Disclaimer: I do not own the Naturals in anyway . I do own Karliah , the name Blood Harvest , the research on vampires and werewolves , the Coven , Valor , and Undead Vampires , the Collector , and the story itself . I have several OCs and my own creatures that may appear in this story , if you want to use them that ' s fine , but please give credit.
Chapter 9 : Trials and Irregularities
Following Morning - Beginning Mages Practice Rooms
The next morning Chase went to the beginner ' s mages classroom to continue his second day of magic class for adult beginners . He had learned a little bit more from reading the required books , Basics of Magic and Variants of Magic for Beginners the night before , but he was ready for it to be explained better for him to understand .
" We ' ll go over the homework from last night first , and then move into the practice rooms for you to show us what magic you can already do . " Instructor Holden explained to them once all of the students were in their seats .
Instructor Holden first went over the Basics of Magic , explaining to them that while all of them were beginners that all mages including them had a magic level that was similar to the physical strength in one ' s body . All of them had a limit even as beginners , but that limit was different from one individual to the next and all limits could be strengthened overtime by continuing to use their magic more frequently which was similar to athletes and fighters working out and exercising their bodies . But , he warned them to not exceed too far over their limits or it could lead to detrimental problems for them as their bodies felt the strain of using too strong of magic for their levels as mages .
" It ' s one thing to exhaust yourselves while exercising the magical spells and powers you have within you that are at your level , like with exercising your body or doing work that maybe a little above your strength , you may show signs of being fatigue which isn ' t so bad and you will recover in a short amount of time . But , don ' t work with magic that ' s outside of your level and force your bodies to use such magic or you may find yourselves leading to dangerous and even deadly consequences , mages that are not careful do end up dead if they overdo it with their powers and spells . Just like an athlete can break bones , and tear muscles if they are not careful when exercising their physical bodies , mages can definitely do the same thing . " Instructor Holden explained to them .
Chase understood the athlete and fighting side of that explanation and it definitely put into perspective this new knowledge of his magical energy as well .
" Does our physical health affect our magical energy ? " One of the lycan students asked .
" Yes , physical health can affect our magic , as long as we are healthy and stay healthy our magic will be far more effective than when we are sick or injured . So , it ' s important that all of you learn to remain healthy physically , mentally , emotionally , and some in our world would say even spiritually . All of the different areas of bodies and beings must remain healthy and taken care of for everything to work in perfect harmony , this includes our magical energy as well as our endeavors that lay outside of magic . For some of you soon , you will get a new , basic spell of healing out of the restoration area of magic , this will help you heal on the basic level , those that already have one are quite lucky to have access to such spells to strengthen that area of your magical journey as it will keep your bodies in better sync , which will keep your magic strong and reliable . " Instructor Holden said .
" Restoration area of magic ? " Another student asked this one human .
" This will lead into what you read as far as Variants of Magic , but first let me explain to you that any magic that comes from items , clothes , or weapons do not draw on your magical energy unless they are an active , fighting power . Powers that enhanced vision , strength , or whatever you want will not drain your energy and does not lie within a power level , you can use them whenever you want without any real danger of depleting your energy . Powers that help you fight , a fire spell , an energy spell , will drain your energy and you should be careful when using them excessively , and dark items like Dark Priest ' s Staffs you should avoid touching altogether as they can corrupt and harm any individual . " Instructor Holden said .
Writing tools were scratching throughout the room that showed that the students were taking notes on what Instructor Holden was teaching and telling them . Chase was amazed at how much they had to learn about magic before they actually got to the using magic , he soon came to understand that learning fundamentals and understanding the hows and whys about magic was important to keep the user safe .
" Now , in your Variants of Magic for Beginners , book that you read yesterday , we will continue on how we break up different magic into groups known as schools of magic , in each of these schools you will notice that all of them are apart of the personal or artificial type of magic that comes from inside of an individual who casts the magic or uses enchanted items as aid in some way , and can be broken up into four of the variants in the way that we use such magic . Active variants of magic are not classified in the schools of magic as they seem to be random and can be stacked when multiple items are used , a vision spell for example lies in an area around enviromental magic , where vampire vision for example is something that vampires are born with while vision enhancement in items is enchanted into an item and used to help those who do not have such visional prowess within their beings . Occasionally , enchanted variants of magic will not be included within the schools of magic when the enchanted items enhances ones ability , but will be included when it allows a wearer of enchanted items to use magic powers tied to the items . " Instructor Holden explained as he revealed some stuff wrote on a blackboard behind him .
Chase looked at the seven things on the board that had the title Schools of Magic above the seven items and the seven listed in order with a description wrote out beside it that was similar to what he read in the Variants of Magic for Beginners book the previous night .
" If you don ' t have these recorded in your notes then please do so now , as these are the Seven Schools of Magic that you will learn about as class progresses , they are as follows : Restoration , Fortification , Conjuration , Alteration , Elemental Control , Illusion , and Psychic Arts . " Instuctor Holden told them .
Once again writing tools were scratching in notebooks as they copied what the Schools of Magic were and their descriptions as it was on the board that Instructor Holden wrote out for the class . As soon as the scratching stopped , Holden , erased what he had written on the board and then wrote out Restoration School of Magic on the board , before he started his lesson on restoration magic which was basically healing magic from physical wounds , poisons , curses and hexes , magical depletions , fatigue , and attribute deficiencies . He explained first how these different problems could affect one physically and cause their powers to become unstable , then he taught them how to fix such problems and what spells were best at their level to learn . Instructor Holden , once again told them that those who didn ' t have a basic healing spell in their arsenal that they would be getting one soon and those who had one would be demonstrating their use of such spells that they already had in their repertoire .
