The early morning air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of freshly turned soil. I stood at the edge of the grove where the cottages had been conjured the day before, my mind already whirring with possibilities. Hamish leaned against a tree, his jagged kobold blade resting lazily on his shoulder, while Snow lingered a few steps away, her curious gaze flitting between the glowing crystal shard embedded in the earth and the shimmering edges of the settlement's border.
"This grove," I said, gesturing toward the space, "is going to be our cornerstone. Food isn't just about survival; it's a statement of what Albion can offer. It embodies the values of abundance, perfection, and sustainability. We need to make it something people can believe in."
Hamish gave a small grunt, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds ambitious, Chief. But we're starting with… what? Apples and a bit of dirt?"
I smirked, crossing my arms. "For now. But we'll expand it. Imagine rows of Albion-enhanced vegetables, fruits, and berries, each one twice the size of anything on Earth. Imagine villagers working the grove, harvesting food so perfect it makes them question everything they thought they knew about the world."
"Sounds like you've got a plan," Hamish said, his tone skeptical but not dismissive.
I nodded. "I do. And you're the key to starting it."
Hamish straightened, his expression sharpening. "Oh? And what's my role in this magical little Eden?"
I handed him a folded piece of parchment, the edges slightly crumpled from my earlier revisions. "This is a list of items we need, one of each for now. I'll use them to imbue seeds for the grove. Once planted here, the crystal's influence will do the rest."
Hamish unfolded the parchment, scanning the list with narrowed eyes.
Apples
Raspberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Potatoes
Carrots
Turnips
Cabbage
Kale
Parsnips
"Most of this is straightforward enough," Hamish said, tucking the list into his belt. "I'll hit up the market in the village. But what if they don't have something?"
"Get what you can," I said. "Even one or two of these will be enough to start. And if anyone asks why you're buying a single potato, tell them it's for magical reasons and watch their reactions."
Hamish chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a sly one, Chief. I'll get it done."
As he turned to leave, Snow shifted on her feet, her wide blue eyes glancing toward the list. "What happens… after?" she asked quietly. "When the grove is… full?"
"After?" I echoed, considering the question. "That's when it becomes more than just a garden. It becomes proof. Villagers will be free to work the grove themselves, see the magic in action, and take its fruits home. It'll show them that magic isn't just stories; it's real, and it can improve their lives."
Snow nodded slowly, her fingers tightening on the edges of her cloak. "And… you're sure it'll work?"
I smiled, meeting her gaze. "Not just sure. Certain."
With that, Hamish gave a mock salute and disappeared toward the village, his boots crunching against the gravel path. The soft hum of the settlement shard remained the only sound as Snow and I stood in the clearing.
"Now," I said, turning to her with a grin. "While he's off playing merchant, we've got plenty to discuss."
Snow and I stood in the grove, the quiet hum of the settlement shard filling the air like a background melody. Her gaze flitted across the clearing, lingering on the crystal and the faint shimmer that marked the borders of the settlement. She seemed lost in thought, her fingers idly twisting the edges of her cloak.
"Snow," I began, breaking the silence, "what do you know about magic?"
Her blue eyes snapped to mine, wide with curiosity. "Magic?" she echoed, her voice soft but carrying an edge of intrigue. "Just the stories the elders tell. Things from books. None of it ever felt… real."
I nodded slowly, crouching to scoop up a handful of soil. "That's how most people see it. But Albion—this place—is proving that magic is as real as the ground beneath our feet. It's in the air, the soil, even in us."
Snow tilted her head, her curiosity sharpening. "In us?"
"Some more than others," I replied, letting the soil trickle between my fingers. "You, for example."
She stiffened slightly, her hands tightening on her cloak. "Me?"
"Moira noticed it right away," I said, glancing toward the space where Moira's presence lingered, unseen to all but me. "Your affinity for water and ice, it's not just rare; it's powerful. You've got potential, Snow. And I'd like to help you explore it."
Her cheeks flushed, and she cast her gaze downward, clearly wrestling with the idea. "Why me?" she murmured. "Why not someone… stronger?"
"Because strength isn't the only thing that matters," I said, stepping closer. "Magic isn't about brute force; it's about understanding, control, and creativity. And you've got something special, even if you don't see it yet."
Snow glanced up, her expression a mix of doubt and intrigue. "But I don't know anything about magic. Where would I even start?"
"With a teacher," I said, offering a small smile. "And that's where I come in."
Her lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile, though her uncertainty lingered. "And what would I… do with it? Magic, I mean?"
I crossed my arms, considering my words carefully. "That's up to you. But think about it: healing, protecting, creating… You could help people in ways you've never imagined. You'd be part of something bigger, something that could change lives. Isn't that worth the effort?"
Snow's gaze hardened slightly, the cleverness in her eyes flickering to the surface. "You're really good at this, you know. Talking people into things."
