Hamish's scream ripped through the still air—a raw, visceral sound that sent a chill through my veins. He dropped to his knees, clutching his chest as if his very soul were being torn apart.
"Hamish!" I called, stepping forward. An unseen force held me rooted to the spot.
Moira's voice echoed in my mind—calm, yet firm. "Stay back, vessel. This is… necessary."
Before I could react, Hamish convulsed. His body shook violently as waves of magic surged through him. Muscles rippled and tightened; bones cracked and shifted with sickening sound effects.
In a flash of light, the wrinkles on his sun-weathered skin smoothed away. His shoulders broadened, his chest expanded, and his limbs grew leaner yet more powerful. Even his rough, calloused hands looked renewed.
From every pore, black, viscous ooze began to seep. It pooled in the air—a writhing, tar-like mass that gathered every impurity and every burden of age. The inky substance coalesced and folded inward until it formed a sleek onyx stone. In a heartbeat, magic surged outward, slamming into the stone with a brilliant flash.
The onyx shattered. In its place, a crystal-clear quartz emerged, glowing softly from within.
Hamish jerked violently as the magic ebbed away. He collapsed onto his back, gasping. I rushed to his side, my heart pounding. I hadn't expected this.
For a moment he lay still, chest rising in shallow breaths. Then the quartz's glow began to seep through his skin beneath his sternum. It pulsed gently—a silent reminder of the magic now flowing inside him.
Hamish's eyes fluttered open. He inhaled sharply and sat up, his hand going straight to the lingering luminescence on his chest.
"What…" he rasped, his voice hoarse yet steady. "What just happened?"
I stared at him in disbelief. His face was familiar, but everything had changed. His once-thinning, gray-streaked hair was now thick and dark, framing smooth, youthful features. The harsh lines of age had vanished. His eyes shone clear and alert—he looked thirty, maybe even younger.
"Bloody hell," he muttered, running a hand over his head. "Is that… hair?"
A whistle broke the silence. Moira's voice, now bright and playful, filled the air. "Well, Hamish… I must say, you wear 28 rather well."
Hamish blinked, his hand brushing over the soft glow on his chest. "What… what is this? What did ye do to me?"
Moira's tone softened with rare affection. "You've been reborn, Hamish. Restored to your prime. The crystal in your chest is your mana core—a direct link to Albion's magic. It will enhance your strength, resilience, and connection to this land. Consider it my gift, a token of thanks for your loyalty."
Hamish let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, I'll be damned… Feels like ye crammed a bloody lightning bolt in my chest."
I managed a quieter voice, "Hamish… you look incredible."
"Aye," he said, flexing his fingers. "Feels incredible too. Though next time, a little warning might be nice, m'lady."
Moira giggled. "Where's the fun in that?"
Hamish chuckled, relaxing his broad shoulders. "Chief, it's your turn to catch up. Can't have ye lagging behind, can we?"
I laughed, though my mind whirled with questions about the crystal—and what we were meant to do with it.
Moira teased in my mind, "You wanted more control over your growth, didn't you?"
Hamish sat cross-legged in the soft grass, his fingers resting over the quartz. Its glow pulsed like a heartbeat, echoing the latent power within. He looked between awe and irritation.
"Alright, Chief," he said with a wry grin. "What am I supposed to do with this glowing rock ye stuffed into me?"
Before I could reply, Moira's bright voice took over. "Oh, Hamish, it's not just a glowing rock. That crystal is the key to your potential—and my pride and joy. Let me explain."
Hamish groaned, "Oh boy…."
Moira pressed on, "The crystal acts as a conduit for Albion's magic. It stores energy—or what I call M-Power. As you complete tasks, defeat enemies, or use your skills creatively, the crystal absorbs it. Think of it as harvesting the fruits of your efforts."
Hamish laughed, "M-Power? Really?"