As Instuctor Holden was erasing the board and putting up Fortification and began explaining to them this spell that specialized in shields , wards , and barrier spells , Chase realize that he had two of these with the Shield spell from the Ancestor ' s Stone and the Illuminate spell that put a light barrier around him that pushed creatures of the dark , like the black dogs , away from him . Stevens began sensing someone around as he looked towards the door noticing that Lex had returned to the school before Chase looked back at the board and Instructor Holden as he explained the differences in shields , wards , and barrier spells . Wards were used to block magic only and different levels of wards blocked different levels of spells , while shields blocked physical objects from harming the individual , some shields were single while some spells came with a double shield which both could be used for different purposes as desired when one strengthened the shield , and their was the barrier spells that were infused with elemental energy that kept certain individuals who didn ' t like such elements from coming with in distance of the individual or anything else with a barrier around it .
" One of the strongest barriers around surrounds Arcania as we speak and keeps harmful creatures and problems from harming those here at the school , this barrier also provides heat for our human friends and some of the magical creatures that reside here who can ' t stand the cold . " Instructor Holden explained as Chase looked at Spark knowing that both of them had problems with the cold .
Conjuration went up on the board which was explained as a spell that allowed one to summon things from the other planes of existence to fight for them . Instructor Holden explained that this was the most dangerous school of magic as some powerful creatures could escape the control of the conjurer if they weren ' t careful or strong enough to handle the creatures they summoned . Holden explained that they could also use spells to manipulate creatures and animals to fight for them temporarily which could be both useful and harmful if the animal broke free of control .
" While it ' s not a band school of magic , it is one that mages should take care in using and has strict rules in order to not summon things that one shouldn ' t , and you all should note that summoning the dead or manipulating the dead is forbidden to all magic user as this is in the realm of Necromancy which is not an excepted form of magic within the council of humans , vampires , and lycans as a whole . " Instructor Holden made them understand before moving on .
Holden moved on from conjuration quicker than the others after explaining that they would be given a basic , conjure , spectral familiar spell from the conjuration school , as he put Alteration up on the board which was the altering of the physical world around them such as unlocking things through magic , putting up flesh style armor around one ' s self , draining of energies , and paralysis spells . Some of these spells could be quite powerful so the intructor warned them to be careful when using them as they could drain their energy rather quickly at the basic level of energy .
" Most beginners in alteration will prefer a basic , flesh spell or unlock spell , be careful with unlocking as some thieves tend to use them to prevent noticable lockpicking , but that unlock was also useful for those investigating crimes and exploring ruins where old locks were placed on things that needed to be searched by researchers and historians . " Holden explained that they would also be learning Oakflesh and Minor Unlock , soon , to help them strengthen their alteration magic .
" So , we will learn basic spells in all seven schools ? " One of the vampires asked .
" Yes , but only on the basic level , if you don ' t have such a spell , it will help you learn the different areas of magic while strengthening your magical levels . " Instructor Holden answered .
Elemental Control was the fifth School of Magic they had to learn which was the use of magic from nature to use as active fighting powers or as elemental traps that were used in forts and ruins to keep foes away from treasures and standing armies .
" Fire , earth , wind , water , ice , lightning , light , dark ; these are examples of elements that are used through history as active , fighting powers either by individual or by standing armies , this is the only School of Magic that doesn ' t have variant in the self casting variety of magic as you can cast these spells at distance and through touch , but you can ' t cast spells from this school on one ' s own self . Like the other Schools of Magic , you will get a basic version if you don ' t already have a spell you can use , and I would recommend that any of you who are exploring out in the wild , have at least one of these spells you can use for combat as it does help . " Holden said .
Chase realized that his Ignite spell was from this Elemental Control school , as Holden explained that they would get an elemental trap spell that was not the same as their other Elemental Control spell as it would benefit them to have a variety .
Illusion was six in order of the Schools of Magic , which was the manipulation of the physical world to meet the needs of the caster , the spells in this school include : muffle , cloaking , invisibility spells , spells that could calm , enrage , or cause fear in foes , whenever a mage could confuse a person ' s perception , confusing them to what was real and not real then that made the illusionist powerful in their use of this school of magic . Instructor Holden explained that some were uncomfortable by those who use Illusion magic , some even more so than those that used conjuration and elemental control as it was often unsettling to have your mind manipulated by what you perceive to be real from what isn ' t real .
" Muffle will be the basic spell you will learn in this school to start you off , but just like with the alteration school , many of the illusion spells are quite powerful especially when you get into the invisibility and cloaking spells , so be careful with what you use in this School of Magic as it can drain you rather quickly . " Instructor Holden told them .
The Psychic Arts was the last of the School of Magic that Instructor Holden went over with them , the seventh school of magic was anything used through the mind : telepathy , telekinesis , force spells , levitation , and teleporting , these were the spells most popularly used out of the last school of magic .
" You will get a force spell as a basic form of this School of Magic and a lift spell that would be able to move things to you from far away , these are the only basic spell in the Psychic Arts school , you will have to strengthen your abilities in this school like the others to be able to use more difficult spells on higher levels . " Instructor Holden said .
Chase used a force spell through the Force Power Stone in the wristband Tyson had given him which was presently on his left wrist to be used when he needed it .
" Alright , once all of you are done with the last notes , we will move into the practice rooms where you will show me what you can do already and receive the basic spells that you will use to strengthen your magical energy and levels , tonight you should read Schools of Magic vol. 1 , Magical Etiquette , and Forbidden Magic and take notes on it for us to go over in class tomorrow . " Instructor Holden said .
Soon the entire class went to the practice room , next door to the classroom , Chase noticed that a walkway was above what appeared to be a basketball court in his world , but was actually a practice area for mages to learn how to use their magic .
