Darkness pressed against my awareness, pierced only by the gentle hum of Snow's healing magic. Faintly, I sensed her cool aura radiating from where she knelt beside me, tending my wounds. As the aches in my body began to fade, a soft pull tugged at my mind, like slipping into a dream I couldn't resist.
The temple took shape around me, its vivid details unfolding as if the world were painted into existence by unseen hands. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint aroma of wildflowers and the rich, earthy scent of moss-covered stone. I sat cross-legged on a smooth slab of ancient granite, one of many scattered across an open-walled temple carved into a mountainside. The view stole my breath. Albion stretched before me, an endless expanse of verdant forests, sparkling rivers, and rolling hills. Tiny villages dotted the landscape like stars on a green tapestry, and in the distance, the spires of a grand Celtic city pierced the sky, shimmering in the light of an unseen sun.
The temple itself pulsed with life. Intricate carvings adorned every surface, swirling knots and ancient symbols humming faintly with magic that seemed to resonate with my heartbeat. Thick, ornately carved pillars supported a roof that offered shade yet allowed the mountain breeze to flow freely. Simple yet elegant furnishings, wooden benches with woven cushions, rune-etched tables, and a fire pit burning with a gentle golden flame, added to the serenity, a convergence of nature and magic almost tangible in the air.
Across from me sat Moira, radiant beyond anything I'd seen before. Her auburn hair cascaded in soft waves, catching the light like fire dancing through her locks. Her golden eyes sparkled with warmth and intelligence, framed by a gentle smile. She wore a flowing pale green dress, cinched with a belt of woven silver threads that glimmered faintly, and a crescent moon pendant adorned with shifting gemstones hung at her neck.
Robert, she said, her voice laced with amusement and affection, you look as if you've seen a wonder.
I blinked, realizing I'd been staring, and managed a faint smile. I think I'm sitting in one, Moira. This place is incredible.
She chuckled softly, reaching out to place a warm hand on mine, grounding me in this dreamlike reality. Welcome to my home, she said, gesturing to the expanse beyond. This is Albion as it was, as it should be. You're seeing it through my eyes, my memories.
I glanced at the horizon, absorbing the grandeur. It's beautiful, I murmured.
It is, she agreed, her gaze softening. And you're part of it now, Robert. Albion's magic flows through you, just as it flows through this land. But you've only begun to understand it.
Her words drew my attention back, and I caught the subtle shift in her expression, pride mingled with concern. That fight with the creature, she said, tone growing serious, was a trial, whether you knew it or not. You pushed beyond your limits, proving yourself capable of more than I anticipated.
I opened my mouth to protest, but she raised a hand, silencing me gently. Before you argue, listen. You've earned the right to grow. Your mastery of the basic elements, earth, air, fire, water, has reached its peak. They've responded to your will with such vigor that they've merged into something greater: Basic Elemental Mastery.
I sat up straighter, the weight of her words sinking in. Basic Elemental Mastery? I repeated.
She nodded, golden eyes gleaming with approval. A unification of the four elements, letting you wield them as one. Your spells will grow more versatile, more potent. Infuse one element into another, imagine a fireball carrying a gale's force or an earth shield cleansed by water. The possibilities are vast.
The potential left me speechless. Moira leaned closer, her voice intimate. But with greater power comes greater need for control. That's why we're here, to ensure you don't lose yourself to the magic.
I nodded slowly, excitement warring with trepidation. I understand. I want to learn, Moira. To use this responsibly.
Her smile widened, and she placed a hand over my chest, where my Aetherium Core would be. Good. Let's begin.
Her hand lingered, her gaze intent. Robert, you carry a rare treasure in your Aetherium Core. It's more than a power reserve, it's a conduit between you and Albion's magic. But like any bridge, it must be used wisely.
I glanced down, imagining the gem's faint glow. I used it to replenish mana during the grub fight. If I hadn't, I trailed off, the memory of that desperation vivid.
