[23:36] Loki slams a book on the table.
Looking between the two.
His gaze locking with the eyes of Keku as the two stare. "You're in for some hard work." He says, "We've got a book to study and I'm already lightyears ahead of you." He looks to Vaso nodding, "Feel free to join up!"
(Loki)
[23:36] Keku says, "--"
[23:38] Vaso offered a nod to Keku, an action that meant far more than any word that the Dorian could possibly offer. An indication that the boy's trust in Keku could not be explained in words.
As Loki arrived Vaso's attention was offered to him.
"You guys can feel free to study without me.
I don't know if I'm cut out for stuff like that. I'm not extremely proficient with magic anyway like you two."
(Vaso Calleas)
[23:38] Keku nods.
(Keku)
[23:38] Keku says, "I'm glad we had time to talk, for real."
[23:39] Loki says, "No."
[23:39] Loki says, "You will help us."
[23:39] Keku says, "--"
[23:39] Loki says, "We need a body."
[23:39] Keku says, ". . ."
[23:39] Loki says, "I will turn you into a spatial punch man."
[23:39] Vaso Calleas asks, "Huh?"
[23:40] Loki says, "Buh."
[23:40] Loki says, "You can ditch us, if you want."
[23:40] Keku says, "We can grab a training dummy from here. We'll give it back, probably."
[23:40] Loki says, "But it'd be funnnnn."
[23:40] Keku says, "Vaso might not be in the best mood, but it'd be cool if you came."
[23:40] Keku says, "Up to you."
[23:40] Vaso Calleas says, "As long as you don't kill me you can do whatever."
[23:40] Vaso Calleas says, "I don't mind helping you."
[23:40] Keku exclaims, "Yes!"
[23:40] Loki exclaims, "Yes!"
[23:41] Vaso Calleas raised an eyebrow.
(Vaso Calleas)
[23:41] Keku has a no idea what this involves.
(Keku)
[23:41] Vaso Calleas says, "You guys sound a little too excited.."
[23:41] Keku exclaims, "I'm excited to not be light years behind Loki in something!"
[23:42] Loki says, "Don't touch anything, or tell anyone about this place."
[23:42] Keku nods.
(Keku)
[23:46] The book is slapped on the ground, Loki sat cross legged in front of it. Gesturing for all of his buddies to come looking. "Come, come." The first page is slipped open and chapter one is revealed. Loki looks to Keku, and then Vaso. "You two read up on this stuff, Spatial magic is very important.
It has combat applications that could work wonders for you, Vaso.
Remember that swordsman woman you fought back in Sheol? This kind of magic would keep you in her range even if she tries to run. It has various methods and uses that can help a magi offensively, defensively, and with your everyday life."
The two would be given time to look over the pages, and study and such. Loki letting them both get up to speed before he continues. "We will be skipping chapter two, Keku and I already know runewriting.
We can pass on the knowledge. Now let me know when you finish the hard part is coming up."
(Loki)
[23:56] "No.. way!"
Wayfinding by Dyaus Prithvi
Loki must've overheard Keku speaking to Logan, because he just answered his prayers! While he did tell Logan that he'd learn with him, and do things his way, Keku figures there's no harm in getting ahead of the curriculum!
He is mesmerized by the contents of the book, enthralled by the limitless possibilities that are provided to a magi following the mastery of this legendary art.
"I'm not even gonna ask where you got this. I can't believe I'm reading this right now! You're a gem, Loks."
Chapter 9 covered the use of magic circle portals, which is the best part for Keku. The intricacies that came in the previous chapter are absolutely noted, still. In order to not write on Loki's book, he makes sure to take notes of his own, creating elaborate schematics to help visualize the knowledge, as he is the best learned in such way.
"There's so much here... This might be the most official official wayfinding book out there..."
As he finishes reading the text, a bright grin is flashed toward the pseudo-teacher. His eyes possess a newfound twinkle, and his hands look eager to start delving deeper into the book.
"I'll follow your lead, man. Let's do this!"
How.. potentially reckless of them! But so fun.
(Keku)
[23:56] Vaso's eyes fixated on the open book, its pages revealing the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter that held the promise of knowledge and power. His heart raced with anticipation as he listened to Loki's words, his attention fully captured by the potential of the information laid out before him.
Spatial magic. The very concept intrigued Vaso, igniting a spark of curiosity within him. He remembered the battles he had faced, the challenges that often left him at a disadvantage due to his reliance on physical combat. If he could master spatial magic, if he could harness its capabilities, he could enhance his own abilities and become an even more formidable force on the battlefield.
As his eyes scanned the pages, Vaso's mind raced with thoughts of the battles he had fought and the encounters that had tested his limits. He imagined himself using spatial magic to control the flow of battle, to manipulate space and distance to his advantage. The image of the swordsman woman he had faced in Sheol flashed in his mind, and he envisioned how spatial magic could indeed keep her within his reach.