"Of course," she said. "It stands for 'Moira's Power.' And it sounds like 'empower'—which is exactly what it does! Now, when you rest, focus on a skill you want to improve. Visualize it, feel it in action, and the crystal will guide you."
Hamish closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air around him shimmered as he concentrated. A warm glow intensified around the crystal, then softened as he opened his eyes in surprise.
"Well," he said slowly, flexing his fingers. "That was something. Feels like my sword arm's stronger—like I can hold my ground better."
"That's because you just empowered your defensive stance," Moira explained proudly. "It's stronger now. You'll block and parry with greater effect."
Hamish nodded and rolled his shoulders. "Alright, I'll admit it. That's not bad. Feels like I've actually done something useful."
"Of course you have," Moira replied. "And the best part? The more you push yourself, the more M-Power you generate. It's a cycle of growth."
I leaned back and watched Hamish stand, testing his balance like a man trying on a new suit. "It suits you," I grinned.
"Aye, Chief, but don't think I won't use it to outshine ye," Hamish replied.
Moira laughed, "Oh, Hamish, I wouldn't have it any other way."
As Hamish practiced slow, experimental strikes with his sword, the crystal pulsed steadily, absorbing invisible increments of power.
Suddenly, Snow's voice called from the direction of the cottages.
"Robert! Hamish!" she shouted, running urgently. But as she neared, her steps faltered. Her large blue eyes darted between us, landing on Hamish with confusion and wariness.
"Robert…" she said slowly, "Who… who is that?"
Hamish burst into a loud laugh. With a dramatic twirl, he extended his arms wide. "Who else would it be, lass? It's me, Hamish. Just a wee bit refined."
Snow's mouth dropped as she stared at the glowing quartz in his chest. "No way…" she whispered. "Hamish? That can't be you! You… you're so…"
"Devastatingly handsome? Aye, I know," Hamish said with a wink, planting his fists on his hips.
Snow's shock melted into laughter. "You look like you stepped out of a painting! What happened to you?"
I stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Moira worked her magic, literally. She reset him to his prime and gave him a crystal core. It's impressive, to say the least."
Snow's eyes widened as she looked at me. "And you're next?"
Before I could answer, Moira's lilting voice chimed in. "Oh, absolutely, dear Snow. You're not far behind. I was planning to wait until tonight, but after seeing how splendid Hamish looks, I simply can't resist!"
Snow's gaze flicked to the soft glow on Hamish's chest. "That thing… it's in him?"
"Aye, lass," Hamish said with a soft grin. "It's in my chest. A bit of a shock at first, but it's worth it. I feel… incredible."
Moira's tone turned teasing. "You'll both feel even better once it's your turn. But first, my vessel must prepare himself. Isn't that right, Robert?"
I nodded, my mind already racing over the pain Hamish had endured. I couldn't afford to lose myself to agony if I was to understand these transformations. "Give me a moment," I said, raising a hand. "I need to dull the pain."
Hamish snorted. "Good luck with that, Chief. Felt like my insides were being ripped out and stitched back together by an angry tailor."
Snow winced, but I focused on the task at hand. I summoned the elements I'd mastered—earth, air, fire, and water—but none would work. I needed something purer: Light Magic.
I reached deep within and drew forth a radiant force from my core. I wove it into a spell designed to ease the pain and fortify my senses. A shimmering aura formed around me. Though the spell drained some energy, the steady warmth reassured me.
"Moira," I said steadily, "I'm ready."
"Very well," she replied, almost giddy. "Hold still, vessel. This will be…illuminating."
Motes of light rose from the ground, swirling in a dazzling display before converging on my chest. A sharp, searing pain shot through me, but the Light Magic held firm, reducing the agony to a manageable throb.
I felt muscles tighten, bones shift, and skin tingle as Moira's magic did its work. I watched as impurities were drawn out, energy surged through my veins, and a mythical gem began to form above me.
When the magic subsided, I saw the gem float in the air—a breathtaking Aetherium Gem shimmering with a kaleidoscope of shifting colors.
