Von thought for a moment then moved to the weapons on the workbench. As he gazed upon his creations, Von felt a sense of awe and wonder wash over him. He had unlocked the secrets of metallomancy, harnessing the power of magic to create something truly beautiful to him. What did he want to imbue it with?
If it was for him, he would absolutely want the strength and endurance since he was small and weaker than most boys his age. Of course, controlling plants was possible too. He knew his chloromancy skill was negligible as his system told him he was only at novice level. It would be a good skill to have.
System, can I use my magic experience points to raise my magical affinities?
Can I become apprentice-level with all my affinities?
That seemed very expensive, but ultimately, he felt it would be worth it. Yes.
Cryomancy - apprentice 1 Necromancy - apprentice 1 Chloromancy - apprentice 1 Illusion - apprentice 1 Summoning - apprentice 1 Venomancy - apprentice 1 You have nine million seven hundred eighty-eight eight hundred forty general experience points remaining.> Von kicked himself mentally. He had forgotten about the other abilities like necromancy, cryomancy, illusion, summoning, and venomancy. Well, he was now officially an apprentice everything he knew about. Distracted by these thoughts, he decided he might as well begin polishing and sharpening the two weapons before trying to imbue them. He spent the better part of two hours preparing the weapons and honing them to a fine edge before looking at them then Oren and asking, "Okay, how do I bring out the affinities I want in the weapons?" Master Oren observed Von's work with a nod of approval, his ancient eyes gleaming with pride at the young apprentice's progress. As Von posed his question, Oren's expression shifted to one of contemplation, his brows furrowing slightly as he considered the best way to impart his knowledge. "Bringing out specific affinities in a weapon requires a delicate touch and a deep understanding of metallomancy and the elements you wish to bring out in the weapon. " Oren began, his voice low and steady. "First, you must attune yourself to the elemental energies you wish to imbue into the metal. This can be done through meditation and visualization, allowing you to connect with the elemental forces on a profound level." He paused to ensure Von was paying attention before continuing. "For example, if you decide to bring out the agility in the dagger, you would focus on healing magic, then the properties. If you wanted to add the protections of the beast's hide, you would add a weave of apotropaic magic into the healing weave. If you want the sharpness of its claws, you would include transformation magic." Von listened intently, absorbing Oren's words like a sponge as he prepared to imbue the two weapons with their best magics. He nodded in understanding and continue to listen closely such was his eagerness to learn more about the intricate process of imbuing magic into metal. "Once you have attuned yourself to the desired elemental energies and created a weave of them," Oren continued, "you must then channel those energies into the metal using your aura. Focus your intent and concentration, visualizing the affinities flowing from your core and infusing themselves into the metal." Von followed Oren's instructions carefully, closing his eyes and centering himself as he reached out with his aura. He visualized the essences swirling around him, feeling their power resonate within his being as he focused his intent on imbuing the weapons with the desired affinities. He chose to try the three Oren had mentioned, healing magic for the agility and strength of the great cat, then protection magic for the durability of the hide and transformation magic for the eternal sharpness or their claws. Oren spoke up. "Don't try too many yet. The possibility of shattering the weapon exists if it can't handle the amount of aura you are trying to coax out of it. Many smiths have been injured doing this." Listening, but feeling he had judged it just right, Von slowly opened his eyes and extended his hands towards the weapons, his aura shimmering with energy as he channeled the elemental forces into the metal. He felt a surge of power coursing through him as he infused the weapons with the affinities he had chosen, the metal glowing softly with the ethereal energy. As he finished the process, Von stepped back to admire his handiwork, a sense of satisfaction washing over him at the sight of the gleaming weapon imbued with the elemental powers he had called forth. He glanced at Oren, a grateful smile playing on his lips as he silently thanked the master blacksmith for his guidance. Oddly, the cross guard of the longer blade glowed as he sent his aura into the dagger, but he shrugged it off. Now to try to find out what the dagger would do. "How do I see whether it worked?" Oren too had noticed the glow on both weapons, but he responded with the same instructions he would give any other apprentice. "If the weapon will not be for you, place only a small amount of your aura into it and see how it affects you. Soon thereafter, you will notice your muscles improving or maybe you will move more swiftly or gracefully. Something will normally be noticeable. Otherwise, I can attempt to appraise it for you." Von extended his aura into the dagger much like other items in his possession and the walls of the council chamber. At first, there was a moment of sheer disbelief as the world around them underwent a dramatic shift. Colors exploded into vivid hues, details previously unnoticed suddenly sharp and clear. Every sound, from the gentle rustle of leaves to the faintest whispers of people on the street, resonated with newfound clarity. The air was suddenly alive with scents, each one distinct and almost intoxicating, filling Von's senses with a cacophony of aromas. It was nearly overwhelming, and nothing like he expected. Once he thought about himself, he felt a surge of raw power coursing through his veins. His muscles thrummed with newfound vitality. Every movement felt effortless, as if he were gliding through the air with the grace and precision of a hunting cat. He attempted to leap and found it was much easier than he imagined. His agility and reflexes felt honed to perfection. This new experience was a whirlwind of exhilaration and wonder, tempered with a touch of apprehension. The realization of possessing abilities beyond human comprehension filled him with awe and excitement, tinged with a healthy dose of uncertainty. A primal instinct seemed to be awakening within him as the magic of the dagger course through his body. Oren watched as Von leapt around giggling and laughing. He too knew the exhilaration of trying new magical weapons. He had made many and tested each of them. He still remembered his first time despite it being long ago. He continued to watch until Von finally put it back on the workbench and removed his aura from it. Smiling, Oren asked, "How did it feel?" "Amazing! It did so much I didn't expect!" He practically shouted. "My senses were better than I imagined, and I got stronger and more agile! I can't wait to try the sword!" He looked longingly back to the dagger and thought, I wish there was a way to know exactly what it did. Yes. Then looking at the dagger he thought, Analyze. The elf examined the dagger himself and found it quite remarkable. "So Von, were you able to learn everything it does?" Von nodded. "I think so. It increases the attuned person's strength, agility, and stealthiness while providing the person with the improved senses of the bogstrider cat." "Very good, Von." He looked to the boy and asked, " Since you have created it, and it's quite a powerful weapon, will you be giving it a name?" "A name?" "Yes. A named weapon will take a small part of your essence for a few hours or days but become more powerful. Many people will inscribe the name of the weapon onto the blade to make it more unique. I can guide you through this with metallomancy, if you like." With a worried look Von asked, "How much weaker will it make me?" "As it is only a dagger, you should recover swiftly. You will likely be back to normal by the time you leave tonight." "Yes. I will name it Felinblade." Remembering his first naming, Oren nodded. His was no better, but this was Von's creation. He touched Von's head and imparted the method of magical etching into the boy's mind then watched as the dagger became etched with its new name. As the dagger received the essence from the boy, it glowed a bright yellow. Von could feel a part of himself being housed into the dagger and although fearful, he continued until its name was written lengthwise onto the center of the dagger. Von whistled with respect at the increase of the stats on the dagger. Just by imbuing it with a portion of his own aura, all of its abilities doubled or more. "Wow." was the only thing he could say.