" You seem to be settling into class well , kid , " Lex said .
" Classes , this isn ' t the only class I ' m taking , " Chase said .
" I figured you would get there with how curious you are about Reverant next to Mundance , don ' t worry , it will serve you well while you are apart of this world , so , what are you taking besides the mage ' s course ? " Lex was curious about Chase ' s mind set on these classes .
" Basic Creatures and Plants , Basic History , Basic Survival , and a Combat Class , " Chase told them .
" Basic Creatures and Plants would aid you with caring for Spark , identifying creatures in the wilds when you come across them in the wild and knowing what plants are helpful and harmful while traveling . Basic History will expand on what you know about this world after what you were taught on our trip to the underground . And Basic Survival and Combat Classes will help you to survive out in the wilderness when you are away from civilization and need to deal with trouble . You are learning quickly how to handle things through the classes you are taking here at the school . " Lex said .
" Yes , I am , " Chase said .
" Alright class , we will begin with you showing me the different spells you use , don ' t worry about the amount of spells you know or how you use them right now . We will make adjustments as class goes on , now is just a chance for me to evaluate where you are and what you need to work on , also let me know if you have any enchanted items that you are using a spell from or that is enhancing your abilities as magical enhancements shouldn ' t be used right now . " Instructor Holden said .
" Should I have the Vision Power Stone on me ? " Chase asked Lex .
" It ' s fine , it doesn ' t enhance magic powers just physical attributes , so , it shouldn ' t be a problem , but let the instructor know just in case he has different instuctions for you . " Lex said as he went to leave .
" Where are you going ? " Chase asked .
" Over with them , " Lex pointed out Andy and Karliah with Dimitri , Lucas , and Tyson .
" Great , I have an audience , " Chase said .
" Don ' t worry , if any of them has magical powers then they started as beginners once , too , and were where you are now , Chase , " Lex said .
" How do I use Ignite ? " Chase asked .
" Fire burns best when used through passion , " Lex advised him in a sort of riddle allowing him to figure it out for himself .
" You are making me figure this out , " Chase said .
" You need to learn problem solving skills , kid , " Lex said going to the others .
Andy looked at Lex as he came over to the group .
" He ' s okay , " Lex said .
" Show and tell with his magical powers will be interesting , " Andy said .
" He ' ll be fine , " Archmagister Saladira walked in to watch the beginner ' s class show off their beginning spell .
Some of the adult beginners had maybe one or two spells , while some of them had more , a lot of them were tentative to show off their magic . Two of them , not including Chase , had item spells and some had to give up their enchanted items to keep their magical levels and energies at the basic level . After about seven of them had went it was finally Chase ' s turn to show off his own magic as Instructor Holden called him up , Stevens first informed the instructor that he had a Vision Power Stone , who told him that a physical attribute item was fine as long as it didn ' t enhance his magical powers .
" Alright , Chase , start with the first powers you received and then go through them , when you ' re done my assistant will take you over to the side so you can explain where you received such powers and to our mages who will give you the basic powers you need to use as practice . " Instructor Holden said .
" Yes sir , Instructor Holden , " Chase said as Spark moved down to one of the tables as Chase took position on the court .
Chase started off with the Shield power he received from the Ancestor ' s Stone which he knew was a double shield power , he pushed the first barrier as far as he could before letting it go back to him not even worrying about the second shield as he had yet to use it or figure out how to use it .
" His shield powers have gotten stronger with the first shield , but relatively nothing from the second shield ? " Lucas asked .
" He hasn ' t need it , yet , " Karliah said .
Stevens moved on to the second spell he learned which was the Force spell from the Force Power Stone , he used it to release energy from his fists knocking over the dummy target at the end of the room .
" That still works pretty much the same , " Tyson said .
Chase used the Illuminate spell he had recently picked up from Archmagister Saladira that he used against the black dogs while venturing to the underground with Lex ; he showed the barrier part of this spell and the ball of light he could cast in his hand to light his way in the dark .
" Well , he want have to worry about hitting his head on ruins anymore , " Dimitri said remembering their trip through the Ancestor ' s Stone Ruins .
" No , he ' s almost a beacon of light with that one , " Andy said .
" This will also help him keep the black dogs off of him when out in the wilds . " Lex said .
" Illuminate is a basic spell , but at the later end of that spectrum for those on a beginner ' s level . " Saladira said .
Chase saved the only spell he hadn ' t used for last , remembering what Lex said about burning passion , allowing the passion he used to wrestle to build up in him before he released the built up passion onto the second dummy at the end of the room causing Ignite to burn the dummy to a crisp .
" WOW ! " The group up on the walkway looked surprised at Chase .
" Well then , that Ignite fire spell really does work . " Lex said .
" He ' ll have more control over it as he continues through his studies in the different magic courses . " Saladira said .
" The other students are staring at him , " Andy said as they looked at the other beginning mages who looked at him and the dummy in shock at that much power .
" His Ignite spell came from the same vain as Illuminate , Saladira ? " Lex asked .
" Yes , meaning it ' s on the far end of the beginner ' s spectrum , too , " Saladira said .
" That ' s it , " Chase said as his hand smoked a little before the burning completely quit .
" Interesting , " Holden looked at the knocked over dummy and the burnt to a crisp dummy at the end of the practice room .
" Sir ? " Chase asked .
" Go on to my assistant , " Holden said as Stevens looked at him curiously before going to the instructor ' s assistant .
Chase explained where he had received all of his spells to the assistant ; his Shield spell from the Ancestor ' s Stone , Force from a Power Stone , and Illuminate and Ignite from the archmagister himself very recently as Spark wandered back up onto Stevens ' s shoulder .
