"Thank you, Alden! I really appreciate the focuses!" He exclaimed then remembered, his system would need one more focus to upgrade again. "Not to sound greedy, but would you be able to get me an uncommon or better phosphomancy focus? It's something I want to learn as well, but I don't know if it counts as elemental magic."
The tortoise shook his head. "No, but I can probably acquire one for you because it isn't a school within this tower. Here we have earth, air, fire, water, and lightning, properly referred to as geomancy, aeromancy, pyromancy, hydromancy, and astrapimancy. These foci we keep in this tower up to the uncommon level. Once you display comprehension of astrapimancy, I will provide you with a focus for it."
The elder continued. "Phosphomancy, or light magic is one of the universal magics, along with choromancy which is to say, spatial magic, arithmancy, which relates to mathematics, apotropaic magic, more commonly known as protection magic and long ago, tychomancy referred to as luck magic . Those are the magics which belong to the entire universe. Tychomancy is no longer taught here since Guenevere left, but Hellyne in the Cavern of Darkness can help one learn the very basics of tychomancy, agnomancy, and of course, her specialty, aimamancy.
Von stopped him. "Aimamancy? I don't think I've heard anyone in the college, even at the refectory speak of aimamancy."
"Aimamancy is more commonly known as blood magic. In many places it's forbidden, but Hellyne is a unique individual. There are very few students at any given time who have any real affinity for it. It probably wouldn't hurt for her to evaluate your skills as well. You have shown great promise with everything so far." A smile filled the eyes of the elder.
"As for your phosphomancy focus, I believe this afternoon's lessons are with Archmage Alendoria. If you show her the same aptitude you have shown me, you should easily be able to talk her out of the focus you desire as well as some lessons."
"Thank you, Alden." Von bowed a full ninety degrees showing great respect for his most recent teacher. "Does this mean we are done?"
"Hatchling, you will never, even at my age, be done learning magic, however, I believe at this moment, you have shown yourself to have the skill of a journeyman aeromancer, geomancer, and hydromancer. As such, you are at the point of leaving to learn more on your own and aid those you find. Besides which, I am sure it is hampering your abilities to keep up this field as long as you have. It's difficult to swim with a rock tied to your shell." The old tortoise smiled knowingly. "I am certain Alendoria will have much to show you. I am certain I shall see you again later in the week."
"Um, where will I find the College of Universal Magics?"
The wise tortoise chortled. "Ahh, yes. I forgot you don't know your way around completely. To get to the College of Universal Magics, leave this tower via the air portal and walk straight across the nexus through the grove of trees and you will find a wide path to follow which leads out behind the Hall of Arithmancy. Once you circle it, you will see the Tower of Phosphorium, the Sanctum of Apotheosis, and the Tychomancy Pavilion. Unfortunately, the pavilion has remained empty for several decades, or is it now centuries? That is to say, with the exception of those students who sneak in hoping to improve their luck."
Von bowed before the venerable instructor and started on his path of learning the universal magics. Leaving the tower and passing through the thick grove. The transition from the shadows of the forest to the open expanse is marked by a subtle shift in the air—a whisper of arcane energies signaling the presence of something extraordinary. This deep path from the woods opened to reveal a clearing bathed in ethereal light. Wisps of magical energy danced in the air, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The clearing was adorned with vibrant flowers, their petals reflecting a myriad of colors not found in the natural world while luminescent butterflies flutter around, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake.
From the clearing, the grandeur of the Hall of Arithmancy becomes apparent. The hall rose majestically, its spires reaching towards the sky, and the intricate carvings on its façade gleamed with magical resonance. Von was entranced by the way the sunlight caught on the enchanted mathematical symbols carved into the building, creating a mesmerizing display of light that shimmered across the building's stone surfaces. As he approached the hall, the entrance came into view. The massive door, bedecked with shifting geometric patterns, stood open, as though welcoming him into the lair of the secrets of arithmancy.
Preparing to skirt the Hall of Arithmancy he took in the courtyard filled with magical flora. Arcane fountains shaped like numbers shot streams of sparkling water into the air, creating a soothing melody resonating through the space. Students, returning from lunch were gathered in small groups, studying magical texts, practicing spells, or engaging in animated discussions about the mysteries of arithmancy.
