Chapter 232

“Do you have any experience with Shadow spells?” Oraia looked at Arran with questioning eyes .

“A little,” he replied . “I know how to use Shadowsight — what you call Shadowgaze — and I have some small experience with Shadow seals . “

A hint of surprise flashed across Oraia’s face, but it disappeared in an instant . “It seems there’s some truth to the rumors . ” Her earlier bright smile had already returned, and she continued, “Let’s start with something simple, first . “

Arran nodded, curious to see just what could be achieved with Shadow Essence . While he knew about the Shadowcloak spell, his own experience in using Shadow was limited to using it for Shadowsight and creating seals .

Her expression turning serious, Oraia took a small spoon from her void bag, then placed it on the wooden table . “The real Shadowcloak spell is exceptionally difficult,” she said . “But there are other, simpler spells that can prepare you for learning it . “

She pointed her finger at the spoon and, almost instantly, it grew blurry . While it hadn’t quite disappeared, it was now vaguely translucent, and from a distance it would be difficult to notice .

As Arran looked at the small spoon in wonder, Oraia explained, “This spell is limited to small objects, and only if they aren’t moving . Its basic structure, however, is similar to that of the Shadowcloak spell — albeit much simpler . “

“Then learning this will help me learn Shadowcloak?” Arran asked .

He already felt some excitement at the thought of learning to become invisible — with his strength and swordsmanship, what he needed most was a way to close the distance between enemies and himself . And for that, invisibility would be invaluable .

“Eventually,” Oraia replied . “But for now, focus on learning this spell . Since you can’t see my Shadow Essence, I’ll demonstrate it again, this time using Wind Essence . “

Once more, she pointed her finger at the spoon and silently cast a spell .

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There was no visible effect this time — the spoon remained on the table, looking as solid as ever .

Yet while Arran’s eyes saw no change, his Sense detected an intricate pattern of Wind Essence forming around the spoon . At a glance, he understood just how hard learning the Shadowcloak spell would be — even this simplified version was nearly as complex as the Flamestrike spell .

Oraia demonstrated the spell half a dozen times, giving Arran ample opportunity to see how it worked . But even so, he soon recognized he lacked the skill to even attempt it .

With an amused glance at Arran’s troubled expression, Oraia handed him a scroll . “That was just a small demonstration,” she said . “This scroll contains the details of the spell — your first step will be to study it carefully, until you understand the theory . After that, you can begin work on casting the spell itself . “

“Thanks,” Arran responded absently, both his eyes and mind already firmly fixed on the scroll in front of him .

Pretty though Oraia might be, his interest in her had waned once he realized her friendliness was a mere act . And, more importantly, no amount of beauty could compare to the prospect of approaching his enemies undetected .

The thought of using the Shadowcloak spell in battle brought a grin to his face as he studied the scroll . Occasionally, he would reach out with his hand to try out the patterns described within, but other than that he sat motionless, eyes completely fixed on the scroll in front of him .

As the hours passed, Oraia would sometimes talk to him, but he mostly ignored her . Every once in a while she would ask a question, but he would respond with just a nod or a shrug, his attention fully focused on understanding the spell .

He wasn’t normally as diligent a student of magic as Snowcloud or Jiang Fei, but this was different — here, there was a clear reward at the end of his studies, and an exceptionally useful one at that .

From time to time, he noticed familiar patterns within the spell . Some parts resembled aspects of the seals he knew, while others resembled parts of the few spells he had mastered . There were similarities with some of the Forms, too, though not enough to be helpful .

His hard work gradually brought him results, albeit small ones . He wasn’t quite ready yet to attempt the full spell, but he could feel that he was steadily getting closer . Just a few more hours of study, he thought, and he could begin to make some real attempts .

“It’s past midnight,” Oraia’s voice suddenly sounded .

Arran looked up . “What? I only just…” He didn’t finish the sentence . While he had thought it was only barely noon, he now noticed the darkness outside the windows . “It’s that late? Already?”

“No wonder you’re so talented,” Oraia said in a soft voice . “I’ve never seen anyone study like that . You barely even moved the entire day . “

Arran shrugged, slightly embarrassed now . “I was just intrigued by the spell,” he said . “I don’t usually study like this . “

While he had studied hard, this was hardly normal for him — usually, he had trouble just spending an hour or two focused on a single spell .

Oraia nodded, though she seemed unconvinced . “You should eat something,” she said . “And after that, get some rest . I have a spare bedroom you can use . “

“I can’t,” Arran instantly replied . “I have to return to the House of Swords — if I don’t, my teacher will wonder where I am . “

“I already sent word to her earlier tonight,” Oraia replied . “And I picked up some food, as well . “

Arran frowned . He hadn’t noticed Oraia leave, but then, he hadn’t exactly paid her much attention . “Still,” he said, “I should return—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Oraia interrupted him, sounding slightly annoyed . “If you leave now and return by dawn, you’ll barely be able to get three hours of sleep . Use my spare bedroom, and at least you’ll get enough rest to study tomorrow . “

After a moment’s thought, Arran gave her a nod . “I suppose you’re right,” he said . “But… you said something about food?”

Absorbed as he was in his studies, he had ignored his hunger through the day . But now, it had returned with a vengeance, and he suddenly felt absolutely famished .

Oraia quickly filled the table with a wide assortment of food, and Arran dug in without hesitation .

“I assume you made good progress today?” Oraia asked as he ate .

Arran briefly put aside the chicken leg he was eating, then replied, “Pretty good . With a bit of luck, I should be able to start practicing the spell tomorrow . “

Oraia’s eyes went wide for a moment, but then, she smiled . “Don’t be too hasty,” she said . “It usually takes novices several months of study before they’re able to begin casting the spell . Even with your talent, I doubt two days will be enough . “

“I guess we’ll see,” Arran replied . Though he was excited about learning the spell and continuing his path toward casting the Shadowcloak spell, he was in no hurry to finish . For now, he would merely study as hard as he could, and hope for the best .

He went to bed shortly after the meal, and exhausted as he was from the day’s studies, he fell asleep in moments . Yet even in the final few moments before his consciousness faded, his thoughts were filled with images of walking a battlefield unseen .