Channeling magic through steampunk modifications was a delicate yet powerful art in the world of Paradoxia. It involved integrating magical energies with intricate mechanisms, blending the ethereal with the mechanical to harness unique capabilities. For those with steampunk body modifications, this fusion allowed for the manipulation of magical forces in ways that transcended traditional spellcasting.
In Silas's case, lacking combat-specific steampunk modifications meant that he had to find an alternative conduit for his newfound Aerotaumaturgy. His System Connector, a versatile piece of technology capable of interfacing with various magical sources, became his primary tool. To create wind and manipulate the air, Silas ingeniously used his System Connector to act as a catalyst for his magic.
By syncing the Aerotaumaturgical Glyphstone with his System Connector, Silas could generate wind currents through a series of intricate commands. The System Connector acted as a conduit, translating the magical instructions into mechanical processes that produced controlled gusts of air. The synergy between magic and technology allowed Silas to manifest his Aerothaumaturgy without the need for dedicated steampunk modifications.
Controlling it on the other hand is a different story… or, would be, I guess I should say.
…
Silas's System Connector unfolded with a symphony of mechanical precision. The device, adorned with steampunk embellishments and intricate gears, whirred to life. Steam hissed and cogs turned in synchronized harmony, creating a mesmerizing display of mechanical ingenuity. The pale glow of ethereal glyphs illuminated the steampunk components, casting a soft radiance around the unfolding mechanism.
As the System Connector reached its full configuration, a gust of wind emerged from Silas's forearm. The air, manipulated by the synergistic fusion of Aerotaumaturgy and steampunk technology, danced around him in a controlled display of newfound power. The wind whispered through the arena, a testament to Silas's resourcefulness in harnessing the magic of the skies through unconventional means.
"What are you gonna do with your little wisp?" Stevenson smirked.
"You don't even have combat-oriented steam yet you think you can take us on alone?" Abigail scoffed, unable to believe the arrogance of the boy in front of her.
"Doesn't matter. His head is gonna be blown in any way," Roth muttered, taking a few steps toward the boy and cocking his hand back, getting ready to punch.
In an instant, Silas harnessed the power of Aerotaumaturgy, manipulating the wind with precision and speed. The gust, initially a playful wisp, transformed into an instrument of control. As Stevenson cocked his arm back, readying for an attack, Silas directed the wind around the joints of his extended limb. With an eerie crack, every joint in Stevenson's arm snapped simultaneously, leaving him wincing in pain.
But the swift and calculated manipulation didn't stop there. In the same breath, Silas funneled the wind into the mouths of Abigail and Roth, who stood behind Stevenson. The rush of air transformed into an oppressive force, an invisible hand closing around their throats. The two adversaries were caught off guard, clawed at their necks, gasping for breath as their windpipes were constricted.
Silas's mastery over Aerotaumaturgy manifested in this unexpected assault, leaving his opponents suffocating and helpless. The classroom, frozen with awe and fear, watched as the trio struggled to breathe, their faces contorted with panic. Silas, standing amidst the subdued opponents, showcased the unconventional but potent combat potential of his Aerotaumaturgy-infused steampunk abilities.
With each passing moment, the once-confident adversaries succumbed to unconsciousness, collapsing to the floor in a limp heap. The silence that followed was broken only by the collective gasps and hushed whispers of the onlookers, their initial skepticism replaced by a newfound awareness of Silas's unorthodox and formidable powers.
"Were you hiding your powers from us?" Marlene gripped the boy's shoulder as the manipulated wind dispersed into its surrounding brethren.
"Don't be a dumbass. I couldn't feel anything from him yesterday, yet now I feel mana. Did ya' use my info for an Air Glyphstone?" Calix lightly chuckled, stringing his arm around the back of Silas's neck. Yet, upon gripping him and turning to see his face, he noticed the boy's complexion was pale and full of anger to the point a tear shed from his right eye.
"Hey, you good?" Marlene asked, seeing this as well. "Is he good?" She then turned to Calix, looking for an answer, only to be answered with silence.
"A-Alright! And the winner is Silas, Marlene, and Calix with an instantaneously overwhelming victory!" The teacher quickly shooed them off of the center arena, still processing what had just occurred.
…
"Huff… huff… huff… let me be alone for a bit," Silas heaved, wiping his mouth which had been rimmed with signs of puke.
"Clearly, you're not fine… what happened?" Calix asked.
One might've thought this was a side effect of using magic for the first time, but in reality, that's not how it works. This world isn't so primitive to the point where people are using raw magic to fight, as they have discovered the toll each amount of mana taxes on the body. It is insanely destructive, but with machinery and body modifications using steam tech, that toll is mitigated to a whopping zero.
"I just overexerted myself… that's all," Silas replied, leaning over the marble sink and washing his hands from the dirt he had wiped away. "Just leave me. I'll be fine. I need to talk to somebody."
"You sure?" Calix asked yet didn't press any further upon seeing the boy's stern glare. "Alright. Just don't forget we have a few more matches today. If you need to, you can sit out. Me and Marlene should be able to handle a couple of matches or so… so, just take it easy."
Silas nodded, watching Calix leave the bathroom, thus leaving him all alone. The hum of water rushing from the faucet quickly shut off as the sensor detected no more motion. Silas quickly raised his head, looking up at the mirror and staring into his own salmon-pink eyes.
"Yonchen… Yonchen! YONCHEN! I KNOW YOU'RE THERE! WHY ARE YOU HERE!? I DON'T WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THEM ANYMORE! LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" Silas screamed hysterically at the top of his lungs.
In a burst of rage, he clenched his fist and bashed it several times into the holographic mirror in front of him. Nothing really happened besides the bathroom door slowly creaking open, revealing a child once more.
"Calix! Give me some goddamn space for just a second-"
"Calix? You would dare to compare me to Calix?" A silver-lined tone resounded through the bathroom.
"What… What are you doing here?" Silas slowed his breathing, attempting to regain a more regal composure for the boy he had only seen from afar. "Lucas?"
"Silas," The boy smiled.
"What do you want?"