I arrived in Dresden with no fanfare. I was incognito and only provided my name when applying for the examination to attain the title of Master of Runology and Ritualism. Thereafter, I was required to identify myself by signing my name on a form.
The admission requirements for the exam were stringent, necessitating the payment of twenty thousand silver thalers. In this context, the ratio between silver and gold prices was approximately one to ten. A single silver thaler weighed approximately twenty-nine grams, with about twenty-eight grams of pure silver contained within it. I could either pay for the exam using fifty-six kilograms of pure silver or five kilograms six hundred grams of pure gold. Indeed, I possessed that amount, but the local sorcerers' jaws dropped at the sight of it. However, there was an alternative method of payment: offering personal development to the guild masters, which would be acknowledged as a masterpiece. This option resonated more with my preferences.
Thus does Scotty approach those who aspire to this position. Therefore, I have chosen to present them with a challenge they may not be able to surmount. Let them grapple with it. I propose to offer them Rowena's development in exchange for their services. Specifically, I am referring to the library component of the magical revenue room complex. This entails the process of copying books, their storage in mental projections within their database, and the provision of a temporary illusion that replicates the original source of knowledge.
I intended to create an artifact that would not only replicate all the books in the library but also continuously copy new sources of knowledge as they became available. This process would ensure the preservation of all information.
Furthermore, I planned to bind the rings of the guild masters to this artifact. They would be able to summon a tangible illusion of a grimoire, which would contain all the knowledge of the guild library in a catalogued and organized form. Upon mental request, the necessary knowledge would manifest itself in a language that was convenient for the user.
To accomplish this, I would incorporate a language translation function into the artifact, utilizing the Babylonian fish that were encased within it. This would grant the wearer the ability to comprehend any language they encountered.
When I presented my proposal to the leader of the guild, he expressed skepticism about my ability to undertake such a project. Nevertheless, he granted me permission to take the examination, contingent upon my successful completion of both the theoretical and practical aspects. The ring would be awarded to me later, specifically after I had delivered the project to the guild and implemented it within their library.
However, I had to negotiate with the head of the guild regarding the conditions of my membership. They adhere to a strict policy of not sharing the knowledge acquired within the guild with anyone other than a personal student, which I found somewhat frustrating. My patience finally ran out when I confronted the stubborn old man, who, despite being nearly three times my age, appeared to be two centuries old. I bluntly informed him that I would either abandon the endeavor under such conditions or seek alternative guilds that were more accommodating. Only after this ultimatum did the old fellow agree to form an alliance with me on my terms, swearing an oath.
I swiftly passed the examination. I devised a few rituals in accordance with the requirements provided. Then I executed them and achieved the desired outcome, which satisfied the committee. The same was true for the runic craftsmen.
It remained for me to create an artifact that would grant me access to all knowledge in the library of the guild and the coveted ring. I did not need it, nor did I require public recognition at this point. However, I aspire to become a professor at Hogwarts when the canon arrives. After all, observing the unfolding events not from the sidelines but from the front row would be far more captivating. And the title of Master of Magic would serve as a stepping stone towards that goal.
My absence from Castle Badoer went unnoticed by the inhabitants. I had already become difficult to detect. My only excursions were for Maria's lessons and occasional meals. While delving into Rowena's teachings, I delved into the realm of materialization through matrix.
My repertoire of culinary matrices now numbers close to a hundred, allowing me to conjure up a dish of my choosing with ease. One moment, and there before me lies a plate of duck, roasted to perfection with a medley of vegetables and fruits. Fish, too, is no stranger to my kitchen, thanks to my extensive list of culinary matrices. This collection has saved me from frequent visits to the dining hall, but it is also my duty to engage with the other residents of the house from time to time.
The head of the guild, after reviewing my work on the artefact library, agreed to reimburse me for the materials and resources I had expended. However, he did not anticipate that I would complete the project within the allotted timeframe. Nonetheless, he granted his approval without hesitation.
Creating this artefact took me an entire year, a task that was both challenging and intricate, spanning across multiple branches of magical science. To accomplish it, I needed to master the following disciplines at a high level:
* Shamanism and demonology
* Astral magic
* Mentalism
* Ritualistic magic
* Blood magic
The process involved the invocation and confinement of a spirit of the mind, belonging to at least the intermediate level, within an artefact. While it was not entirely unreasonable to entrust such a task to a guild, this was only with the understanding that I provided them with a schematic, allowing them to grasp the intricacies of their own expertise. To construct and operate such an artefact required mastery at least at the sixth, if not seventh, level.
