Landslide

Location: Royal Road / near Alba

Time: Y1503 - 46th day of the Fire Moon

"Sir! A unit bearing our insignia is closing in from Alba!" (Soldier Feron)

"Go greet them." (Leader Teram)

--------------------------------

The unit that was sent to clean up the remains is just ahead. As part of the standing force here they were judged unreliable. But they have been working two days under the rain, digging and dragging corpses, without sending a complaint. I'll put in a good word with Steffen once we return.

"Mage Reana! Many blessings! I was sent here to greet and escort you through the battlefield. If you have any needs, just ask!" (Soldier Feron)

"That won't be needed, soldier. We were assigned our own escort. We'll be on our way. Keep up the good work." (Reana)

We walk slowly and silently. They might have been enemies, but we'll still pay our respects. The destruction is...

*whisper* "Is this really just Sera's doing? Her spell is greater than what the three of us could have weaved! At least without the Gifted One's technique." (Mage Kamina)

Kamina is right. As Mage Knight, Sera could not compare with us in terms of potency. I was out cold back then, so I didn't see it. It must have been awe inspiring for our soldiers to witness her weaving.

*whisper* "We went all out back at the pass. How big do you think our spell was?" (Mage Histina)

*whisper* "We'll find out soon." (Reana)

--------------------------------

Location: Royal Road / Cliff above Alba's Pass

"..."

We did go all out there. We did use the Gifted One's technique, but I didn't think the destruction would go so far.

We are half a kilometre from ground zero, and the terrain is already showing signs of burns. What's left of this section of the forest is still smoldering.

The more we come closer to the origin of the landslide, the more through the destruction becomes. The dirt is glimmering, it shows signs of turning into glass.

After a long walk we finally reach what presumably was the place our enemies ambushed us. Presumably, because there is no trace of bodies.

"The rocks! They look like ice that melted!" (Histina)

"We were lucky we weaved a fire magic. Had we used explosion magic the cliff would have collapsed on us." (Reana)

"Well, I guess the Gifted One could have done something about that." (Kamina)

"Liara is not a goddess. Let's not count on her solving all problems for us." (Reana)

Isn't she though? At just over three years in age and she is already this powerful. At least in terms of potency I'm sure no human can compare with her.

"Let's do what we came here to do." (Reana)

Below us, the pass is blocked by boulders. Passing around it is dangerous and slow.

The three of us undresses and start dancing. Liara was the one who came up with this technique. One might wonder how a child came up with it, but I believe only a child could.

We are taught at an early age how magic threads are supposed to be weaved. Only a child that doesn't know any better but know how to weave could discover this technique. Right. Liara calls it collimating. Well, it makes more sense I guess.

I was afraid the Gifted One would make us obsolete, but with this technique, we won't lose to her!

"Rea. We are ready." (Histina)

Too many idle thoughts. We synchronize and weave as one.

(Reana, Histina, Kamina)

*ngggg* (Reana)

I'm not used to weave such a large amount of aether! My body can barely handle the flux!

But it's working. At our behest, rocks, dirt and water starts to float mid air around us. Shortly after, boulders, debris and corpses start raising from the bottom of the cliff. We gather it all together in a large ball at least twenty meters in diameter.

*pant* "Now! Let's move it out of the way!" *pant* (Reana)

(Reana, Histina, Kamina)

As expected. Layering together two spells is taking it's toll. The three of us can handle it. If just barely.

"Down!" (Reana)

(Reana, Histina, Kamina)

*crush* (Debris)

That was loud. The balls of debris falls over the charred remains of the forest nearby, forming a small mountain.

*sit down* *heavy breathing* (Reana)

"That was incredible!" (Guard A)

*awe* "I had no idea our Magi were this strong." (Guard B)

*heavy breathing* "Help us to the cart, we need to rest. Search the debris." (Reana)

"Aye!" (Guards)

It would have taken days without Liara's collimating technique. We would have had to move one boulder at a time. And the scale of our ! I feel like I wouldn't lose to Meridia in her prime, right now.

I feel pity towards the fools that opposed the church. They dared too much. Gloria herself intervened and gave us the means to annihilate them.

*whisper* "May Gloria welcome you in her warm embrace." (Reana)

Late Bird

Location: Tower of Gifts / Liara's Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 46th day of the Harvest Moon

*knock* *enter* "Good morning, Liara. You are still in bed?" (Sister Hera)

*yawn* "Good morning, Hera." (Liara)

The one who entered is a chubby dark skin woman in her forties. She has short black hair, green eyes and a puffy face. She is the head cook here in Alba. She was a cook in Victoria, but was promoted when Bella died. I miss her.

"You are looking down, you poor thing. I brought the meal, it will cheer you up!" (Hera)

I get out of bed and sit on the table. I'm not used of being served, so this feels awkward. Isn't there a Rich Me who can help me with this feeling?

[I was wealthy as a doctor, but there is no spoiled rich Me I'm afraid. We all worked one way or the other.] (Doctor Me)

[I think did this on purpose, selecting versions of us with complementary experiences.] (Science Me)

[And a Spoiled Me wouldn't contribute much.] (Bookworm Me)

Well, getting used to being pampered can't be that hard!

