Two days after the second duel
New experiment: Test 5
I've been testing the limits of balance mana since no records exist detailing its power or limits beyond what it can't do—or at least if they exist, I don't have access to them.
This is test 5, as the paper says. I wish for a record to exist so others may learn from my successes or failures. I was able to shift and make different mana bases easily once I found out how they exist. I also found in other tests that I can make herb powders.
I've been experimenting with mana glass since I recently made it, but I've found my first near-failure and feel there are limits to balance magic. I'm not sure what holds it back, but so far I've only been able to make small-sized mana beads of the glass. The idea of forming it from nothing still eludes me.
Wolf rubbed his eyes and stopped writing, going back to the glass. He was in his shop trying to shift mana into a bubble—like a large crystal—to make mana glass like he did for his sister and fill them with the same glow to sell in his shop.
He was experimenting with pushing his gift and was fascinated by how he could make things from nothing, though he still assumed he needed a base to make things. But he found if he willed it enough, he could make something from nothing—hence the new test with the glass.
In a way, that was more terrifying to know. Balance mana, in exchange for not being able to cast water, shift with shadows, control wind, or any of the other elements and their positive inner effects like healing or more physical power—he could shift things based on will...
Or so he believed. He wasn't sure, even as technically it was happening before him. He still had doubts and wondered about the limits.
He knew there had to be some, but to what extent could he do these things?
He'd found his first real limit now making the glass. Besides the cost of what he was trying to make exist from mana and will alone, it was the understanding of its creation itself. It warred within him—the idea that all these steps needed to make an item were removed just based on a whim.
The only reason he could even start to grasp it was that he knew dungeons did it every day. Anyone who stepped through those portal doors saw endless bounties that could exist merely because the gods willed it. Was that the true depth of balance mana?
He still warred with himself, not able to believe it could exist, and the mana fought with him because his will faltered. So the cost rose and his will faltered in a loop till he got here—a small bead of mana glass.
"That is amazing," a voice broke his focus. It was Ben, watching him with this new creation, though it was just the size of a marble.
"It's not much, barely a bead in size..." Wolf complained.
"Still impressive, right, Vip?" Ben went on, looking at the other catkin, who just nodded, focusing on crafting potions the normal way.
"Still drains me a lot for little return," Wolf said, shaking his head. But then he looked at his hand. "Depends what I'm trying to do. I can't focus, so the cost goes up as it fights me. Yet the more I believe I can make an item, the cost seems to go down and it flows more easily."
A whistle from Ben drew his attention. "That is some broken stuff. The gods must really like you. Glad we get to work with someone the gods trust."
Wolf shrugged dismissively before rubbing his eyes. "Maybe. You guys okay if I go for the day? Want to take a break from all this..." Wolf waved his hand around, "...stuff." He insinuated just the shop he wanted to escape from, but they knew he meant missing Nina, the prince drama, and trying to learn his power.
They assured him they were fine as he found Teva happy near the counter. He was happy it was a rare time with no customers, and he wanted to capitalize on it. Maybe they could have a picnic by the lake.
Yet before he could share his desire and ask why she seemed in high spirits as she smiled with him getting closer, she showed him a letter. It seemed her happiness wasn't just him making time for her, but getting a letter delivered from Nina, addressed to him. She was going to give it to him when he wasn't so focused on his alchemy.
He was annoyed, asking why she was waiting when she knew he wanted to know Nina's fate beyond what his sister had said. Teva kissed his cheek, saying depending on what the letter said, she did not want to ruin his day if he was making progress learning his power or alchemy. She also confessed the letter came within the hour, so it wasn't long he didn't have it from her.
He relented and acknowledged her kindness as she hovered around him, hanging on him with excitement, wondering what it said. She was a little too joyous for what could be bad news. He reminded her of such, and she laughed.
"Leena already said she'll be back sooner than later, so it's not that. She might be just checking in or needing potions, so read it already." Even as she finished those words, she splashed a bit of water mana in his face, annoying him as she refused to relent till he read what it said.
The letter was interesting. Teva, who kept crawling over him wondering how Nina was, quickly shifted to an annoyed cat soon after, and Wolf could not help but laugh.
It happened after that mysterious fairy part. Teva finally got to hear the part about the P.S.: Tell Teva she's a brat, and I'll try to hurry back so the shop can finally have the better worker back.
Wolf knew it was in jest, and maybe Teva did too, but it seemed she did not like that the only mention of her was to mock and not apologize for not talking to Teva—even though Teva went out of her way to try to help her with Wolf.
He tried to soothe her as he still wanted that nice day with Teva, even with this news, so she relented, figuring she would save her ire for when Nina was here to face her claws versus Wolf suffering her bite.
The lake was crystal clear and the day bright. In the distance there were couples also enjoying the day, but it seemed they had favorite spots further from his shop, which he was thankful for as it made it easy to get a spot close to his job.