At present, there are only a handful of sixth-octane magicians known in Europe:
* The wife of the current leader of the Black Family. This is a tragedy for their lineage, as women are typically more talented and powerful in terms of magic compared to men.
* The abbot and headmaster of the Inquisition Mage Training Center.
* The leader of the Dark Magic Guild.
It's likely that there are other sixth-octane wizards, but they remain hidden. It seems unlikely that there are more than two dozen of them. We are not even talking about seventh-octane individuals; it's a joy to realize that I am, to my knowledge, the sole one in Europe with such power.
But even if there exists a singularity with the sixth octane and the knowledge of magic in the aforementioned schools — I shall still triumph. After all, I have successfully concealed a latent ability within the artifact. I shall have access to a library, which has been loaded and processed by this artifact in such a manner that its creator and possessor will likely remain unaware of its existence. This grants me access to the novel knowledge of the sorcerer who crafted such a masterpiece.
The esteemed experts from the Guild of Ritualists and Runologists, who served on the admission committee, were utterly astounded when they received the results of my work for assessment. Even the most learned among them could comprehend, at best, a mere tenth of the documentation detailing my artifact's intricate design. Thus, it was clear to all that no one could duplicate it.
After all, these esteemed individuals had dedicated their lives to mastering the knowledge necessary to understand only a portion of the artifact, where runes and rituals were employed. How could they possibly find the time to study other magical disciplines and comprehend the rest?
These revered experts experienced a mixture of delight in my creation and frustration at their own limitations. They possessed little power or knowledge to independently replicate such a marvel.
Only now, the leader of the guild, a decrepit figure clinging to his position and prestige, has come to realise whose patience he has been testing all this while. Mages, above all, prize education and power. In this instance, I, by presenting my work to the committee, have been of unparalleled value. Consequently, it did not occur to anyone to attempt to deceive me by withholding the title of Master of Magic from me.
The artifact came with an instruction manual detailing how to input information from new books into it. It also instructed me on how to bind the master's ring to it, allowing the owner of the ring to access the guild library remotely.
Upon receiving the coveted ring, I chose to take a respite before attaining the next rank of Master of Magic, allowing me to dedicate more time to my apprentice, Maria Françoise Badoer, who is now nearly fourteen years of age. From a delightful little girl, she has blossomed into a charming young woman.
I did not intend for it to happen, but in the course of my experiments and research on the artifact library, I failed to notice the moment when my childhood infatuation with her transformed into a full-fledged emotion and nearly an obsession. Her desire to become my wife was her idea of a solution. This devious young woman went to great lengths to capture my attention. She aimed to convince me that she was a promising student and a budding talent. She began dressing in a more provocative manner, teetering on the verge of propriety, yet never crossing the line, leaving her mother, who was responsible for her upbringing, with no reason to chastise her.
Alas, despite my appreciation of her beauty and allure, it proved futile. I could appreciate her aesthetic appeal, but it failed to ignite my desire or passion. I find myself torn between joy and sorrow at this turn of events.
In the face of her failure, Maria did not succumb to despair, instead becoming more resourceful in her pursuit. With access to my extensive library, she sought practices that involved physical contact with a teacher. My relationship with her resembled that of a doting grandfather towards a beloved grandchild. Her transparent attempts at charm were both amusing and endearing, yet they did not advance her towards her cherished goal of seducing me.
Indeed, the situation only worsened. Instead of progressing towards her objective, the young woman became increasingly enamored with the physical sensations I provided when correcting her yoga postures and demonstrating proper execution of asanas.
She would even dispatch her familiar to my abode. In moments of deep introspection, when I was lost in the calculations of spells, rituals, or concoctions, I found solace in caressing and stroking her fluffy, soft coat. One day, in a fleeting moment of intense connection, she inadvertently achieved the highest level of synchronization with her familiar's senses. Thus, the young lady began to experience some form of affection and delight through the mental-sensory link with Koneko, albeit indirectly. Shamefully, I failed to recognize this immediately. However, it was too late for any changes, and admonishing Maria for her impropriety proved futile.