" Alright go to the mages with the instructions to give you these spells . " Holden ' s assistant said giving him a paper with intructions for the mages .
Chase went over to the mages and gave them the paper which allowed them to give him the powers Minor Healing , Spectral Familiar , Oakflesh , Minor Unlock , Ice Trap , Muffle , and Lift as new spells and powers , before being instructed to go back up on the walkway . Stevens went up while looking at his companions and the archmagister wondering if he had done something wrong with the Ignite power that made everyone stare at him and seem to even have Instructor Holden concerned .
" Did I do something wrong , Spark ? " Chase asked the fizz .
" Whoo , " Spark looked just as curious and confused as he did as Stevens looked at his hand that the fire came out of , a little afraid of this new spell he had just used for the first time today .
" Maybe , I shouldn ' t have ... " Chase started as Lex put his hand on Stevens ' shoulder before stepping up next to him at the walkway .
" This is a beginner ' s class and you are just learning how to use your powers , so , don ' t freak out here . Most Elemental Control powers are a bit rocky at first , fire and lightning are chief among them as both can be quite dangerous if not used wisely . " Lex explained .
" Then I should have waited to use it ? " Chase asked .
" No , this was a show off your powers time , so , the instructor can help you learn to manage and control it better time . Ignite is still a beginner ' s spell , it ' s just at the far end of the beginner ' s level ; something a little lighter would have been known as Ember or Flame , both come before Ignite , but they wouldn ' t have helped against the black dogs if they had attacked us in the wilds . " Lex said .
" Okay , " Chase said .
" Chill out and wait to see what the instructor says , it may surprise you . " Lex said before going back up to the others .
Chase looked at Lex before looking back over the railing of the walkway at the rest of his classmates showing off their own magical powers . Soon , it was all over as they went back to the classroom with their powers showed off and new , basic spells in their arsenal to practice as they went through their studies in the days to come .
" Very good , all of you , your evaluation will be given to you before we end things here , but let me first tell you that all of your new spells we will go over together in class , as the only spells that you received that maybe different is your Elemental Control spells and your Spell Traps . " Instructor Holden said before dismissing them and asking Chase to stay behind so he could speak to him .
" Here we go , " Chase whispered to Spark .
" Chase , " Instructor Holden giving him his evaluation making Chase look through it seeing very well reviews until he got to the Ignite spell which he saw a big word , RECKLESS , making him sigh , realizing that he shouldn ' t have used the spell .
" Do you want me to come back , sir ? " Chase asked .
" Chase , you let a spell loose in the practice room that was dangerous for beginners , I ' m not sure if you should be allowed ... " Instructor Holden started before the archmagister cleared his throat .
" You will not let him go for one little mishap , Marcus , I gave him the Ignite spell , which is still in the beginner ' s level of magic to be able to deal with the black dogs outside after they attacked him a few nights ago while traveling here to Arcania along with Illuminate and he is a personal friend of the Vampire Prince with the ability to become the next leader of the Sanctified Knights . You will not fail or dismiss him from class simply because he is just learning how to control his magic , a lot of new students start out like that both adults and children , that ' s what the first evaluation is for , seeing where a student is at and how to help them adjust their abilities to what is safe to use . " Archmagister Saladira said .
" He scared some of the other students ? " Instructor Holden asked .
" If some of them are afraid of a little fire on a target dummy then they shouldn ' t be at Arcania to begin with , give him a second chance , " Saladira said as Lex came to the door .
" Very well , sir , you can come back , Chase , but don ' t use that spell again until we have properly gone over it and you ' ve learned to control it . You like the rest of your classmates need to record how you use the powers in order for us to help you adjust and practice these spells . " Instructor Holden said .
" I understand , sir , " Chase said .
" Go on , " Instructor Holden dismissing him .
Chase picked up his bags and left with Spark going towards the cafeteria as Lex caught up with him .
" Kid , " Lex said .
" Am I dangerous ? " Chase asked curious .
" No , just that one spell is bit out of control , it ' s normal for some students to have trouble with some spells , how much passion did you put into that by the way ? " Lex asked .
" Everything I had , " Chase said .
" That explains it , you will understand why Ignite was out of control when you use it in the next couple of classes , " Lex said .
" So ? " Chase asked .
" Wait until you understand how to use it and know that Instructer Holden can ' t do anything to you when you do get better control over it to demonstrate what you ' ve learned when you figure it out . " Lex said .
" So , he can ' t make me leave the class ? " Chase asked .
" Only the archmagister and the chief officers of magic can make you leave a class , and you haven ' t done anything to warrant you leaving the class . " Lex said .
" I understand , " Chase said before going to the cafeteria joining the others at the table with food for him and Spark .
" Interesting , " Lucas said .
" What is ? " Chase asked .
" You are stronger than we give you credit for , " Tyson said .
" What of it ? " Chase asked feeling people staring at him as he looked behind him at a few of the tables that had his classmates in the beginner ' s class .
" Chase ... " Tyson said .
" Forget it , " Chase left after he ate with his head hurting again .
" Whoo , " Spark looked at Andy .
" I don ' t know , come on , we ' ll catch up to him . " Andy said taking Spark with him and going after Chase who he found in their living quarter ' s with his head in his hands .
" I did something wrong , man , and I can ' t think straight , " Chase said .
" Yeah , you left someone behind , " Andy putting Spark on his shoulder .
" Sorry , Spark , I was upset , " Chase said .
" Hoo , " Spark said rubbing his head on Chase ' s shoulder .
" Now , let me see where the black dog bit you at , Chase . " Andy said .
Chase showed Andy the wounds from the black dog which was closing up rather well with not any real visible scarring .
