Chapter 12: Space, Sand, and Spirits
Age 33
In a small clearing in a forest, surrounded by oak trees, a lone figure floated in a lotus position, hovering in the air above a lone patch of dirt, mumbling inaudibly under his breath while a small journal circled around him, recording his words.
Suddenly, having finished his internal musings the figure promptly jumped back onto the ground before muttering a few words in the ancient language. Immediately, the dirt upon which he stood seemed to ripple, turning into a dark red color. The rippling effect spread, as soil, grass, and even stones crumbled and turned into bright red sand which crept up to the roots of the trees.
In an instant, another ripple soon followed the first as the sand adopted a metallic sheen whilst it spread rapidly up the oak trees. Instead of falling apart and losing their shape, the now sand constructs seemed to solidify, blending seamlessly with the wood they rapidly consumed.
Finally, as the surrounding trees fully turned in metal sand constructs, a final ripple was emitted from the figure's feet, which immediately spread outwards towards the edge of the area turned into metallic sand. Different from the first two, the ripple carried a certain amount of heat, which seemed to flow amidst the iron particles, causing them to glow hot orange before eventually moving on. As it dissipated, instead of the once visible iron sand, the surrounding trees, grass, and rocks were now made of a smooth metallic material, which shone brightly in the sun.
Gazing upon the trees now completely made of solid metal, with silver leaves that jingled softly as they swayed gently in the wind, a small smirk appeared on my face. While I could already feel the repercussions of my stunt, as a significant dent appeared in my energy reserves, I was pleased with the result. It was the first time since my several months of practice that I was able to affect such a large area with my spell.
It had been already quite some time since I had taken an interest in transmutation, and the ability of magic to turn one material into the other. Before my studies and research with Tenga, while I was able to transmute one basic material or element to the other, I was limited by inexperience and lack of knowledge in the ancient language.
Nowadays, however, after memorizing and studying the many tomes and compendiums of the ancient language stowed away in Tenga's tower, my options and abilities increased dramatically. With several months of practice used to accustom myself to drain on my energy reserves and to formulate the most energy-efficient spell for the job, I was able to easily transmute objects or my surroundings from one material to the other, with increasing range and great detail.
Tenga was a genius. There is no denying that.
In his repertoire of knowledge, I found musings, ideas, and information on concepts and topics that were centuries ahead of the current level of technological and scientific development in Alagaësia. Unlike the elves or the dragons, who had only the most basic knowledge of atoms and subatomic particles, Tenga appeared to be a fish in the water when it came to such discussions. If not for my extensive studies in my past life, I would have been completely unable to wrap my head around anything the mad hermit often ranted about.
There was no doubt about it. Tenga was a deranged Albert Einstein. End of story.
Most importantly however was the fact that Tenga wrote all of his research on magic and his other musings down onto the scrolls and papers that cluttered his library. In the past few years, despite his many protests and displeased grumbling, I was able to form some order to his collection of knowledge, making it easier to find the information he or I required. In his compendiums, I found many fundamental words in the ancient language, such as the true names for particles such as atoms, energy, and other concepts such as space and time.
From my questions to Tenga I was able to glean how exactly such hidden and dangerous knowledge came into his possession. His answers, while vague and dismissive gave me crucial insight into my own discoveries. Tenga did not find the knowledge of the ancient language in some long-forgotten tome he once read in his youth. Nor was it from a mysterious mentor in the past.
Instead, Tenga was able to discover the words by fully understanding what exactly they embodied. Similar to the process of finding one's true name by fully understanding your own identity and impact on the world, Tenga discovered such fundamental words in the ancient language by sufficiently comprehending the concepts they described.
This was groundbreaking, as it not only confirmed my own theories on the subject but also verified that I myself could eventually discover the words in the ancient language for other important objects and concepts. With my scientific knowledge from my past life, it would be a trifle thing too, for example, find out the word in the ancient language for "sound", using my past understanding of the behavior of waves. This could be achieved without having the need to ever consult a previously written compendium of the ancient language held by the elves or another magic-user for such information.
