ULTRAMagic Prelude - Chapter 19
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Blood-Wraith woke up that morning feeling pretty good. It was an excellent day in The Iron City and he wanted to do some organizing around the house. The Lich appeared to go quiet, with Leif assuming that his brother was recovering from the previous battle. This was fine for the group since it gave them time to prepare. As Blood-Wraith wandered around the house and cleaned up, he eventually found the basement. The door was old and worn, looking like it had not been used in some time. It naturally fell over with a loud thud due to decay and rust despite it being locked.
Once the dust settled, Blood-Wraith entered the basement. It was large, dirty, and incredibly musty. Crates and shelves were smothered in layers of dust and cobwebs were everywhere. There were many vials, instruments, boxes, and papers that had long since been abandoned. Looking through the moldy documents, Blood-Wraith deduced that Milosh was performing experiments of some kind. What these were was unclear. Deterioration made a lot of the notes unreadable. Something did make his blood run cold, however. Mentions of Dunja and the Lich were everywhere.
After a deep breath, Blood-Wraith sifted through a folder for a clean enough paper. “Okay, no big deal. I’ll just take this to Kresimira…”
As he returned to the stairs, something caught his eye. A door covered in glowing runes was at the far end of the basement. The strange letters were piercing red, albeit dulled by layers of dust. He wanted to check it out, but not before placing the papers he found in the living room. Returning to the door, Blood-Wraith studied it. The writing was actually angel language and detailed how to open it. Given that Milosh was an unsavory individual, it was likely that he acquired the door rather than having built it. The idea that such a door would respond to a person like that was baffling though.
“Let’s see… turn this left, right, left, right… up? No, down… there we go!”
The heavy door creaked loudly as it slowly opened. He cautiously walked in, careful not to bump into something. The light coming off of Blood-Wraith’s body revealed what looked like skeletons and failed experiments. Before he could analyze these properly, something large and flat quickly enveloped him. Blood-Wraith felt himself get wrapped up before falling to the floor. Given that he was all bundled up, he tried to call out for help. The object then covered his mouth and shushed him.
“Hmph!? Mmcuse me!”
“Shhh! Follow me…” The object got up and tried to get him to hop over to the doorway, but he refused.
“Mrrr…” Blood-Wraith growled
The object quickly unwrapped him. “Okay, easy! I was just trying to protect you. No need to get violent…”
“Protect me from what?”
The object took the shape of a hooded cloak, draped over a person… yet there was nothing inside. “This room. There’s boobytraps in here.”
Blood-Wraith looked around. “There is? I mean, so far you’re the only thing that’s tried to trap me.”
The entity looked at themselves. “Oh…sorry about that… but really, there is a dangerous trap in here.”
“What is it? Do you know?”
“There’s something over there that will turn you to stone. I don’t know if it still works though given how long that bad man has been away…”
Blood-Wraith looked on the ground. Right before a desk at the back of the room was a paper with a seal and spell on it. “Oh I see…” Tapping it quickly turned him to stone, but it did not last long. “How lazy! It only works if you stand on it!”
“What do you mean?”
“It appears to be a low quality spell that just barely works. Here, I’ll stand on it and trigger it. Wait about a minute and then pull me off it.” Blood-Wraith stood directly on the paper and turned to stone once more. Just as they were told, the entity lifted him up. “See? That’s lazy spell crafting. It relies on the target interacting with it when you should be actively casting the spell. If no one triggers it, it’s completely useless.”
The entity picked up the paper, unaffected by the spell. “What was that like?”
“Uh, like… um, like you're a rock, but you’re aware of your surroundings… but you’re a rock, so you can’t move.”
“I see… It doesn’t work on me. Why is that?”
Blood-Wraith took the paper back… only for it to turn him to stone once again. An audible groan could be heard. Fortunately the entity was able to work it out of his hand. “I forgot it did that… here, remove the seal since it’s attached.”
The entity did as they were told, undoing the wax holding the seal in place. Of course they somewhat mangled it. “Like that?”
Blood-Wraith then took it and tore the whole thing up, causing a strange card to fly out of it and vanish. “Well that was odd... So, what are you? Why can’t I see you?”
“Oh no, you can see me… it’s just that there’s nothing to see.”
That was fairly confusing. “Okay, are you invisible then?” Blood-Wraith asked.
“Nope, I just don’t exist.”
“You don’t exist?”
“Nope.”
“Then how am I talking to you?”
The entity shrugged. “I’m not sure. One minute I was nothing and the next I was trapped in this room.”
