“Then the Embar it is,” I said.
“Excellent.” With a flick of his finger, the humanoid he had raised to life fell into a pile of bones with the rest. “This will be your only captured minion for some time. First, set your mastery to Undead Familiar before anything else. It is really a choice of will but opening the mastery’s description to focus on the correct area of focus will make it easier. It requires a bit of mana, so be ready.”
I opened my menu as he said and brought up the description. While focusing on Undead Familiar, I spun up my mana then willed it. A jolt of mana jabbed into my mind and I received a popup.
Undead Mastery area of focus chosen!
Specializing in Undead Familiar!
That was easy.
I looked at Shamash, who motioned for me to continue.
I stepped closer to the Embar skeleton until I was standing right over it. Focusing on its skull as Mel always did, I cast Capture Familiar.
The skeleton began moving. Not as if it was alive, but as if something was lifting it. As it left the ground and began to spin to stand upright, I found myself looking up past the talon-like beak of the enormous horse. So this is an Embar…
It began spinning again, but this time in a slow circle so that I could get a good look at it from every angle. So much for just focusing on its skull. If that was all Capture Familiar was going to do, then I would have to help it along.
Ramping up Mana Sight to full power, time slowed, as did its spinning. I began by taking in its overall shape. It wasn’t the kind of creature I’d want to face up close. Then I narrowed my focus to its body mechanics and, as best as I could guess, how each bone worked with the others. Only after that did I turn my attention to its actual bone. Even Dark magic creatures had white skeletons. Its smallest bone was thicker than my wrist. It had certainly been a powerful creature while still alive.
Channeling a good sum of mana, I cast Forced Learn. With my perceptions cast into its bone structure, there was enough mana left even with its orb removed for me to trace my way through it and begin to grasp what I had missed.
It was much like scanning my own body and trying to get a grip on where everything was and how it worked. When I was finished, I received another popup.
You have become familiar with the Embar, capturing it!
It will now appear on your list of familiars.
Shamash good-humoredly said, “Now that is one advantage you have over a Dark Mage. What you just did in minutes would take them hours.”
“That’s it?” I replied. The Embar skeleton fell into lifelessness.
“That’s it… Silly Blue Mage. Now summon your familiar, but you must do so by using Dark Magic. This is not a manipulation of another spell, but a choice to use Dark now that you’ve unlocked its Blue Magic version. Once again, will it. This will take an immense amount of mana. Be ready.”
I looked down at my skeletal armor covered chest and naked human arms. I still didn’t understand how it was possible for me to cast Dark Magic, nor other elements for that matter, but with my Master Mind Buff still going, I had mana in abundance.
I closed my eyes and pictured a detailed image of the skeleton I’d just studied. I visualized myself summoning it using Dark Magic first, then I cast it.
Just as when I’d used Dark Magic before, there was a delay before Dark Mana started to take shape a foot from the palm of my hand. I held it out so that the summon would happen in front of me.
I half expected for the Embar bones on the ground to rise, but I wasn’t casting Undead Dominance. Dark mana leaped from my hand toward the ground as if to strike it. Instead, it gathered together and the hoof of the Embar began to take shape.
Catching myself, I realized I was holding back my mana, slowing the summoning process. I released my grip on my mana and there was a sudden spike of Dark Magic that intensified a foot from my hand. Thankfully, it didn’t continue to build but flowed into the spell as if the dam to a river had been opened. Where Dark Mana had been, bone took shape, and in moments an incomplete Embar was looking down on me once again.
A minute and three million MP later, an Embar snorted while shaking its head to the side. In a show of personality, my minion stomped down on the deceased Embar’s skeleton, shattering the spine of its neck.
I could feel adrenaline fill me. The summon was as intimidating as it was haunting. I cast Creature Observation.