It's a simple meal, a soup with potatoes and other vegetables. A staple for the Church. I'm not getting special food, that's for sure, but it's tasty nevertheless.

*pat* "I'm glad you are enjoying the soup! Uhm... What's that wooden ball over there?" (Hera)

*slurp* "Faber, an arteficer gave it to me. That old geezer refused to teach me enchanting." (Liara)

"Did he? I saw a similar sphere in the Meridia's chamber, before she became High Priestess. There might be more to it." (Hera)

Uhm... The sphere IS enchanted after all... But the enchantment just draw a shape in the air.

"Well, I'll leave you to you meal. Good luck with the sphere!" *grin* (Hera)

[I have the feeling that Meridia set this up.] (Bookworm Me)

I feel the same. Worst case we learn more about that enchantment, so let's crack this mystery together!

[[Alright!]] (All Me)

Wooden Sphere

Location: Tower of Gifts / Weaving Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 46th day of the Harvest Moon

Below the dome of the Tower of Gifts there is a chamber similar in structure to the one in Victoria. There is a balcony and a pond with catalyst water.

I could examine the sphere in my room, but I want to try out this place. The water does make it somewhat easier to weave magic.

[You should ask how it's made. It might give us some insight on how magic works.] (Science Me)

"Gifted One. We weren't expecting you here, today." (Guard)

"I's alright, I just want to try something." (Liara)

I undress and sit in the centre of the room. This is one of the few occasions where undressing actually helps. I would hate walking with my one piece dress drenched in water.

I don't know if it's good, but I'm getting used to being watched too. Having the body of a three years old girl helps with that.

[I don't know. Don't let your guard down just because of that. There are people who like little girls.] (Explorer Me)

Gross! Thanks a lot for weirding me out!

[Don't be afraid either. Few would be stupid enough to act in the open. And your prowess with magic is well known.] (Doctor Me)

[Plus the reactive barrier we developed to keep us safe while sleeping is up and running!] (Gamer me)

Sigh... This talk agitated me. I need to collect myself if I want to examine this artifact.

...

Alright. I fidget my fingers around to collimate some threads. This magic doesn't' require much. Let's see if I can pull it.

(Liara)

[The theory behind this magic is simple. Inject magic, and feel where it goes. Just do it slowly but surely.] (Science Me)

"Argh!" *pant* (Liara)

"Gifted One! Are you ok?" (Guard)

"Yes, I'm ok. This is a difficult spell." (Liara)

"Maybe we should call for the Head Healer or for the Head Instructor?" (Guard)

What I just received was a magic backlash. Meridia taught me all about it. It happens when a magic forcefully breaks.

My magic right now was small, and my magic channels can handle a far greater aether flux without suffering damage. Still...

It's pride. I realize my pride compels me to do it on my own. But there is no need to do so. The experiences of others me are always there helping me.

"Yes, call for Sister Meridia, please. There is no rush though." (Liara)

The guards doesn't listen and run down the spiral stairs.

--------------------------------

"So the day has finally come for you to try a reveal gift spell." (Meridia)

"I'm happy that you called for us. Magic can be dangerous." *hug* (Serina)

Yes, calling for them was the right call. I never had anyone to go to in my previous life. But here I have them. I'm thankful to for giving me this chance. And are those guards jealous Mother is hugging me?

[She is a beautiful woman. She is powerful, influential, and with good manners. It would be strange if people didn't want her.] (Explorer Me)

Why that didn't happen before, then?

[It did. It just became more obvious now that she is Head Healer. And you are a bit of a block head that way. Even with our experiences.] (Explorer Me)

Ouch. It's not my fault I didn't have any chance to be social in my previous life!

"So you want to see what's inside Faber's sphere. Go ahead and try." (Meridia)

Inside? I was so focused on the enchantment that I didn't think of that.

(Liara)

I let out a few tiny magic threads, I touch the sphere and start injecting aether. Now~

"Ha!" (Liara)

"The magic broke again. Don't rush this. I was 15 the first time I successfully weaved a . Try again." (Meridia)

--------------------------------

"Training any more than this would be counter productive. let's call it a day." (Meridia)

"You made lots of progress! I'm proud of you, Liara!" (Serina)

Mothers picks me up in her arms. I'm not that tired, really. But I won't object to this.

In the end I couldn't weave that spell. Controlling the ingoing and the outgoing flux of aether precisely and at the same time is harder than it seems. Just pouring out a stupid amount of aether to form a barrier is much simpler, in comparison.

[Three more days. That's all I need to make it happen!] (Science Me)

Science Me sure is fired up. As for me, I just want to sleep. Spending all the afternoon and the evening training really tired me out.

Wooden Sphere 2

Location: Alba / Liara's Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 49th day of the Harvest Moon

Making them thinner is so damn hard! I'm much better at pouring a stupid amount of aether in a spell than this kind of precise manipulation.