The first order of business was to hug the entity. “Well you definitely are there…” Next Blood-Wraith took the cloak and put it on. “Wow, it feels like you’re standing inside me.”
The entity returned to their spot. “Can you name me? Milosh was too busy experimenting to do so.”
“Oh, um…” Blood-Wraith looked around, realizing he was still in the secret room. “Let’s head upstairs first.”
Over at Corentin’s laboratory, Kresimira was watching him work. It turned out that he was right about calming down with his experiments. In actuality, the two were waiting for their messenger birds to return. Corentin’s was a Sterling Eagle named ‘Ernest’ and Kresimira’s was an Iron-Tailed Hawk named ‘Icarus.’ Both birds were species native to the area of the Iron City. While they waited, Kresimira looked around Corentin’s desks and tables. She was curious to see what he had been working on.
“Careful, dear,” Corentin cautioned. “Some of that stuff could spark or react.”
“Duly noted… oh hey! Are these the prototypes for the flowers you made me?”
“Yup!” Corentin called out. “Ha, you can see where they gave me trouble and where I had to start over”
“Aw, bummer. Some of these are really wild looking. Maybe I could take a swing at finishing them?”
Corentin returned with a crate full of beakers. “Fine with me. I was going to recycle them, but if you have something in mind then by all means. My lab is your lab after all.”
Kresimira giggled. “Thank you. They would look wonderful in a display with the main rose. Curiously, what was your inspiration for these?”
“Aside from you? Hehe, a multitude of things, including the crystals I used to invigorate Maximus.” Just then, a pair of bird calls could be heard. “Well, it looks like the mail’s here.”
First came Icarus, dropping several letters on an open desk. As he settled on a perch, Ernest entered carrying a small package. “Alright, let’s see what we got…” Kresimira looked through what had arrived. “Blood-Wraith, mm-hmm… me and Drago, and…oh, one from your father too.”
“Well now! Also this package, it’s addressed to Blood.”
“How interesting, from the king too no less. Well best not dawdle, let’s go take this to him” Kresimira stated as she gathered everything up.
Back at Blood-Wraith’s home, he and the entity were having fun trying out alchemical experiments. They were all basic procedures as Blood-Wraith wanted to show off a bit. And speaking of the entity, the name they were given was ‘Aureolus.’ He was enjoying alchemy and was intrigued to know more about it. After Blood-Wraith had shown him the crystals he had made with Desislav, he sensed someone was at the door. They would have to put their activities on hold.
Blood-Wraith went and opened the door. “Hello, Kresimira, Corentin. Come on in.”
“Blood, it looks like the king’s word is finally here” Kresimira replied as they entered. “He even gifted you something.”
Blood-Wraith took his stuff and sat down on the living room couch. “Oh, guys? This is Aureolus. I found him in the basement.”
“Hello!” Aureolus was still in his cloak, but now he wore a shirt, pants, socks, and gloves.
Corentin froze, looking a bit worried. “Um, Blood? What part of the basement?”
“The door with angel language on it… now let’s see what we got here…”
Kresimira was baffled by what she was witnessing. “Ah, I see… er, pleasure to meet you, Aureolus…” She then leaned over to Corentin. “Sweetie? Should we be concerned?” She whispered to him.
“For now? No,” he whispered back. “Don’t worry, I’ll go investigate as soon as possible.”
“Dear Blood-Wraith…” Blood-Wraith read aloud. “On behalf of the kingdom, I welcome you to The Iron City…”
Loud crashes and bangs could be heard outside, followed by Dragoslava bursting in through the door. She was half metal and a total mess. “I’M HERE! Sorry I’m late! I was outside the Magician’s Labyrinth and…”
“DRAGOSLAVA JUNIPER RAYNOT!” Kresimira exclaimed as if she were her mother. “What in the Source were you doing there!?!”
Dragoslava had a straight-faced, guilty look on her mug. “So I was a little worried and wanted to go see if mom was maybe outside… and then a random person told me I was late for something here…”
“OHH! YOU LITTLE HOOLIGAN! What was that you said to me about not getting lost a couple of months ago?! It’s bad enough mama is currently missing! We don’t need you going missing too! SIT. DOWN. NOW.”
“Yes Ma’am… Hey, Blood…”
Kresimira cleared her throat and calmed down. “Ahem. Continue, Blood-Wraith, if you would.”
“Right… Where was I? Oh, yeah: ‘I am intrigued by your arrival. Born only a few months ago, yet you stand by our side already. I commend your bravery in the face of adversity, especially considering how young you are. You have also helped save The Iron City from falling into the hands of our enemies. As a token of our gratitude, I have decided to award you the home you now reside in for as long as you see fit…’ Wait, really!?”
