Stephen responded, "You aren't done. I have more. Alden provided this." He handed over an amulet to Von which appeared to be filled with magically charged water. "The water within it is sealed in blue jadeite and comes from the waterfall by the testing arena charged within the famous well of dreams. It will increase the amount of water you can control as well as the power of your water spells. The other benefit is from the gem used to store the water. Blue jadeite will boost your spiritual wisdom and encourage an open mind making it easier to perform all magic to some degree. It too is a journeyman tier artifact."
Much like the shield, the amulet was an intricately crafted pendant, combining elegance with a touch of mystique. At its center was a small, translucent blue crystal gem usually resembling a droplet of water. The gem is encased in a mithril setting, featuring miniscule engravings of flowing waves, water symbols, and aquatic creatures. The amulet hung from a mithril chain, creating a refined appearance.
Concentrating on the amulet, he focused his will into it. A cool refreshing resonance emanated from within the pendant like a gentle caress of cool waves washing against his skin. Immediately, he felt a renewed sense of calmness and could even feel the interaction between the shield and the amulet as the two combined enhanced his focus and relaxation making it easier to connect with the pendant. As he continued to concentrate and allowed himself to be carried into the focus, he felt his own magical essence merging with the artifact like a gentle stream merging with a larger river, a harmonious blending of energies signifying attunement.
Feelings of serenity, connection, and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all water sources washed over him as he could feel the various fluids within the area by sinking his aura into the water within the blue gem. As he did so, a brilliant blue aquatic luminescence sprang from the engravings lighting them as his aura filled every crevasse of the engravings creating a conduit between not only his mind and the pendant, but his blood also attuned with the enchanted water within the magical focus.
Within these waters, his head swam as he attempted to grasp the waves of energy building within his essence. Feelings he could adapt to anything surrounded him as the water and the pendant joined with his aura adding another item to the artifacts he could touch with his mind with no effort and strengthen his energies.
Seeing the young boy's expression soften again, Stephan smiled. "Still not done. Alden also provided an air focus for you. This small pin feather is from some uncommon bird tainted by fell energies. Its beast heart was combined with the feather to create an apprentice level air focus. I can't feel it, nor determine what it will do, but any focus is better than none."
As Von reached out to examine the feather pin, a subtle yet palpable sensation enveloped him, creating a connection between his aura and the magical accessory. The feather pin was an exquisite magical accessory crafted with precision and elegance. At its center was a small, iridescent feather appearing to be plucked directly from a bird then encased in a delicate, transparent casing made from a lightweight, crystalline material, most likely from its melted core. The pin itself is fashioned from a blend of metals and appeared to be designed for durability without compromising its weight.
The magical feather, while small, boasts intricate patterns that shimmered in various hues when Von tilted it to the light. The crystalline core casing adds to its ethereal beauty, creating an enchanting play of colors mimicking the shifting tones of the sky. A secure clasp on the back, ensured it could be affixed seamlessly to the wearer's clothing.
Focusing his attention on the pin, he began to hear soft, ethereal whispers reminiscent of a gentle breeze. These whispers seem to carry the secrets of the skies, conveying a sense of ancient wisdom and the ever-changing nature of the air. It's as if the pin itself was a conduit to the vast expanse of the atmosphere. Simultaneously, a featherlight touch was felt on his consciousness akin to the gentle caress of a breeze against the skin. The magical feather within the pin seemed to extend an ephemeral touch into Von's inner being, creating a connection transcending the physical. This touch carries a sense of freedom, as if the pin is inviting Von to soar through the skies.
A subtle sensation of weightlessness ran through him, as if the air around him was lifting and supporting his essence. He felt as if his very being was embraced by the very air currents he sought to command. A sense of mutual understanding aligning the boy's will and the magical properties of the feather enveloped him as if the pin responded to Von's innate connection to the air, unlocking potentials never occurring to the boy in the past. He discovered a similarity to water as he felt the fluidity of the winds, the currents, and the interconnectedness of the atmosphere became more apparent. Feeling the energies of the two foci mingle caused the similarities between water and air to grow stronger. A profound sense of empowerment and liberation filled him as the new feather became another extension of his magical self.
