Nectar
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🕑 Added 2024-06-05 13:56:29 +0000 UTCChapter 21
The ornately carved doors of Ethan’s private meeting room shut behind Derrick just as Roland bowed to Ethan and left. “Greetings, my lord,” Derrick said. “It’s time for our first class.”
Derrick was a man with a salt-and-pepper beard that spoke of years spent in the unforgiving elements.
“Apologies for the delay, my lord,” Derrick said, inclining his head in a gesture of respect.
Ethan offered a curt nod. “No worries. Take a seat.”
Derrick settled into the plush chair opposite him, a sigh escaping his lips as he placed a leather satchel on the table. The silence stretched for a moment, then Ethan inquired, “What took you so long?”
“There were unforeseen delays gathering some of the prerequisites—acquiring some of the necessary components proved more time-consuming than anticipated.”
Ethan’s brow quirked slightly. “Components? Prerequisites? Care to elaborate?”
“Ah, that, my lord, is something you’ll have to wait and see. Part of the surprise.”
“Very well,” Ethan’s lips twitched in amusement. “I’ll trust your judgment.”
Derrick bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Rest assured, I haven’t taken it lightly.” He reached into the satchel slung across his shoulder and withdrew a small, nondescript pouch. It bulged with something soft and uneven. Placing it carefully on the table, he untied the leather cord that held it shut.
A pungent aroma filled the room, a strange mixture of damp earth, something metallic, and a hint of citrus. Ethan wrinkled his nose slightly.
“Moonfern spores, crushed wolfsbane…” Derrick murmured, carefully scooping out a pinch of a powdery substance with his calloused fingers. “And a dash of Nightshade, courtesy of that old crone up east. Nasty woman, but her price was fair.”
“Who?”
“Aye,” Derrick waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t mind my rambles. She’s an old friend.”
Ethan kept silent, watching with fascination as Derrick laid out the various ingredients on the table—a collection of roots twisted into different shapes, vials filled with shimmering liquids of an unnatural hue, and a smooth, obsidian pebble that pulsed faintly with an inner light.
“What is all this for?” Ethan asked.
“A ritual. And a potion. Patience, my lord, I will explain everything. It’s taken me quite some time and money to get all the components and ingredients. A bit of legwork. Some favors, too. Ones I’m going to have to return someday. Why do you think I did that? It’s because if I’ve taken a student, I’m going to do my best to teach him. Or her. So, some patience on your side would be appreciated.”
Ethan shrugged. “Thank you for going through the trouble, I suppose.”
“Aye, no need. No need.” Derrick waved his hand with a chuckle. “Anyhow. I see you have the [Mage] Class, already. However, I do not know your level of knowledge, yet. Tell me, my lord, what do you know about [Mages]?”
“Oh...” Ethan took a moment to collect his thoughts, scratching his chin with his brows furrowed. Need to act dumb. I know some stuff but I’m definitely lacking a huge chunk of knowledge, I need Derrick to think I’m some naïve clueless noble kid that just got a Class somehow. “Well, they’re, uh, magic users, obviously. They shoot fireballs and stuff, right?” He gestured vaguely with his hand, mimicking a throwing motion. Gosh I must look dumb. But the thing was, Ethan was genuinely clueless.
The book he’d gotten had given him general ideas about the world—he’d discovered that the world acted on LitRPG mechanics and it even had the screens and stuff, but Ethan had no clue what each Class’s specifics were... at all. So, right now, he’d decided to play it dumb—to act extremely naïve about the world so that Derrick would give an in-depth explanation.
After all, Ethan didn’t want to be arrogant and assume he knew everything—Ethan lacked knowledge Derrick might even consider ‘beneath a beginner’ level of knowledge. So, Ethan swallowed his pride, and acted dumb.
Sure enough, Derrick chuckled at his answer, a low rumbling sound that spiraled into a full-blown laugh. “That reminds me of my early days, haa, good ol’ days.” Shaking his head, he looked at Ethan. “Fireballs, aye, that’s one way to put it. Though, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. So, you know they use mana, but how do you think they… generate it?”
“I dunno, maybe they have like, a magic well inside them that fills up over time? Then they can unleash it as a spell?”
“A magic well? Interesting concept. There certainly is a source, a well of energy [Mages] tap into. But it’s not quite how they generate mana, is it? It’s where they store it, sure. But not generate.”
Ethan tapped his finger on the table. “Okay, so it’s like mana crystals. Like a battery? The mana well, I mean.”
Derrick stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Sort of, yes. And it’s not called a mana well, but a mana pool. But, I suppose, a mana well wouldn’t be a wrong descriptor either. Regardless, the mana well’s not the sole source.”
