"You're telling me, you ran, let alone jogged, 144 kilometres in under 8 hours?"
"I alternated jogging and the use of Magic. Yes, I did"
"Did you hit your head on the way here?"
"I did somewhat."
"Then you must have lost some IQ on the way."
A full-on chuckle by the three of them. The 3rd Magestrial behind spoke up.
"Magic? Seriously? How can we not laugh? We Magesterials are trained to remain stoic at visitors, but you're a first. When people like you come around every once in a while, is it so refreshing, haha."
Fuck you, man, what's your issue???
Can they not believe I used magic? Has such a great alteration in the original narrative occurred, so much so that the use of magic is rare?
"I'm sorry. Have I done something wrong?"
The laughter dies down. Allowing the second to speak.
"Yes, you have."
"Confusing fiction with reality. Seriously? If you keep deluding real life with fiction, then you should depart from us. What are you? I got reincarnated into another world with schizophrenia?"
They roar with laughter.
Isaac takes a step back. It would be impossible for a character of a narrative to know the immediate entrance of a transmigrator. Yet, here he ponders.
What.
Do they know I'm in EAA?
How?
Is everyone like ḫ̴̡̨̛̹̲͎̫̹͇͙͕̯͙̫̻̃́̊̒̔̋̓̅͗̑̑͒̕͜͝͝͝ȋ̸͍̪͔̽̑̐̄̎͛̒̊̇̓̿͊̚͠m̸̡̜͈̖̙̹̤̯͇̙̥̮̜̭̺̰̀͆̉̾̇́̊̆̎̆̋̊̍͜͝?
How. Genuinely How.
No. He's not hostile yet. I'm sure if they saw a foreigner who treated them as mere NPCs, they would have a stronger reaction.
I can gather information from him.
"How do you know?"
"Know what? An insane person?"
HUH?
"Wait. Wait. I'm sorry, but how am I insane?"
The lead guard takes over again.
"How? How do I know someone who's taking a fictional concept of a story and claiming they have used it to travel ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR Kilometres in 7 hours is not schizophrenic? You tell me."
Hmmm. I see. Interesting.
Magic is a thing in this world, yes. Yet people call it fictional. How can that be?
Option One? I used Magic in a Magicless world, while there is an evil, sentient wizard that can use it too.
Option Two? Magic is used to describe fictional powers in this world's stories, as it is on Earth. With this world's 'Magic' is called something else.
In that vein of logic, option two is the most probable due to me using a 'Magical' force and the existence of those Esoteric Kabbalists.
If that is such, then simply naming a spell should clear up the misconception, seeing as the magic in this world responded to my incantation of 'Wind Walker'
"It is true, sir. Believe me. I used 'Wind Walker' to travel the 144 kilometres in intervals of 30 minutes and 1 hour of jogging."
"Oh? If you have used 'Wind Walker', then why are you referring to supernatural abilities?"
"Is Wind Walker not magic?"
"No! Of course not! Are you genuinely a transmigrater??? It is as real as can be! How could Noësis be supernatural when every Wind Wave Binder can In-Thread it in real life? Doesn't make sense, right?"
"Right. Fair enough. To me personally, it really did feel quite magical"
…
WHAT??? Did you just say???
"Is that so? You have in-thread 'Wind Walker' multiple times to reach here?"
"Yes, that's right. My apologies."
Humbly divert. Never mind the rest first. I just need to get in as soon as possible.
"But. Back to business, Sir. May I be allowed inside the capital?"
"No."
Tsk.
"It is impossible to believe someone who just awoke, as you said you have, could In-Thread such a complex Clause Construct."
Sigh~
Nevermind. I got it now.
Magic in this world is called Noësis. Mages are called Wave Binders. In-Threading is this world's substitute for Casting, while a Clause Construct is a Spell.
What weird fucking names. Just keep it simple and classy.
I do wonder what the other magical terminologies are, though. How do Esoteric Kabbalists play a role in this? Are they the Alchemist? Don't think so.
Probably will find out later either way…
"How should I prove myself then? Would you like me to perform a similar or lower Clause Construct as proof?"
"Hmmm… That would be ideal, actually. Do it. In-Thread the Wind Clause Construction 'Lacerate'"
He scoffs.
"Easily"
Even if the words were different. The process was the same. Isaac recalled his hours remembering the spell descriptions.
Intent.
Lacerate was described as a faster and improved version of 'Wind Slash' that causes multiple cuts. The 3-Star variant of it basically.