"Mistress Chandler gifted you with this." He then handed Von a tiny lantern crafted with exquisite attention to detail, featuring a spherical shape made from a flawless, transparent crystal. The crystal was enchanted to be heat-resistant, as it contained the intense flames within without receiving any damage to the lantern itself. The surface of the crystal is smooth, with a faint, ethereal glow emanating from its core. Inside the crystal orb, a perpetual flame burned with an otherworldly intensity. The flames danced with hues of red, orange, and blue, creating a mesmerizing and ever-shifting display.
The lantern is suspended within an ornate metal framework crafted from a combination of enchanted alloys. The framework is adorned with intricate fire-themed runes and motifs which flickered and shimmered reflecting the movement of the contained flame. A tiny but sturdy handle extended from the top of the lantern, allowing one to carry it effortlessly. The handle itself is insulated with magic, ensuring the intense heat from the flames within could not harm the user. Opening his aura to the mystical artifact, the size of the flame grew as it dynamically adjusted responding to the magical energies around it. Feeling the presence of Von's enhanced aura, the flames within flickered with increased intensity. It was as if the artifact recognized the latent potential within the boy and awaited the connection that was about to be forged.
Von extended his aura towards the lantern, then placed his finger against the crystal orb. He could feel a strong warmth emanating from the artifact. This sensation began resonating with the fire magic coursing through his veins. Closing his eyes, Von he used his willpower to invoke the essence of fire as he sought attunement with this amazing lantern.
Pouring energy into the artifact, the runes on the lantern's metal framework shimmered, responding to the resonance of his magical signature. The crystal orb started to radiate a soft, pulsating light, synchronizing with the rhythm of Von's heartbeat while the air around him seemed charged with magical energy, creating a subtle but tangible connection between the boy and the artifact.
Von continued to focus, utilizing the calming from the other artifacts to keep his concentration from wavering. He envisioned the flames within the lantern merging with the flames within himself, creating a harmonious fusion of magical energies. The lantern responded by revealing more of its capabilities, the elemental compass needle subtly shifting to align with Von's magical aura.
With each passing moment, the bond between Von and the flame-filled beacon deepened. He sensed the lantern amalgamating itself to his essence, a conduit through which he could channel and amplify his fire-based abilities. The flames within the crystal orb seemed to dance in tandem with Von's thoughts and emotions, reflecting this newfound connection.
As the attunement ritual reached its culmination, the lantern emitted a radiant burst of light, casting intricate patterns on the rooms walls startling those within. Von opened his eyes, now ablaze with the same fiery intensity as the lantern. He could feel the power of the Eternal Lantern coursing through him, as a symbiotic relationship was established between the artifact and his own energies.
The artifacts began producing colorful lights consistent with their affinities, the pendant beaming with a dazzling blue light, the feather showcasing a scintillating white light, and the lantern resplendent in a fiery red richness encircled Von leaving trails of light in their wake. Everyone turned to see this amazing spectacle of light encircling the youth.
Without warning the artifacts exuded a brilliant flash of light causing a momentary blindness leaving spots behind in the vision all those who were looking in Von's direction as the three artifacts were swept into the very essence of the boy. Those watching saw a brown essence come forth from Von's body join the other three before fading within as the three artifacts joined the previously absorbed earth focus. An intense energy filled Von as the power of the energies burst forth once more before being pulled back into his body.
My system is back! Von felt alive again, knowing his system was still working. Knowing this and feeling the surge of power brought into himself from the elemental focuses, Von suddenly desperately desired more power. Yes, absolutely! Absorb the shield and the hourglass.
The shield in front of the boy grew to ten times its original size before turning ethereal and being pulled directly into Von's body. A faint lavender color added itself to the other four before the hourglass from his pouch sprung forth without being touched then grew to a size rivaling the chronodragon hourglass in the tower. It too flared with the color of topaz before adding itself to the colored film surrounding the boy. After a moment, the light show faded as it fell inward being added to Von's mystical aura.
An empty circle appeared in Von's mind.