“Yeah, they can also use mana crystals.”
“Yes. However, there are mages who wouldn’t touch a crystal their entire lives. Think broader, Lord Theodore. What do you think fuels all of existence? What allows plants to grow, fires to burn?”
Ethan stopped, pondering. “Wait, are you saying magic is like… a natural force? Like gravity or wind?”
“An excellent leap, my lord! Magic—mana—is indeed a fundamental force that’s woven into the very fabric of reality. Along some other classes, [Mages] are simply those who can tap into it, manipulate it to their will. But that is, again, not how they generate mana, is it?”
Ethan leaned forward; his voice filled with curiosity. “So how do they do it? Do they need to learn special Skills, Spells? Chants or Incantations? Runes?”
Derrick grinned. “There’s some truth to that, yes. Regardless, generating mana is about understanding, about forming a Connection with this energy we call mana. It’s like breathing but for the soul. And the “air” the soul breathes is mana. You know how mana is generated—”
“Question.”
“—Oh, go on.”
“You said the soul breathes mana from somewhere, it’s not exactly generating mana, is it?”
“That is an excellent question, my lord. You see, the concept of ‘generating’ mana is a simplification. It’s more like... drawing upon a vast, limitless reservoir.” Derrick smiled bitterly. “No matter what the [Mages] throughout history may have tried, generating mana has proved to be impossible. We simply take it. But it has become sort of a norm to call it generating mana instead of taking it. Weird, I know.”
Ethan’s brows furrowed in thought. “A reservoir, huh? So, where exactly is this reservoir?”
“Everywhere and nowhere all at once, my lord. Mana permeates the very world around us, coursing through the earth, the wind, even the living things that inhabit it. It permeates everything, flows through all living things. Think of it like a vast ocean, and we, the mages, are merely vessels capable of dipping our cups into it. But at the same time, it does not permeate anything. It’s quite strange.”
So, it’s superimposed onto the world?
“So, [Mages] are basically like sponges, soaking up this mana?”
“Not quite. Sponges passively absorb water but cannot do so actively, but [Mages] can not only take it passively—albeit very inefficient in practice—they can also actively tap into the flow of mana. They learn to sense it, to understand its currents and eddies. It’s delicate, one that requires focus, discipline, and a deep connection to the world around them.”
Oooohhh. Shit. He’s talking about [Meditation], isn’t he? Better move it toward that direction and casually tell him I do meditation so he’s not surprised. I was wondering why [Meditation] lets you suck in mana, and where exactly that mana comes from. Coughing, Ethan tapped his chin. “Wait, a connection? How do you establish that connection? Is it some kind of meditation technique?”
Derrick nodded. “Not quite meditation, but close. To acquire [Meditation], [Mages] spend years honing their senses, learning to quiet their minds and perceive the subtle flow of mana—”
“Wait, wait, wait.” Ethan raised his hand, confused. “You said meditation two times, but I noticed some difference. What are you implying?”
Derrick appeared to be confused. “What do you mean, my lord? There’s a big different in meditation and [Meditation].”
“What?” Oh, wait. Ethan blinked, then stopped, focusing on [Myriad Tongues] for the first time since he’d arrived here. After some instinctual prodding around, he noticed that the translation was getting lost in there somewhere. So, there’s a difference in meditation and [Meditation] in their language.
Complex conversations will likely require further development of this skill.
So, this is a “complex” conversation according to the skill. Understandable. Given context, I can still understand it, but it’ll be best if I can level up [Myriad Tongue] somehow.
“Never mind, Derrick, I just needed to process it. Continue,” said Ethan.
Nodding, Derrick continued. “As I was saying, you would need to acquire [Meditation] to be able to “breathe” mana more efficiently.”
“I see. Regardless, if mana is everywhere, how do [Mages] actually use it? Do they just focus on it and, poof, fireball?”
Derrick chuckled again. “If only it were that simple, my lord. We take it from the world and cultivate it through [Meditation] for use. For [Mage]—the Class—using mana requires a conduit, a way to channel it and shape it into a desired effect. This is where runes come in. Runes are naturally forming abilities. Well, not abilities per se. They’re essentially a box of concepts. For example, a rune of fire would take you way more than just “fireball” if you know the theory and know what to do with it.”
“Question,” said Ethan, wanting to ask a thing he’d been thinking about.
“Go on, my lord.”
“Is it possible to create runes?”
“No.” Derrick denied, a serious expression on his face. “It is impossible. Outright heretical to even try. The history is for another day, my lord. However, just know that you should never try to dabble into something like that. It will only bring wrath upon you.”