[Uhm... Good work in narrowing down the thickness of the magic threads this much. Let's try again.] (Science Me)

My hands are covered in thin scars, like paper cuts. Mother heal me from time to time, but she can't stay with me all day. She has to train the healers in the weaving chamber.

Well, let's hope this won't break.

(Liara)

*knock* "Gifted One?" (Sister Eureka)

The finest thread I collimated yet are forming according to the spell. Like tendrils they reach the inside of the wooden sphere. Now I have to send out a second set of feelers that will sense the flow of magic.

...

So far so good.

Now I inject a small amount of magic in the feeding threads.

So hard! It's like picking an ant without crushing it! I have to let the aether drip iota by iota. Good thing my magic sight is sharp. How on heart Mother does it by only seeing blurry shades?

*enter* "Gifted One, are you~ (Eureka)

[Practice. It takes a decade of exercise to do it the normal way. Without us and your ridiculously attuned body, this would be impossible for you.] (Gamer Me)

Ouch. That's a bit unfair, don't you think?

[The flow is getting rough! Focus only on one thing! You are terrible at multitasking, Liara!] (Science Me)

...

Yes! The flow is stable! I can see~

"Liara!" (Eureka)

*spell breaks* "Ouch!" (Liara)

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but your presence is needed in the weaving chamber. I'll go ahead. Don't be too late." (Eureka)

*bleed* *lick finger* (Liara)

Eureka. A Healer Trainee. She is about as old as Stella, she is a beautiful girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Also, she is flat. This is not the first time she interrupts me like this. And I was so close!

[To be fair you tend to be in your own little world when you weave magic.] (Science Me)

It's you who told me not to~ Sigh... Let me put something on then let's go to the weaving chamber.

Inquisitors

Location: Alba / Weaving Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 49th day of the Harvest Moon

Here I am, the weaving chamber. Uhm... That's a lot of new faces?

"Gifted One. I thank you for your presence. There are many people here that wish to learn your weav~ collimating technique. Would you mind showing them?" (Priestess Mera)

"I don't mind. My name is Liara, many blessings." (Liara)

I really don't mind showing them. It's easy, and the technique will spread anyway even without my help at this point. But I would like to know who I'm teaching it to.

*kneel* "Gifted One. My name is Kaven. As everyone else I renounced my family name when I joined the Church of Gloria. I'm an inquisitor." (Inquisitor Kaven)

A dark skin male. He has a muscular body and bear many scars. His head is shaved, making it hard to tell his age, but I think he is in his mid thirties.

He wears nothing, like everyone else here. Standard for magic practice, but the Sisters are clearly distracted by him. I really have to introduce some kind of magic dress for training.

One thing perplexes me.

"? What is that?" (Liara)

"We enforce the will of Gloria from the shadow. I'm the one who had the honor of destroying the assassins that attempted at your life!" (Kaven)

So just like the inquisition in our world? I hope their means are not as inhumane.

[If anything I have the feeling it's the opposite.] (Explorer Me)

How can that be?!? I can see in your memories your studies about the Spanish inquisition. How can anyone possibly top what hey did???

[I'm just warning you here. I'd love to be wrong about this hunch.] (Explorer Me)

"This one is named Sebra. This one is unworthy of your presence." (Sebra)

Kaven glanced at her, probably a signal to introduce herself. She is a fair skin girl in her mid twenties. Half of her face is disfigured by an extensive fire burn. I shudder at the thought of what she went through.

"I'm Sister Jerica, from Victoria. I'm an Healer. I look forward to learn your fabled technique!" (Sister Jerica)

A red haired fair skin sister. After her many sisters introduce themselves it seems they were sent in from satellite temples to learn my collimating technique. They will then teach it to the others. A sensible idea.

"I'll show you how I collimate first. It's not hard once you see it. Meridia can probably teach you better once you try it yourselves." (Liara)

I showed it many times before, so it's becoming easy. I undress and dance around, gathering magic threads. I noticed it works better when I collimate an absurd amount of aether.

[You are the Gifted one. It's better they understand right now that there is an abyss between you and them. This ways they won't think of doing anything stupid, like trying to kill you to remove a challenger.] (Soldier Me)

It make sense, even if I hate it.

*whisper* "But... How???" (Sister Safira)

*whisper* "Is she really a three years old girl?" (Sister Nova)

*whisper* "Show off." (Eureka)

There are three reaction when they see me collimating. The first type, Kaven and Sebra, just stand there gaping, stunned by my performance. The second type make comments about how absurd this is. The third type make comments about how I like to show off.

Uhm... Jerica is different? She just seems fascinated, like she is studying my every movement.

[All reactions are understandable, really.] (Bookworm Me)

Hard to argue with that. Well, once they recover their wits, they'll start exercising. Most of them will be able to do it by evening. And just like that the potency of their spell will be boosted by a factor of ten or so.

Kaven is the first dark skin male I teach magic to. They are supposed to have the least aptitude. I wonder how adept he is.

[Do you like him, Liara?] *giggle* (Bookworm Me)

No! Gross!