" Okay , anything else troubling you ? " Andy asked .
" Yeah , I ' ve been having these bad headaches ever since I got back from the underground with Lex . " Chase said .
" Let ' s go and talk to him about this , when do you start that survival class and combat class ? " Andy asked as they left to go to the balcony where Lex studied .
" Tomorrow afternoon , " Chase said .
" Then we can deal with this today , " Andy said as they walked up to the balcony seeing Lex watching the black dogs outside .
" Can I help you ? " Lex asked .
" The headaches are getting worse , " Chase said making Lex look at him .
" It ' s understandable , " Lex said .
" Could it affect my magic ? " Chase asked .
" How bad is the pain ? " Lex asked .
" Horrible , like my whole head is being split open , " Chase said .
" Then it ' s possible that your Ignite was thrown off by it , hmm , I wonder if Alexandria is still around . " Lex said .
" I don ' t know , " Andy said .
" Chase , you should go to the infirmary and tell them what is going on and let them know that I have gone for Archmagister Saladira and Chief Officer Delmont to come help you . " Lex said leaving the balcony .
" Sure , " Chase said as he and Andy went to the infirmary telling the nurse what Lex said .
" Come in here , " The nurse said letting them into a private room .
" What ' s gonna happen ? " Andy asked .
" The archmagister and chief officer will come in and see what the magical irregularities are and give him a way to regulate the problem which should help him and his magical powers calm down . " The nurse said before leaving them in the room alone .
" Hoo ? " Spark worried .
" I will be okay , Spark , " Chase said .
Soon Lex came into the room with Archmagister Saladira and Chief Office Alexandria Delmont to see if they could help Chase with his problem .
" So , your ability to sense energies is giving you a problem ? " Saladira asked .
" Yes , headaches that feel like my head is splitting open , " Chase explained .
" Let ' s see , " Delmont said .
" What are you going to do to him ? " Andy asked as he and Lex moved away from Chase as Spark wandered onto Andy ' s shoulder .
" Scan his head and magical energy to see what the problem is , relax , Chase . " Delmont said getting the magic ready in her hands .
" Okay , " Chase said .
" Close your eyes and relax , " Delmont said .
Chase closed his eyes and calmed himself as Delmont used the magic from her hands to scan Stevens ' s head for the magical irregularity by almost massaging his scalp . Chase had to admit the process felt good as it seemed like she was massaging where it hurt the most until it was over .
" Alright , he definitely has some issues with the energy regulating itself and it could be from his magical level coming into him so fast and him not using it as quickly as he is getting it . " Delmont said .
" Meaning ? " Chase asked .
" It ' s just as dangerous to use too little magic as it is to use too much as it doesn ' t allow you to let off magic steam that builds up in your active and enviromental abilities like your ability to sense energies around you . " Archmagister Saladira explained to him .
" So , too much use drains the energy , while too little allows my magic level to become irregular . " Chase said .
" Yes , " Saladira said .
" How do I control it and deal with it besides using it ? " Chase asked .
" The main way is to use powers you know are safe and exercise that ability like your shield powers or force , also don ' t wear the Vision Power Stone unless you needed it . " Lex advised him .
" You can also go down to the hot springs and to the massage therapists , they will help you relax better and will help the magical irregularities through mages taught to massage and siphon excess energy from you . I will also send the alchemists word to provide you with special potions that will keep your magical energy regulated until you can control it and regulate it yourself with magical training and frequent use of your powers . " Alexandria explained .
" Then I will take whatever aid you can give me . " Chase said .
" I will let the alchemist know to deliver the potions to your living quarters , but you should go ahead to the springs and massage therapists right away , so , they can give you a schedule that works in your favor . " Saladira said .
" Very well , " Chase said .
" You will have to pay them at the end of the week at the alchemist ' s shop . " Alexandria said .
" I understand , " Chase said .
East Wing
Andy and Chase went back to the East Wing where a massage therapist was waiting on them outside of the door to the massage rooms .
" I take it , you ' re , Chase Stevens ? " The massage therapist asked .
" Yes , I was told you could help me with the magical irregularities , " Chase said .
" Officer Delmont sent word ahead for us to help you deal with the problem ailing you , before we begin with the massage and siphoning of your excess magical energy , it would be best for you to spend sometime soaking in the mineral spring . " The therapist said taking both Chase and Andy to the hot springs .
" Mineral springs instead of hot springs ? " Chase asked curiously as Andy and Spark got satisfied with the normal hot springs .
" The mineral springs are lined with quartz which relaxes your magical energy making it easier to syphon off . " The therapist explained .
" Like hot water with a normal massage ? " Chase asked .
" Very much like that , " The therapist said .
" So , what should I do ? " Chase asked looking at the mineral spring that was used for mages experiencing magical irregularities .
" Get in like you would with the hot spring , " The therapist said .
" Anything I need to put on while in the mineral spring ? " Chase asked .
" Not yet , the assistant will be out in a little while with some oils that will relax your body before taking you to get a massage first before the siphoning begins . The more your body is relaxed the easier the syphoning will be and more effective in calming down your ailments with your magical energy . " The therapist explained .
" Okay , " Chase said .
Not long after the conversation , Chase was in the mineral spring feeling his body relax and his headache from his ability to sense energy ease off , the hot water and minerals from the quartz was helping his problem . Stevens hoped these treatments would help his magic become stable enough to use around others without them becoming a danger to the people around him .
" Hoo , " Spark said .
" He ' s okay , " Andy said to Spark .
A lady who Chase took to be the therapist ' s assistant came out later to put the oils on Chase before letting him soak a little more .
" I will come and get you when it ' s time for the massage and syphoning , " The assistant said .