Moira nodded knowingly. It saved you. It will again, when needed. But its M-Power is finite, and it comes at a cost. Using it for survival sacrifices its potential to enhance your growth.
Her words gave me pause, recalling the times I'd gambled with the crystal's reserves. How do I use it properly? I asked.
She leaned back, her hand resting in her lap. The crystal holds M-Power earned through effort, battles, clever magic, victories. You can spend it for immediate survival, as you did, or to enhance your abilities over time. Balance is key.
She gestured to the air, and shimmering glyphs appeared, floating like glowing runes. They depicted spells, stamina, agility, strength, each surrounded by swirling energy threads. This is your potential, Robert. Each glyph represents an aspect of you. With the crystal, you can invest M-Power to shape the mage you'll become.
I reached out, brushing the glyph for fire magic. The thread flared warmly. So I can strengthen spells or physical traits?
Exactly, Moira said, smiling. Your elemental mastery grows with use, but the crystal accelerates it, refining skills or unlocking new ones.
Her tone softened. Imagine boosting stamina for longer battles, agility for wind-like speed, or mana for stronger spells. Choose wisely, spent M-Power can't be reclaimed.
What about Light Magic? I asked, eyeing its glyph, a recent exploration.
Moira's eyes brightened. Your healing spells advanced to a higher tier in that fight, potent and focused. Light is restoration, truth, protection. With investment, you could craft shields to repel attacks or strikes to cut through darkness.
Her voice turned serious. But Light has a counterpart, Dark Magic. Opposites that balance. Light restores, Dark destroys. It's not evil, but dangerous. Wield it responsibly, understanding its purpose.
I frowned, unease creeping in. Destruction and corruption, when would those suit me?
Moira cupped my cheek, her touch warm. Think of healers destroying bacteria, corrupting cancer to save lives. Dark Magic is a tool, its morality in your intent.
Her words eased my doubts. I'll consider it. For now, I'll build on what I know.
Moira's smile returned, radiant. Wise, my vessel. Let's start.
The glyphs aligned into rows. Choose where to invest your M-Power. Your trials have filled the crystal's reserves. Strengthen yourself, Albion needs you at its best.
Moira leaned forward, her eyes warm. You've proven your worth, Robert. Let me gift you something for your journey.
The breeze stilled as she extended her hand, palm glowing with radiant light. She touched my forehead, a pulse of warmth surging through me, invigorating my soul as if a dam had burst, flooding me with energy.
Your mana is doubled, she explained, its flow matching its strength. This Blessing of Mana Mastery prepares you for what's ahead.
I felt the change, the air resonating differently. Moira, thank you. This will make all the difference.
She tilted her head, studying me. Something else weighs on you.
I nodded, running a hand through my hair. Yes. Since mastering the elements and tasting Light, I want to rewrite how my magic works.
Rewrite? she echoed, curiosity sparking.
I paced the temple's stone floor. I want every mage to shape magic to themselves. For me, Light should be the foundation, a starting point for every spell.
Why Light? she asked.
It feels natural, I replied, facing her. Light is my inner power, restoration, protection, enhancement. But I want it flexible, infused with elements for different effects. Light plus Fire could be a fireball or healing warmth, depending on intent.
Moira's smile widened. You're making magic an extension of your will. Rare insight.
Encouraged, I continued. Light plus Water for deeper healing. Light plus Earth for unyielding defense. Light plus Air for speed, housing Minor Haste. Intent guides the outcome, offensive or restorative, it's potential waiting to be tapped.
Moira clapped softly, admiration in her gaze. Ambitious, but it suits you. And Dark Magic?
I hesitated. Dark would balance Light. Where Light heals, Dark destroys. It's not evil, doctors destroy bacteria, corrupt cancer. Dark could poison enemies, conceal for protection, disrupt harm.
