Paragon of Destruction

"Do you have any experience with Shadow spells?" Oraia looked at Arran with questioning eyes.

"A little," he replied. "I know how to use Shadowsight — what you call Shadowgaze — and I have some small experience with Shadow seals."

A hint of surprise flashed across Oraia’s face, but it disappeared in an instant. "It seems there’s some truth to the rumors." Her earlier bright smile had already returned, and she continued, "Let’s start with something simple, first."

Arran nodded, curious to see just what could be achieved with Shadow Essence. While he knew about the Shadowcloak spell, his own experience in using Shadow was limited to using it for Shadowsight and creating seals.

Her expression turning serious, Oraia took a small spoon from her void bag, then placed it on the wooden table. "The real Shadowcloak spell is exceptionally difficult," she said. "But there are other, simpler spells that can prepare you for learning it."

She pointed her finger at the spoon and, almost instantly, it grew blurry. While it hadn’t quite disappeared, it was now vaguely translucent, and from a distance it would be difficult to notice.

As Arran looked at the small spoon in wonder, Oraia explained, "This spell is limited to small objects, and only if they aren’t moving. Its basic structure, however, is similar to that of the Shadowcloak spell — albeit much simpler."

"Then learning this will help me learn Shadowcloak?" Arran asked.

He already felt some excitement at the thought of learning to become invisible — with his strength and swordsmanship, what he needed most was a way to close the distance between enemies and himself. And for that, invisibility would be invaluable.

"Eventually," Oraia replied. "But for now, focus on learning this spell. Since you can’t see my Shadow Essence, I’ll demonstrate it again, this time using Wind Essence."

Once more, she pointed her finger at the spoon and silently cast a spell.

There was no visible effect this time — the spoon remained on the table, looking as solid as ever.

Yet while Arran’s eyes saw no change, his Sense detected an intricate pattern of Wind Essence forming around the spoon. At a glance, he understood just how hard learning the Shadowcloak spell would be — even this simplified version was nearly as complex as the Flamestrike spell.

Oraia demonstrated the spell half a dozen times, giving Arran ample opportunity to see how it worked. But even so, he soon recognized he lacked the skill to even attempt it.

With an amused glance at Arran’s troubled expression, Oraia handed him a scroll. "That was just a small demonstration," she said. "This scroll contains the details of the spell — your first step will be to study it carefully, until you understand the theory. After that, you can begin work on casting the spell itself."

"Thanks," Arran responded absently, both his eyes and mind already firmly fixed on the scroll in front of him.

Pretty though Oraia might be, his interest in her had waned once he realized her friendliness was a mere act. And, more importantly, no amount of beauty could compare to the prospect of approaching his enemies undetected.

The thought of using the Shadowcloak spell in battle brought a grin to his face as he studied the scroll. Occasionally, he would reach out with his hand to try out the patterns described within, but other than that he sat motionless, eyes completely fixed on the scroll in front of him.

As the hours passed, Oraia would sometimes talk to him, but he mostly ignored her. Every once in a while she would ask a question, but he would respond with just a nod or a shrug, his attention fully focused on understanding the spell.

He wasn’t normally as diligent a student of magic as Snowcloud or Jiang Fei, but this was different — here, there was a clear reward at the end of his studies, and an exceptionally useful one at that.

From time to time, he noticed familiar patterns within the spell. Some parts resembled aspects of the seals he knew, while others resembled parts of the few spells he had mastered. There were similarities with some of the Forms, too, though not enough to be helpful.

His hard work gradually brought him results, albeit small ones. He wasn’t quite ready yet to attempt the full spell, but he could feel that he was steadily getting closer. Just a few more hours of study, he thought, and he could begin to make some real attempts.

"It’s past midnight," Oraia’s voice suddenly sounded.

Arran looked up. "What? I only just..." He didn’t finish the sentence. While he had thought it was only barely noon, he now noticed the darkness outside the windows. "It’s that late? Already?"

"No wonder you’re so talented," Oraia said in a soft voice. "I’ve never seen anyone study like that. You barely even moved the entire day."

Arran shrugged, slightly embarrassed now. "I was just intrigued by the spell," he said. "I don’t usually study like this."

While he had studied hard, this was hardly normal for him — usually, he had trouble just spending an hour or two focused on a single spell.

Oraia nodded, though she seemed unconvinced. "You should eat something," she said. "And after that, get some rest. I have a spare bedroom you can use."

"I can’t," Arran instantly replied. "I have to return to the House of Swords — if I don’t, my teacher will wonder where I am."

"I already sent word to her earlier tonight," Oraia replied. "And I picked up some food, as well."

Arran frowned. He hadn’t noticed Oraia leave, but then, he hadn’t exactly paid her much attention. "Still," he said, "I should return—"

"Don’t be ridiculous," Oraia interrupted him, sounding slightly annoyed. "If you leave now and return by dawn, you’ll barely be able to get three hours of sleep. Use my spare bedroom, and at least you’ll get enough rest to study tomorrow."

After a moment’s thought, Arran gave her a nod. "I suppose you’re right," he said. "But... you said something about food?"

Absorbed as he was in his studies, he had ignored his hunger through the day. But now, it had returned with a vengeance, and he suddenly felt absolutely famished.

Oraia quickly filled the table with a wide assortment of food, and Arran dug in without hesitation.

"I assume you made good progress today?" Oraia asked as he ate.

Arran briefly put aside the chicken leg he was eating, then replied, "Pretty good. With a bit of luck, I should be able to start practicing the spell tomorrow."

Oraia’s eyes went wide for a moment, but then, she smiled. "Don’t be too hasty," she said. "It usually takes novices several months of study before they’re able to begin casting the spell. Even with your talent, I doubt two days will be enough."

"I guess we’ll see," Arran replied. Though he was excited about learning the spell and continuing his path toward casting the Shadowcloak spell, he was in no hurry to finish. For now, he would merely study as hard as he could, and hope for the best.

He went to bed shortly after the meal, and exhausted as he was from the day’s studies, he fell asleep in moments. Yet even in the final few moments before his consciousness faded, his thoughts were filled with images of walking a battlefield unseen.

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