The emotional bond between Maria and me did not hinder her progress in her studies. Rather, it did not harm her, and in fact, it even contributed to her becoming a powerful sorceress.
Maria's unwavering passion for exploring new horizons in the realm of magical artistry inspired me to plan a brief respite for her. Four years of relentless study may have begun to dampen her ardour. Thus, informing Francesco that we would be accompanying his daughter on what could be described as a field trip, we set off with her to an idyllic tropical island in the heart of the Caribbean. While he was not entirely pleased, he fully comprehended that it was impossible to impart all knowledge within the confines of the castle.
Once, having recently acquired the gift of illusion from Kitsune, I conjured a multitude of miniature creatures. I dispatched them to various parts of the globe. Approximately a hundred phantom rats sailed from Spain across the Atlantic to the New World, while others departed from the ports of Venice bound for the Orient. Many of the crows I created took flight towards the European nations that piqued my interest. Thus, I amassed a wealth of coordinates for my portal travel. One such destination was a tiny island in the Caribbean, where a Spanish galleon laden with my rats was wrecked, laden with gold on its return voyage to Spain.
Upon the occurrence of the disaster, I swiftly arrived on the island that same night and concealed all the gold, weighing in at twenty tonnes. I then conducted a macabre ritual of secrecy, employing the few survivors of the shipwreck as my accomplices. I felt no remorse for my actions. The crew of the vessel were all cutthroats who had perpetrated atrocities against entire Native American settlements for a pair of golden earrings. I harbored no compassion for such individuals.. To locate this island required the intervention of a mage of no less than the seventh octane, for only such a powerful wizard could overcome the formidable defenses that encircled it. It was not certain, however, that even he would possess the skill to navigate through my illusions undetected and avoid the treacherous reefs.
Maria's delight was palpable as we found ourselves in my tranquil harbor, where a delightful climate prevailed, the white sand was pristine, and there were no dangerous creatures. I had previously taken care to ensure their absence, eradicating all poisonous creatures on the island, leaving only snakes, which posed no threat to me, my mark, or Maria and Koneko's safety, thanks to my magic. Additionally, I had secured the shoreline, ensuring that dangerous predators did not approach the coast.
The island itself possessed a source of magic of moderate strength, which would have been of great value in some parts of Europe, creating fierce competition. However, in the remoteness of this backwater, it was utterly useless to anyone.
The island's distance from the continents meant that connecting it to a mage could only provide him with a temporary boost to his reserves. This was precisely what made springs on the continents so valuable. Saltwater served as an excellent conductor for magical energy, and it was here, on this very island, that its potential could be harnessed.
However, the process of subduing and harnessing the wild mana source required the expenditure of valuable resources, time, and effort, making it a costly endeavor. For me, on the other hand, it was a simple task. I did not require any elaborate techniques to subjugate it, as I could manage it solely through my own efforts.
Here, on the island, I had a modest two-story dwelling with a mezzanine level. Within its confines, there were ritual chambers, training halls, and a laboratory for the creation of artifacts, potions, and elixirs. Closer to the shore, a bungalow served as Maria's abode, where she and her familiar resided. However, Maria faced some challenges. Her desire to engage in swimming was hindered by her inability to swim, and she sought guidance.
"Svyatozar," she asked on the first day of our arrival, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "what should I wear to go swimming?"
Her blush deepened as she attempted to play upon my role as her mentor, hoping to entice me with her vulnerability.
With a gesture, I conjured a swimming costume, one I had encountered in a previous existence, from my memory. The garment offered a modicum of coverage while maintaining a sense of modesty. My keen eye for detail allowed me to discern that it would fit her perfectly.
"Oh, but this is most improper, teacher! I cannot believe you, little imp. Your eyes have that dreamy glint, and your voice carries an unmistakable note of anticipation. There is no trace of shyness here at all. The female mind, indeed. To ask me to teach her swimming made her shy, yet the prospect of being almost nude in front of me today does not seem to bother her in the least."
"It is time to overcome your shyness, your shame, and your queasiness. When we return to Venice, we will begin your training in healing. You will be dissecting corpses and much more. You will learn the anatomy of living creatures through practice and example. So accustom yourself to it."