"Persuasion is a skill," I admitted with a chuckle. "But I'm not here to trick you, Snow. I'm offering you a chance to see what you're capable of. The rest is your choice."
She hesitated, her brow furrowing as she weighed my words. After a long moment, she took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. I'll try. But only if you promise to be patient with me."
"Deal," I said, extending a hand.
Her small hand slipped into mine, and we shook firmly, sealing the agreement.
Moira's voice hummed in my thoughts, warm and encouraging. "Excellent choice, vessel. Let's give her the spark she needs."
I held Snow's hand a moment longer, focusing on Moira's energy. A soft, golden light emanated from my palm, flowing into Snow. She gasped, her eyes widening as the light wrapped around her like a gentle embrace.
"What's happening?" She whispered, her voice trembling.
"You're receiving the spark," I said softly. "It's the first step, unlocking the magic within you."
The light faded, leaving Snow blinking in wonder. Her hands trembled slightly, and she lifted them as if expecting to see something tangible.
"You'll feel it soon," I assured her. "Let's start simple. Water for healing and purification, and ice for defense and attack. Two spells to build on."
Snow nodded, her excitement growing. "What do I do?"
"Follow my lead," I said. "It's time to practice."
Healing Stream, Rank 1
Gently restores health and cleanses minor impurities.
Ice Lance, Rank 1
Creates a piercing shard of ice for precision attacks.
As she closed her eyes, focusing on the new magic within her, a faint aura of frost began to gather around her hands. Her natural affinity for water and ice was immediately apparent, the energy forming effortlessly under her guidance.
A translucent screen flickered into my view, and I couldn't help but grin.
Snow White
New Trait Unlocked:
Latent Talent: Significantly accelerated learning curve for elemental ice magic.
"Snow," I said, my voice tinged with pride. "I think you're going to be better at this than you realize."
Her cheeks flushed again, but this time, her smile was radiant. "Let's find out."
The grove was alive with energy as Snow and I prepared for her first real training session. The cottages stood silent and empty behind us, their warmth a promise of rest later. For now, the focus was on honing our abilities.
I crouched low, placing my hands on the ground and summoning my magic. The earth beneath me rippled, and a solid wall of stone and dirt rose smoothly from the soil. It was roughly ten feet high, sturdy enough to withstand anything we could throw at it.
"Alright," I said, stepping back and gesturing toward the wall. "This will be our target. Snow, let's see what your Ice Lance can do."
Snow's brow furrowed in concentration, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted them. Frost formed at her fingertips, swirling and condensing into a jagged shard of ice.
"Focus on precision," I encouraged. "Make the lance sharp and fast. Imagine it slicing through the wall like butter."
She nodded, her blue eyes narrowing. With a flick of her wrist, the ice shard launched forward. It struck the wall with a solid thunk, embedding itself in the surface but failing to penetrate deeply.
Snow groaned, her shoulders slumping. "It's not strong enough."
"Not yet," I said, stepping beside her. "But it will be. Magic grows with practice. Let's try again."
Over the next hour, Snow and I worked tirelessly. I launched chunks of earth from the wall, demonstrating the power of Earth Manipulation, while she alternated between honing her Ice Lance and experimenting with different shapes.
Ice Lance Rank 4: Increased speed, size, and piercing power.
Ice Manipulation Rank 1: Gained the ability to shape ice into various forms.
"Try changing the shape," I suggested as she prepared another spell.
"Shape?" she asked, her breath coming in short gasps.
"Think of the lance as more than just a weapon," I explained. "What if it were a ball, or a blade? Something bigger, with more impact?"
Snow's expression lit up with realization. She raised her hands again, and the frost coalesced into a teardrop shape, smooth and heavy. With a grunt of effort, she hurled it at the wall. The icy projectile struck with a thunderous crack, leaving a significant dent in the surface.
"That's it!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands.
Snow grinned, her cheeks flushed with effort and triumph. "Bigger?" she asked, her tone playful.
"Let's not go too wild," I said, though I couldn't help but smile.
We continued the practice, each spell sharper and more focused than the last. Snow's confidence grew with every success, her laughter ringing out as she sent another teardrop-shaped projectile crashing into the wall.
Robert's Progress:
Earth Manipulation Rank 5: Increased control over terrain and defensive structures.
Thorns Rank 8: Enhanced accuracy and piercing damage.
The once-pristine wall had become riddled with craters and fractures by the time we finally stopped. Snow collapsed onto the grass, her laughter subsiding into a breathless smile.
"I think… I might be getting the hang of this," she said between gasps.
I sat down beside her, wiping a sheen of sweat from my brow. "You're doing more than that, Snow. You're proving you've got what it takes to master magic."
She glanced at me, her eyes sparkling. "You really think so?"
"I know so," I replied.
