Chapter 5: Return to the Prime
"I take it you noticed my sense of humor?" the god avatar asked Magnus, giving him a sideways grin. "By summoning a fire giant. I thought something from your quest would fit nicely. And while it was also of fire and would have been an easy enough thing to do, I just didn't have the heart to summon a red dragon for you to fight. You are strong, but I am doubtful that you would have emerged from that battle unscathed."
Magnus said nothing. He knew that if a red dragon were called forth to fight him, he would have fought it, and most likely…won. True a red dragon is considered extremely dangerous, but its best weapon, its horrible searing flames would be useless. Magnus was far smaller, far faster, and in the extreme case that he was pinned down by the beast, he could have used his psionics to escape its clutches. It would have been a long fight indeed, but he was sure he would have emerged as the victor.
"But enough, I think with that display, you show that you are more than ready to proceed. When you are properly outfitted, then you shall be formidable indeed."
"Tell me," Magnus asked, "To create these weapons and such…what does one need?" Zigar thought, but shrugged.
"Nothing really. We have materials here, enough to forge incredible items. Of course, if one was to get an object of great power, yes…it could be combined with something to imbue it with more power. An artifact or a piece of some dominant creature. Is that what you meant?"
"It is. And do you have anything like that on hand here?"
"No. We have no need of things that powerful. What we forge is adequate enough. But it doesn't mean we won't. Why? Thinking of going out hunting?"
"Perhaps. Let me ask you…must I receive these weapons now? Or might I come back later, when I have the proper materials and components?" This must have tickled Zigar, for he let loose a laugh, echoing throughout the mighty hall.
"Interesting question…Most mortals that are offered things from this place take them at once, and don't even think about such things. Hmm…well now…I suppose you could now that I think about it. If you feel there is greater strength to be had through a part of some creature or relic, then yes, by all means, retrieve what you need, then return."
"If that is the case then, then I presume there is no time limit on that? For what I have in mind is an object of intense power and strength, however, even in my new form, I lack the might necessary to bring down my quarry. I think it would be best if I were to return to the Prime, so that I could begin my training. Only once I have grown stronger, will I be a match. I feel that I have much to learn about myself and my new abilities that I have yet to unlock before I take on such a challenge."
"A time limit? Hah ha ha, you are so amusing. Do you really expect that part of the offer to be retracted? But I must say, you've caught my interest. I wonder what it is you are thinking of? Ah well, I suppose you will return when you must. Very well, it will be as you wish. You desire to make yourself more formidable before you arm yourself accordingly. Most honorable. As they say, "The weapon does not make the man". But before you are off, I have one more little thing for you."
Zigar held up his hand, palm open, pointing it at Magnus. For a moment it flared a bright indigo, radiating off him and on to Magnus, covering him, before fading away.
"There. I have granted you the ability to personally change planes. In your mind are now the planar coordinates of the Elemental Plane of Fire. When you are ready to return, you will be able to transport here instantaneously. Consider this place a stronghold for you, as you, now being a Demi-god, are free to come at your leisure. Now then," the god stepped back, bowing, "You must excuse me. I'm sorry for not showing you the way out, but I still have to take care of the mess that those underling elemental avatars made on the Prime. No need to tell you though, as you experienced it first hand. I will see you again. Farewell Magnus."
And with a tremendous rush of flames, sinking away into mere ash, Zigar vanished, off to resume his never-ending task of being a critical piece of power on the Prime.
Magnus turned away, ready to warp. It was truly remarkable to watch him and his disposition of things. After everything that had happened to him that day, starting with the samurai fight, ending with becoming a Demi-god, he hadn't seemed all that interested, as if it was all merely a passing distraction for him, something for his amusement. He had received immortality and a great gift over the force of fire. In essence, he now could easily govern meager mortals on the Prime, being a tyrannical ruling fiend if he so chose, and yet he looked about as thrilled as a Xiao monk, who are renowned for being as stiff as Adamantite.
That would have been somewhat okay if that was on his exterior alone, being cool and calm about this, instead of leaping about like an idiot, but the same held true on the inside. He was as dead as one could get, emotionless; no joy, no anger, no nothing. One must remember though, as a psionicist, his discipline is similar to that of a monk. They must mediate, concentrate, and focus themselves and their power, else their training is all for naught. In his human subconscious, yes, Magnus was indeed pleased with this, but on the surface, and even in his waking consciousness, one would have starved to death searching for some trace of emotion.
In truth, he was rather eager to return. While the promise of weapons of earth-shattering power was quite alluring, Magnus knew that if he trained himself in every aspect of bodily, mentally, and magical means, he would be a force greater than any item. He knew this to be true, as he had witnessed on his travels and during his adventure, hidden abilities within others that showed incredible destructive capability.
Of course, he wasn't so blind as to know that power is not merely in the form of annihilation, as one could be amazingly mighty, but by all accounts be a weakling in battle. Such as someone who had the skill to raise the dead and to alter the world around them. Mages and priests, perfect examples of how weak-looking people can wield tremendous and somewhat terrifying power. It was this that Magnus wished to acquire.