Do not misunderstand me: one cannot become a healer without becoming a bit unclean. I will teach you how to obtain the ingredients. And where there is healing, there is maleficence, blood magic, flesh magick, and necro-construction. But these, my apprentice, are things you will learn in due course.
The month passed in a flash. Initially, I focused on teaching Maria how to maintain her balance on the water and develop her swimming skills, equipping her with a protective amulet to ensure her safety. Subsequently, I relocated to my cottage nestled in the heart of the island, where I embarked on the process of absorbing the knowledge acquired from the library of the Guild of Runologists and Ritualists. The library contained all the accumulated wisdom amassed over two centuries of the guild's existence, allowing me to engage in a thoughtful exploration of their vast repository of knowledge.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Maria on a daily basis, sharing meals with her in her bungalow, which was situated along the coast. This provided her with the opportunity for solitude and tranquility. After all, her life had been characterized by constant supervision, with no time for leisure, as she was engaged in her studies.
In addition to teaching her magic, I also imparted to her knowledge in etiquette, dance, economics, poetry, rhetoric, philosophy, and the family trees of influential families from Europe and beyond. She was also introduced to the intricacies of politics. Francesco, Maria's father, hired me as her teacher for her general education and engaged tutors for subjects deemed essential for a noble lady. He did not skimp on her education in any way. Upon learning that his daughter possessed magical abilities, he sought to provide her with the best possible teacher to fully develop her potential.
But then, our sojourn on the island drew to a close. Maria, having heeded my counsel, had lost all sense of propriety. Now the young woman was seated on my lap, clad in a swimsuit that ostensibly embarrassed her for its transparency. I, for my part, was reposing after a taxing spiritual exercise, having attached a spatial pocket thereto. Thus, I was incapable of dislodging her from my side. It was then that she posed a question:
— Shall we return hither again, my lord?
And her words were accompanied by gentle caresses of my cheeks. She was so concerned about me, showing her care and affection. There was no hidden agenda, only the concern of the younger for the older, who was very dear to her, like a second father.
Yes, yes, yes. I could hear the rapid beat of your heart. What a tempest of emotions when you caught my languid but majestic serpent in the net of your supple thighs. And all that separated her desire from what she wanted was the thin fabric of my linen trousers with no undergarments beneath them, and her own thin, weightless bathing suit.
"We'll come back," she said. "I'll arrange a holiday like this for you every six months, but only if you maintain your grades. Stop wriggling your bottom on my lap."
Having dismissed the now fully developed girl, I decided to return to Castle Badoer. She did not take offense at the "child" I still called her, knowing it was futile.
— Summon Koneko, and don your finest attire. We are returning to Venice, for a bit of variety.
Upon our return, there was no sense of excitement. No one appeared surprised to find us in the ceremonial hall, making our way directly to the castle's dungeons, bypassing any defensive measures or alarm spells. Francesco had already gained a rough understanding of my abilities. He realises I am the most powerful mage he has encountered. And I remained unknown in Europe until my arrival in Rome — hailing from the remote regions of Muscovy, or Tartaria, as the Russian kingdom is sometimes referred to. Even here, knowledge of these lands is scarce.
I granted Maria a day of respite to reconnect with her mother, siblings, and relatives residing in the castle. On the following day, I commenced her training as an adept in the art of healing. Having imbued her with an abundance of theoretical materials pertaining to this branch of sorcery, I contemplated which skill to acquire next. My intention was to avoid returning to Rome! However, if I aspire to attain the status of a master in dark magic and other condemned aspects of the magical arts, it is advisable to establish oneself as a master of light magic first. This would mitigate the risks associated with potential malicious thoughts directed at me by malevolent individuals. Nonetheless, the majority of clerics continue to harbor the erroneous notion that a practitioner of light magic is inherently virtuous and almost sacred, while a practitioner of dark magic is inevitably a reprobate and scoundrel.
After a week had elapsed since our return from our holiday, I arrived in Rome with an air of mystique. There I proceeded directly to the Guild of Light, as they styled themselves. I was greeted with palpable excitement and delight, which became apparent upon my interaction with the guild's leader. He desired for me what I had provided to the ritualists and runologists.