" Thank you , " Chase said before looking at Andy .
" Awe , look at him getting pampered , " Andy said .
" Yeah , maybe it will help get everything back to normal while I ' m still just starting out with this magic training , " Chase sighed looking out at the snow before looking at his hand that he used to unleash Ignite .
" Chase , you ' ll get the hang of it with the training , " Andy said .
" Thanks for the vote of confidence in me , bro , " Chase said .
" Don ' t mention it , partner , " Andy said as the massage therapist ' s assistant came back to get Chase .
" We ' re ready , " The assistant said to Chase .
" Are you going back up to the room or staying down here to wait on me ? " Chase asked Andy .
" Going back up , why ? " Andy asked .
" Take Spark and the Vision Power Stone with you , " Chase said putting the towel the assistant gave him around his waste before giving Andy the Vision Power Stone .
" Okay , " Andy said .
" Whoo ? " Spark asked .
" You can go up and take a nap while I get the excess magic syphoned off , there should be snacks up there for you too buddy , but don ' t eat them all , Spark . " Chase said .
" Hoo , " Spark smiled showing he understood .
" Put the power stone with the rest of my gear , " Chase said .
" Okay , " Andy agreed before Chase took the rest of his stuff with him to the massage rooms as he followed the assistant .
" Hoo , " Spark looked at Andy .
" Are you ready to go and rest ? " Andy asked the little fizz .
" Whoo , " Spark said .
Massage Room
Chase was now relaxed after the soak in the mineral spring designed to put his body and magical energy at ease as he stepped into a private area in the massage rooms laying his stuff to the side as the massage therapist from earlier stepped into the room with a guy beside her .
" Alright , are you ready to start with the body massage , " The therapist said as Chase looked at the man in the room .
" Yes , but first ? " Chase looked at the man with a questioning look .
" I ' m sorry , it ' s customary in Mundance to introduce yourself , where those in the service industry here in Reverent don ' t normally go to such lengths , I ' m Sister Carrie from the Order of Health Services where I trained in physical therapy for those needing relief from aches , pains , and stress , this here is one of the siphon specialists Darrin , he will be the one who drains off the excess magic that is causing you problems , and the other lady you met earlier is name Ragon , an assistant , " Sister Carrie said .
" Your assistant ? " Chase asked .
" No , your assistant , " Sister Carrie said .
" Uhm , I ' m a little confused ? " Chase asked .
" You are in training to become the next leader of the Sanctified Knights ? " Sister Carrie asked .
" Yes , " Chase said .
" Most Sanctified Knights , especially those who have trouble regulating their magic in the beginning of their journey get ' s an assistant to accompany them and care for their needs , that includes a personal therapist and siphoner . " Sister Carrie explained .
" Is this a forced position ? " Chase asked not wanting a slave or servant .
" No , it ' s voluntary and an honor to be chosen to care for one of the Sanctified Knights , " Sister Carrie said .
" I will speak to her after this , " Chase said .
" Alright , how about you stretch out on the table and relax , then I will start the massage as Darrin steps out until we move on to siphoning off your magical energy . " Sister Carrie said .
" Okay , " Chase said laying down on the massage table .
As Sister Carrie started the massage Chase soon felt his body relaxing even more than when he was in the mineral spring as his eyes closed let the feeling wash over him .
" That ' s it , Chase , you can rest if you need to during the massage , " Sister Carrie said .
He didn ' t need much encouragement as Chase allowed Sister Carrie to care for his body , finding the stress and tense muscles in his body ease off making him realize just how strained he had been since his adventures in Revenent .
" Mmmm , " Chase groaned as she worked over sore spots happy to have them eased up as Sister Carrie massaged the areas causing him trouble .
After she had given him a complete massage , she let him rest as she spoke to Darrin about the siphoning before both of them came back in the room .
" Chase , we need you on your back as it will be easier to siphon off the magic that way , " Darrin said .
" Okay , " Chase turning over making sure the towel covered him well .
" Everything will be okay , the only thing you should feel from this is similar to a scalp massage and no pain at all , " Darrin said .
" Nothing ? " Chase asked .
" Maybe a little bit of pressure relief as the excess energy drains , but nothing painful , " Darrin said .
" Okay , " Chase said as he relaxed on his back .
" We ' ve already looked over your schedule as far as classes and put the best dates and time for you to come back and continue the therapy . " Sister Carrie said .
" Thank you , " Chase said .
" Alright , I need you to close your eyes and relax your mind of everything causing you any amount of stress , " Darrin said .
Chase closed his eyes and took a deep breath letting go of everything within him , he soon felt magical energy like Officer Delmont used on him earlier . It felt good , just like earlier as if Darrin was massaging where it hurt the most before he felt pressure being alleviated causing his magical energy to stabilize .
" That ' s it , everything is going fine , your magical energy is stabilizing just like it should . " Darrin said as he continued to siphon off energy .
" What happens to the excess energy after it ' s drained off ? " Chase asked curiously .
" It ' s stored up for those who use too much of their magic or ends up with active effects through battling enemies with the ability to drain magic , having excess energy like this gives us quick access to help those individuals . " Sister Carrie explained .
" Good , then it will help someone in need , " Chase said .
" Yes , we have special individuals here that can mold the magical energy to match up with other individuals ' magical energy and put it into them to help with those who have too little energy . " Sister Carrie said .
" Mold ? " Chase asked .
" The energy we siphon from you has to be mold to another individuals ' energy type before it can be inserted into someone else to help them . " Sister Carrie explained a little bit better for Chase .
" Oh , " Chase said .
" Alright , you are done for today , that should give you some comfort until the next session as we can ' t drain off too much at a time , " Darrin said .