Embar
Level: 1,821
Health Points: 300,000
Mana Points: 4,000
Strength: 2,000
Dexterity: 5,108
Constitution: 2,000
Intelligence: 400
Wisdom: 100
It was a little disappointing to see that its level was less now than the undead one I had killed, but I attributed that to my rank in Undead Familiar.
I reached up to pet it, and it whipped its head from one side to the other, smacking my hand hard. I saw the fizzle of Light Magic coming into contact with Dark. Oops. It seemed it wasn’t going to take anything from me without a fight.
Transforming my arms into their Crimson Incubus state, I reached up again. It snorted at me but allowed me to place my hand on its savage-looking nose.
I gave it a grin. “Are you a boy or a girl?”
It was unsettling to look into the empty sockets of its eyes.
It snickered in response.
“Boy,” Shamash replied. “Female Embar have a single horn at the crown of their heads and not two on the sides.”
“Good boy,” I said, moving my hand to the side of his jaw and being careful to miss the fangs.
“We’d better get going.”
“There was a conversation we needed to have.”
The lich was silent for a moment before he responded. “What unveined magic are you considering?”
I decided to show him. Still self-conscious about using Dark Magic so close to my human form, I finished casting the rest of my Crimson Incubus Form. A crackling ball of the stuff appeared in one hand. In the other, a peaceful orb of Light Magic formed, content to keep whatever shape I gave it. Then I extended my hands wide and placed them so my palms faced one another. As I brought them closer, the violet ball of Dark Magic neared the Light Magic ball. When they were three inches apart, small bolts like static electricity struck out from the Dark Magic ball at the Light Magic one.
They sizzled momentarily when coming together then there was a red and purple thunderclap as they exploded.
The lich did the unnatural shaking of his head that moved his entire body before he spoke. “Calamity. Cataclysm. Destruction. Chaos. These are just some of the names that this theoretical magic is known by. You’re not the first person who’s tried to tame the untamable. I can guide you through the process of trying to understand it, and hopefully to unlock it, but there may be nothing to be unlocked. I’m not sure it’s possible. I’ve heard of a lot of people trying, but no one that’s ever succeeded.”
“Is there even a chance?”
“I don’t know everything, or my journey would’ve already come to an end. There’s always a chance. If someone did unlock such magic, it’s likely they’d keep it to themselves. It’s not the kind that people stumble onto. The most likely creatures that could pull it off would be at the Mistress level or higher. It would require an extreme mastery of magic and observation skills. Not to mention, a powerful body strong enough to take Calamity into itself and not be destroyed.”
Chapter 22 – Dark Magic
Before leaving the dungeon, I packed away a few of the undead skulls that I thought Travis might be interested in. I looked for higher level creatures whose skulls were small enough that they would be easily transported.
I faced an interesting dilemma while mounting my Embar. Riding in my human form would only harm both of us if my skin came in contact with him. I was rarely without my skeletal armor, but it channeled mana too well—all forms of mana. I decided on my Crimson Incubus Form as my base layer of protecti
on, but then added a hardened Rog Form over it. I still had a lot of power leveling to do with the form and its multiple mana types seemed like a good combination to combat a variety of schools of magic.
Only then did I cast my skeletal armor in preparation for one of the three new Blue Magic spells I’d learned of the Dark Magic variety. Dark Shroud added a final layer of Dark Magic protection, and one my Embar would be most comfortable with. Even with the layers of magic between myself and the Dark Mana, I was squirming in my own skin, afraid it would combust at any moment. It was irrational but having a healthy fear of Calamity was probably for the best.
With no saddle to sit on or stirrup to help pull myself up, I ran my hand down the Embar’s ribs to steady him before jumping for it. His back was tall enough that it was a good six inches over my head, but the height was of little challenge to me. I landed on top of him with a little more grace than I’d imagined, which made it a good start. I wouldn’t call the ride comfortable, but with a little manipulation of the density of my Rog Form over my rear and inner thighs, I created some extra padding for myself. The benefits of having a smoking rear end!