Moira's voice hummed softly in my mind. "She's a natural, vessel. But don't let her outpace you just yet."
"I'll try to keep up," I murmured under my breath, earning a questioning look from Snow.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we sat in companionable silence, the remnants of our training etched into the earth around us.
She sprawled on the grass, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to catch her breath. The earlier laughter had given way to exhaustion, her energy spent after our rigorous training. Her cheeks were flushed, and she wiped her brow with the back of her hand.
"I feel… drained," she muttered, her voice weak but still carrying a note of satisfaction.
"Let's see what we're working with," I said, activating my Insight skill to analyze her condition. A translucent screen flickered into view before my eyes.
Snow White—Status
Health: 72 out of 80
Mana: 5 out of 50 Warning, Critical condition
Stamina: 18/35
"You're nearly out of mana," I said, glancing down at her. "That's why you're feeling like you just ran a marathon. But don't worry; there's a way to fix that."
Snow propped herself up on her elbows, frowning. "Fix it how?"
"Meditation," I said, sitting cross-legged beside her. "It's a skill that helps you regenerate mana faster than if you're just resting. It's about finding a state of calm and letting your magic flow back into you naturally."
Her brow furrowed. "Meditation? Like… sitting still and thinking about nothing?"
"Something like that," I replied with a chuckle. "But it's more about feeling. You focus on your breathing, your body, and the magic inside you. It's not just sitting still—it's connecting with the energy that's already there."
Snow hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Show me."
I guided her through the basics, demonstrating how to sit comfortably and close her eyes. "Breathe slowly," I instructed, my voice calm and steady. "In through your nose, out through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of the air moving through you."
Snow followed my instructions, her breathing evening out as she relaxed. "Good," I said, encouraging her. "Now, think about your magic. Feel where it's sitting, deep inside you. Let it flow like water, filling you back up."
Minutes passed, the grove growing quiet save for the soft hum of the settlement shard. Snow's tense shoulders gradually relaxed, her expression softening as she entered a meditative state. A faint, icy aura began to form around her, evidence of her natural affinity for magic.
New Skill Unlocked: Meditation Rank 1
• It allows faster mana regeneration while resting.
• It provides insight into magical flow and control.
Snow opened one eye, a small smile tugging at her lips. "This feels… nice. I'm… recharging?"
"Exactly," I said, nodding. "You're doing great. Now, let's take it a step further."
She frowned slightly but nodded, closing her eyes again.
"While you meditate, I want you to think about protection," I said, my voice low and encouraging. "Imagine creating a shield—something strong, something that can guard you from harm. Feel the magic moving through you, shaping itself into what you need."
Snow's breathing deepened as she focused, her icy aura growing stronger. Frost began to swirl around her in thin tendrils, condensing into a glacial blue barrier that floated just above her skin. The shield was rough at first, jagged and uneven, but it solidified into smooth, crystalline ice that shimmered in the sunlight.
Her eyes snapped open, and she gasped. "I did it!"
New Spell Learned: Glacial Shield Rank 1
This spell creates a barrier of hard ice that floats around the caster, blocking projectiles and certain magical attacks.
I grinned. "That's what I'm talking about. You're a natural, Snow."
She laughed softly, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she admired the shield. "What about you?" she asked, her gaze curious.
"Good idea," I said, standing. "Let's see what I can come up with."
I closed my eyes and focused on the elements, drawing upon the magic within me. First, I reached for air, picturing a swirling blast capable of deflecting incoming attacks. The magic responded quickly, forming a whirling cyclone of wind around me.
New Spell Learned: Wind Barrier Rank 1
This is a swirling current of air that deflects projectiles and disrupts incoming spells.
"Not bad," I muttered, opening my eyes. Snow's shield gleamed, and the air around me pulsed with energy. "Now for fire."
I imagined a blazing aura that would deter enemies from getting too close. Flames flickered into existence around me, licking harmlessly at my skin but radiating heat outward.
New Spell Learned: Flame Aura Rank 1
This spell creates a fiery aura around the caster, inflicting burns on nearby enemies and setting flammable objects alight.
Snow clapped her hands, her shield bobbing slightly with the motion. "That's amazing!"
"One more," I said, reaching for water. I envisioned a storm cloud forming over a target, drenching them in a heavy downpour. The magic coalesced quickly, creating a small, dark cloud that hovered in place before releasing a torrent of water.
New Spell Learned: Downpour Rank 1
Summons a rain cloud over a target, reducing visibility, extinguishing flames, and creating slippery surfaces.
"And that's how you can create new abilities for yourself based on your primary element. Not bad for an afternoon!" I said, sharing my pride in her.
She smiled back, her glacial shield shimmering faintly as it hovered protectively around her. "Not bad at all."