He turned to Keku, acknowledging the potential of this newfound knowledge and its significance for both of them. Then, his attention returned to the book, diving deeper into the pages that explained the intricacies of spatial magic. He read with focus and determination, absorbing every detail, every technique, every application that Loki had pointed out.
"If it'll help me catch her...
No, not just her."
Vaso's mind trailed away to the countless enemies he had still yet to hawk down.
"Maybe you're onto something, Loki..."
(Vaso Calleas)
[00:07] "Dude. I'm a spoiled rich kid who lived on a boat for eleven years while my mom and jokul did mission after mission gaining all sorts of stuff.
You should be wondering why I didn't show you this sooner man."
There was a lot to go over, he directs everyone's attention to the third chapter. "Arithmancy. This will be our bane, it's math, magic math and we need to be proficient at it. I have a plan, but...
The only way I can stay interested in this stuff is if I have my guys with me." He admits. His gaze shifting between his two friends. "Oh, and don't think the possibilities are over. In fact they're endless, we have so much to look through and go over." He takes a deep breath.
"Variable A, represents weight this will factor in the person, gear, and such. Variable B here is going to represent distance traveled. Variable C will be mana or magic required.
So the equation should be A plus B times C. Er. Parenthesis A plus B, times C."
(Loki)
[00:15] As Loki directed their attention to the third chapter and introduced the concept of Arithmancy, Vaso's eyes scanned the text on the pages before him. Arithmancy, the fusion of math and magic, intrigued him. He understood the significance of such a discipline, especially when it came to unlocking the full potential of their abilities.
It wasn't a hard concept to understand for Vaso, after all he was raised in Doria. The country emphasized far more than the study of combat and war. Philosophy was an important concept throughout the land, and because of such the soldier's were cultivated mentally, and not just physically.
"Weight..."
Vaso took no time at all to connect the dots, this was a concept he felt and thought of every day.
"I think I could do something with that.
I can..."
As he spoke the weights of varying objects in the room would shift. CHests floated the sky, and the anvil in the corner began to dig into the floor below.
"I've studied most aspects of weight. I think I can do a lot when it comes to controlling it. It's why I can strike so hard, and yet so fast. I amplify the weight of my punches as they hit, while making my hands weightless as I swing.
If weight's an issue then anything you can think of.. I should probably be able to do. What's on your mind?"
(Vaso Calleas)
[00:17] "Damn..!"
Yup. Loki had him there. It's amazing how casual the richy rich is about his family's feats. Keku admires them, truly. Grinning, he continues to pay attention to Loki.
The mention of arithmancy is definitely something catches Keku off guard. He's pretty good with numbers, but he's curious to see how they could possibly serve as runes.
The wayfinding book held a world of possibilities still yet ahead of them.
"For this? Count me in any time."
Inching closer, he pays attention to the way Loki begins to describe the variables. Just to be sure, he also has a notebook in front of him, perpetually being filled with new notes, etchings, and schematics.
"So.. if we're looking at it like that..."
A pause as the cogs turn in his head. Smoke practically seeps out of his ears!
"That's complicated, but I see what you mean. We'll need to work on instilling a formula in our magic, mana, and runes to deliberately travel somewhere intentional, rather than a general area."
"Because of the nuance and strict requirement for specificity, this makes it a risky but extremely valuable art in hands of someone who can master precision and runic accuracy."
Perfect for the adaptable Keku.
"Should we try applying it?"
(Keku)
[00:25] "Applying it isn't as easy as we want it to be." He sighs, "For starters we'll use this fruit basket, it'll be our training dummy. After fruit we move on to my cat, and then we'll try Vaso himself!" He sets out the basket in front of himself opting to not touch it at all.
"'kay, so for starters we need to work on this formula and ensure that it works proper."
He weighs the fruit basket out, "This is like a kilo and a half, and we want to send it twenty feet north." He grabs a sheet of paper writing out the distance and such, his artistry is passable. An arrow leading to the destination marks their goal.
With it on paper now he passes it around so that the group could see their goal. "That should take us, not even a fraction of our reserves. In theory. In practice we will end up exerting a lot as this is all foreign to us. Potentially exerting ten times of what a normal wayfinder would.
Buh. However! Fr now we need to be sure that this math is correct before we move forward. As we need to establish some more things and begin creating glyphs and such.
Is everyone okay with this?"
(Loki)
[00:36] Vaso's gaze was locked onto Loki as he listened to his friend's explanation and plan. The blend of excitement and curiosity remained within him, but he understood the caution Loki was expressing. The application of the theory was often the most challenging part, and Vaso was prepared for the road ahead to be a demanding one.
