"No... In order to save Etheloria, we will embark on this quest and retrieve the Elixir of Immortality!"
That was the response the High Priest needed in order to continue with the sermon on the quest.
The High Priest continued with them. He provided them with survival orientation and emphasized the benefits of collaboration, teamwork, and bonding. Especially since each of them had their unique affinity for either elementals, healing, or enchantment.
Not only that, he did his best to explain the various terrains they were likely to encounter on their journey to the Lost Temples. These included arid, rugged, rocky, volcanic, water-logged, forested, mountainous, and valley terrains, among others. Providing them with the necessary pros and cons of each terrain, as well as the most effective offensive and defensive magic for each terrain.
He also went on to tell them about the importance of managing and preserving food and water, as they were uncertain about the duration of the quest and how long it would take for them to return, whether it will take days, weeks or even months. Also, he didn't fail to stress the importance of time sensitivity. Especially since they didn't know how long Elara's barrier could hold out against the shroud of darkness. And when the barrier was overshadowed, how long would the Dome Array last against the shadow plague. So, time was the most important thing that the High Priest spent a great deal of his time explaining to them.
Then, they were introduced to the resources that would be most helpful to them during their quest. Resources such as weapons, crystals, cores, pills, potions, and elixirs come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. However, the second most important resource given to each of them was a spatial storage artifact - forged in the shape of a ring. The High Priest referred to it as the Astral Ring, possibly due to its spatial nature or the presence of a dazzling star-shaped crystal embedded within it.
"The last two and most important resources you all need now are the Telescope Mask and the impervious Magma Shroud. I will now explain these two to all of you.
"The Telescope Mask is a special helmet-like mask that you will all have to wear at all times to prevent shadow infestation. You can't do without it. The Magma Shroud is a unique, lightweight complete set of armor that provides exceptional resistance against powerful attacks. You cannot do without it either. However, we don't have them with us at the moment. But, we hope that it will be ready before tomorrow morning, as our team of Templar warriors is currently scouting the Infernal Crystal, which is the raw material needed."
After briefing them on all the necessary information they needed to be aware of regarding the quest, the High Priest commenced a training session with each of them. Except Apphira.
It was a one-on-one training session where he would explain everything about each of their affinities and suggest the most effective way for them to utilize their powers. It was truly an eye-opener for each of them. Especially Alvan and Lyra, to whom he gave more attention. These two were the only members of the quest team who were experiencing difficulties in controlling and manipulating their powers.
He started with Lyra first. He taught her some of the secrets of enchantment. Like learning how to better attune oneself with ethereal energy and manipulate nature, understanding the basics of spell-casting and cultivating the right state of mind are essential for performing enchantments and spells. He demonstrated some moves and spells to her, which she learned after several failed attempts. When he finished coaching Lyra, he presented her with a wand adorned with an emerald crystal ember at its tip.
"Just like my staff, this wand will make casting your enchantments and spells easier. If your talent for enchantment is high, you might even be able to manipulate anything, contort space, distort time, create portals, and even achieve the legendary state of astral projection. In this state, you can traverse other planes and dimensions beyond our physical world."
Lyra, with a nod and a bow, collected the wand with a satisfying smile on her face before returning to where the other five were seated, waiting. The only one left with the High Priest now was none other than Alvan. But in order to teach Alvan, the High Priest created an invisible barrier that enclosed himself and Alvan.
It was made of cosmic energy, so the others didn't notice, except Apphira, who was left confused. But she didn't dwell on it too much. Perhaps she thought that the High Priest had chosen Alvan to get the Elixir of Immortality. But that didn't sit well with her because she didn't want what happened to Zamon and Elara to happen to their son.
Inside the invisible barrier. The High Priest began his session with Alvan by providing him with an overview of cosmic energy.
"One thing you should understand is that cosmic energy is an energy from the celestial realm. Just like celestial beings, they do not meddle with our affairs here because their energy is incompatible with our ethereal energy.
"When an Aetherian transcends to wield cosmic energy, they can only do so by siphoning all reserves of ethereal energy from their core and replacing it with the foreign cosmic energy. But in your case, the essence of immortality, made of cosmic energy, merged with your body at a very young age. At that age, your ethereal energy hasn't manifested; otherwise, that cosmic energy would have overshadowed it."
"Why?" Alvan asked as he was taking in all the High Priest was saying.
"That is because after three days of an Aetherian's birth, their core will start developing and accumulating ethereal energy. But in your case, you were only two days old at that time, so there was no core or ethereal energy. When the essence of immortality entered your body, it took control.
"However, the clash began after you were a few weeks old. Then, your ethereal core formed and contained some ethereal energy. So, the cosmic energy of the essence of immortality can not reside in the core. As a result, it will compete with the ethereal energy for dominance within your core. Do you understand?"
"Yes, so that clash has been going on since then. Whenever my cosmic energy gains territory in the core, I feel a pulse and can harness it. However, when the ethereal energy pushes it out, I am able to harness that energy instead. But why can't I harness them all the time, any of them?" Alvan asked the High Priest with a scowl on his face.
"The reason for that is that whenever two antagonizing energies fight for territory in your core, you won't be able to harness either of them. But don't worry, I will teach you a way to solve that issue and gain control over when to use your two energies," the High Priest assured him.
"The key concept you need to grasp in order to effectively control your powers is that your ability to manipulate either of the two energies is closely tied to your emotions."
"Emotions?"
"Yes, emotions. Magic and the mage's emotions go hand in hand. You must learn to channel your emotions into your magic. Haven't you noticed that when you are in danger, your powers seem to come to you. Why would it be like that? That is because when you are in danger, your emotions become stronger.
"Fear, anger, and doubt can disrupt your control. Focus on positive emotions such as determination, courage, and the desire to protect your comrades when embarking on the quest. Use those sources of strength to empower one of the energies, making it available for you to harness. Now, you don't have a choice of which energy you can choose, but a time is coming... " The High Priest stopped here.
That was the end of his training session with Alvan. After that, he walked back to the other six with Alvan.
The High Priest then turned to Apphira and said, "Apphira, you will be their guide to the Lost Temples... However, the Time Orb will serve as your guide."
Puzzled, Apphira asked, "What do you mean about the Time Orb?"
"In the event that the location of the Lost Temples shifts from its current position, the Time Orb will be useful in determining the new location of the Lost Temples. As you know, it is used to glimpse into the past and peek into the future, but only cosmic energy can activate it," the High Priest responded. By doing this, he is also ensuring that Apphira will remain unaware of Alvan's ability to harness cosmic energy.
After Apphira had taken the Time Orb from Zamon's statue, a Templar knight came to the chamber to announce the arrival of the Templar warriors with the Infernal Crystals and other raw materials for the Telescope Mask and the Magma Shroud.
It was already dark outside the basement, so the High Priest left them to meet with the blacksmiths and healers who would craft the seven Telescope Masks and seven Magma Shrouds.