Video Recording #00004062 - M. Thyme Red Magic Demonstration

07-02-2020 14:32

Interviewer: Doctor Fred Watson Jr.
Subject: Mezil Thyme
Profession: Undisclosed, though proclaimed a mage of sorts.
Dimension ID: UT2-69-GQ7-0

The camera focused on a greyed elder in a black tailcoat, sitting on a folding chair. He kept his black cane grounded and straight before him.

A scientist said: "Mister Thyme, we're online."

"Thank you, Doctor Watson."

"So, um, you negotiated for a week's expenses for demonstrating your specific magic?"

"Correct," the man replied, stern and formal.

"That's not a problem, sir. But… you were quite insistent that it's something valuable for our study."

Mezil responded, "From what I understood, magic in this world functioned in quite a different manner. Determination in particular. Nothing more than just the will to keep the body and soul connected."

"Yep," Fred nodded. "It's what allowed humanity to survive whatever the environment throws at us. De-Termination, as we call it around here. Is it different in your realm?"

"Hmph," the elder huffed. "What you describe are just the bare minimum. Mere survival. True power goes beyond scurrying for scrapes."

Mezil got up from the chair. He walked around the room, all the while keeping his sight on the scientist.

"The Red Magic I command possesses a general duality to their properties: 'Time' and 'Life'. Both of these are rooted in authority. Some cultures may even call it the willpower of the gods. They are right to an extent."

"Watch me."

The elder snapped his finger. He teleported a few steps back. And then he teleport-blinked around until he's back on his seat.

Astonished, Fred exclaimed: "Whoa! You can teleport with only Determination?!"

"It may be called a 'teleport'," Mezil replied, "But it's not free-directional."

"Did you imagine a 'pattern' then?"

"Hm? No. I anchored specific points of my path with a hidden Mark. It would be more accurate to say that I jumped to my previous locations. Once the path was reversed, I cannot return to that location anymore."

Mezil snapped his fingers. Nothing happened, proving his point. "That's one angle of the 'time' aspect. With some planning, one could also choose to anchor their locations on a projectile or a thrown object."

"The rest of my 'time' abilities… they're not demonstrable. Your camera won't register, even if such powers are accessible to begin with."

The scientist nodded in amazement. "I understand, sir. Many dimensional travellers report that they're out of reach of certain abilities. I must say that your methods remind me of video game 'save states'! Except, only by location."

"A reasonable comparison. Now. For the 'life' side. Would you volunteer yourself for science?"

"Uh, yes?"

Mezil beckoned the scientist to come closer. With his cane, he signalled Fred to sit down on the floor.

"Don't flail," so warned the elder, "Unless you want to experience double the terror."

"Excuse me?"

With only that brief warning, Mezil tapped his cane on the scientist's forehead.

"I impose my will to blind you for ten seconds."

The symbol of a red butterfly flashed bright. As described, the 'Mark' stayed on the victim's forehead.

Eyes widened, the poor volunteer started grabbing at nothing. "W-who turned off the lights?! I can't see! HELP!"

"It's just ten seconds. Stay calm."

Past the tenth second, the butterfly vanished. The scientist blinked a few times before he examined his hands: a sign that his sight returned.

With concern behind his politeness, the scientist asked: "Mister Thyme, what would you have done if I ran around in panic?"

Action speaks louder than words. The top of the cane tapped his chest, and another butterfly appeared.

One short grunt here. A long grunt there. No matter what, the scientist was still stuck in a seated position.

Mezil then said, "Your will desires your body to move, yet you can't. That's because my will overrides yours. My Mark prevents your brain from communicating new signals to your motor systems."

The elder mage dispelled his hold. Doctor Fred Watson Jr - the most unfortunate employee of the month - shuffled a few steps away from the caster.

"H-how is this possible?" the bloke muttered, "Isn't Red Magic just Communication Magic?"

It caught Mezil's attention. "Communication Magic, you say? Hmm. The danger exists, it seems. Let's finish the presentation for the conclusion. Have your colleagues prepared what I asked for?"

Fred turned towards the window of observers for a confirmation. Another colleague brought in a carrot on a plate.

Mezil raised a brow. "I expected an apple, but a carrot is a fine test subject too."

"Doctor Watson. From where I come from, matured Reds have a title: Living Victories. I am one of such."

"Peaceful Determination stills the heart. Corruptive Determination destroys life. Whenever a person emits serenity or killing intent, they're projecting their Determination in the form of an aura. When this aura is given a shape and purpose, it takes form as the 'Mark of Volition'. It is a unique symbol that reflects the caster's inner self."

"Curses in particular stem from Corruptive Determination. That is the factor that worries me much, especially if it might be the same in your world."

Mezil took the plate. He showed the carrot to both Fred and the aide. "A plant is the only acceptable object of demonstration for the worst of curses. Animals are just a step away from humans. Watch carefully. I won't do this twice."

Mezil's irises glowed red. "I impose my will to pronounce death."

His symbol enveloped the carrot. It began to shrivel. Dry. Blacken. Crumbled to dusty ash. They flowed between his fingers and onto the plate. No wonder he asked for a plate.

In a matter of seconds, a healthy carrot was reduced to practically nothing.

Mezil tried to hand the remains back to Fred… but the poor scientist showed no response. So, he gave it back to his colleague instead.

"Doctor Watson, it's interesting that you mentioned that your Red deals with Communication Magic. I suppose 'commanding' is a form of 'communication' as well."

"Can this world's Communication Magic go to such extremes within your universe? How much do words affect others? Does it depend on subtle and indirect methods, or can it override the lives of others?"

"Please inform your superiors to investigate. Otherwise, this secret might end up in the hands of some criminal scum. It's better to be prepared than to be ambushed."

"Now, if you'll excuse me," He bowed to the scientists. "My wife waits. Good day to you."

The mage then walked towards the exit on his own.