"This," Moira said reverently, "is an Aetherium Gem. A rare balance of all magic. It will let you harness power with unmatched efficiency. A fitting core for a mage like you."
The gem pulsed once before plunging into my chest. Its energy flooded my body. I gasped as the connection snapped into place. The gem's glow beneath my skin was soothing—almost comforting.
As I steadied myself, Snow stepped closer, torn between awe and apprehension. "Does it hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"A little," I admitted with a small smile. "But it's worth it. Moira's right; this changes everything."
Snow nodded, running her fingers over her forehead. "If it's my turn… I want mine here," she said, tapping the center of her brow. "And… it should be blue."
Moira laughed warmly. "A Water Sapphire, then. It will amplify your water and ice magic perfectly. Are you ready, Snow?"
Snow squared her shoulders, her blue eyes determined. "I'm ready."
Snow stood before us as motes of magic danced around her in the cold Highland air. She met my gaze with trust and a hint of nervous anticipation.
"Before we start," I said softly, stepping closer, "let me help with the pain."
Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
I held out a hand. Golden light magic coalesced in my palm. "I've been working on a spell to ease the process. It won't erase the pain completely, but it will help. Trust me?"
After a long moment, she nodded. "I trust you."
I carefully wove the pain-dampening spell into her, and a gentle glow wrapped around her like a soft embrace. Her shoulders relaxed as the tension eased. The quartz in my chest pulsed quietly, absorbing the residual energy.
"Now," Moira said warmly, "let's begin."
Snow's transformation started much like Hamish's—but softer, attuned to her gentle nature. Imperfections from years of labor and hardship were drawn away: rough calluses, hidden scars, and stiffened muscles. They swirled into a mass of dark, tarry substance before her.
Snow gasped, her hand flying to the small of her back as the tension melted away. The dark sphere trembled for a moment before solidifying into a jagged obsidian gem. It quivered, then shattered under Moira's magic. The fragments were purified into a flawless, deep blue sapphire that radiated a serene glow.
The sapphire hovered briefly before drifting toward Snow. She tilted her head, allowing it to settle on her brow. With a flash of blue light, it embedded itself beneath her skin, leaving an ethereal shimmer.
Snow staggered briefly but quickly steadied herself. Her expression shifted from disbelief to quiet wonder. "How do you feel?" I asked.
"Different," she murmured, touching her glowing forehead. "Lighter. Freer."
Moira chimed in, "That sapphire is already storing M-Power. Now, focus on your shield spell. Let the crystal enhance it."
Snow's blue eyes narrowed in concentration. She raised her hands, summoning the familiar chill of ice magic. A shimmering shield of glacial ice appeared, floating protectively before her. With a deep breath, she channeled the sapphire's energy. The shield smoothed, its edges sharpened, and it moved with newfound velocity.
"That's incredible!" She exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Try the icicle spell," I suggested.
Snow nodded and summoned a spike of ice. As she infused it with power, the icicle transformed—its surface pristine, its edges deadlier. With a look of excitement, she said, "It's so much better! Cleaner, stronger… I can feel the difference!"
As Snow marveled at her newfound abilities, I noticed subtle changes in her demeanor. Her hair gleamed with a healthy sheen, and her eyes sparkled with inner light. She stood taller, her posture straighter and more assured.
Moira's voice hummed with approval. "You've done well, Snow. That sapphire suits you beautifully, and your potential is extraordinary. "
Snow turned to me, grateful and determined. "Thank you. I feel like... I dont know. I feel like i've become what I always should have been. My inner me."
I smiled and gently clapped her on the shoulder. "This was your idea, your contribution. Now…" I gestured toward the portal at the center of our camp. "You and Hamish should clear the dungeon together. Gather loot, treasure, and whatever else you find. Head inside, move toward the training wing, and tell me all about it when you get out."
Snow nodded eagerly, as hamish rubbed together in anticipation, "Loot, here I come."