The visit was pleasant and a bit sobering, hearing Teva voice some of her fears. It seemed the prince spooked her more than he knew. She did not like the idea of a stalker and feared it could happen to her. She even worried for her mom but said Viper moved in and was staying there, so it worked out.
That last part freaked Wolf out a bit. He'd heard Teva's mom was dating one of his workers but didn't know it had lasted and gotten more serious. It seemed everyone's life was changing.
He comforted Teva best he could, saying her water magic would protect her, and if not, he would do what he could or have Arlin help. Proof was how far he went to defend Leena—he'd do the same for others.
A slight breeze made Teva want to get closer for his warmth, and he just enjoyed the view, reflecting on the moment when he saw fireflies in the distance.
Like little glowing blue stars...
Wait. Fireflies come out at night and are not blue?
Yet they glowed with a mana light that reflected off the lake. Maybe it was a variant? A mana type?
Wolf looked at Teva to see if she noticed, but her eyes were closed, leaning into him. As he was about to tell her to look, the blue glowing bugs were now crossing the lake, coming near him, and Wolf froze, unsure what to expect.
As the distance closed, they seemed to grow in size to about the size of a hand. Now they shone like stars up close, and their forms shifted into little people with wings.
"We found him!" a tiny voice full of joy spoke.
"Yeah, we did!" other voices joined in on the first one's good mood.
"I'm bored!"
The last one threw Wolf off more than the others as he watched the little thing fade off into the distance of the lake. Yet the other two stayed near.
"Um, dear, you are seeing this, right? Or did I fall asleep and this is just a vivid dream?" Teva asked, holding him a little tighter.
"It's real... I think... I mean, they are here in front of us..."
"Why would we not be real or here?"
"We came for you!"
"Don't mind them. They're probably tired and went back to the others. We're still happy we found you, Elder."
"Elder?" Teva asked, as Wolf was still trying to understand the little things.
"Yeah," the fairy spoke excitedly. "The gods blessed you with balance mana like us, and you're the strongest, so you lead!"
"I... that's not how it works..." Wolf tried lamely to respond.
"Yes it does," one retorted back. "We lived among the tribes. We understand power rules, and since you have the most power, you rule. It's simple... so lead us."
"Even if I agreed, how would I lead, uh, fairies? What do you even want me to do?"
"You have to save us. We're dying, and people kept hunting us. Now there's only a few of us left..."
"Well, that got dark quick," Teva said, her eyes losing their luster hearing the little thing say that.
"It's okay. We've been hiding and they haven't been able to hunt the rest of us."
"Yeah, and we found Elder, so you'll save us." The little thing started hugging Wolf's face even as he tried to pull back.
"You keep saying things that make no sense. Why could I help you... even if I wanted to? How?"
The two remaining fairies danced around him a few times before saying, "You're the Elder. You tell us, not us telling you," before they both shifted their sight into the distance and flew back to the lake, fading.
Wolf looked around, wondering what happened, and saw a couple beastkin approaching from the distance.
"I'm telling you, my fire sight saw them. It was fairies." The wolfkin of the two was focused on the lake, ignoring Wolf sitting with Teva even as they got closer.
"You keep saying that. People can use water mana, and it's the lake. They're probably just practicing their skill." The second beastkin, a bearkin who reminded Wolf a bit of Tyler but more plump, saw Wolf and spoke more. "See, there's a couple right here. We're interrupting. Sorry about that."
Teva assured them it was fine, and Wolf asked what he knew of fairies. The wolfkin of the two said he saw them when he was a kid and knew that blue glow, but they tended to be skittish and hide. But it was a good sign and a blessing if they were willing to talk to you, so he hoped to talk to them.
Wolf debated lying, unsure of the long-term effect their reveal would have, but chose trust instead, confessing they were fairies and trusted him with an unknown test to save them.
The bearkin heard they were hunted decades ago but never heard of them asking others for help, so neither the bearkin nor wolfkin could help. They did promise if they learned anything, they would visit his shop and let him know. They also agreed it was an ill omen if they sought help and still hid, so they'd spread word they were here but keep the news to themselves.
Teva discreetly visited her mom and tried to get info too. Her mom wasn't too sure either but heard they were common deep in the plains and had a strong distrust of humans, as they were the ones usually hunting them for magic. Beyond that, she wasn't sure either.
Wolf was thankful for whatever info he could get and hated it was all mostly hearsay. He also tried checking with his staff. When Teva went to her mom, Misty was the closest to help him and was surprised to hear Tommy refused to hunt them.
When Wolf asked why, it had something to do with the king and a secret project that Tommy did not like and rejected. It was partly why Herbert and them agreed to help him—his greed wasn't as bad back then and they had fewer options.
Hearing Herbert was around then, he figured there was a chance his mentor could help, and he would ask him tomorrow. He thought it was interesting timing on the letter to find them, but maybe they were already here long before then. He just never put himself out in the open for them to find him.