Eventually, I’d give the Embar some proper skeletal armor, but for our first time traveling, I’d let him get used to me. It was still possible that I was just imagining it, but the minion was showing far more personality than I had ever seen from any of my minions, undead or golem.
I found the view from on top of my mount was higher than I expected. I was more than twice as tall as Travis while sitting. Shamash was looking up at me and I suspected he was smiling. It was impossible to tell though because he was once again hiding his features.
With a wave of his hand, the lich indicated the direction we should head in, so we found a separate exit near the corner of the room, opposite the side we had entered. I had little experience with horses, but it seemed I wasn’t going to need to take lessons to make this work. The Embar began walking in my intended direction after a pulse of mana that contained my command.
As we started off, I had to ask. “Why was I able to gain Dark Aligned Blue Magic now, when I’ve been unsuccessful in the past?”
“You don’t know?” Shamash replied. “Why do you think?”
“Well, I’ve used Forced Learn on numerous Dark Aligned creatures and none of them unlocked Dark Blue Magic. Which seems strange to me, because I’ve run across numerous Fire creatures and many had abilities. Same with Earth and Water creatures. Draining Lord Darius gave me a number of Blue Magic spells, but no Dark Magic. Lady Contessa was an even bigger surprise with her Dark Magic talent, but she gave less than Lord Darius. I know Blue Magic mimics creature skills and not magic, but with the Dark Alignment being the most common in the Underworld, I’m surprised is all.”
“You’ve got the heart of it. On one hand, you’ve simply been unlucky. On the other, you’ve discovered another distinction between Dark and Light Magic and the Elemental Schools of Magic. Dark Magic creatures are common. From Wererats, which are everywhere, to giant insects, and mutated beasts, it's almost impossible to go for a walk and not run into one. But the nature of the Dark School of Magic, though it can be argued that there is a physical side to it, is considered by most to be more of a spiritual magic. Even many elemental creatures have Dark Magic cores because a creature’s life and will can be contained within. It’s the same with Light Magic. It isn’t a good example because Light Aligned creatures are so rare, but it’s the nature of spiritual magic that affects the abilities and lack of abilities that creatures possess.
“Elemental creatures more commonly possess abilities Blue Mages can steal because it’s the nature of such mana. Natural or more physical magics grant elemental abilities. Spiritual magics more often grant their creatures the ability to cast magic—at least once they reach a sufficient level.”
He’d given me something to think about, adding to the long list of things that I needed to consider. There was at least one thing I could clear up right away.
“Is my assumption that you’re no longer able to hide my Light Magic presence correct?” I said.
“Not entirely. Your jump in power will make it less effective, but it will still be worth using. The reason I haven’t used it during our time here was because any creature with the ability to sense you in the region would have also felt the battle going on here. Your Solar Magic is deceitful in its low mana signature, but with the amount of mana you used, anyone paying attention would have sensed it as well. Taking out two such armies so quickly would have been difficult for even a Mistress-level creature without the right elemental combination of magics. Leaving your presence unconcealed was an educated gamble, which seemed to work. You weren’t in your right mind afterward, so I made a decision. It kept lesser creatures from wandering close, and the fluctuation of the different aspects of your Light Magic would give anyone pause. Besides, we are over a hundred miles from any true civilization now. It’s the monsters out here we have to worry about, and those that already dwell near a vein are highly unlikely to leave it out of curiosity.”
My first thought was to rebuke him, but I knew that if I had been in my right mind and he had given such a suggestion I would have agreed anyway. I thanked him instead.
“I have a question, as well,” Shamash said. “Why are you not using your Dark Magic Forms?”
“Besides the fact they cost 100 times more than my other forms?” I replied.
He just looked at me until I continued.
“Besides Dark Elf, Drakyrd, and Imp Forms, I’m not sure many of them are worth leveling. I have so many Undead ones that they all rolled into their own category. They seem to go by rank. Undead General has great physical buffs, but it also costs a ridiculous amount.”