“Congratulations, Blood!” Dragoslava said as she patted him on the back.
“Well there you go, this place is officially yours” said Corentin. “Just stay out of the basement until I can clear it out.”
“Oh, that… I found some papers I think you should…”
Kresimira stopped Blood-Wraith. “Don’t worry sweetie, everybody is well on their way home.”
“Oh, okay.” He went back to the letter. ‘...on top of that, I grant you any fortune that was left behind by the traitor, Milosh Proch. This shall be managed by your newfound father, Duke Radovan Raynot. I hereby seal this letter as my official word. Should anyone question you, present this document to them. On an ending note, I am glad to hear you have taken interest in alchemy. I cannot wait to see what you come up with. Sincerely, King Englehart Schindewolf. Postscript: The package contains a Rubedo Stone. It’s similar to a Philosopher’s Stone, just not as powerful. It won’t grant you eternal life, but it will certainly help you with your transmutations. Consider it a late birthday present. Best of luck to you.’ Cool, I like him already” Blood-Wraith remarked as he went to open the package.
Corentin chuckled. “Yeah, uncle has always been cool like that.”
“So sis, up for a proper housewarming party?” Dragoslava asked.
“Absolutely. This is a special occasion after all.”
“Very good” Corentin put in. “...but before we begin the festivities, Aureolus? Do you bear any loyalty to Milosh?”
He shifted around a little. “No, I don’t think so. He didn’t really care about me outside of experimenting on me.”
“I see. Then may I acquire your help in managing the basement?”
Aureolus nodded. “Oh absolutely. It’s dangerous down there.”
“Most excellent! Don’t worry my friend, we are of the utmost moral fiber here in The Iron City! Trust me when I say…”
Kresimira gave Corentin a love tap on the back. “Easy, tiger. Don’t overwhelm him.”
“Oh, sorry about that. Pent up frustration from a long time ago, haha. Welcome to The Iron City, Aureolus.”
“Thank you very much!” Aureolus replied as he gave the two a hug.
Blood-Wraith was looking at his stone in the light. “Oh boy… I wonder what this can do… We’ve got to try this out, Aureolus. No doubt about it.”
Next: Chapter 20
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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Blood-Wraith woke up that morning feeling pretty good. It was an excellent day in The Iron City and he wanted to do some organizing around the house. The Lich appeared to go quiet, with Leif assuming that his brother was recovering from the previous battle. This was fine for the group since it gave them time to prepare. As Blood-Wraith wandered around the house and cleaned up, he eventually found the basement. The door was old and worn, looking like it had not been used in some time. It naturally fell over with a loud thud due to decay and rust despite it being locked.
Once the dust settled, Blood-Wraith entered the basement. It was large, dirty, and incredibly musty. Crates and shelves were smothered in layers of dust and cobwebs were everywhere. There were many vials, instruments, boxes, and papers that had long since been abandoned. Looking through the moldy documents, Blood-Wraith deduced that Milosh was performing experiments of some kind. What these were was unclear. Deterioration made a lot of the notes unreadable. Something did make his blood run cold, however. Mentions of Dunja and the Lich were everywhere.
After a deep breath, Blood-Wraith sifted through a folder for a clean enough paper. “Okay, no big deal. I’ll just take this to Kresimira…”
As he returned to the stairs, something caught his eye. A door covered in glowing runes was at the far end of the basement. The strange letters were piercing red, albeit dulled by layers of dust. He wanted to check it out, but not before placing the papers he found in the living room. Returning to the door, Blood-Wraith studied it. The writing was actually angel language and detailed how to open it. Given that Milosh was an unsavory individual, it was likely that he acquired the door rather than having built it. The idea that such a door would respond to a person like that was baffling though.
“Let’s see… turn this left, right, left, right… up? No, down… there we go!”
The heavy door creaked loudly as it slowly opened. He cautiously walked in, careful not to bump into something. The light coming off of Blood-Wraith’s body revealed what looked like skeletons and failed experiments. Before he could analyze these properly, something large and flat quickly enveloped him. Blood-Wraith felt himself get wrapped up before falling to the floor. Given that he was all bundled up, he tried to call out for help. The object then covered his mouth and shushed him.
“Hmph!? Mmcuse me!”
“Shhh! Follow me…” The object got up and tried to get him to hop over to the doorway, but he refused.
“Mrrr…” Blood-Wraith growled
The object quickly unwrapped him. “Okay, easy! I was just trying to protect you. No need to get violent…”
“Protect me from what?”