Huh, woops. Sorry, already doing it. Succeeding, too.
“Regardless, each Rune has an accompanying skill which allows you to use the spells—spells, as in, the ones you create, or just simple unprocessed use of a rune. It uses your mana. The key is to be precise and efficient, to channel the mana with minimal waste.”
Ethan pondered this for a moment. “So, the more a mage understands the nature of mana and the specifics of a rune, the more efficiently they can cast spells?”
“Precisely, my lord! An experienced [Mage] can unleash a powerful spell with minimal effort, while a novice might struggle to produce even a flicker of light.”
“This sounds fascinating. I can’t wait to learn more. If I have mana and mana permeates everything. How do I actually, you know, reach into it and use it?”
“Excellent question! Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. There are two main aspects to consider: understanding and control. Understanding the nature of mana, its flow, its interaction with the world—that’s the foundation, and sadly it’s quite subjective. Control, on the other hand, is about channeling your will, directing that understanding to manipulate the mana and shape it into desired effects. This “control” is usually done through focuses such as wands.”
“So, how do I learn to understand it?”
“There are different approaches. Meditation, for instance, helps attune your senses to the flow of mana. Studying the works of accomplished [Mages] can also provide valuable insights, but that can make you more confused than anything. But perhaps the most crucial element is practice. The more you attempt to manipulate mana, even in small ways, the better you’ll grasp its nature.
“Control is a combination of focus and intent. Visualizing the desired effect, concentrating your will to shape the mana into the form needed for the spell. It takes practice, discipline, and a bit of…well, finesse. Imagine trying to mold water with your mind; it requires a delicate touch.”
“Sounds tricky,” Ethan admitted. So, “understanding” is being lost in translation, but it is some kinda enlightenment—which I’ve yet to have—and control is something that requires knowledge, which I do have and I’ve even used it when I changed fire’s temperature.
Derrick boomed with laughter. “Tricky, yes, but immensely rewarding! Now, before we delve deeper, let’s get you started with a simple exercise. It’ll help you sense the mana around you, a first step towards understanding.” Derrick gestured towards the strange collection of ingredients on the table—more specifically, a weird rock. “These components will help amplify the ambient mana, making it easier to detect. But remember, this is just the beginning. There’s a vast world of magic waiting to be explored, my lord.”
Ethan settled onto the cushion, mimicking Derrick’s posture. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, there was nothing but darkness. Then, a sensation tickled his awareness. It was subtle, a brush against his senses, like a cool breeze on a still day. Derrick had mentioned amplifying the mana, and Ethan focused on that feeling, trying to coax it closer. Hours bled into one another as he coaxed mana into himself.
Suddenly, a new sensation arose, a thrumming undercurrent beneath the swirling mana. It felt… different. Denser, almost… solid? Ethan latched onto it instinctively just as he realized due to [Magic Perception] and [Magic Sensitivity] that this was a denser form of mana—Derrick was doing something, likely with some of the ingredients he’d brought. The sensation intensified into a warm current flowing into him. It was exhilarating, a rush of pure energy. Like a drug. He felt it seep into his bones, his skin, his muscles, everything. It made him high. How strange. He sank deeper, focusing solely on absorbing this newfound bounty of mana, ignoring everything and anything around him.
Three hours ticked by. Finally, when his stomach rumbled in protest, he reluctantly opened his eyes. The room was bathed in the warm glow of something. He felt different, lighter somehow, and a strange sense of satisfaction hummed beneath his skin.
“Alright,” said Ethan, stretching. “I think I got [Meditation].”
Derrick, who had been patiently waiting, perked up. “Already? Let’s see then.” He held out a hand, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Derrick squinted at him, touched his chest where his core should be superimposed, then gasped.
“By the Founder! You acquired [Meditation] in but a day! That’s… rare.”
Ethan feigned surprise. “Wow, really? Shouldn’t it have taken me longer; like a few days.”
“Longer?” Derrick sputtered. “Most [Mages] take months, some even years to develop their senses enough to perceive mana to get the [Meditation] skill, let alone manipulate it! You did it in a day! You might just be a prodigy, my lord!”
Ethan winced internally. Fuck, it seems [Meditation], too, is lost in translation and it’s not just simple meditation but something more complex. But, a prodigy, huh? He certainly wasn’t about to disabuse Derrick of that notion. He’d intentionally revealed he had [Meditation] early because, well, he did want Derrick to think of him as a prodigy. He just hadn’t thought the average time was that long and what Ethan did would turn out to be too impressive. It would make Derrick teach him with everything due to the notion of teaching a potential prodigy which would bring the man recognition and respect. Ethan had laid all this quite well: dumb prodigy who doesn’t know everything so Derrick can tell him everything he might consider “basic” but also talented enough that Derrick wouldn’t hold back in any other front. However, it appeared that Ethan might’ve overdone it.
