the immense convenience and security that this spell offered, allowing them to safeguard their most valuable possessions within their own personal realm of magic.
"Remember, if you can follow these steps," he added, emphasizing the crucial aspect of this spell, "then the portal is tied to your essence. Only you can access it. So, rest assured, your items shall remain protected and hidden from prying eyes."
Mila's eyes sparkled with excitement as she decided to test the functionality of her newly acquired arcane stash. Bending down, she picked up a small rock from the forest floor and held it in her hand. With a purposeful gesture, she placed the rock inside the open portal, watching it disappear into the otherworldly depths.
Closing the portal with a confident motion, Mila took a step back and focused her mind on the next crucial step. She raised her hand once again, tracing the familiar lines of the pentagram in the air, and began to chant the same spell that had opened the portal moments ago.
As her voice filled the air, charged with the energies of her magic, the portal responded to her call. Slowly, the shimmering gateway materialized before her, revealing its hidden contents. And there it was—a small rock, identical to the one she had placed inside earlier, resting peacefully within her arcane stash.
A triumphant smile adorned Mila's face as she grasped the rock from the portal, marveling at the seamless functionality of her newfound ability. The arcane stash had proven its reliability, demonstrating its capacity to store and retrieve items at will.
"It works!" Mila exclaimed, a mixture of excitement and awe coloring her voice. "I can't believe it!"
There is a downside to such a spell though, for a part of it was a lie, and the pentagram they drew gives me access to meddle with their belongings... But they don't realize it, so it's fine...
Graybeard's voice cut through the air, abruptly pulling them back to the present moment. His tone held a mix of annoyance and urgency as he reminded them that there was still a pressing task ahead.
"Enough celebration for now," Graybeard grumbled, his weathered face etched with seriousness. "We have a job to complete, and time is not on our side."
Mila, Aria, and Arbious exchanged glances, understanding the weight of Graybeard's words. The newfound power of the arcane stash had momentarily diverted their attention, but their primary goal remained unfulfilled.
"But how will we get the mushrooms now that the wraiths are gone?" Mila inquired, her voice filled with concern.
Aria paused for a moment, her experienced gaze scanning the surroundings, before speaking with a hint of caution, "There is one last place we can find the shrooms... the cave of undeath. It's a treacherous place, but within its depths, we can gather all the mushrooms we need. However, we must remain vigilant, for the land surrounding the cave is plagued with death."
Graybeard's eyes widened as he recognized the name. "I've heard of this cave... And I know where it is... It's infamous among the locals. Its darkness is said to be impenetrable, and the very air inside is filled with a sense of dread."
Aria nodded solemnly. "Indeed, it is a place of great danger. But with your strength and resolve, I believe we can overcome the challenges it presents."
A sense of determination and apprehension settled upon the group. They knew that venturing into the cave of undeath would not be an easy task, but the urgency of their mission pushed them forward.
"Lead the way, Graybeard," Arbious spoke. "We put our faith in you."
Graybeard nodded and with their resolve renewed, they set off into the depths of the forest, following Graybeard's guidance. The path ahead was shrouded in darkness, both literally and metaphorically, but they were determined to gather the mushrooms and finally complete their quest.