Dinner that night was a quiet affair, each of them lost in their own thoughts. The significance of the day's events hung heavy in the air, but there was also a sense of quiet anticipation.
As Kael lay in bed later, staring at the ceiling, his mind buzzed with possibilities. What would the future hold now that he had the Earth Dragon's mana core? How would it change the course of his training?
The mana emanating from the dragon's core was unrefined and heavily condensed. Absorbing it all to form his fourth core could be perilous if he wasn't adequately prepared. But then again, Kael had managed to form not one, but three cores in just a matter of days. If he concentrated enough, he might just pull it off.
For now, he would store it in his infinite storage until he was ready to harness its power.
The next morning, just as the first rays of dawn began to light the sky, there was a soft knock on Kael's door. "Come in," he called, sitting up.
Lily, his personal maid, entered with her usual grace. "Young Master Kael, your father requests your presence in his study."
"Thank you, Lily. I'll be there shortly," Kael replied, quickly getting dressed.
Making his way to his father's study, Kael couldn't help but feel excited. What new plans did my father have in mind? He thought.
He knocked lightly on the study door. "Enter," came his father's voice.
His father stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the amber glow of the morning sun. His expression, as always, was unreadable.
"Kael," Edgar's voice reverberated with a solemn gravity as his son stepped inside, "we need to discuss the Earth Dragon's mana core and the opportunities it presents."
Kael nodded, a surge of excitement coursing through him. "I've been thinking about it too. I believe I can refine the core myself. After successfully refining and absorbing the red mana crystal, I'm confident I can handle the dragon's mana core as well."
"Hmmm..." Edgar paused, his gaze piercing through the flickering shadows. "You've already proven yourself capable. However, the process demands precision and control. If you believe you can do it, I trust you."
His words carried the weight of a profound trust, a rare gift from a stoic patriarch. In this moment, Kael felt the gravity of his father's faith, an unspoken bond that could change everything.
"I won't fail," Kael promised, a spark of determination in his voice.
From his infinite storage, Kael summoned several crystals, holding a gleaming red mana crystal aloft. Its brilliance pulsed like a heartbeat, contrasting with the softer glow of the purple and glass-like ones.
"Father," Kael began, "can you tell me the value of these crystals?" he asked, curious to know what his father knew about them.
His father examined the crystals carefully. "The red mana crystal you hold is incredibly valuable due to the immense amount of mana stored within it. It could easily fetch tens, if not hundreds, of gold coins depending on its size—perhaps even more, depending on the buyer. Yet, its true value lies in its potential uses, such as amplifying spells or powering magical artifacts."
Kael nodded, taking in his words. "And the other two crystals?" he asked, already knowing their properties but seeking confirmation.
His father picked up the purple crystal, its sheen catching the light. "Beautiful, but lacking the condensed mana of the red mana crystal. This and the glass-like one are mostly decorative, with limited magical utility."
"So, you're saying these two crystals don't have any real magical value?" Kael asked, needing to be certain.
"Yes," his father confirmed with a solemn nod. "They are mostly decorative."
Kael smiled inwardly, knowing what lay beneath their surface.
It was entirely possible that the true value and potential of these crystals remained unknown. If common spells like Identification or Detection—the only reliable methods available to assess an object's properties—failed to work on them, it could suggest that the crystals possessed powers or properties that the world had yet to uncover. This created an intriguing opportunity; the world may be unaware of the crystals' full potential.
"Father," Kael began, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the discovery, "when I analyzed these two crystals using the 'Analysis', a spell I created, I was able to learn more about their hidden properties."
His father's gaze sharpened, curiosity replacing his earlier indifference. "Hidden properties, you say? What did you find?"
Kael held the crystals out, his eyes narrowing as he carefully examined each one.
"This purple crystal, for example, can amplify spells. If embedded into a staff or any magical conduit with the right runes to activate its properties, it would significantly enhance the strength of your magic."
The weight of his words hung in the air, the potential power of the crystals casting a tangible tension between them. The room seemed to vibrate with the promise of untapped potential, the crystals glowing faintly in the dim light.
His father's expression turned thoughtful as Kael continued, presenting the glass-like crystal.