The object took the shape of a hooded cloak, draped over a person… yet there was nothing inside. “This room. There’s boobytraps in here.”
Blood-Wraith looked around. “There is? I mean, so far you’re the only thing that’s tried to trap me.”
The entity looked at themselves. “Oh…sorry about that… but really, there is a dangerous trap in here.”
“What is it? Do you know?”
“There’s something over there that will turn you to stone. I don’t know if it still works though given how long that bad man has been away…”
Blood-Wraith looked on the ground. Right before a desk at the back of the room was a paper with a seal and spell on it. “Oh I see…” Tapping it quickly turned him to stone, but it did not last long. “How lazy! It only works if you stand on it!”
“What do you mean?”
“It appears to be a low quality spell that just barely works. Here, I’ll stand on it and trigger it. Wait about a minute and then pull me off it.” Blood-Wraith stood directly on the paper and turned to stone once more. Just as they were told, the entity lifted him up. “See? That’s lazy spell crafting. It relies on the target interacting with it when you should be actively casting the spell. If no one triggers it, it’s completely useless.”
The entity picked up the paper, unaffected by the spell. “What was that like?”
“Uh, like… um, like you're a rock, but you’re aware of your surroundings… but you’re a rock, so you can’t move.”
“I see… It doesn’t work on me. Why is that?”
Blood-Wraith took the paper back… only for it to turn him to stone once again. An audible groan could be heard. Fortunately the entity was able to work it out of his hand. “I forgot it did that… here, remove the seal since it’s attached.”
The entity did as they were told, undoing the wax holding the seal in place. Of course they somewhat mangled it. “Like that?”
Blood-Wraith then took it and tore the whole thing up, causing a strange card to fly out of it and vanish. “Well that was odd... So, what are you? Why can’t I see you?”
“Oh no, you can see me… it’s just that there’s nothing to see.”
That was fairly confusing. “Okay, are you invisible then?” Blood-Wraith asked.
“Nope, I just don’t exist.”
“You don’t exist?”
“Nope.”
“Then how am I talking to you?”
The entity shrugged. “I’m not sure. One minute I was nothing and the next I was trapped in this room.”
The first order of business was to hug the entity. “Well you definitely are there…” Next Blood-Wraith took the cloak and put it on. “Wow, it feels like you’re standing inside me.”
The entity returned to their spot. “Can you name me? Milosh was too busy experimenting to do so.”
“Oh, um…” Blood-Wraith looked around, realizing he was still in the secret room. “Let’s head upstairs first.”
Over at Corentin’s laboratory, Kresimira was watching him work. It turned out that he was right about calming down with his experiments. In actuality, the two were waiting for their messenger birds to return. Corentin’s was a Sterling Eagle named ‘Ernest’ and Kresimira’s was an Iron-Tailed Hawk named ‘Icarus.’ Both birds were species native to the area of the Iron City. While they waited, Kresimira looked around Corentin’s desks and tables. She was curious to see what he had been working on.
“Careful, dear,” Corentin cautioned. “Some of that stuff could spark or react.”
“Duly noted… oh hey! Are these the prototypes for the flowers you made me?”
“Yup!” Corentin called out. “Ha, you can see where they gave me trouble and where I had to start over”
“Aw, bummer. Some of these are really wild looking. Maybe I could take a swing at finishing them?”
Corentin returned with a crate full of beakers. “Fine with me. I was going to recycle them, but if you have something in mind then by all means. My lab is your lab after all.”
Kresimira giggled. “Thank you. They would look wonderful in a display with the main rose. Curiously, what was your inspiration for these?”
“Aside from you? Hehe, a multitude of things, including the crystals I used to invigorate Maximus.” Just then, a pair of bird calls could be heard. “Well, it looks like the mail’s here.”
First came Icarus, dropping several letters on an open desk. As he settled on a perch, Ernest entered carrying a small package. “Alright, let’s see what we got…” Kresimira looked through what had arrived. “Blood-Wraith, mm-hmm… me and Drago, and…oh, one from your father too.”
“Well now! Also this package, it’s addressed to Blood.”
“How interesting, from the king too no less. Well best not dawdle, let’s go take this to him” Kresimira stated as she gathered everything up.
Back at Blood-Wraith’s home, he and the entity were having fun trying out alchemical experiments. They were all basic procedures as Blood-Wraith wanted to show off a bit. And speaking of the entity, the name they were given was ‘Aureolus.’ He was enjoying alchemy and was intrigued to know more about it. After Blood-Wraith had shown him the crystals he had made with Desislav, he sensed someone was at the door. They would have to put their activities on hold.