As Loki set out the fruit basket before them, designating it as their training dummy, Vaso's lips quirked into a half-smile. The thought of practicing their newfound knowledge on fruits, then moving to Loki's cat, and eventually attempting it on himself was oddly amusing. But he knew that this was just the beginning of their journey to master this art.
Nodding as Loki elaborated on their first task, Vaso's mind focused on the concept. Weighing the fruit basket and calculating its mass, determining the desired distance, and then plotting it out on paper – it all felt like an intricate puzzle that he was eager to solve. AsLoki passed around the paper with their goal outlined, Vaso's eyes scanned the details, committing them to memory.
The reality of exerting more energy than anticipated due to the unfamiliarity of the technique was a sobering thought. But Vaso's determination only solidified. He knew that mastery wouldn't come overnight, but he was willing to put in the effort and push himself to new heights.
"One-half of A times B to the power of 7," Vaso responded with a determined nod. "That should be it. Where A is the object, B is the distance we want to move it.
That should tell us how much mana we need to move it."
(Vaso Calleas)
[00:38] "I see... so I gotta be patient. Ok, I can do this."
Taking a deep breath, Keku gets more serious, his concentration levels rising steadily. Examining the sheet of paper that's passed around by Loki, he nods in agreement, trying to grasp the contents of his schematic.
"We'll need to measure out the variables with the formula you gave us, Loki. Alongside that, us artificers will need to find a way to incorporate those numbers in the glyphs without losing concentration."
"I think once we get comfortable with the process, it'll be easier... but for now? Expect some difficulty."
Nothing that they couldn't overcome, of course. The benefits of studying the dilemma with three vastly different people is that they'll all see it from their own perspective, offering a unique way to solve it.
With one another, they're in good hands.
"So let's see..."
He does the thinking pause again!
"A kilo and a half, in parentheses, plus twenty times... let's say... hmm. I actually don't know the mana required..."
Keku looks around the room. That's when Vaso does it! Extraordinary!
"Yes, perfect! I was on the right track, but you figured out the mana required before me."
He's impressed!
"That's a satisfying equation, right Loks?"
(Keku)
[00:49] "Eureka!"
He really did it. A perfected equation, from Vaso of all people. Loki knew that his Dorian friend was brilliant, but this was otherworldly knowledge. He looked him up and down, no words said, he just smirks. "Brilliance. Thanks, Ke, and Va. You two have already been a great help. I'm plugging in the numbers and they all check out.
We're good!" With the math all done, the group would find themselves moving onward. Loki balling up the previous paper and tossing it aside. "Make sure you get a good look of this book guys, I have to give it back to my mom soon. We can still study it though."
On to chapter four.
The magic circle. "So. Here it says that this here magic circle is what forges the connection from our world to the spirit realm. The spiritrealm being very important. Especially for you, Vaso." He points to the Dorian, "I'm sure you know why."
The veil.
It's Loki's sworn duty to protect it, to mend it, and to ensure that it stays serving it's purpose at all times. It's apart of him. "Shall we attempt our first magic circle? This is where you come in, Keku.
You're much more experienced with runes than I am. We are to make this circle and ensure that each and every command works proper. We must start small. I will pop in to assist obviously."
(Loki)
[00:59] As Loki declared that the numbers checked out and that they were ready to move forward, Vaso's determination grew stronger. They were on the cusp of unraveling a new aspect of magic, forging connections that would reshape their abilities in ways they couldn't yet fully comprehend. With the previous calculations sorted, Vaso felt a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the challenges that lay ahead.
As they transitioned to the next chapter, Vaso's attention was fully captured by the concept of the magic circle. He understood the significance of the spirit realm, and Loki's pointed remark about its importance to him was met with a solemn nod. The concept of the veil and Loki's responsibility to protect and mend it resonated deeply with Vaso, further emphasizing the gravity of the task before them.
When Loki suggested attempting their first magic circle and turned to Keku, Vaso's gaze shifted to their friend, anticipation shimmering in his eyes. He recognized Keku's expertise with runes and understood the essential role he would play in crafting and executing the magic circle.
"I'm with you on this," Vaso said, his voice firm with determination. "Our combined knowledge and skills will make this happen. We've faced incredible challenges together before, and this is no different. If this circle is a bridge to the spirit realm, then let's build it strong and unbreakable. Keku, I believe in your expertise, and Loki, I'm ready to assist in any way I can."
(Vaso Calleas)
[01:02] The philosopher in Vaso shines through, once again proving his hidden, studious personality.
Two thumbs up are flashed!
"Don't worry about the book, I already wrote down super thoughtful and important notes that summarize the contents!"
On to chapter four!
"I've read a little bit about the spirit realm. It's fascinating how that world works! I want to go one day..."