"And this one is a spirit crystal. Though it doesn't contain mana, it can store information—spells, knowledge, even memories. Its potential applications are vast."
Kael's voice carried a note of awe as he held up the spirit crystal. The possibilities seemed endless, each facet of the crystal reflecting a different future, a different power waiting to be unleashed.
His father paused, his gaze narrowing as he processed the information. The usual air of control and composure that surrounded him seemed to waver for a moment. Even with his extensive experience, the magnitude of these discoveries was still sinking in.
"Hooo..." he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief and admiration. "I already said this once but, you truly don't cease to amaze me." He sighed, his knees seeming to give way as he slumped into his chair, overwhelmed by the implications of what Kael had just revealed.
Kael took a deep breath, steadying himself before continuing. "There's a lot more of these in the dungeon I cleared. There are still plenty of red mana crystals left behind in the cave. We could mine them and sell some to earn funds. It would help replenish our coffers."
His father's eyes flickered with renewed focus, the mention of funds clearly pulling his attention back to practicality. He straightened in his chair, his mind already calculating the possibilities.
"Hmm... That could be quite profitable. If the red mana crystals are as potent as you say, they would fetch a significant amount. We could put those funds to good use."
Kael nodded, feeling a sense of purpose settle over him.
"I'm planning to conduct some experiments to see how we can make use of these two crystals," Kael said, his voice steady with determination. "I want to explore if we can craft weapons out of them. If we can, and they prove effective, it could significantly boost our defenses."
His father leaned forward, his interest piqued once again. "Craft weapons? You mean embedding the crystals into the structure itself?"
"Exactly," Kael replied. "The purple crystal could enhance the power of a weapon, making it stronger and more precise. As for the spirit crystal, I'm curious if it can be used to store combat techniques or magical spells, making the weapon even more versatile."
His father thought for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "That could change the way we approach both offense and defense. If you succeed, it would give us an edge like no other."
Kael could see the gears turning in his father's mind, his strategist's instincts kicking in. Despite his composed exterior, Kael knew he was already imagining the possibilities this discovery could bring—not just for their family but for the entire kingdom.
"Kael," his father finally spoke after a long silence, his voice a blend of pride and caution. "Your vision is commendable, but such innovations carry inherent risks. I've warned you before, and I must do so again. Many nobles are driven by greed for power. If they discover the true potential of these crystals, they will stop at nothing to seize them."
"I understand, Father," Kael replied. "That's why I want to keep this within the family for now. Only those we trust implicitly should know about the crystals' real abilities. At least until we have a reliable way to protect and control their use."
His father nodded, a hint of relief crossing his face. "A wise decision. I'll ensure the miners sent to the dungeon are discreet and well-guarded. No one beyond the estate will know what they're retrieving. And you—" he fixed Kael with a sharp gaze—"focus on your experiments. If you can unlock the true potential of these crystals, it could tip the balance of power in our favor."
"Thank you, Father," Kael said with a small bow. "I won't let you down."
As Kael turned to leave, his father's voice stopped him at the door. "One more thing, Kael."
"Yes?" Kael glanced back, curious.
"Be careful whom you trust. Even among those close to us, greed has a way of twisting hearts," his father warned gravely, a stark reminder of the cutthroat world they inhabited.
"I will, Father," Kael assured him, then hesitated before continuing. "I have a request. Keira already knows part of our secret, and I'm considering involving her in my experiments. May I, Father?"
His father's expression softened at the mention of Keira, and to Kael's surprise, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Ah, Keira," he said, his tone carrying a rare warmth. "A remarkable young woman. Her mentor spoke highly of her, and from what I've seen, she's every bit as talented as he claimed. If you trust her, Kael, then so do I."
Kael let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"She's been instrumental in my progress so far. Her grasp of magical theory is unmatched, and she's as meticulous as she is innovative. I believe she's the perfect partner for these experiments."
His father nodded thoughtfully. "It's not just her talent that sets her apart—it's her character. I've observed how she carries herself, how she treats those around her. She's loyal to her core, not just to me but to the principles she holds dear. That kind of integrity is rare in our world, Kael."
Hearing his father's endorsement filled Kael with renewed confidence.
"Then with your blessing, I'll bring her into the fold completely. I believe she can help us unlock the crystals' true potential."