So same concept, the image of a crescent arc in my mind, but as thin as possible, with multiple other arcs forming a collective.
Next, the incantation calls upon the wind to cut:
"Lacerate!" Isaac shouts out.
And third, the flick of my entire wrist.
The air rumbles. But not like it did before. Instead, out of Isaac's fingers flew a silent sliver of green, fast and deadly towards the Lead Magestrial.
Remaining MP: 85/300 |
Perfec一
TING!
As expected before. With an unsheathing and upward curve, the Lead Magestrial's weapon parries Isaac's spell perfectly before immediately returning into his sheath. Isaac could not even see the draw and sheath.
Wow~ Flexing on me, huh?
The very weakest of a true mana swordsman stationed as a mere guard can easily deflect 3-Star Spells.
Good to know
Yet, their faces displayed an impressed look.
"Hmmm. Not the best, but a great demonstration nonetheless. To think someone with no Noësical background can In-Thread a Clause Construct higher than the Intermediate-Class. Let alone a fairly decent one. How did you learn to in-thread?"
He walks up to Isaac with a smile.
"To be honest, I came across a book left in the village that described the spells."
"Then you're talented. To learn from traditions and passings of knowledge by face-to-face teaching is one thing. But to learn from a book?"
Oh my days. Shut up and let me in already.
A sigh.
"Although I cannot fully believe your story. I will permit you to enter. Seeing as your reason to do so does not seem malicious."
"Thank you, sir, I will!"
Finally.
"But before you enter. Could you give us a direction on the exact location of the village and who was inhabiting it? It is concerning that a random off-skirt village in the Southern Rotshade Canopy has developed such interest in Noësis. We would like to visit them before they attempt any Clause Constructs that may stray."
"Ah, yes. The inhabitants were Estoeric Kabbalists. Specifically, their titles were Ritualist. As for location," Isaac points to the general location of the village. "It's just over the一"
"Did you say. Esoteric Kabbalist?"
Killing intent.
Hostile intent.
The type that drowns people in fear and despair. That's what Isaac was feeling right now. Out of all the fear he had come across in this world. This was the second greatest.
"Y-yes, I did. Is there somethi一"
The lead guard gives a single nod.
"Allow this wanderer into the Capital. Seal the doors immediately and prepare 10 more Magestrials at once!"
He turns back and faces Isaac.
"Thank you for the information. Please enjoy your stay at the Capital of the World."
And the rest of them immediately cast their spells.
"Shuffle."
"Wind Walker."
"Surf"
Fire. Wind. Water. All of them take off in the immediate direction of where Isaac had pointed out.
Ah shit… That lie caused them to be so riled up. Is it wrong for an Esoteric Kabbalist to practise Magic?
But… Isaac hears a ripple pass through the Capital's walls, not of deference, but something colder. Mechanical. Then the gate groans to life.
Wrong. All wrong.
In EAA, Elenos' gates were open on silver threads of Magical Technology, a seamless parting of metal and stone.
What stands before me now is a carcass of machinery. It's MagiTech, but worse.
The cogs scream. Chains thicker than Isaac's torso ratchet taut with irony. The entire structure shudders, not with arcane elegance, but with the convulsions of something being forcibly reanimated.
"You may enter, Isaac," a fourth says. "Please obey the rules of the capital"
"I will. Thank you."
How much has the story deviated…This isn't accurate to the game at all.
And finally. Isaac enters. The gates groaned shut behind him, sealing with a finality that betrayed narrative. Isaac worried about this fact.
If so much has changed about the operations of the gates. Then what about the city?
At least, from first glance, nothing has seemed to change.
Okay. That's good.
I knew the world-building in EAA was good, but like…
I mean, the typical wall around the city is still there, but to see such a divergence from typical fantasy cities' tropes in person?
Another Instagram-worthy shot.
…
Fuck I should go buy a MagiTech Phone or something.
Elenos' capital sprawled ahead, the axiom of spellcraft and apparently machinery. A beautiful city-state of Noësical supremacy and technology.
Each pillar that surrounds the city was etched with luminescent conduits that pulsed with electricity or light. The streets, filled with pavement that illuminated a path cast over a royal triad of white, gold, and cerulean.
Colours that mirror the Elenos crest, Isaac walks by it.
A twisted rectangular strip, a half-twist and joining its ends, creating a surface with only one side and one edge. Its continuous, one-sided structure defies conventional orientation, making it a mathematical and philosophical symbol of infinity and paradox.