Blood-Wraith went and opened the door. “Hello, Kresimira, Corentin. Come on in.”
“Blood, it looks like the king’s word is finally here” Kresimira replied as they entered. “He even gifted you something.”
Blood-Wraith took his stuff and sat down on the living room couch. “Oh, guys? This is Aureolus. I found him in the basement.”
“Hello!” Aureolus was still in his cloak, but now he wore a shirt, pants, socks, and gloves.
Corentin froze, looking a bit worried. “Um, Blood? What part of the basement?”
“The door with angel language on it… now let’s see what we got here…”
Kresimira was baffled by what she was witnessing. “Ah, I see… er, pleasure to meet you, Aureolus…” She then leaned over to Corentin. “Sweetie? Should we be concerned?” She whispered to him.
“For now? No,” he whispered back. “Don’t worry, I’ll go investigate as soon as possible.”
“Dear Blood-Wraith…” Blood-Wraith read aloud. “On behalf of the kingdom, I welcome you to The Iron City…”
Loud crashes and bangs could be heard outside, followed by Dragoslava bursting in through the door. She was half metal and a total mess. “I’M HERE! Sorry I’m late! I was outside the Magician’s Labyrinth and…”
“DRAGOSLAVA JUNIPER RAYNOT!” Kresimira exclaimed as if she were her mother. “What in the Source were you doing there!?!”
Dragoslava had a straight-faced, guilty look on her mug. “So I was a little worried and wanted to go see if mom was maybe outside… and then a random person told me I was late for something here…”
“OHH! YOU LITTLE HOOLIGAN! What was that you said to me about not getting lost a couple of months ago?! It’s bad enough mama is currently missing! We don’t need you going missing too! SIT. DOWN. NOW.”
“Yes Ma’am… Hey, Blood…”
Kresimira cleared her throat and calmed down. “Ahem. Continue, Blood-Wraith, if you would.”
“Right… Where was I? Oh, yeah: ‘I am intrigued by your arrival. Born only a few months ago, yet you stand by our side already. I commend your bravery in the face of adversity, especially considering how young you are. You have also helped save The Iron City from falling into the hands of our enemies. As a token of our gratitude, I have decided to award you the home you now reside in for as long as you see fit…’ Wait, really!?”
“Congratulations, Blood!” Dragoslava said as she patted him on the back.
“Well there you go, this place is officially yours” said Corentin. “Just stay out of the basement until I can clear it out.”
“Oh, that… I found some papers I think you should…”
Kresimira stopped Blood-Wraith. “Don’t worry sweetie, everybody is well on their way home.”
“Oh, okay.” He went back to the letter. ‘...on top of that, I grant you any fortune that was left behind by the traitor, Milosh Proch. This shall be managed by your newfound father, Duke Radovan Raynot. I hereby seal this letter as my official word. Should anyone question you, present this document to them. On an ending note, I am glad to hear you have taken interest in alchemy. I cannot wait to see what you come up with. Sincerely, King Englehart Schindewolf. Postscript: The package contains a Rubedo Stone. It’s similar to a Philosopher’s Stone, just not as powerful. It won’t grant you eternal life, but it will certainly help you with your transmutations. Consider it a late birthday present. Best of luck to you.’ Cool, I like him already” Blood-Wraith remarked as he went to open the package.
Corentin chuckled. “Yeah, uncle has always been cool like that.”
“So sis, up for a proper housewarming party?” Dragoslava asked.
“Absolutely. This is a special occasion after all.”
“Very good” Corentin put in. “...but before we begin the festivities, Aureolus? Do you bear any loyalty to Milosh?”
He shifted around a little. “No, I don’t think so. He didn’t really care about me outside of experimenting on me.”
“I see. Then may I acquire your help in managing the basement?”
Aureolus nodded. “Oh absolutely. It’s dangerous down there.”
“Most excellent! Don’t worry my friend, we are of the utmost moral fiber here in The Iron City! Trust me when I say…”
Kresimira gave Corentin a love tap on the back. “Easy, tiger. Don’t overwhelm him.”
“Oh, sorry about that. Pent up frustration from a long time ago, haha. Welcome to The Iron City, Aureolus.”
“Thank you very much!” Aureolus replied as he gave the two a hug.
Blood-Wraith was looking at his stone in the light. “Oh boy… I wonder what this can do… We’ve got to try this out, Aureolus. No doubt about it.”
Next: Chapter 20
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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