Indeed, each current guild strives to showcase its own merits and disparage others. It is difficult to describe their relations as benevolent. However, magic is indivisible, resulting in numerous points of contact among mages of diverse disciplines. Thus, the news of my gift to the guild of runology and ritualism as payment for my mastery examination elicited profound envy from all the guild leaders and masters. Who would not covet the ability to access the guild library whenever and wherever they desired?
They were required to be present in the library in order to study the necessary literature. The removal of physical media from the library was strictly prohibited, and all books were safeguarded against such actions. Here we have:
* Protection against the possibility that anyone other than the holder of the aura-bound wizard's ring could access information from the illusory grimoire.
* A convenient search engine.
* An automatic translator.
* Easy access.
Magnificent!
To put it briefly, I was assisted by the pompousness and loquacity of runologists and ritualists, and I had high expectations. After all, I should now have no problems in any guild when applying for a master's examination. Everyone dreams of such a tool for their libraries. Delightful, simply delightful!
The examination was a mere formal requirement. I have always carried with me a spiritual artifact, akin to an Orthodox cross. It aids in controlling Light no less effectively than the title of the Dark Lord bestowed by Magic and acknowledged by the world — the mastery of darkness.
Of course, I had to refresh my memory of spells from this school, spells that neither I nor Morgana were capable of employing previously. However, thanks to the efforts of these two wizards, whose memories I now possess for my own use, they had accumulated a vast amount of information.
During my brief training prior to arriving in Rome to claim the title of Master of the Magic of Light, I discovered one thing: the spells of the minor and intermediate levels presented themselves to me effortlessly. Only the more advanced spells and enchantments of Light Magic necessitated some practice. Even they were mastered after the fifth or sixth attempt. Receiving another master's ring once again reinforced the belief that I am blessed, as Light obeys me like a loyal dog.
Incidentally, this significantly bolstered my illusions. The magic of light greatly enhanced my improved mental faculty. Thus, now:
- my illusions have become one and a half times more potent, almost matching my physical capabilities in this regard;
- the mana cost of my illusions has decreased by fifteen percent;
- they have become more resilient.
I have now completed the creation of an artifact library within just one month. After all, the calculations were already done; I merely had to replicate the work I had previously done.
However, I did feel a bit uneasy in Rome. Having nearly completed my task and intending to conclude all my affairs here in a few days, I received an invitation for a meeting with the Pope. I pondered for a long while what they might want. I also wondered if I would be allowed to leave the Vatican after attending this meeting.
But if I had not been leaving Europe immediately, I would have had to attend this gathering. I prepared myself as thoroughly as Alastor Grüm did before an operation, and I was ready for any situation, even the most unfavorable for me.
At top speed, as the meeting was scheduled for the following day, I spent the entire day, night, and morning meticulously securing artifacts and concocting potions, along with a few horrendous aerosol poisons. Were I to release them, Rome would have become a necropolis within a few hours, save for the most fortified and isolated estates with their inhabitants.
When I appeared before the pontiff, I was fully armored. At the merest hint of danger to my person, I was prepared to activate a hundred magic bombs brimming with hellfire. Had it been a waste to scatter them throughout Rome and conceal my illusions? The result would have been a conflagration lasting for a week, as I had not spared a single unit of mana for them.
I was also prepared to unleash a poison that would slay the few survivors of the flames, lay a necrotic curse upon all those nearby, and then force my way into Castle Badoer, seize my apprentice, and flee from Europe. In essence, I was like a loaded gun: a sneeze in my direction and the Catholics would be no more.
However, it turned out that I had been overreacting. I was requested to provide ten artefact-libraries. It was fortunate that I was able to comply. Nonetheless, I was dissatisfied with their modesty, and as a «true» and «devout» Christian, I voluntarily offered the Church thirty such artefacts in addition.
Certainly, I had sworn with the utmost sincerity that only the features specified in the project documentation would be implemented. However, there was one aspect I had omitted. The connection between the artifact and all the attached rings, which grant the owners remote access to the library, is mediated through the astral and the infosphere.
Of course, I withheld the knowledge of the frequency of the transmission range, which I, as the creator of the artifact library, am aware of. This allows me to easily connect to it via the astral plane, placing myself on the list of users. Why would I embarrass the esteemed elders, who regard themselves as the most intelligent, with such trivial matters? They believe that by exercising their power and influence, which could cause me severe difficulties, they have deceived a talented sorcerer and acquired such valuable artifacts in exchange.