But that's for another day.
"Alright, yeah, let's start with the magic circle."
Smiling, he extends his arm out. A small metallic needle emerges from his fingertip, enhancing his precision when it comes to runes, as the needle allows for more accurate mana control.
"We're gonna need to create the outer foundation of the circle. That is the first layer. Close to the inside perimeter, we can start writing the glyphs and commands."
"Because of my laser precise mana spread, I can ensure that this glyph remains stable and smooth as our subject rides the rough outer waters of the lifestream! We'll be saving a loot of energy, which I'm sure we'll need."
The super precise lines begin to glow as abstract imagery and lines begin to form beneath Keku's finger, carefully conjuring commands and instructions. Immediately, he begins to contribute the equation into the rune.
It grows bigger and bigger, and Loki is left to handle the other half.
"Don't be nervous, just concentrate."
(Keku)
[01:12] "Sit tight for now, Vaso. This part is for us. Just be ready. We'll be done for tonight after we finish this circle. Once done? Tomorrow or the next day we work on transportation.
Items. Animals. Then people."
With that said he simply closes his eyes. There is nothing leaving him. As he began feeding that spirit bug of his mana. The bug would respond by sending out psionic waves of energy that aimed to reach out to the realm beyond.
While this went on Loki himself was in an trance. His eyes lit pink with fiery aether as his finger went along the circle. All of the information he'd absorbed from reading, and asking around was suddenly dumped into these glyphs as he began writing the language of angels.
Netherworld
Territory
Travel
Interpolation
Conversion
Portal
One by one, he would complete each circle, each command. Just as he finished his eyes lose their light. He's normal again. The psionic waves cease as the glyphs have been finished. The activation of the runes being saved for another time. Loki had done his part for now.
"Alrighty! That should do it. You guys be sure to reach out. Ask around, Vaso you look more into spatial magic and when return share your findings. Keku, your homework is simple, exercise our equation, and draw out some diagrams.
Then our next meeting? We work. Our goal is to be able to move Vaso distances by next year. Get ready to get some tattoos, man, because we're going to have to cover you in runes."
(Loki)
[01:23] Then people.
It's chilling, almost. The group works together and incorporates their unique magic to draw mana from.
Giving life to the rune, and breathing a fresh start into the mana and energy.
It pulsates a glow on the ground, a rune very unique to Keku.
Visually, at least. His preferred method of learning.
"So that's what it looks like huh? That's crazy."
He takes a deep breath. Exhale.
"I'll be trying this by myself a lot later. Now that I've seen what the process looks like, and have had a feel of the type of design I prefer... I can make my own activation runes. We could even try moving two or three subjects together!"
Depending on if Vaso's curiosity had been piqued.
Clearly enthusiastic about the future group meeting, Keku packs his notes and belongings into his knapsack, coming to a stand and brushing himself off.
"Vaso in runes? That'd look so cool!"
Loki certainly painted a beautiful picture of their next meetings together. Working with him was always a pleasure, as he reminded Keku of the light of the future.
"Ok, I'm good to rest now."
Whew. He leans against the table, taking a breath.
(Keku)
[01:23] Vaso nodded in understanding as Loki outlined the plan for the upcoming efforts. The division of tasks was clear, and he was content to let the magic users handle this part of the process. He realized that while he might not fully comprehend the intricacies of creating the magic circle, he was nonetheless an integral part of their team. Their progress was a collective effort, and he trusted Loki and Keku to make the most of their abilities.
As Loki's eyes lit up with pink aether, Vaso watched in awe as the magic circle took shape before his eyes. The intensity of the moment was palpable, and he felt a sense of anticipation as the connection to the spirit realm was established. He recognized the significance of their actions – they were laying the foundation for something greater, something that could change the course of their battles.
When the process was complete and Loki's eyes returned to their normal state, Vaso's own determination was further fueled. He listened closely as Loki summarized their next steps, absorbing the responsibilities that lay ahead. Spatial magic – the term resonated in his mind, igniting a curiosity that he was eager to explore.
As Loki spoke about his future tattooed state, Vaso couldn't help but chuckle. The prospect of becoming a canvas of runes and symbols seemed oddly fitting for his new path. The idea of incorporating these runes into his martial arts, of weaving spatial manipulation into his techniques, filled him with excitement. It was a challenge, a pursuit that he embraced wholeheartedly.
"I'll be sure to study until we meet again. I have a few more interests in this now besides this little project. I really think I can make something of my own with this..."
With a final nod of agreement, Vaso bid his friends farewell for the night. Walking away from the meeting spot, he pondered the endless possibilities that lay before him. The integration of spatial magic into his fighting style was an uncharted territory, a realm where his martial prowess and this arcane knowledge could converge.
(Vaso Calleas)