Following Blackie's directions to Glenwood, Aziel journeyed through the Elysian Forest.
The serene forest seemed timeless, sunlight dappling the floor through the dense canopy.
Ignoring the tranquil ambiance, Aziel pressed on, focused solely on reaching Glenwood.
Hours later, with the sun lower, Blackie alerted him to a nearby river. It suggested he rest and eat before continuing, noting it was best to travel on a full stomach.
Aziel agreed.
Slightly hungry, he gratefully headed toward the river for a respite.
Reflecting the sun, the clear stream revealed leaping fish and a bed of colorful pebbles and moss.
Aziel washed his hands and drank, revitalized.
Watching the fish made his stomach rumble. He paused, fingers hovering, then swiftly plunged his hand in, catching one as it darted close. He skillfully secured several more.
After building a campfire, Aziel grilled the fish and eagerly devoured them.
After eating, he rested, reflecting on his surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere recharged him.
Full and energized, he prepared for the journey ahead. Guided by Blackie, Aziel resumed his path to Glenwood.
The peacefulness of the forest seeped into his soul, but his mind began to swell with questions.
Since Aziel remembered nothing about himself or his life before this, and Blackie was reluctant to share any details, his thoughts began to explore the world around him.
As Blackie had described, he was now in the Elysian Forest, and on his way to Glenwood.
Aziel walked, the rhythm of his steps the only sound besides the forest's gentle whispers. He glanced down at the black ring on his finger.
"Right, Blackie," Aziel began, breaking the silence. "Since my brain's a blank slate, how about you fill me in? Are there any important things I should know about this world?"
Blackie's voice, smooth and devoid of emotion, replied instantly from the ring. "Certainly, Aziel. This world is a place where magic thrives. The primary force enabling this is an energy known as Mana."
"Mana?" Aziel asked again, his interest caught. "Whoa... So, like, actual magic is real?"
"Indeed," Blackie continued. "Mana is what makes the magic work.. It's a basic, natural energy found all through the air in this world. It's absolutely everywhere and moves without being blocked. The world itself both makes and uses this energy, like a constant natural cycle."
"Okay, so magic fuel. Like gasoline for wizards?" Aziel quipped.
"A simple analogy, but fundamentally correct," Blackie responded. "Mana serves as the primary fuel source for the various forms of magic practiced in this world."
"Interesting. Anything else?"
"Yes. Certain plants and animals have learned to interact directly with Mana. Over time, this interaction has caused them to evolve. These evolved beings are known as Beasts."
"Beasts?" Aziel frowned slightly. "Like the regular kind, or...?"
"These Beasts are significantly more powerful and possess greater intelligence than ordinary plants and animals," Blackie clarified. "This elevates their position within the natural hierarchy. They are not to be underestimated."
"So, super-powered critters. Got it. What about humans? Can we use this Mana stuff too?" Aziel asked, flexing his fingers as if trying to grasp some unseen energy.
"Naturally, humans cannot directly harness or control Mana," Blackie stated flatly.
"Oh," Aziel sounded a bit disappointed. "So we're just... normal?"
"That was the case," Blackie replied. "Humans existed without the inherent ability to manipulate Mana. However, this situation underwent a significant change several decades ago."
"A change? How?" Aziel pressed, his curiosity piqued.
"Humans," Blackie explained, "discovered something buried deep within the earth. Something crystalline and potent. They discovered the Mana Stones."
Blackie then continued his explanation, delving deeper into the nature of Mana Stones.
Mana Stones were solid materials, glistening white like crystals, discovered hundreds to thousands of meters beneath the Earth's surface.
These remarkable formations were the result of Mana being compressed and solidified over the course of hundreds of thousands of years within the Earth's core, a slow and intricate process that transformed raw energy into tangible entities.
When an individual consumed a Mana Stone, a profound transformation took place within their heart, allowing it to become a vessel capable of containing Mana.
This transformation resulted in a heart that could hold Mana energy, which most people referred to as a Mana Pool.
With this Mana Pool, individuals could gather Mana from their surroundings, enabling them to manipulate this energy to use magical powers.