Snow leaned back against the tree behind her, her glacial shield fading as she let out a deep breath. "That… was a lot," she said, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her freckled face. Her large blue eyes gleamed with both excitement and fatigue.
"You're doing incredibly well," I replied, sitting beside her on the grass. "It's only been a few hours, and you've already unlocked a defensive spell. That's impressive."
She gave me a shy smile but then frowned, tilting her head slightly. "But… can I be honest about something?"
"Of course," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"The way this system works, how it shows you skills leveling up and flashing numbers at you, it's… well, it's silly," she said, her voice growing bolder. "It feels like I'm keeping notes for a game of Dungeons and Dragons."
I blinked, taken aback. "Silly? I wouldn't call it silly. It's efficient, clear…And you should have seen it before; I've been making changes so it's not so bad…"
"It's cluttered," she interrupted, surprising herself with her boldness. "I mean, why do I need to see every little thing? 'Ice Lance improved from Rank 1 to Rank 2.' Does that really need to pop up like some glowing banner?"
"Well… I mean," I started, scratching the back of my neck. "It helps track progress."
Snow replied in a pouty tone, "It's a bit childish. I'd rather it just go to the side and let me deal with it later. Or only tell me the important bits."
Moira, listening thoughtfully to his suggestions, simply replied, "Well, that's not nearly as interesting, but ... Done. Robert set up an effortless mode for himself; I've adapted it for you too. Only the important stuff, and not when you are busy."
Snow watched the display and saw it was much cleaner and less intrusive. There was a simple flashing button in the corner of her vision. By focusing on it, she could see a panel with simple messages like a computer readout of updates to his abilities. Satisfied, she thanked Moira with a thought and said, "Moira? Can you keep that as an option for anyone else that joins us? If we get more people like me, they may appreciate it this way."
Moira sighed disappointedly but agreed. "I adore you, Snow, but you can be so boring sometimes. Yes. I suppose so. It's already an option, but I'll make the setting more clear from the start."
Snow crossed her arms, her tone softening but remaining firm. "But it doesn't feel natural. Magic shouldn't be about numbers; it should be about growth, understanding, and mastery. There's got to be a better way."
I paused, realizing she had a point. "What would you suggest instead?"
She hesitated, her freckled cheeks flushing pink as she searched for words. "What if… instead of all these numbers, the magic and progress you earn went into a crystal? Like a ring, or a staff, or even something inside you, like a mana core. It would fill up as you practiced, fought, or completed tasks, and when you meditated, you could focus that energy into the skills you wanted to improve."
The idea hung in the air, and I felt Moira stir in my thoughts, her presence growing sharper.
With a hint of excitement in her voice, she said, "Now this is fascinating."
I glanced at Snow, who had grown more animated as she continued. "It would give people more freedom. They could focus on becoming the best at one thing or spread their energy across multiple skills to be more versatile. And it would feel… personal. Like the magic is truly part of them, not just numbers on a page."
Moira's voice suddenly rang out, not in my head, but aloud. "Brilliant."
Snow startled violently, her eyes wide as she looked around. "W-who... what!?"
"Relax," I said quickly, holding up a hand. "That's Moira. She… doesn't usually speak out loud like that…"
Moira's laughter was warm and playful. "But how could I not? Snow, your idea is extraordinary. I've been waiting for a vessel to propose something this innovative. A crystal-based system would exhibit balance, elegance, and infinite adaptability. So impressive."
Snow blinked rapidly, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. "She's… she's real?"
"Of course." I said, suppressing a grin. "What did you think you were listening to before?"
Snow replied sheepishly, "I thought it was like a computer, like they do in movies. I didn't realize it was an actual person."
Moira's voice softened, carrying a thread of affection. "I am as real as you are, maybe more so. Snow, your mind is a gift, a rare and precious one. And for that, you deserve a reward."
Snow gasped as a soft, golden glow surrounded her. A translucent screen appeared before us.
New Trait Unlocked: Brilliant
Snow possesses a clever and inventive mind, constantly finding unique solutions to magical problems.
The program grants enhanced creativity in spell development and magical inventions.
Snow's abilities align with the origins of magical crystal cores, paving the way for her to become a magical inventor.
Snow stared at her hands, her freckled face glowing with wonder. "I… I don't know what to say."
"Say thank you," I said with a smile.
She nodded, still overwhelmed. "Thank you… Moira."
"You're very welcome," Moira replied, her tone warm. "And I look forward to seeing what you create, little inventor."
Snow sat in stunned silence for a moment before a grin spread across her face. "So… what's next?"
"Next," I said, standing and brushing the grass from my pants, "we make your idea a reality. This settlement? It's just the beginning. Together, we'll change everything."
Snow smiled back, her earlier nervousness replaced by quiet determination. "I'm ready."
Moira replies softly to both of them in warning, "You three are going to have a rough night. But it's going to be worth it when it's over."