Wandering through the courtyard, skirting the hall itself, Von following a winding path leading towards the Tower of Phosphorium. The path was lined with phosphorescent stones emitting a soft glow even in the daylight, providing an ethereal light to guide his way. Along the sides of this path, magical statues of renowned arithmancers stand sentinel, their stone eyes seeming to follow his every move. Proceeding along the path, the silhouette of the Tower of Phosphorium became more pronounced against the sky. This grand tower was a beacon of radiance with its pinnacle aglow with a warm and inviting light. The magical aura surrounding the tower gives it an almost celestial presence, drawing his attention with an irresistible allure.
Von paused to inquire of another student as to where he might find Archmage Alendoria. After asking several students, he discovered she typically spent the afternoons watching the budding choromancers learning at the amphitheater on the far side of the luminous garden and he should follow the crystalline pathway.
The pathway itself was made of crystalline tiles shimmering with iridescence. Stepping foot onto the path, he was immediately impressed by the prismatic display of light flashing through the pathway as each step sent ripples of magical energy through the ground, creating a visual spectacle reminiscent of dancing lights. The crystals were infused with spatial magic, subtly altering the perception of distance and heightening the sense of wonder.
Due to its magic, the path took him on a winding route, surrounded by luminous flowers and trees which seem to sway in harmony with unseen magical currents. The radiant glow from the tower lingered in the air, casting a warm and gentle illumination on his surroundings. Taking a turn to intentionally miss the glowing tower and its great diamondlike doors, the flora changed, and blossoms of vibrant colors released a subtle fragrance heightening the magical ambiance. Here, the vegetation responded to the presence of passersby, unfolding petals in rhythmic patterns and emitting harmonious musical notes as if playing a melody only audible to those attuned to the magical arts.
As he approached the amphitheater, faint echoes of choromantic energies become palpable. The air seems to hum with a unique resonance, as if the very space around him was attuned to the principles of spatial magic. Wisps of magical energy curl around the path, causing the path to look shorter then longer than expected.
Reaching the amphitheater, the scene unfolded into a breathtaking spectacle. The structure was an open-air marvel, with tiered seating arranged in a circular fashion. The amphitheater was strategically positioned to take advantage of the natural energy flows within the magical grounds. Each level of the amphitheater was marked by floating platforms adorned with intricate choromantic symbols suspended in mid-air.
The center stage was a vast circular platform with a mosaic depicting the ever-shifting patterns of space. Here, instructors weaved their choromantic spells, manipulating the very fabric of reality to demonstrate the principles of spatial magic. The amphitheater's surroundings contained floating globes creating riveting illusions ranging from shifting landscapes to intricate geometric patterns, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience while demonstrating the power of choromancy.
The periphery of the amphitheater was marked with spatial wards and runes enhancing the magical atmosphere. These protective enchantments not only created a safe learning environment but also served as practical examples for students to analyze and understand the spatial magic in action.
Continuing to take in his surroundings, he noted interactive workstations scattered throughout the amphitheater where students practiced spatial spells and experimented with manipulating the fabric of space. Among there were more of the floating platforms, magical gates and illusionary portals for hands-on learning.
Adjacent to the amphitheater, a small celestial observatory could be seen. The observatory was equipped with magical telescopes and instruments allowing students to focus on the study of spatial phenomena in the night sky. It also could provid students with a unique perspective on the connection between spatial magic and celestial bodies, however, with the close proximity of the phosphorous tower, Von wondered if this observatory really could be useful due to the amount of light produced so close to the domed building. Wouldn't it cause havoc to those trying to peer into the night sky?
Passing on these thoughts, as it wasn't night yet, he reached out with his aura to let it mingle with his surroundings. Von discovered the design of the amphitheater took advantage of natural convergence points of magical energy within the academy grounds. From what he was able to discern from pushing his aura into the area, the location amplified the effectiveness of spatial spells and created an environment conducive to deep exploration and understanding of choromancy.
The amphitheater definitely encouraged hands-on experimentation and fostered a deep appreciation for the spatial arts within this college dedicated to the study of universal magics. It also seemed to be quite popular as a large number of students were here honing their skills. Unfortunately, this meant it might take some time to located Archmage Alendoria.