The only thing was…he didn't know why he wanted to. Sure, power was great, being stronger than any force of evil was appealing, but what then? Ruling over the Prime would have undoubtedly be easy once he was finished with his personal enhancement. Truly, what mortal agency could stand in the way of an almighty Demi-God? But such ambitions did not appeal to him.
So…what? The answer lied deep inside. He had a feeling, a tingling sensation that was whispering to him, guiding and directing him. Instructing him. This sense was a part of his psionic subconscious, so it was sensitive to such matters of possible future events. If it told him that he must acquire power, then it was either a warning of dire things to come or something else entirely. Of what, he didn't know.
"Enough speculating," he said aloud, rolling his shoulders. "First I will return, then see if I can find Teriwyn and the others. I wonder if they too have gone through such a change." Ready to return to his own world, Magnus concentrated just as he had been instructed, picturing the Prime Material, a location that he knew very well.
Then, without warning or a sound, he was covered in a sapphire aura, that swelled over him like a tidal wave. And with a surge of cosmic energy, he was torn out of the very plane and hurtled through the planar conduits, to his destination. The trip lasted for but a moment, and ended with him being somewhat violently ejected from the warp, back onto solid ground. Ground fertile with grass and moist soil.
After the slight disorientation passed, he gazed around. He stood at a most familiar setting. Just outside the sprawling city of Vintaro, where he and his company had returned the sacred elemental artifacts, in order to destroy them, so such a fiendish plan may never be attempted again. And just as he had left it, the Githzerai airship, still tied down with ropes, humming with its interdimensional force, as well as gleaming in the sunlight. At once, he stretched forth his mind, to try and establish telepathic contact with his counterparts. He strained in all directions, but turned up nothing. He mused on what this could mean.
"They are not here," a familiar voice addressed him. While it was sounding from everywhere around him, it was only inside his mind, dimensional telepathic contact. Zigar was watching him from a distant place. "Nor will they come back here. The elemental gods have decreed that only one Demi-God is necessary to protect each plane. Your friends have been sent to other realms, where they will become situated and continue their own doings. Do not worry about their fate, as you must concentrate on your own world. But fear not…you may see them again. Once your strength is built up, you can travel to other planes with ease, and visit and join them in battle if you so chose. Just so long as you do not neglect your duty here. As I said, the power you now wield is to use as you see fit, so by all means. In the meanwhile, I figured I could give you a bit of assistance. I have placed several items that you might find useful on your ship, which by the way is now yours. You do know how to pilot the thing yes?"
"Yes I do, and by what do mean by…things? Details would be nice." The unseen god only laughed in return. "I will not spoil the surprise for you. Board your vessel and see! Take care, and good luck!" And with that, the presence of the fire god was gone, leaving Magnus by himself again. He stared up at the sky, shrugging his shoulders.
"I hate surprises." But just as he was instructed, he climbed aboard his ship, and stepped into the cockpit. Sitting in the chair was a Bag of Holding, an invaluable tool, as well as a few other equally useful things. A fine pair of scimitars, housed in black scabbards, complete with a sword belt.
Upon pulling one of the weapons free, the blade sang with the sweet resonance, giving off a strong heat, the metal polished and honed to a near invisible edge. It was clear, through his keen senses; Magnus knew that aside from the hotness of the metal, the steel itself was enchanted, strengthened and hardened to have more cutting power. Knowing that during his training he would most likely drawn into a fight, it would be handy to have a weapon or two.
Next was a sheet of parchment, neatly folded inside an envelope with half a dozen names on them. Written below each name, was the name of a country and a city. On the top of the page were the words, "Possible Tutors of the Mind, Magic and the Clergy".
"Seems like he is as eager as I to begin," Magnus commented aloud, "Whatever speeds up the process…" Next, draped over the back of the chair, was a coat, an overcoat, long and dangling, made of soft black leather. This too, though appearing to be a simple garment, was also radiating a sense of magic, giving it added abilities of protection. Fond of black, and finding the style of things to his taste, he slid it over his shoulders, the tails of the coat nearly reaching his boots.
And lastly, was another note. This one was a message. "There is a sizable amount of coin in the bag. Something you will unquestionably need. After all, currency is what makes the mortal world go round. Use it however you wish."
"Money…I don't know how much good it will do in my care, but I won't turn down a gift." Magnus tied the Bag of Holding onto his belt, and straightened. "Now," he sat in the chair, and went through the routine of firing up the airship's engines. "I won't need this thing for a while, so I'll need a place to park it. Perhaps I can get old man Queleven to keep an eye on it. This thing did cost us fifty thousand platinum after all. No sense in throwing it away. Then, I think I'll pop round to one of these names on the list, and see what I can learn."
With a course of action set, and his transportation now fired up, Magnus began guiding the massive ship off the ground. The guards on the walls of Vintaro watched as the mystical vessel rose, sending down clouds of cool steam, blanketing them and obscuring their vision. Then, with a roaring of air, and a high pitched whine, the airship took off a high speeds, rising high up into the sky, tearing away. Magnus was ready to start on his long and no doubt trying journey.