It was unbelievable that the most dangerous knowledge in the world of Alagaësia was tucked away in a small tower, remaining oblivious to its many visitors. With such knowledge available on a daily basis, my own spell research and magical exploration experienced a significant boost in the past few years. Previously impossible spells which would allow me to manipulate the world down to its very building blocks were now available to me, with only my energy reserves to hold me down.
While the theoretical knowledge was there, it was the application and practical aspect of magic that now required practice. Knowledge of the words in the ancient language was not enough, as while I could create the intended effect using a basic spell, I bore the risk of completely draining my energy reserves. Hence my current attempts to refine my spellcasting and create spells that were safe to use for my current energy reserves.
My attempts to transmute materials using magic were highly beneficial in that regard, as they not only developed my combat capabilities but also gave me the ability to manipulate the environment to my liking. The spells I used were simple enough to cast, given I had the necessary power for them.
The world, at the most basic level, was made out of atoms that in turn formed elements and mixtures. With sufficient knowledge in the ancient language, transmutation was in fact simply changing the composition of the particles of one substance to the other, altering their subatomic makeup.
For example, a poorly educated magician would without the necessary knowledge simply will for wood to turn into iron, casting an extremely imprecise and taxing spell.
I on the other hand cast a slightly different, more complex, but incredibly more powerful spell, which would instead use my will and magical energy to instead directly add or change the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons of the atoms in a substance. Forcing my spell to target the most basic building blocks as a whole, I had a vastly more precise and accurate method of transmutation.
I would not only be able to change the state of the element, from a solid to a gas or a liquid but also alter the percentage of the different elements in a material. With the practice I had acquired over the past few months, I could make a spoon turn from iron to gold simply by changing electron, proton, and neutron numbers. Furthermore, I could make change the properties of materials, from heat resistant to brittle, from good electrical conductors to magnetic.
It was exhilarating, warping, and changing the world around me. Constant practice and refinement of my technique and wording of my spells allowed me to use several steps to directly alter my surroundings. Most importantly, as I discovered in my studies, transmutation often involved several steps, some of which it was best to achieve independently so as to conserve energy.
Instead of directly, for example, changing the surrounding meadow to iron for example in one go, I first deconstructed the carbon formations and organic material, breaking down grass and soil into a basic sand-like appearance. A change in color from brown to red was purely cosmetic. Having altered my environment to sand made of a multitude of different elements at different percentages, held in place so as to not their initial shape with magic, I then altered the atoms to change the different organic elements to inorganic iron. Finally, with a bit of heat, I manipulated the now iron sand, creating a smooth metallic solid.
All of these steps could be achieved in a matter of several seconds, visualized by ripples on the ground indicating visually the work of my magic. Each step had different energy requirements and was pronounced separately. Formulated to be as efficient as possible so as to be able to affect a larger area with the same energy requirement, I would in an emergency be able to terminate the spell at each different stage, in the case where the complete transmutation was unknowing to taxing for me to complete.
It was alchemy at its finest, requiring a few phrases in the ancient language for wonders to appear in the world. While I was yet uncomfortable with using wordless magic for such complex feats, eventually the need for sentences in the ancient language could be bypassed. My spells were already several steps ahead of the arduous and taxing song-length incantations most elves would use for such complex endeavors.
Coincidentally, if I was able to turn one material into another, what was stopping me from converting one type of energy to the next?
Unlimited power was no longer a farfetched dream and goal I once had.
It would not be long now. A few decades of research and my energy reserve problem and limitations will be solved for good.
Satisfied with my results for today, I began making my way back towards the river at the base of the hill where Tenga's tower was located. Of course, this was not before melting all the iron and forming a mass that I then buried into the ground, to be used for another day. With another whispered spell, I reformed the clearing to its previous state, prompting the nearby grass and trees to cover the barren land.
It would be foolish to let another wanderer suspect something is amiss upon stumbling on this area.