" So , you can only drain a little bit at a time , so , it won ' t deplete my magic energy ? " Chase asked .
" Yes , but we will step out while you get dressed , then we can explain everything to you once you are comfortable , " Darrin said as he and Sister Carrie stepped out to give Chase some privacy .
" Thank you , " Chase said , it didn ' t take him long to get dressed pulling on the wristband with the Force Power Stone last .
" Are you ready ? " Sister Carrie asked as she walked back in .
" Yes , I ' m ready , " Chase said putting his bag on his back .
" Here ' s your schedule for the times of your therapy on it , " Sister Carrie said as Chase noticed the treatments were two days a week .
" Two days a week ? " Chase asked .
" This will get your energy to a stable level as you are using it during your beginner ' s class as a mage , once you are using it more we will cut back on the days of therapy as you level out with your energy to where it ' s not a burden , " Sister Carrie said .
The two entered Sister Carrie ' s office where Derrin and Ragon were waiting on them so they could go over all of the concerns that Chase had .
" Okay , so , the therapy goes a little hard at first until I get this irregularity under control through my classes and magical levels growing , " Chase said .
" Yes , and if anything gets off balance inbetween time the potions that the alchemist will provide you and Ragon will help get everything back into balance . " Derrin explained .
" How ? " Chase asked .
" I went through the same Order of Health Service School that Sister Carrie and Derrin did , but I trained in the Assistant Courses after I discovered that I had the ability to become an Assistant , " Ragon said as she stepped forward .
" What is an Assistant ? " Chase asked noticing that she was vampire .
" We are mages and healers of a sort that have stood beside the Sanctified Knights in history as aid to their well being , care , and causes , as an Assistant I was trained in the Restoration and Fortification Magic , I am versed in combat and survival , I have an indepth skill of alchemy , and I can provide any other needs you may have in cooking , cleaning , and maintaining your welfare if you so desire such care , Sir Stevens . " Ragon said .
" Is this a voluntary position ? " Chase asked .
" Yes sir , taking the Assistant Course of Studies and becoming a Sanctified Knights ' s Assistant is a choice given to each individual of the Assistants , for one , some of us maybe already serving another and may wish to stay in the services of that individual and slavery is strictly forbidden to all of the councils within the alliance between humans , vampires , and lycans . So , all versions of service including the Assistants are on a voluntary bases , I chose to come to your aid as an Assistant , Sir Stevens , " Ragon said .
" Sir Stevens ? " Chase asked .
" That ' s how we are trained to address the Sanctified Knights , but if you wish for me to address you as something , by all means it ' s your choice , sir , " Ragon said .
" Please , it ' s Chase , I ' m not very formal and I ' m still trying to understand this Sanctified Knights stuff , Ragon , " Chase said .
" Very well , it will be as you wish , " Ragon did a respectful bow .
" Anything else I need to know before I leave ? " Chase asked Sister Carrie and Darrin .
" Yes , refrain from wearing any attribute altering Power Stones while not in combat , as these can make your magical energy get out of wack quicker than anything . " Darrin advised him .
" So , my Force Power Stone is fine , while my Vision Power Stone should only be used in combat , " Chase said .
" Yes , until your energy level can handle it , that would be best , " Sister Carrie said .
" Is that it ? " Chase asked .
" Yes , you may go now , " Sister Carrie said .
" Thank you , " Chase said leaving the massage rooms and East Wing with Ragon .
Living Quarters
Chase made it up to the living quarters to see Andy , Karliah , and Dimitri had company from Lex as he went to check on Spark who was finishing up a cinnamon cookie .
" You didn ' t eat up all of the snacks did you ? " Chase asked Spark .
" Uhhu , " Spark shook his head as Chase noticed the snack bag was still full of snacks .
" Good , " Chase rubbed the little fizz ' s head .
" Hoo , " Spark smiled climbing up on Chase ' s shoulder .
" Chase ? " Andy asked looking at Ragon .
" This is Ragon , " Chase said .
" You ' re an Assistant ? " Lex asked .
" Yes , " Ragon said making Karliah and Dimitri realize why Ragon was there .
" An Assistant ? " Andy asked .
" We voluntarily provide services for the Sanctified Knights such as regulating their magical energies , healing their wounds , making potions , and providing welfare care as the individual within our care needs . " Ragon said .
" Did you have an Assistant ? " Chase asked Lex .
" I could ' ve had one , but I didn ' t take mine as I had already met Timara by then and she hadn ' t become a familiar yet , so , she provided most of my needs of healing and regulating energy , everything else I learned to do myself . " Lex said .
" I ' m not here to be a burden or take away what Chase wants to do himself , just to help with what he does need such as his energy irregularities while inbetween treatments . " Ragon said .
" Can you fight ? " Andy worried about having to defend someone if they were added to the group .
" Yes , Assistants are well trained in combat before we leave the Order of Health Services School , " Ragon said .
" Order of Health Services School ? " Andy asked .
" After completing the Master ' s Restoration Course here at Arcania , mages have an option to go to the Order of Health Services to be trained in various areas of study , the Assistant ' s Course is one of those areas . " Lex explained .
" Hoo , " Spark looked at Ragon .
" I ' m only here to help your friend , so , don ' t worry , little fizz , I ' m not gonna take your place by his side , " Ragon said .
" Whoo , " Spark smiled rubbing his head on Chase ' s shoulder again .
" Alright , I need to go and give Archmagister Saladira an update , " Lex said leaving the living quarters .
" How did it go with the massage and siphoning ? " Andy asked .
" Went well , I feel relaxed and my head doesn ' t feel like it ' s about to split open from excessive energy , " Chase said grabbing the school books he pulled from the library to do his homework for the mage ' s class .
