Ethan managed to arrive home in the dead of night, utterly exhausted.
He was too tired to even eat before collapsing into bed.
After a restful night's sleep, he awoke to find his body still wrapped in bandages, oddly relieved that it wasn't all just a dream.
Slowly, he climbed out of bed and dressed himself in a striking outfit consisting of a red overcoat, blue pants, and a charming green shirt.
Placing the large book on his desk, he made his way to the kitchen to prepare a small feast in celebration.
With enthusiasm, he cooked eggs, pancakes, beef jerky, and bacon, relishing the delightful aroma that filled the house. He hastily devoured his meal, eager to continue his adventures into the book.
Downing a tall glass of milk, he felt ready to delve into the contents of the book.
Returning to his room, Ethan pulled out a chair and seated himself, opening the massive book before him.
On the third page, the words caught his attention: "For the vast majority of experiments and tasks, the use of a magic staff is required. Below are the requirements for a magic staff."
This struck Ethan as peculiar since the magic he was familiar with only involved incantations or the use of magic circles. The idea of a staff for magic was completely foreign to him.
Recalling the earlier text he had read, he realized that this particular magic was significantly different from what he was accustomed to.
Reading further, the book told
"When constructing a staff, the most crucial part is the tip, as it is where your magic and the magic around you will be channeled. The tip should be crafted from the most precious and rare minerals. The second ingredient is the handle, which must be made from natural materials and be approximately four feet tall."
Ethan pondered this for a moment, realizing that gemstones were far beyond his financial means.
However, he remembered the glowing mineral in the cavern, which might serve as a suitable alternative. Additionally, there were trees in the cavern, offering a source for the staff's handle. Determined, he emptied his bag and packed his essentials for the upcoming adventure:
a pickaxe for mining the mineral, a hand saw for obtaining a branch from the tree, a rope ladder to avoid the need for rock climbing, and, of course, the book that he couldn't bear to be a part from. He also packed a loaf of bread and grabbed his map and dagger. An Hour later, he set off for the cavern.
Upon arriving at the cave, Ethan carefully set up the rope ladder and used his pickaxe to widen the hole.
Returning to the awe-inspiring, magical cave was no less mesmerizing than the first time.
With a pickaxe in hand, Ethan ventured into the cavern, determined to find materials to complete his staff.
As he returned to the cave's central pedestal, he basked in the comforting warmth emitted by the radiant rocks.
Spotting a conveniently exposed crystal hanging low, he effortlessly broke it off with just a few swift swings. Now it was time to find what would end up being shaft of his staff.
Surveying the cavern, Ethan noticed a few large trees, and his eyes settled on a low-hanging branch. Determined, he approached the base of the tree, ready to wield the saw and sever the branch.
With the crystal and branch in his possession, Ethan consulted the book for further instructions.
The page read, "To craft a magical staff, one must diligently undertake the task oneself, as staffs are deeply personal. The smoother and more refined the staff, the easier it will be to wield. The crystal must be securely fastened to the shaft using metal to enhance its conductivity."
Armed with this newfound knowledge, Ethan made his way back to his village.
It was just past noon when he arrived, and his first stop was at the Warren family house. Ethan placed the branch and crystal down and knocked on the door, greeted by Atom Warren, the head of the household.
Atom joyfully exclaimed, "Ethan, my boy, you could have just walked in! No need for formalities with us." Ethan was invited inside the den, where he sat down in a chair adjacent to the cool hearth, while Atom settled into a seat just opposite him.
Atom initiated the conversation, asking, "So, Ethan, what brings you here this afternoon?"
Ethan replied, "I'm working on a personal project of mine and I was wondering if I could use your workshop."
Atom warmly responded, "Of course, you're welcome to it! Just remember to put everything back where you found it when you're done." They shared a laugh, and Ethan headed outside to transport his materials to the Warren's workshop at the back of the house.
Ethan toiled away, meticulously grinding the crystal into a spherical shape and then diligently polishing it until it gleamed and became transparent.
He proceeded to trim off the little twig-like branches from the branch he had cut, saving the remnants for future experiments.
Ethan then skillfully sanded off the bark and sharpened one end into a pointed to get material for a wedge.
Retrieving a brass ingot from under the workshop bench, he fashioned a holder for the crystal ball, consisting of three prongs to cradle it and a hollow cylinder for the base.
Ethan carefully slit the staff, creating a gap slightly smaller than the size of the wedge. At that moment, the back door of the Warren family house swung open, and Victoria Warren emerged, carrying a plate of freshly baked bread bites and a cup of water.
Placing the plate on a ledge, she joined Ethan for a chat, starting with a warm remark: "I just made some bread bites, and I know how much you enjoy them so I brought you a few. You must be famished after working in the shop for four hours." Ethan smiled gratefully and responded, "Thank you! You make the best bread bites. Someday, you'll have to share the recipe with me." Victoria blushed, as it was her late mother's recipe, and replied playfully, "Perhaps one day, but for now, I'll happily make them for you." then she giggled a bit and left Ethan to resume his work.
Ethan carefully inserted the brass piece into the staff until it aligned perfectly with the shaft. Using a tarry black substance as glue, he coated the slit and firmly inserted the wedge, reinforcing it further with a mallet. Trimming off the excess, he gently slid the crystal ball into the holder, which securely cradled it with the prongs.
To give the staff an ornamental touch, Ethan employed the remaining brass to fortify the pointed end, resembling a decorative spear. Finally, he coated the wood with a layer of red resin to prevent splintering.
With a sense of great accomplishment, Ethan raised his newly crafted staff in the air, marveling at his impressive creation.