Notwithstanding my reputation as a liar, I was indeed bestowed with the title of an earl, albeit without any accompanying lands. Moreover, I received five kilograms of consecrated silver, the origin of which remains unknown to me. It is not clear who performed the anointment and consecration, but it seems to have been slightly less blessed compared to my cross. Yet, for a brief moment, approximately a hundred reservoirs of the Archmage of Light flowed through it.
I successfully managed to complete the task of organizing the thirty artefact libraries that had been promised to the Church within a few months. However, I refrained from immediately handing them over, as I did not want to appear overly obliging to the Church's request. For this reason, I also refrained from pursuing a new mastery, immersing myself fully in my work.
The Church, although not the sole administrative body overseeing the lives of mages in Europe, maintains a close watch on matters. If I had submitted an application for a new examination in order to attain a higher mastery rank, it would not have remained a secret within the Vatican for long. Moreover, the delay in receiving my next rank would only serve to increase the envy among the other guild leaders, who were yet to acquire the privilege of possessing an artefact library like mine.
Thus, having fulfilled my obligation to the Vatican, I chose to focus my attention on Maria's training, biding my time until the appropriate moment to deliver the libraries.
For the first few months, Maria was squeamish about studying cadavers and practicing with them. However, there is a reason why I have been teaching her Occlumency and general mental magic for over two years. She has already learned how to enter a trance state, completely detached from emotions, guided solely by her mind.
During the lesson with the aid of dead flesh, Maria performed admirably. She followed all my instructions, memorizing them thoroughly. However, after emerging from the trance, she regularly suffered from stomach issues for the first month. Her consciousness, no longer separated from her sensory spirit, absorbed the full spectrum of emotional impressions from what she saw and did.
But humans are adaptable creatures, capable of becoming accustomed to anything. Maria adapted, convincing herself that her occupation is not repugnant.
The year passed by in a whirlwind of events, particularly for Maria. Her obsession with the idea of bedding me and marrying me diminished slightly. It appears that dissecting corpses and delving into internal organs do not arouse a young person's passion. Unless, of course, there is something amiss with their psyche.
Upon the expiration of my one-year term, I presented my artifacts in a private meeting with the Pope, not directly to his person, of course, but to his aide. I am confident that they will undergo meticulous examination and multiple re-checks. However, I eagerly anticipate extracting knowledge from the archives and libraries of the Vatican and incorporating it into my craft, which I have learned to create a few pieces daily.
Having barely concluded my current engagement with the pontiff, I resolved to journey to Vienna and embark on the path of numerological mastery. It took me a mere four days to attain this new expertise. Thus, I did not need to expend time on the creation of an artifact, as there was an ample supply of pre-made ones at my disposal. Moreover, it transpired that I was anticipated. Every guild, not already in possession of my artifact, awaited my arrival.
I was delighted that the guildmaster accepted my artifact as payment for my examination and bestowed upon me a token of appreciation in return. Throughout Europe, it is known that Svyatozar Zmiev is a renowned artifactor and healer, having attained the esteemed status of a three-time master — a scholar and experimenter in the realm of potions.
Alfonso, the leader of the numerological guild, astonished me with a gift of petrified blood from a hydra slain on Earth three millennia ago. But where did he obtain such a treasure? It was indeed a princely gift. However, what truly astonished me was Alfonso's Bruns's unselfish nature. He proved to be an ardent enthusiast of magic like myself, uninterested in the machinations and petty intrigues of contemporary mages. Instead of delving into the mysteries of the cosmos, they, in his view, engage in trivial pursuits.
What truly surprised me about Alfonso was his remarkable intellect, which extended beyond the norm, reaching six and a half octanes. Furthermore, he also possessed the skills of a master demonologist, as revealed to me by my spiritual vision.. And he was a jovial grandfather with a comical wedge-shaped beard and a jaunty twirled mustache à la cartoon. In short, Grandfather was a veritable dandelion sent by God.
A delight to converse with, he was. And I eagerly agreed to collaborate on a joint endeavor to create an artefact that, when subjected to the prescribed ritualistic conditions, would perform an astronomical computation of the optimal date and time for its implementation.
Alfonso and I dedicated three years to this endeavor, and finally, our efforts bore fruit. Alfonso desired to employ the essence of a mid-tier demonic entity as the processing unit and random access memory in this type of magitechnological device.
