Chapter 666: Matter Symbol

Chapter 666: Matter Symbol

The first symbol that Dallion had to learn turned out to be the symbol of matter. Despite saying that symbols had to be learned in order to be understood, Palag hinted that it had to do with object creation.

At first Dallion spent a few seconds doing the same that every other child did, trying to use his magic to draw the symbol on the air. That didnt work, of course. No matter the effort, the magic would move about like a brush constantly connected to Dallions finger. Then Dallion took the next logical step, venturing into his awakening realm. While trying to clear a magic artifact was a bit too much, awakening realms provided one major advantage over the real world: instruction markers.

The moment Dallion tried repeating the same action he did in class, a purple gauge appeared, along with a series of dots in the air. Looking closer, one could see that the dots formed the general shape of the symbol.

So, thats the trick? Dallion tapped on one of the dots. The moment he did, the symbol disappeared.

Confused, Dallion tried again to achieve the same result. His first thought was to try with a different dot. Given that there were only four dots, there werent too many options. Three attempts later, though, nothing had changed.

Youve got to be kidding me. Dallion closed his eyes. He knew that the solution had to be easy enough for a child to figure out.

Perfectly calm, he inhaled and exhaled. Then he opened his eyes again. Every skill had its quirks, especially the complicated ones. Forging was based on folding, music, on getting the right sound at the precise moment of time That meant that this skill was based on precision and gauging.

Once again Dallion tapped on the magic marker, this time making sure to release the exact amount of mana the gauge suggested. A line of glowing purple filled the dot like toothpaste, allowing Dallion to draw it to the next. When he dragged on, the symbol disappeared again.

Good intuition, dear boy, Nil said, beaming with pride a few steps away. Usually it takes first timers a while before they catch on.

No worries. Dallion smiled. Just like guitar hero.

As it turned out, spellcraft was nothing more than releasing the correct amount of magic at the right spots so as to form the symbol. Dallion assumed the circle was the easiest, so he quickly proceeded to complete it.

MATTER SYMBOL CREATED

When used in a spell, allows for the creation of any material, provided the magic is of the same speed and intensity as that within the respective material.

Now it made a lot more sense why so much of the lessons were focused on getting learning the speed and intensity of magic within various materials. Just to be certain, Dallion focused on creating the gold. The gauge marker changed, indicating the new speed at which he had to release his magic. Once done, the symbol materialized, taking on the appearance of solid gold.

I guess this beats summoning metal, Dallion thought. Without a doubt, it was going to make forging a lot easier, not to mention cheaper.

The next hour was spent with Dallion making a variety of matter symbols of different materials. More importantly, he also focused on drawing them as fast as possible. With the value of his reaction traits that were supposed to be easy, yet even after doing his best he was barely able to match Palags speed. It seemed that releasing magic quickly was a talent he lacked. For that to improve, he had to improve his spellcraft skills.

Nil, where does magic come from? Dallion asked, taking a break.

Again with the philosophical questions? The old echo smiled.

If mages can create matter out of magic, wont there be too much of it?

Yes, and no. The world doesnt have an infinite amount of magic. If you transform all magic into matter, there will be a few more mountains, maybe more than a few. But then there will be less magic to stop the decay from spreading. Magic keeps the void in check. Thats one of the reasons there arent all out mage wars. Using too much magic tends to be followed by an increased number of monsters in the wilderness.

And killing those restores the level of magic?

No. Magic comes from other worlds. Nil paused. No, not your world. It comes from places that are elsewhere. Realms that are beyond the realms and such.

The banishment realms, Dallion whispered. He didnt even know what he had done so, but the moment he did, a blob of dread emerged within Nil.

There will be a time for complex theory later, the echo said, turning around. Youve learned to stand, now learn to walk before setting off on a run.

Only my world.

Youre in the halls of destiny.

Defeat your hidden fears and shape your destiny.

The blue rectangle appeared, only to be waved away as Dallion flew further down the corridor. Drawing his sword, he then tapped it in his boot, making it vibrate. After a while, a large arch emerged in the distance, leading to a large chamber. After passing through, Dallion found himself in the field of an arena.

This is new. He looked around. The arena was identical to the one in Nerosal, only empty.

This brings back memories, the armadil shield said. Some thought you might win the final.

Not a chance.

Untypically humble, a new voice said.

Before Dallions very eyes, a figure appeared in the arena. It was tall, wearing a black mages robe, and also covered in a shimmering glow.

Alien, Dallion whispered. That was the first mage Dallion had seen, also the first person from Earth, not counting Arthurows. Youre my trial?

I am now. The mage took a step forward. This is the spot you humiliated the Archdukes son.

And the place you lost a member of the imperial family, Dallion countered.

No ones perfect, even me. Welcome to the Academy, by the way. I hear youre doing well for a novice. Its really stupid to trade away your magic levels, especially after everything youve done.

Three levels arent that much. Dallion attempted using his music skills, but no matter how subtly he went about it, the sound tendrils seemed to bounce off the mage. Three levels is all it takes for me to become a noble.

Is that so? In that case, why dont we get started?

Dallion burst into a hundred instances. In half, he charged at his opponent, while the rest did a series of point and line attacks. Entire sections of the arena were sliced and drilled into oblivion, yet not a hair fell from the mages head. He just stood there, with his mocking expression, a sphere of blue energy surrounding him.

Determined to see this through, Dallion switched to one of the instances charging at Alien and split again. Hundreds of spark attacks hit the magic sphere surrounding the mage, yet none passed through. The harpsisword was consistently pushed back, as if by a hurricane.

Had enough? Alien asked. You can rest if you want to. I wont attack. The thing is, I dont have to.

Dallion gritted his teeth. He could tell he was being provoked.

Every trial has a solution, he said, slowly circling his enemy.

Yes, but magic is the exception. It might have worked if you had tried before getting magic, but now its an entirely different game. You can no longer ignore it and unfortunately for you, magic can no longer ignore you either. Why do you think mages dont level up? Did you really believe that it was the loss of magic levels?

Im told its a good deterrent.

Maybe at the start, but there always comes a time when a mage decided they could beat fate and use their spellcraft to level up. As you said, a few levels arent that much. The real blocker are the trials themselves. Youve already seen what magic could do and how powerless you are against it. Now in your trials, youll have to fight against what you imagine mages could do. The mage took a step forward. Its rather unfortunate that youre also so familiar with the effect of illusions. If not, maybe your spark attacks might have worked.

There still has to be a way. Theres always a way.

Go ahead. Try finding it. The mages fingers danced in the air, drawing three dozen symbols in less than a second. Moments later, the entire arena was flooded by lightning from above.