Her voice softened. A dangerous path, but with immense potential. Few attempt this balance.
It feels right, I said firmly. Light for healing and protection, Dark for offense and disruption. A tool, shaped by intent.
Moira leaned back, her hair catching the breeze, pride in her eyes. You surprise me, Robert. It's possible, brilliant even. But it demands discipline, focus, creativity.
I nodded, determination settling over me. I'm ready. I want to use this power as myself.
Moira extended her hand, a spark of golden light hovering. Hold tight, this will feel interesting.
The light of Albion streamed in as she gestured to my Aetherium Core, its pulse steady. It's time, she said softly. Use its power wisely. Balance is key, in magic and yourself.
I nodded, the grub fight's lessons fresh, magic saving me but my body lagging. I placed my hand over the crystal, its warmth seeping in. Let's fix this.
Focus on what you need, Moira instructed, voice firm yet soothing. Draw energy and strengthen what's weak.
I closed my eyes, centering myself. The crystal's power buzzed, a river feeding dry soil. I channeled it into physical stats, Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, recalling the battlefield's strain, clumsiness, exhaustion. Muscles grew denser, reflexes sharpened, endurance deepened.
Moira watched, pride in her eyes. Good. Now mind and spirit.
I shifted to Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, lessons, quick thinking, inspiration surging. Thoughts cleared, wisdom deepened, charisma eased tense moments.
The energy settled as I opened my eyes, flexing my hands. They felt stronger, capable.
Moira smiled. A true balance. How do you feel?
Like I could take on the world, I grinned. But more, whole.
That's magic's true gift, she said softly. Harmony within and without.
I glanced at the crystal, its pulse quieter. Power remains for what's next.
Moira nodded, serious. More trials await. Rest now. Let this balance settle.
I leaned against the temple wall, Albion's beauty stretching before me. The wind teased my hair, but my mind focused on the power within. I flexed my fingers, feeling strength, speed, clarity in harmony.
Alright, I murmured, as if addressing an unseen audience. Let's break this down for the number folks, just in case someone appreciates the math.
This direct address startled me, a memory unfolding. You're witnessing my past, like the young man saw the Warlock's. This moment, I speak to myself, aware others, students of history, might learn from it. Fear not, I won't claim your soul, unlike the Warlock. You're safe.
I grinned self-consciously. For those who hate numbers, zone out. For the curious: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma, all 18. Fortune, still 30, needing guidance to rise.
I breathed deep. Before: 270 HP, 270 Stamina, 540 Mana. Now, with crystal magic and Moira's blessing: 420 HP, 390 Stamina, 1084 Mana. Nice bump, huh?
I gazed at Albion's hills. Ironic, people fear math, but living these stats, feeling their weight, it's something else.
I closed my eyes, reconnecting to Albion intuitively, hand brushing the crystal. As for spells, I sighed, a small smile playing at my lips. That's a new adventure. No fixed list.
I straightened, glancing at my hands as a faint golden light flickered between my fingers. Now, I just focus on what I need to do, and the magic flows where I want it. Light as foundation, elements infused for intention, it's all about discovery. I've already tried a few combinations.
I extended a hand, and a tiny spark of fire spun to life, wrapped in a faint golden glow. Light and Fire, a cleansing warmth or a fiery strike, depending on what I need.
I waved my hand, the spark dissolving into mist as water droplets formed in the air. Light and Water, the healing goes deeper, feels stronger.
The droplets fell, pooling into a small, glowing barrier of golden earth at my feet. Light and Earth, unyielding defense. I inhaled deeply, releasing the spell with a satisfied exhale. This new system, it's limitless. Every spell, every effect, shaped by what I want to accomplish. Offensive, defensive, restorative, all just potential waiting to be tapped.
I stood and stretched, my gaze drawn toward the horizon where the sun bathed Albion in golden light. It's a lot to take in, but I can make it work. I have to.
More importantly, I need to wake up now.