With my paranoia satisfied, I increased my pace, spreading my senses to discover a deer drinking from the stream. The hunt was on, for the animal would serve as a suitable meal to replenish my energy. With another whispered incantation, Niernen appeared and began floating in the air next to me, glinting eerily in the small amounts of light that penetrated the forest canopy.
Similar to my sword, having sufficiently practiced and developed my hand-to-hand mastery of spear fighting over the past years, I now used my telekinetic control to wield the spear, allowing it to accelerate to previously unseen speeds and attack with deadly precision.
Whereas once I would carry the spear on my back, concealing it with an illusion, I now had access to my own personal inventory where I held most of my belongings. One of the first spells I researched and questioned Tenga upon, the spell used by Eragon to carry the Eldunari after his trip to Vroengard was a must-have for my future adventures.
Whilst difficult to cast and understand, the spell was a blessing in disguise ridding me of any weight or burdens that would hinder my movement during my travels. It was also an ideal method to conceal the more dangerous and unique objects I carried with me, especially with my inability to access my sanctuary and the vault I had inside.
As it turns out, the riders did indeed once learn this spell from Tenga, after a lucky elf stumbled upon his home and gleaned some of his secrets, many years ago. Tenga never forgave the elven rider for once fooling him, as it remained a sore subject till this very day. At least I finally understood why he constantly called the elves a "tricky" race.
The spell or incantation was complex like no other. In fact, it was without a doubt the most convoluted and abstract use of magic I had yet to encounter. No wonder only the most insightful and wise minds would be able to even understand a glimmer of how it goes about achieving its purpose. With some time and effort, as well as multiple connections to knowledge from my past life I eventually managed to break it down.
Simply put, the spell was a cheat. Instead of making something more or less reasonable, like an invisible backpack, or magically compressing the items I wished to carry, it instead directly manipulated the perceived plane of space and time. Well, not time but space most definitely.
With major simplifications and the removal of many mathematical equations, the concept itself can be watered down to a simple idea. Einstein proposed the idea of all objects existing on a so-called space-time plane, or in the space-time continuum. An imaginary blanket of sorts, like a universe-wide chess field of small squares depicting distance.
Most importantly however was the fact that this blanket could bend and fold, symbolizing perceivable and imperceivable changes in the space-time field of the universe. The most basic rule of this blanket was that the larger the mass of the object, the greater the effect it had on distorting space-time. Incredibly dense black holes would be the ideal example of this phenomenon, where the space around them would bend and the very time appears to slow the closer one got to them.
Seems perfectly reasonable and more or less explainable right?
Tenga's spell threw all these understandings out the window.
I would not be surprised if Einstein broke into tears upon hearing of the bullshittery the incantation achieved with a few simple magic words. The space inventory spell had one purpose. Take the very fabric of space, bend it, and wrap it around the object you wish to conceal, creating an extremely small miniature dimension that exists superimposed onto the existing space-time plane.
Ignoring not only the impossible amount of energy that would be required to achieve this, which for some reason, the spell also does not even seem to take into account, Tenga actually managed to grasp the concept of space, fucking space, turn it into a blanket, and then use it as material for his portable backpack, accessible and defined by an extremely small, miniature black dot which could rip anything it touches apart!
I mean, come on! How does this even fucking work?
I am so done with this overpowered and honestly bullshit magic!
Deep breaths Vidar, deep breaths. Inhale and exhale. Phew, that's a bit better.
Seems I managed to go on a small rant.
Disregarding the completely 'normal' and 'scientifically sound' applications of magic used by the mad hermit, the basis of the spell opened many doors to directly manipulate the fundamental forces of the universe. With sufficient practice and mastery, aspects of the creation of the spell can be used to create literal wormholes, teleport, and manipulate the very fabric of the cosmos.
So many possibilities all requiring time to work upon. Time, I do not always have. Guess they'll have to wait for a few decades more. For the moment I will have to contend myself with my super cool invisible and most probably almost limitless new storage space. No more lugging around my equipment and stolen goods by the tons like your typical Skyrim player.
Endless rolls of cheese, here I come!
Did I ever mention that I just love magic?