Our bond grew so strong that he confided in me his deep understanding of demonology. However, I persuaded him to abandon the demonic idea, opting instead to summon the spirit of a mind as the intellect behind the artifact. Following his revelation, I secured a mentor in the field of demonology for myself. This was the sole aspect of magic that I had mastered thanks to Morgana's guidance, but I refrained from attempting it independently.
My only foray into this practice was when I summoned a Scorpion Man, a ritual as straightforward as using a wand. If one does not err in establishing the confinement circle and possesses sufficient mana reserves to sustain it while meticulously adhering to the ritual's requirements and releasing the demon before its mate arrives, there should be no complications. Alfonso's eagerness to escape the demonic realm, bypassing the need for a mate, was evident.
Alfonso, at the age of four hundred and thirty-six, was a man of considerable experience and wisdom. His pursuit of immortality through the attainment of high magic was a testament to his dedication and ambition. With each passing year, his soul grew stronger, ready to leap to new heights.
I, too, a fellow enthusiast of magic, saw in Alfonso a kindred spirit. In this world where magic is often viewed with skepticism, he remained unwavering in his belief and passion. His youthful enthusiasm for the art of magic never waned, and I was determined to support him in his quest for immortality.
For this purpose, I prepared nine portions of an elixir that required the entire supply of hydra's blood. I obtained the blood and tears of the Dark Phoenix through Francesco, along with about a dozen other ingredients, albeit less rare but equally precious. The elixir was named Dawn of the Black Sun, and it would restore the drinker's body to its peak physical condition.
All the ingredients used in its creation, including those of plant origin, are considered forbidden and were extracted from dark entities. During the process of preparation, the mixture must be infused with the energy of Light, a task that can only be accomplished by a mage of the seventh octane, who must exert a specific amount of pressure.
I was about to bestow upon Alfonso the four portions that I had received. The use of these portions would restore his body to approximately twenty-five years of age. With his magical abilities, he would then have to endure the process of aging by about three hundred years in his present state. However, alas, his secondary essence, prana, is already affected by the effects of ageing and senility. Thus, the rejuvenated body would age at a faster rate than it would otherwise. Consequently, he will once again become the older adult that I am familiar with after a mere hundred and fifty years.
Alas, the elixir serves only to reverse the age of one's physical form. Repeated use would diminish its effectiveness. The prana within him would continue to age and its impact on the newly rejuvenated body would become more pronounced. The four portions I would bestow upon him would extend his lifespan by another half millennium, which should suffice for his soul's evolution.
"Alfonso, take this gift from me. It will ensure that you remain a thorn in the sides of those who seek to prevent you from ascending to the position of guild leader."
We had completed our project together, and I was contemplating pursuing further studies in other magical disciplines. It was time for me to move forward.
"What is this, Svyatozar?" he asked, eyeing the four vials with a curious gaze. They emitted a snowy glow in the darkness.
"These, my friend," I replied, "will add another half millennium to your lifespan. If I do not become a High Mage within that time, I shall escort you to the next world. Do not let that be the case."
Alfonso burst into laughter, a mixture of bitterness and quiet joy. His laughter echoed through the room.
"What are you doing, elder, and what is this?" I inquired when he had regained his composure.
"Ha! A mere two hundred and eleven years ago, I was forced to take the life of my own son with my own hands, for he sought to supplant me as head of the household. A hundred and sixty years later, I took the lives of two of my grandchildren, who followed in the same footsteps. And now, I have been granted immortality at the hands of Salazar Slytherin himself! How ironic!"
"Where did I go astray?"
The fact that he had discovered my middle name did not concern me; he was not the sort to blab about such things.
Alfonso gestured with his hands, expressing his frustration. "It's a simple matter, really. All the demons from the lower and middle spheres have agreed to your conditions without any negotiation. And this can only happen if they unconditionally recognize your supremacy and right to command. But you are not an archdemon. This leaves us with only one explanation for this occurrence. Demons perceive the mark of tranquility in the title bestowed upon you — 'Dark Lord'. And the last such title in history belonged to Salazar Slytherin. Drawing an analogy between your present name and your past one was not difficult. The names share a similarity in consonance, and the surname has a serpentine quality."