They would also experience a significant enhancement to their physical durability, rendering their bodies not only more resilient but also imbued with a strength that surpassed that of an ordinary human.
This newfound fortitude allowed them to withstand challenges and adversities that would have once overwhelmed them.
Not only that, they had the extraordinary capability to harness elemental magic, which bestowed upon them the power to manipulate or control the natural elements that existed around them - water, earth, fire, air, wood, lightning, metal, etc.
The specific elements one could command varied greatly from individual to individual, leading to a rich tapestry of magical abilities that reflected their unique personalities and experiences.
In addition, there was a tantalizing 10% chance that an individual who consumed such stones would gain access to Unique Magic - a rare and extraordinary magical ability that could manifest in various forms.
Unlike ordinary elemental magic, which revolved around the manipulation of the elements, Unique Magic represented an entirely different realm of power.
It was a rare gift bestowed upon only a fortunate few, and each instance came with its own extraordinary capabilities.
Unique Magic could manifest in countless forms, each tailored to the wielder's personality and desires.
Some might find themselves cloaked in invisibility, able to slip through shadows undetected. Others could summon barriers of energy for protection or even create portals that bent the fabric of space itself. Healing abilities could mend wounds with a mere touch, while some might gain the ability to control time in small bursts.
This versatility allowed for boundless creativity and strategy in battle or exploration.
With all the power they granted upon those who consumed them, Mana Stones became humanity's beacon of hope - whether to stand against the monstrous Beasts that threatened their existence or to chase the allure of absolute power.
Aziel listened attentively to every explanation delivered by Blackie, taking note of each detail that flowed from the ring - whatever part of it could be considered as a 'mouth'.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he absorbed the tales of this world and the existence of the magic that had shaped it.
He found himself drawn into the narrative, his mind painting vivid images of the past and the incredible feats of magic users.
He tried to imagine how the abilities of humans drastically changed upon acquiring magical powers from Mana Stones.
Visions of the powers of magic to control natural elements drifted through his mind, igniting a deep curiosity about the potential that magic users held.
He envisioned firebenders manipulating flames with a mere thought, water mages shaping water into intricate sculptures, and wind weavers harnessing the power of the wind to soar through the skies.
He imagined a certain bald boy with a tattoo of an arrow on his head who could manipulate various natural elements around him.
The possibilities seemed endless, and Aziel felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of mastering such powers himself.
Especially if one possessed unique magic; wouldn't that be even more incredible?
Aziel envisioned the awe-inspiring abilities that unique magic could bestow upon the fortunate.
Perhaps some could conjure shimmering barriers to deflect attacks or weave illusions so convincing they would deceive the very senses of those who beheld them. The thought of summoning ethereal creatures to aid in battle or harnessing the essence of time itself to bend moments in their favor filled him with an overwhelming sense of wonder.
As these exhilarating images danced in his mind, a multitude of questions swirled, creating a tempest of curiosity.
He then began to wonder about himself, probing the depths of his own experiences and memories - that he had lost.
Had he ever consumed a Mana Stone before?
If so, what magical abilities did he possess?
Did he also have unique magic with extraordinary powers?
Various possibilities lingered in his thoughts, each one more tantalizing than the last, deepening his sense of curiosity and igniting a desire to explore the hidden depths of his potential.
The allure of magic beckoned him, a siren's call that promised adventure and discovery.
He looked at the ring on his finger, a glimmer of hope igniting within him as he sought insight from Blackie regarding the tumultuous thoughts racing through his mind.
He was uncertain whether this was something Blackie could inform him about, considering Blackie was hesitant to risk the curse he was under becoming active again.
Yet, he still attempted to ask Blackie.
"Blackie, before this, did I ever consume-"
"Hide!" Before Aziel could finish his question, Blackie interrupted with an urgency that sent a jolt through him.
The ring's voice carried a frantic edge, startling Aziel from his contemplative state.
"Why?" Aziel asked, confusion etched on his face as he struggled to grasp the sudden shift in tone.
"There's no time for questions! Something is coming in our direction!" Blackie's warning rang out, filled with a sense of impending danger that left no room for hesitation.