The torch felt light in his hand but what hung heavy in his mind was the seemingly mocking presence of the book. He had thought about it for a moment and realized the book should now explain the next chapter of learning more about magic.
CH 3- Symbols, Tags and You!
It felt more like a textbook title from one of his old college classes—but one more for a realm where symbols dictated the flow of magic rather than scientific formulas.
He started to read the chapter this one seemed more detailed than the rest. As if to slowly ease him into magic.
"Magic symbols are the language through which all magic users communicate with the elements," the book explained. "Mastering symbols allows the caster to harness and manipulate elemental energy, and each symbol carries its own potential and limitations."
Nyssa looked over his shoulder and looked confused. "Is the book supposed to be blank?"
"What do you mean? The words are literally glowing red." He looked back at the book and saw the words. "Wait so you can't read this at all?"
"There's nothing to read in the first place so not really unless its super tiny or something." She responded with a laugh.
He wondered why that was that only he could see the words but he did not think too hard on it. Instead, he went to speaking aloud so Nyssa could understand it.
"Symbols represent not just elements, but also effects, strengths, and weaknesses. Tags, on the other hand, define how those symbols interacted with their environment."
Doric skimmed along with his finger, occasionally tapping the page when he found something that seemed particularly relevant.
"According to the book, symbols for elements come in different "ranks," which dictate the potency of a spell. For instance.
Fire- Strong but unstable, often used for offensive spells.
Water- Flexible, good for defensive spells and healing.
Earth- Provides stability and strength, with particular resilience to magic.
Lightning- Energetic and quick, frequently used in disruption spells.
Wind- Carefree and instant, good for utility and distance."
Doric flipped the page, and a new paragraph caught his eye. "Tags are not static—they evolve with the caster's understanding. Combining specific symbols with compatible tags can create advanced magic."
The chapter ended there. "Ah right as it was starting to get good, So advanced magic can be made using a combination of symbols and tags. But how do we make tags and symbols?" He looked at the next chapter but it was locked behind a mission once again.
Mission #2- Fire Bolt!
In order to continue reading you have to learn fire bolt! A simple basic tier spell that involves a few symbols and tags. Good Luck!
Reward- 100 Magic Power, One free tag!
He slammed the book shut and grumbled to himself. Nyssa looked at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Should we try looking for a mentor?"
He kicked some dirt and shook his head. This book needs to quit messing with me. It wants me to do something before explaining how to do it. Watch its going to explain in the next chapter how to make a spell once I learn this fire bolt…"
Nyssa gave an apologetic smile and looked outward towards the expansive land that lay before them. She was surprised to see that it was mainly plains. She squinted her eyes and then quickly looked back to Doric.
"Hey Doric, there's a town just off to the distance, perhaps we can find a teacher there!" She jumped up and down a few times excited to start heading there. Doric on the other hand was not as enthusiastic about the idea but walked on with her.
"What if we find this teacher and he requires money to train me?" Doric questioned as he continued looking at the town in the distance.
"Maybe he will see your potential and train you right then and there!" Nyssa responded with a bit of a skip in her step. She was watching the surroundings and really taking in the view. She had never seen anything like this. Or at least as far as she knew she had never seen anything. She may have lost her memories but she was happy she could enjoy such a beautiful sight.
"I wonder when my memories will come back." Careless in her question she did not seem all that bothered by the loss. Doric looked at her as they walked and wondered the same thing.
"Hopefully soon, I would really like to know why you summoned me here and what is going on." Doric seemed less enthused about the conversation now as he was reminded once again that he was stuck in this world that seemed to keep messing with him.
She continued on with less pep in her step. Looking more at the ground than the scenery her mood was dulled by his remark. Wishing she could help him she just quietly responded. "Sorry."
They continued onto the path quietly. Both are stuck in thought. Doric felt a bit guilty for snapping at her like that. He was not one who did that often and he figured it was the stress getting to him. He looked at her as she continued watching the ground. He wanted to say something but felt too embarrassed to speak. So he continued silently.
Meanwhile, Nyssa kept thinking about the moment she arrived in this world and the sequences that led up to it. Falling, or floating she could not determine what it was. And a bat who was the bat? They felt familiar but no names came to mind. She summoned Doric here, but why? What was her goals? It frustrated her to have so many questions and no answers. She liked it better when she could just ignore the questions and look at the beautiful stuff. An escape it would seem.
Doric finally broke the silence. "We are here, looks like a peaceful village. Just in case." walking over to Nyssa he took his hand and reached for the hood on her back. She felt a little awkward but let him do so. Once he placed the hood over her head he explained the idea.
"Just in case dark elves are somehow unwanted here we should keep you hidden a little." She nodded at his logic and they walked to the entrance of the town. Two guards were stationed outside of the double doors. There was a small line of people waiting to be let in. Doric and Nyssa took a moment to get in line and wait.
In front of them was a woman with long red hair and some tone to her. She was definitely someone who used her muscles often. Probably a laborer or a warrior of some kind. Either way Doric could tell she was someone he did not want to pick a fight with. He also noticed a few scars all over her body and what looked like recently dried blood on her clothing and face. Doric kept his guard up. They continued one at a time until it was the red heads turn. She walked up to the guards and presented a bag she was carrying. The guards opened it up and shook their heads.
"Why do you always go out of your way to collect this many ears?" One of the guards said with a slight sigh in his voice.
You always get carried away don't you Claire? The other said with more of a chuckle. The woman named Claire responded with a gruff but feminine voice.
"Better to clear out the whole nest instead of just a few runaways." She sounded proud in that phrase. The guards waved her through and she smiled as she left. As she was leaving the guards looked at Doric and Nyssa and raised their hands. "Halt, what business do you have in Dunmal?"
Doric looked at the town and back at the soldiers. "I was looking for a place to stay for the day. I have been traveling for a while now and my companion and I are tired."
The younger guard smiled and nodded. "That is understandable, a long walk makes anyone tired." The older guard however looked at Nyssa with a scowl. "Raise your head woman, I want to get a good look at you. Nyssa jumped a little and raised her head at the command. The two guards drew their weapons and backed up a little.
"What is a Dark Elf doing so close to town, does your kind plan to strike us down?" She raised her hands in defense and yelped a little. "I don't mean any harm for anyone here, I promise!"
The two guards shook their heads and pointed their swords at the girl. The older one spat on the ground. "A Dark elf's promise means nothing, your kind is always scheming and plotting!" the guard went to strike at the lady but Doric got in between them extending his arms out to defend the blow. The guard struck him with less force than intended as he saw him jump in the way. Creating a shallow cut across Doric's chest.
"The younger guard looked at Doric and exclaimed. "Why did you protect that woman, Has she used her dark magic to put a spell on you?"
Doric continued to guard his friend blood slowly seeping from his cut. "I do not have any spells on me from her or otherwise. We were just seeking a place to rest that is all!"
The younger guard sheathed his weapon and looked at them. He could tell they were not lying but the older guard was still not convinced.
"Very well, Have it your way. We will accommodate you just fine." Doric and Nyssa smiled at each other.
"Lock them up in the cell. We will figure out what to do with them later…"