Wolf arranged his affairs the next day and made time to see Herbert. The smells of herbs were a pleasant memory, and he regretted he never made time for the old man. He did visit occasionally, but more often than not, they both enjoyed losing themselves to their own projects.
As he approached the house, carefully looking around lest Herbert appear from nowhere due to his shadow mana hiding him in plain sight, he was surprised when the door opened and a random catkin kid came out holding a book and a pouch.
"Learn the basics in that book, then we'll talk. Don't have time to train you. Go on, I'm busy. And if you really get stuck, I'll help, but don't ask just to annoy me."
Herbert looked up from the catkin sprinting away with a smile, yelling his thanks, and saw Wolf. "Already got enough apprentices. Don't need another. Sorry, kid. Try Wolf's shop. Don't know why you all keep coming to me."
That surprised Wolf. He did share the tales that he was only able to do what he did thanks to Herbert when they used to ask him about training. But when they stopped bothering him, he just assumed they all gave up. Guess a few believed him and found Herbert.
"I need your help, Herbert. I already know alchemy. Just want to know if you remember something from the past."
Herbert was halfway back inside the house, ignoring Wolf, when what he said gave him pause. "That you, boy?" He turned to get a better look, squinting a bit. "Yeah... it's you... should visit more." And he went inside, leaving Wolf unsure if he was supposed to follow.
"You waiting for an invitation? You were already my apprentice, so you know I don't have time to waste on pointless things."
Wolf felt a bit exasperated but did like his blunt, no-nonsense approach. It made things easier.
The inside was still as cluttered as he remembered, but the setup had changed. There were a lot more tubes and mixtures in various stages, surprising him. A few looked like the base from the weakness cure he made.
"You still working on the cure I fixed? Why?"
"What? No, child. I accepted you covered that with magic. No, the base is now common enough. I'm trying to infuse new things as a base. Never know what new issues may occur. I'm trying to preempt that."
Wolf nodded slowly. "So... it's working? Um... how would you know what you're fixing if nothing exists to fix?" Wolf asked carefully, unsure.
"Haha, boy, you forget the point of alchemy so easily when you literally made a shop for it?" Herbert asked, amused, shaking his head. "We invent things. A cure is just one of them. Maybe I'll make a buff. Maybe I'll just cure a new cramp. Won't know till I keep trying and making new notes." He shifted a vial, checking its color before writing things down.
"So talk. You're taking my time, and I'm sure we're both busy. What got you stumped?"
Wolf chose his words carefully, asking about the fairies and what he knew. Herbert confessed very little. Tommy handled that secret involving them nearly exclusively. The closest he got to anything involving them was shells that would grow when they stayed in one place for a long time, but they were very rare and seeing them being hunted was unheard of now.
He lent Wolf some notes on it and shooed him out, saying he was sorry he could not help more but would keep him in mind. Between his new apprentices and a few tests he was trying to run, he did not have time to sit and catch up. Maybe next year.
Wolf thanked Herbert and was happy the old man was still doing well and even teaching new alchemists beyond him. It made him happy to know others were trying to be like him and make new things.
Teva said she tried to sneak a glance at the lake, but no blue orbs would appear even when she offered them treats, which upset her. Wolf did not want to try to get them to appear with no info, so they figured they'd try another night.
Teva started dinner, said she'd make a quick visit to her mom to check on her since her aunt was visiting her mom. Something about they had a double date, and Teva wanted to get the gossip before they left. She would not be long and told him to keep an eye on dinner so it didn't burn as she left it to simmer.
He figured he'd use this time to check the notes but made sure to not lose focus and ruin Teva's meal she was making for them.
Fairy Shell Notes
The item is very rare, so I focused tests for maximum results.
Test #1
Seems to be a failure for weakness curse cure. At its base it does nothing. Even as it takes mana, it seems the mana herb is still the only option. The shell faded after repeated applications of varying degrees of mana applied. It seems it breaks the more one element is forced and fades when trying to shift the effect.
Test #2
Since the first shell did not like the shifting mana, I risked grinding the second into a dust but kept it as a base. Yet the moment I added it to a tonic, it absorbed into the brew and enhanced it, but nothing more... It seems it does have an effect, but so far it's not worth its rarity.
Test #3
I left it alone for months as a test to see if it would do anything if left alone. Interestingly, it did seem to be shifting ever so slightly into a deeper hue and maybe a thicker shell, but the effects were so subtle I fear it could be a desire to see what I want to see, and I fear even this is a failure. I know this has a use—the gods did not make things with no value—but since they're made around fairies, I fear the missing piece involves them and I won't be able to understand it myself.
Fairy shells? Wolf wasn't sure as he got up and started making plates since the food was done, and he knew Teva would be happy returning to a made plate. But he needed more information, and it seemed the ones expecting him to have answers would need to learn to speak a bit more if he wanted to help them. Till then, he was as lost as them.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahSmND4jKf
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