Anyways, the deer is dead and ready for the taking. Time to make my way back to the tower. Hopefully, Tenga decides to be creative for dinner instead of roasting the game like he always does.
Some stew would be nice. Or maybe I can teach him how to make a hamburger?
Well, deer burger really. Is that even a thing?
Probably not. Let's give it a try.
Age 35
Time flew by quickly, especially when you immerse yourself in magic and your studies. It would seem that not so long ago I and Kratch first arrived at the mad hermit's tower, searching for something more. Tenga gave it to us willingly, though not without a side course of madness and pinch of insanity.
Like many of my days spent at this repository of knowledge, I found myself outside at the banks of the stream at the foot of the hill, practicing once again something that caught my interest. For some time, I had debated over what area of magic I wished to delve further in. Should I continue experimenting with elemental spells, or maybe transmutation? What about necromancy, that would definitely be something every fiction reader ever wanted to try out?
In the end, I settled on sorcery. No, not the arcane-type spells that you would expect to find in World of Warcraft. Sorcery in the land of Alagaësia was a much more difficult, dangerous, and risky area of expertise that few magic-users rarely delved in. The risk of losing your identity and your soul is quite the turn away.
On the other hand, a capable and powerful sorcerer had access and control over one of the most, if not most powerful races in the land, spirits. Mysterious multicolored orbs of light that seemed to be made of pure magical energy, able to do wonders at their own will.
Commonly passive and neutral entities, spirits are a fickle thing to control, requiring plenty of magical power and caution to effectively manage. When exerted and subverted, especially when confined in a physical space, however, spirits become the worst nightmare of any magical user, desperately trying to break free and escape, despising any lack of freedom from their part.
Shades or spirits confined in a physical body are one of the most powerful and dangerous beings that roam the land, able to wreak havoc as the spirits exert their own revenge on others, stewing in their hatred. Inability to properly control the spirit a sorcerer summoned would find themselves lacking any of their past morals and control over their body, as the spirits now inside of them control their body like a puppet with strings, powered by the enormous magical energy of the spirits inside.
While I was interested in the power residing within a shade, I had not a hint of desire to become a servant or puppet. Thankfully, it would seem that Tenga himself was also a competent sorcerer, though rarely ever using this branch of magic. With some insightful conversations and eventual vague mentoring, the old hermit effectively gave the foundation I needed in the art of sorcery, warning me to not 'turn myself into a nasty being' less I become unable to help him in his garden.
With his teachings in place, and multiple precautions initiated, I began practicing the art of sorcery, beginning by summoning the faintest of spirits, which for the moment appeared as small as a pea. I was not Icarus, willing to fly too close to the sun, fully knowing the danger of the deep below me.
It was how I found myself on the riverbank, a safe distance away from the hermit's tower, practicing and refining my experience and ability as a sorcerer. It would seem that my training for the first time in many days attracted the attention of Kratch who for the most part stayed inside the tower or in the woods, hunting and playing with small game.
I was sweating with exhaustion and concentration, as yet again a minuscule orb of light dispelled in the air, trying in vain to ignore the floating cat next to me. Kratch seemed to take fun in my struggles, contently sharpening his claws against a tree trunk beside me.
"Do you have nothing better do Kratch, perhaps that catch that juicy mouse I sense scrambling in that grass a few meters away?" I asked, breaking away from my focus.
"Too boring and easy to catch. I find it much more amusing to see you try not to get too far in your newfound area of interest. Watching you squirm is so amusing!" he replied, not breaking away from his activity.
"One-day Kratch, I will master how to control these entities. Imagine countless spirits at my command, providing me with heaps of magical energy. It would take a- "
"A miracle. It would take a miracle for you to not lose yourself like so many others before you. Do you really think you are the first to try succeeding in this honestly, completely mad endeavor? I know insanity has no limits but really?"
"Even miracles take a little time Kratch. All magic comes with a price, but every price can be bartered upon. Why don't you instead give me some food for the mind? You are my companion are you not? Maybe a tune you made or something like that?"