Good, the crest of Elenos is a Mobius Strip. The unity of the nation and its citizens that forge a path towards tomorrow using the past.
If only my country were this good.
Here, architecture transcends mere grandeur. Beaux-Arts facades fused with Catalyxical Engineered Creations boast colossal statues of mages who founded the fundamental principles of Noësis in this world.
Like me. They couldn't keep their hands off the Stormbreak Spiral, huh?
Correct, Isaac notices the pillars and the ground below him. Below, subterranean cables converged beneath the Spiral and channelled the raw energy of continuous lightning into the city's core. Whereas typical fantasy had a lack of electricity in the world, EAA had an abundance.
For Isaac to walk this nation was for him to witness living history and opulence.
Cool. Very cool.
This wasn't the orderly academy-city from the lore.
This was a literal nation breathing.
Being chaotic and alive with all of its secrets.
Though… I really feel like an imposter…
Eh… Super cool though.
"Fresh warhawk eggs, 20% off!" "Feathers as solid as steel!"
"No, thank you."
He humbly bows.
I'll check out the biology of this world another day. For now…
Isaac follows along the Four Stoicharterion Elenosar. The Elemental Arteries of Elenos, roads etched into the Capital by the Institute's founders, each a testament to their respective elements.
Four roads, Four Main Elements. The fundamental elemental forces are made accessible to all. What a good democracy.
Logi Mind: A molten river of stones and metals that perpetually ripples, trailing embers that bloom into ephemeral roses before dissolving.
Rán's Spine: A canal of ultrapure water similar to Super Kamiokande. The water is filtered through multiple stages daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Hell. It could be used to detect neutrinos.
Jörð Gut: A winding path of shifting geodes with the crystalline masses grind and slide within a breathing rhythm.
And finally,
Kári's Breath: A tunnel of ariel currents where the atmosphere coils and hurls its passengers forward, amplifying flights and sprints into a surge of velocity like a bullet.
This will be the path Isaac takes,
If possible, I'll try registering. But it would be a laughable notion, really.
I have no noble patronage. No legacy nor academic record.
I'm some bum with the potential of developing this world's spells with modern science.
Damn near the equivalent of an F Student applying for Oxbridge.
Well… Screw it. I wanna live.
With a steadying breath. Isaac prepares himself.
A campus of 2 kilometres, as such 73 kilometres from me and it. Not impossible. Just 30 minutes plus of 'Wind Walker'. No problem, right?
…
The current of Kári's Breath hums beneath his feet. The energy to launch him like a projectile coiled around Isaac.
He's done it so many times that it might as well be second nature. Therefore,
"Wind Walker."
And he takes off in a sprint. Fast is the only description of the experience.
Stayin still, eyes closed. Let the world just paaasss me byyyy~
Pain pills, nice clothes. If I fall, I think I'll flyyy~
.
.
.
After nearly an hour of twists and turns, Isaac darted past other citizens and weaved through the tunnel's passages. Isaac arrives, emerging at the foot of the academy. The most reputable and prestigious Institute for education in the world. The heart of the main story. Yet, the home of his brightest joys and deepest regrets.
Elenos' Institute of Magical Academics (EIMA).
Or I suppose now being called Elenos' Institute of Noësical Academics (EINA).
Actually… Much more elegant of a name.
I wish I could snap a pic.
Instead.
Isaac immediately snaps his head around.
He appears like a programmed interaction.
The pressure comes first.
All-devouring pressure, like a whale sucking krill.
The Apex of Information and the martyr to end all martyrs.
Headmaster Orthellius Sol Tharis.
Under his breath, Isaac utters.
"T-temporal A-anchor, inhabitant in line of sight"
Name: Orthellius Sol Tharis
Class: Paragoned-Class Mage
Title: Unreadable, your difference is too great
Age: 42 (Biological Age). ??? (Mental Age)
Stats:
- Strength: Unreadable, your difference is too great
- Vitality: Unreadable, your difference is too great
- Agility: Unreadable, your difference is too great
- Intellect: Unreadable, your difference is too great
- Stamina: Unreadable, your difference is too great
Attributes:
- Unreadable, your difference is too great
Element Affinity:
- Unreadable, your difference is too great
Mana Remaining: Unreadable, your difference is too great.
Everything is 'Unreadable, your difference is too great'…
Ah… Shibal (Fuck)…