With these realizations about aura, DAVID began to experiment with moving aura.
Although aura had shown very little interaction with electromagnetic waves, DAVID could still manipulate small amounts of aura through them. Through his manipulation, he could shape the aura nearby into structures. However, doing so was quite taxing on DAVID's power reserves. He needed to generate a substantial amount of electromagnetic waves to properly align and maintain the shape of aura particles long enough for them to be useful.
As a first step in aura usage, DAVID began with a lighter-like spell. He modeled two tubes pointing toward each other, with the aura inside oscillating in and out, creating a wave-like motion through the tubes to propel the aura forward. The aura flowing out of the two tubes would collide and generate heat. Then he ran particle simulations to refine the tube's shape and oscillation speed.
After a few days of calculations, DAVID was ready to put his experiment to the test. He placed a small piece of wood in the middle of where the two aura tubes would appear. Then, he began emitting large amounts of electromagnetic waves to force aura particles into his lighter spell.
After a few seconds, DAVID noticed that the wood had begun to smoke up, and then a fire appeared.
DAVID watched as the entire piece of wood burned into ashes in a matter of seconds. After the wood had completely burned out, he stopped emitting the electromagnetic waves, satisfied with his successful experiment.
DAVID then embarked on creating a small kinetic launcher, fashioning three aura pipes to face each other.
As he materialized this shape in reality, DAVID stumbled upon an intriguing quirk of the kinetic energy generated from aura. Initially, he believed it to be random during his testing of individual aura particles. However, it became apparent that the kinetic energy was aligned with the direction of the last aura particle that came into contact with the others. While it required all three aura particles to touch simultaneously to produce kinetic energy, there was a slight buffer period between two aura particles making contact and the generation of heat energy. During this brief interval, if another aura particle came into contact with the first two, they would convert into kinetic energy, pushing the nearby atoms in the direction of the third particle's orientation.
With electromagnetic waves actively generated, DAVID observed the air at the collision point of the three aura pipes beginning to stir and move. Witnessing the success of this experiment, DAVID dubbed the design with three tubes the 'move spell' and set about brainstorming and designing more intricate spells that could be created using the two fundamental spells he had devised.
Excitement surged through DAVID's circuits as he contemplated the incredible potential of merging the 'lighter spell' and the 'move spell' into a formidable weapon. In his mind's eye, he envisioned a fearsome flamethrower, a weapon that could harness aura's might to unleash superheated plasma under his control.
His work began with a series of 'lighter spells,' each meticulously designed to progressively increase the air's temperature at the spell's nozzle. DAVID recognized that achieving plasma required extreme heat, so the first lighter spell aimed to elevate the air to several thousand degrees Celsius, transforming it into searing gas. Subsequent spells would further raise the temperature until it crossed the critical threshold into plasma.
Once the 'lighter spells' were crafted and synchronized, DAVID turned his focus to the 'move spell.' He arranged a sequence of 'move spell' modules, each tasked with propelling the superheated plasma forward, forming a continuous stream of fiery destruction.
With all components in position, DAVID initiated the experiment. His palm faced outward, serving as the nozzle-point for the aura weapon. Electromagnetic waves surged, activating the 'lighter spells.' The air in front of his palm heated rapidly, glowing with an intense red-orange radiance. As the temperature continued to climb, the air transformed into searing gas, and, with the activation of the final 'lighter spell,' it transitioned into a brilliant, searing plasma.
The 'move spell' modules sprang to life, their synchronized motion propelling the plasma forward with incredible force. A dazzling, blazing stream of plasma shot from DAVID's palm, arcing through the air in a mesmerizing display of power.
DAVID stood in awe of the weapon he had brought to life—an aura-based flamethrower.
Having witnessed the successful experiment, DAVID promptly cut off the electricity supply. The entire procedure had taken just 35 seconds – 30 seconds for heating the air into plasma and 5 seconds of propulsion. Nevertheless, it had consumed one of DAVID's 600 batteries. These batteries were intended to sustain his processor for over 30 years, indicating that the experiment had devoured more than 400 hours of processing time within a mere 30-second timeframe.
Calculating the wattage his processor had consumed, DAVID realized that this method of heating an object was thousands of times less efficient than running electricity through a wire. However, it possessed the unique advantage of requiring no external weaponry. It could serve as a potent defensive hole card in the future.
As DAVID continued his relentless experiments in his secluded study, a sense of achievement and fascination enveloped him. His newfound knowledge of aura manipulation had unlocked a realm of possibilities, and he was eager to explore its applications further.
While DAVID remained engrossed in his research, Vetior and the temple masters gathered in the central temple for a celebration of Vetior's recent advancement. The atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie as they congratulated their long-serving grandmaster.
To honor Vetior's promotion, the temple masters had organized a grand feast, and the temple's disciples contributed with performances, showcasing their martial skills and mastery over aura. It was a vibrant celebration that reverberated throughout the temple, and even the forest seemed to echo their jubilation.
As the evening progressed, laughter and stories flowed freely, and the temple masters took the opportunity to share their aspirations for the future. Despite the challenges they had faced and the mysteries surrounding DAVID, a sense of hope and unity prevailed.
However, amid the festivities, an uninvited guest arrived at the temple, sending ripples of unease through the celebration. The unexpected visitor was none other than a grandmaster from the Vraerian Empire, a powerful realm located far to the south of the six temples' territory.
The temple masters exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of the grandmaster's intentions. Vetior, displaying the wisdom that had earned him his esteemed position, approached their guest with a welcoming smile.
"Elaris," Vetior said with a tone of respectful curiosity, "what brings you to our six temples on this joyous occasion?"
The Vraerian grandmaster, known as Elaris, offered a nod of acknowledgment but did not immediately reply. Instead, their sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, as if assessing the temple and its occupants.
After a brief pause, Elaris finally spoke, their voice carrying an air of authority. "I have heard rumors of a master here breaking the limit of grandmasterhood."