" Here is your Vision Stone , " Andy giving it to Chase .
" I will put it with my things , " Chase said stashing the Vision Power Stone with the rest of his stuff where it would be safe until he needed it .
" So , you are not going to wear it full time ? " Dimitri asked .
" I was advised not to since it adds extra energy to my magic level , Lex and Darrin , the siphon who helped me , said that I should leave the Vision Stone off while I ' m not in combat and keep the Force Stone on my person . " Chase said .
" Very well , " Andy said as a knock came at their door .
" Yes , " Karliah said .
" I have a delivery for a Chase Stevens from the alchemist and Instructor Holden , " A young man said .
" What is it ? " Chase asked .
" Don ' t know , I was just told to give these to you , " The courier said .
" Pay him a coin , " Karliah whispered in Chase ' s ear .
" Oh , I ' m sorry , I ' m still getting use to the ways of Reverent , " Chase said giving the man his pay for the delivery .
" No problem , sir , " The courier said before leaving back downstairs .
" Delivery service ? " Andy asked .
" Like your paperboy , except couriers do pretty much any delivery that a messenger bat or hawk doesn ' t do , like going on foot or by horse to make deliveries , " Karliah explained .
" Oh , " Andy said .
Chase looked at what the alchemist sent first , realizing that it was the potions that would help him maintain his energy level , a note was with the potions :
Dear Mr. Stevens ,
Only use these when you need them such as when your magical energy gets too high and please make sure you pay the alchemist at the end of the week for her work .
Alchemist Davenport
" So , the potions to help regulate my magic is here , but only to be used as need , " Chase said .
" That way it won ' t make your magic too low , Chase , sir , " Ragon said .
" Sounds simple enough , " Chase said .
" Sir ? " Andy asked amused .
" That ' s how knights are addressed , Honored Prince , " Ragon said .
" Interesting , " Andy said .
" Dear Prince Andy , " Chase teased .
" Oh brother , " Andy chuckled .
Chase checked the delivery from Instructor Holden seeing a notebook of some kind with the Seven Schools of Magic listed in different sections of the book and each one of the magic spells he knew ; the ones he had used like Shield , Force , Illuminate , and Ignite and the ones he had just received that day like Minor Healing , Spectral Familiar , Oakflesh , Minor Unlock , Ice Trap , Muffle , and Lift , and a note with it as well :
Chase ,
Archmagister Saladira and Officer Delmont have informed me of your magical irregularities this afternoon and I assure you that I still want you in my beginner ' s class here at Arcania , we will wait on furthering your Elemental Control until your energy level has reached a normal level and focus on the other spells for now in class together . You will notice that I have included a notebook with this delivery that has a section for each of the Seven Schools of Magic , with the different spells you have in your arsenal listed in the beginner ' s section of each of the Schools of Magic , where you got these spells , and how they were cast after you showed them off in class today , this will help you keep a written journal on your progress with each spell . Your new spells are listed as just received here at Arcania and your Force spell is listed as coming from a Power Stone , this is how each new spell you learn should be recorded in this journal , where it came , how you cast it , and your progress while learning how to use the spell . I will see you in class tomorrow .
Instructor Marcus Holden
" A spell journal is very useful for mages , Chase , " Dimitri said .
" Thank you , " Chase said .
" You ' ll be fine now that we know that your magic was thrown off by something that can be managed and as soon as it ' s under control and you learn to use those powers it will come in handy out there , " Karliah pointed out the window .
" Thanks for the kind words guys and I will work hard on this magical training , " Chase said as he began to work on his homework from the Schools of Magic vol. 1 , Magical Etiquette , and Forbidden Magic books taking notes in his normal notebook for his Beginner ' s Mages Class .
" Looks like another blizzard is on it ' s way , but we should be fine here within Arcania . " Karliah said .
" I wonder how the Hunter ' s Lodge is doing with the black dogs ? " Andy asked as he looked up from reading Desmond ' s Reports of the First Age , vol . 1 , the next book on his list from Jezelle .
" They should be fine with Shay and the Starlit Tribe helping , but they still had to divide the focus between black dogs and their normal hunting duties , " Karliah said .
" Yeah , " Andy said using his eyes to see through the wind and snow at some of the black dogs in a distance .
" At least , it ' s safe here with lit sconces , magic barrier , and mages , " Dimitri said .
" This warlock is gonna have a lot to answer for when we find him , " Chase said as Lucas and Tyson came up to the room .
" The kids are about to let out of class , so , we cleared out of the library to give them their chance to study , " Tyson said .
" And to rest from fatigue , " Lucas going on up to bed .
" He seems less tense , " Karliah said .
" Xander sent him a message that everything was fine at the estate and that he understood the mission Lucas is on , " Tyson said .
" So , he told the family ? " Karliah asked .
" Just Holly and Xander , " Tyson said .
" Uhm ? " Andy asked curious .
" Holly is over the estate while Lucas is away and Xander over their immediate family affairs , meaning the care of Lucas ' s home and the rest of his children , " Tyson said .
" Okay , " Andy said .
" Holly is the second oldest of our family , " Karliah said .
" That makes since and with you telling me that Xander is Lucas ' s oldest , " Andy said .
" Anyone else , hungry or I guess I should say thirsty ? " Chase asked .
" Hoo , " Spark said .
" Very thoughtful of you , Chase , " Andy teased .
" Hey , I offered , " Chase putting the books up from his homework before allowing Spark to wander up on his shoulder as Ragon followed him out .
" I could go for some blood right about now , " Andy said as he and Karliah followed Chase .
" I ' m still waiting on Jasmine , so , go ahead , " Dimitri said .
" Sure , " Karliah said .