"Am I a joke to you? Who do you take me for, a bard, or maybe a traveling minstrel? I am a cat, and cats do not sing, nor do we play music. And I will not give you riddles, I remember what happened last time" he exclaimed, meowing in indignation at my suggestion.
"What about a poem? You must have heard many since your travels through the land. Come on, there must be one you have kept in that head of yours." I continued my pestering, trying to lighten up the mood and escape an awkward silence.
"I did hear one, though you might not like it. I do have an incredibly unique sense of humor" he finally relented with a sigh, as his Cheshire smile turned coy and grew in size.
"Out with it, I want to hear this amazing poem of yours. I really do hate the feeling of suspense that you constantly bring around. How bad can this poem of yours be?" I joked, eager to hear what my companion had to say.
"The roses have wilted. The violets are dead." Kratch began, twirling in the air.
"Well, that's not as bad a start as I expected it to be. A bit somber thou-" I began, breaking off completely when I heard Kratch's next words.
"The demons run circles, round and round in my head." Kratch finished and doing a mock bow with his head. He stared with his unnerving eyes right at me, waiting for something, maybe applause.
"That's a bit dark Kratch, if not representative of your personality. I was hoping to lighten the mood though, not bring it further down. How about a poem about the river next to us, that can't be that bad right?" I sighed, looking at him with mock surprise and indignation.
"Well excuse me, an artist's work is certainly not loved by everyone. I was hoping for at least the slightest amount of appreciation thought. I do indeed though have one about the river however. It's original, I just made it up. Want to hear it?"
"Go on, nothing can be as worse as your last one." I prompted, waiting for this 'original' poem from Kratch the mad.
"I went down to the river. I sat down on the bank" Kratch exclaimed, floating circles in the air.
"Much better, I knew you had it in y- "I congratulated, before once again breaking off with his next few words"
"I tried to think but couldn't. So, I jumped in and sank." Kratch finished with a flourish.
"That was even darker than the first one. You're as bad at poems as at posing riddles" I deadpanned, returning his interrogative stare.
"Humph. An uncultured fool, that's what you are. Unable to see genius and brilliance when it stares right at you" he mumbled, turning away, and disappearing in a shadow, only to reappear on top of a tree branch not far away.
"Oh, don't get your tail in a twist about it Kratch, I was only joking. Your poems are as deep and dark as the shadows surrounding us. No need to sulk about it. Let's go back, I finished my practice for today and Tenga can be an impatient host" I replied, packing up and beginning to walk up the hill back to the tower.
"I suppose that you not everyone can really understand the depth of my brilliance. Off we go then! I can't wait to feast on the liver I had for breakfast."
"You ate it all already Kratch, there's nothing left."
"Nonsense, I certainly left something for later, I am sure of it!"
"You didn't."
"I certainly did."
"Didn't."
"Did!"
"Didn't!"
"D-. You know what it doesn't matter. Il find something to eat anyways!"
"Make sure not to get too fat that you become unable to float, you glutton."
"Excuse me? How dare-"
And so, we continued our journey back to the tower, quarreling, debating, and joking all the way there. It was nice to have someone to banter with, I had almost forgotten the feeling in my past years of solitude. The months were passing quicker than ever, but I was not perturbed
After all, time flies when you're having fun.
Authors Note:
"Guess who's back? Back again. Vidar's back. Tell a friend"- An excited Author.
Finally, I have posted a chapter. I am extremely sorry for the enormous break in between my uploads.
Many of you readers must have gotten a scare that this fic would be dropped. Not to worry, that will not happen.
I had this and I had that, and then this, and even more of that, and in the end, I got distracted.
Had this chapter half done for some time but was too busy or lazy to work.
I am getting better though. Easing myself back into writing the story. Uploads will hopefully pick up again.
Once again, sorry for the delay. Get ready for some action though, the story is back and the train continues to roll.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter, as progress continues onwards. Magic is truly fascinating, is it not?
Please comment and review, those are always greatly appreciated.
Cheers and have a great day.