Undead General
Type: Zombie, Skeleton
Level: 1
Cost: 40,000 Mana Per Second (4,000 with buffs)
HP: +100%
Strength: +100% Strength
Dexterity: +100% Dexterity
Special Abilities: Conquer, Battle Formation, Flesh Restoration
Conquer: Exert a force of will over a large group of undead enemies. If their summoner’s control is weak, they will follow you. The natural undead are unaffected by this.
Battle Formation: This ability affects the undead that have chosen to follow you, and those that are conquered. You are able to order them into formation and guide their advance.
Flesh Restoration: 5% life leech against living creatures. 1% against skeletal undead, and 7% against zombies and ghouls.
Next Level:
Cost: 39,899 Mana Per Second (3,989 with buffs)
+1% Strength
+1% Dexterity
Even after I’d maxed its level, the estimated +200% Strength and Dexterity bonuses would mean little if I couldn’t heal myself and I was unable to use my Master Mind Buff to gain its bonus to my Mana Per Second. It cost a ridiculous 4,000 Mana Per Second, not minute. I told the lich as much.
“And?” Shamash said, insisting there was more.
I rapped my knuckles down the Embar’s spine as if I could hide my real reason. “They scare me. Will transforming into a Dark Magic Form destroy my core? Will it harm me? Will I be able to heal or buff myself…?” I could have continued but I let the string of questions linger.
“Do your Fire Aligned Forms destroy your core? Do they harm you? No to both. As for healing and buffing yourself. Healing is currently impossible, but buffing, as long as you do it before your transformation, should work. Anything else bothering you?”
I could have gone on, but I already knew the answer to my remaining questions. I needed to test out the forms for myself. Add them to the list of my things to work on. Thankfully, I had the Embar to ride on so experimentation was now possible in a limited sense. I couldn’t go all out without putting the others in danger, but there was much I could do. Time to get busy. One more stop before we reached our destination.
***
Cycling mana to my core to refine my mana was prog
ressing quickly. The rotation of my mana had nearly become second nature and Succubi’s Caress was still holding the process up. It would soon be the next rank though. The constant use of it was having a great effect. Core Creation was continuing smoothly. I drew back Dark Shroud from my arms entirely so that I could work without danger of Dark and Light Mana coming into contact.
Shamash had recommended that I keep my Master Mind Buff active to speed my progress. 5,000,000 MP was far better than 1,000,000. I quickly replenished my supply of 25 Minor Light Orbs. Having them available to draw from in time of need was something I was going to start requiring of myself. 100 would be better. I was capable of creating Intermediate Orbs and absorbing different aligned ones, but Minor Light Orbs were the quickest ones to absorb. The added density of the Intermediate ones actually made them more difficult.
For the sake of Core Creation and Vampire’s Might, I did move on to making Intermediate Orbs. The first ten I inventoried just to have them on hand, but after that, I absorbed everyone I made. I went back and forth between absorbing them and the Dark Orbs we’d gained from the undead armies. It was costly to do so but absorbing a Light Orb between the Dark ones allowed me to speed the process of mana recovery and continue to power level both abilities.
Our pace was slow, but Travis didn’t complain. I knew he was anxious to unlock his First School. He still hadn’t gotten the chance to fully test what he was capable of at his new level. With his Wisdom and Intelligence now at 1,000, his Werewolf mastery had skyrocketed. I could tell it wasn’t exactly easy for him yet, but he was now able to change back and forth at will. As we traveled, that’s exactly what he did. He changed from his human to Werewolf Form over and over again. He played around with it, only allowing his arms to change, and then his legs. We got a good laugh when he asked me a question and I looked down to see him in his human form with a werewolf head. The power he exuded when he was in full Werewolf and his Dexterity had reached 10,000 was intense. I was used to being the one reaching that level. Feeling it from the outside was a different experience entirely.
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series Page 18