“Well,” he said modestly, “I do pick things up quickly.” Perfect. Now Derrick would be more inclined to teach him everything, unfiltered and in detail. After all, a prodigy deserves exceptional training, right? “Though, I have to admit, it is a bit tricky. All this… invisible energy… mana... it’s hard to take.” There. That should make him appear less monstrous.
Derrick beamed, latching onto the notion of the “prodigy” being bad at something. “Of course it is! But that’s the beauty of it, my lord! There’s so much to learn. The different types of mana, how to control it, how to channel it through runes… The possibilities are endless!”
Ethan nodded, a plan solidifying in his mind. He’d play the wide-eyed, eager student for a while. Derrick wouldn’t suspect a thing, and soon, all the [Mage’s] knowledge would be his.
After a long rant about how impressive Ethan was, and some fuzzy information regarding enlightenment, Derrick finally got to something good. “Becoming a [Mage] is much like choosing a profession. There’s training, practice, and a specific path to follow. But unlike most Classes, being a [Mage] requires something more, something fundamental.”
“What is it? What else is there?”
“The most important thing for a [Mage] is the Connection,” said Derrick, and Ethan perked up at the familiar term. Is it related to the Connection between my skills?
“A [Mage] needs to form a bond with a specific aspect of the magical energy, a celestial body most often. We call it a Constellation. And with that Connection, an [Affinity] with these Constellations, it allows [Mages] to tap into a specific type of magic and channel it through their will.”
Ethan’s mind raced. “So, a Mage who’s connected to, say, the Bear constellation can summon a bear or something?”
Derrick smiled faintly. “Not quite so literal, my lord. But also yes, summoning is possible, in a way. Regardless, the Connection grants you a deeper understanding, an attunement to a specific type of magic. Take fire, for example. A [Mage] connected to the Phoenix Constellation wouldn’t just throw balls of fire. They might manipulate heat itself, create scorching winds, or even ignite objects with a mere touch, might even resurrect. It’s another matter that the Phoenix Constellation rarely chooses people.”
Ethan leaned forward, intrigued. “So, it depends on how you interpret the Constellation’s power?”
“Exactly. It’s both art and knowledge. You need to understand the core essence of the Constellation and translate it into your own magical style. There’s a reason [Mages] are considered some of the most versatile spellcasters.”
“But how do you even Connect with a Constellation.”
“That, my lord, is what the ritual and potion are for. It’s a conduit, a bridge between your own magical potential and the power of the stars through a realm we call Aether. It’s a delicate process, and frankly, a bit dangerous, given there are... beings that do not like us invading the Aether Realm. That realm is quite enigmatic and not really understood. But with the right preparation, it can unlock incredible potential.”
Ethan’s gaze darted between the strange ingredients and Derrick. “So, I drink the potion, then… what? Stare at the stars until one winks at me?”
Derrick let out a hearty laugh. “Not quite so whimsical, my lord. The ritual helps open your mind and body to the celestial influence. It’s a grueling process, both physically and mentally. But if you persevere…”
Ethan felt a thrill course through him. Magic. Real magic. He’d been playing with wet sticks in a damn storm before. This was the real deal. It wasn’t just fireballs and water manipulation anymore.
“…then comes the most crucial part for any [Mage],” Derrick continued, his voice turning serious, “forming a [Familiar] of their Constellation. Which, as you’d said earlier, is like summoning, haha.”
AN: Welp, couldn't fit in one chapter.
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Comments
Kajek
Derrick appeared to be confused. “What do you mean, my lord? There’s a big different in meditation and [Meditation].” "Different" would be better as difference. I think, unless it's intentional.
lenkite
Would be nice knowing about Derrick's motivation. Why did he take Ethan as a student, given his public reputation.
Beeees!
Tftc!! I wonder if theres a industrial constelation. Robot familiar??
Nectar
That is a *great* analogy!
IdolTrust
Oh that is what the “light” is and constellation might be a wolf type like Lupus or Lupine. Maybe taking primordial energy of space/astral for travel and storage. So magic in this novel is like the source is a lake and the mage is a pump but the constellation is like a filter. Runes are like pipes. The runes are suppose to be fixed but I guess the MC would have the ability to tweak them or fuse them. I would hope for some layered runes or 3D runes. That can run different actions with one mana release.
LoneStar
(Grinning at Chase bouncing next to unopened presents)
Chase
2 post day? I NEED to see how this goes.