"You have my blessing," his father said firmly, leaning forward to rest his hands on the desk. "But remember, even with trust, caution is never misplaced. Keep the larger picture in mind. Keira may be an ally, but the responsibility for these discoveries ultimately falls on your shoulders."
"I understand," Kael said, bowing his head. "I won't take that responsibility lightly."
***
Back in his study, excitement bubbled within Kael as he prepared to experiment with the mysterious crystals he had acquired. Ideas swirled in his mind, and the most tantalizing was the thought of crafting a weapon from the 'purple crystal', as it was commonly known.
"Calling it 'purple crystal' just feels wrong," Kael muttered, tapping his fingers in thought. The crystal's ability to amplify mana deserved a name that reflected its power.
"Amplithyst," he said aloud. The name clicked. "Yes, Amplithyst. A fitting title for a mana conductor crystal of this caliber."
When Kael used analysis on the crystals, the only information he received was its function: a mana conductor crystal. No name, no history, just its capability. His curiosity led him to the library, where he found a book titled The Crystal Chronicles. It listed hundreds of magical stones, detailing their properties and uses.
One common entry caught his attention: the Red Mana Crystal. It had no other name, likely called so because of its red hue and its mana-storage ability. The book noted it as a dungeon staple, frequently found in the depths of perilous labyrinths.
But one entry stood out above the rest: the Aegisium Crystal.
Name: Aegisium
Description: The Aegisium crystal is a dark indigo gem with a surface that shimmers like rippling water when touched. It is revered for its extraordinary ability to deflect and absorb magical attacks, making it a prized treasure among seasoned adventurers.
Properties:
• Magic Deflection: Reflects spells and magical projectiles, redirecting them toward their source.
• Energy Absorption: Captures magical energy, storing it for later use by the wielder.
• Harmonic Shield: Generates a protective barrier attuned to the user's magical aura, enhancing defense against a wide range of mystical threats.
Legend: Ancient lore claims the Aegisium crystal is formed in the heart of a fearsome magical beast known as the Draknor. This elusive creature roams the deepest, most treacherous dungeon realms, fiercely guarding the dungeon. Only the most courageous and skilled adventurers who dare to face the Draknor can claim the Aegisium and unlock its unparalleled power.
"This one's interesting—a magic crystal that can deflect spells, absorb energy, and act as a shield. That's ridiculously overpowered," Kael mused, his fingers lightly tracing the description in the book.
He turned the page, hoping to find more information about the Amplithyst and the Spirit Crystal under the magical crystals section. To his disappointment, there was nothing. However, he did find them listed under common crystals instead.
The entries for the Amplithyst and Spirit Crystal were starkly dismissive, their descriptions relegated to the "Common Crystals" section of the book—hardly a place for items with revolutionary potential.
Name: Purple Crystal
Description: A deep violet crystal often found in mana-rich environments.
Properties:
• Mana Interaction: Displays no affinity for magic and lacks the capacity to store mana.
• Durability: Has strong durability but unsuitable for practical magical applications.
Notes: Primarily used as an ornamental stone due to its vibrant color. Its magical properties are considered negligible by experts.
Kael scowled. "Negligible?" he muttered under his breath, flipping to the next page where the Spirit Crystal was listed.
Name: Clear Crystal (commonly referred to as "Clear Glass Crystal")
Description: A translucent crystal often mistaken for low-grade quartz.
Properties:
• Mana Absence: Contains no discernible mana, making it unsuitable for spellcasting or enchantment.
• Durability: Has strong durability but unsuitable for practical magical applications
Notes: Frequently polished and sold as decorative trinkets. No confirmed magical applications exist.
The dismissive tone made Kael's jaw tighten. This wasn't ignorance—it was outright negligence. Both crystals had been written off as useless, a waste of time and effort to investigate.
He closed the book, setting it aside with a sharp thud. 'Not for long,' he thought. He would prove them wrong. These crystals weren't just ornamental—they were the key to revolutionizing magic itself.
The experiments ahead weren't just about discovery; they were about vindication.
Kael reached for the Amplithyst and Spirit Crystal, their surfaces gleaming in the lamplight. "Let's show the world what you can really do."