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The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/No_Marzipan_1230 on 2024-07-02 18:06:20+00:00.
Synopsis:
An engineer from Earth blends science and magic to achieve greatness in another world where skills and levels reign supreme.
Ethan was just a plain old engineer, but everything changed when he was reborn into a world of skills, levels, and magic. With his advanced knowledge far ahead of the time period he finds himself in, this new reincarnated life will be much different than his last, especially because he can construct, deconstruct, and reconstruct runes—something no one else can do.
But with royal politics, looming tax collectors, a mountain of debt, dungeon incursions, cults, and hostile fantasy races mixing together into a cocktail of bullshit that threatens to bury his dreams; Ethan must bridge the gap between steel and sorcery to grow stronger.
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What to Expect:
- Weak to very strong progression with a Sword & Magic MC that kicks a whole lotta ass.
- Fast pacing. A balance of action galore, politics, kingdom building, and slow-burn runecrafting.
- Fun, satisfying moments. An extra shot of happiness when reading. Hardcore wish fulfillment. Hyper competent MC.
- MC will trigger an industrial revolution, abolish slavery, revolutionize magic, modernize agriculture, communication, commerce, textile production, education, transportation, sanitation, weapons manufacturing, leisure & entertainment, and medicine.
- Dark truths of a medieval-esque society going under change.
Join my Discord Server to have chat, bother me, ask me questions, or just genuine fun really - https://discord.gg/d57v5upvcx
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Chapter 22
Derrick straightened from his kneeling position, wiping dust off his hands. The pungent aroma from the concoction on the table had intensified, swirling around the strange assortment of ingredients. He gestured towards the diagram drawn on the floor in chalk, its lines glowing faintly with a luminescence.
“There you have it, my lord,” said Derrick. “The ritual circle is complete. All that’s left is the potion and your focus.”
Ethan had been observing Derrick’s meticulous work with fascination and apprehension, and now, he leaned forward. “So, these Constellations,” he began, “are they like gods? Beings we form pacts with?”
“No. Nothing like that. Constellations are not living beings, nor are they deities demanding offerings.”
“Then what are they?”
“We do not know.”
“Then why would you deny them being gods? They could be.” Ethan shrugged at Derrick’s silence.
“For now,” said Derrick. “Think of them as lighthouses, each with its unique signature and essence.”
“So, we tap into that energy?”
“Precisely. By forming a Connection with a specific Constellation, a [Mage] gains an [Affinity] for that particular type of magic. It allows them to manipulate and channel that energy in unique ways.”
“But how do we choose? What if I connect to, say, the wrong constellation?”
“The choice isn’t entirely yours, my lord. The Constellation itself plays a role. It chooses those who resonate with its essence. Its concept. The potion and the ritual act as a bridge, a way to open yourself to their influence. But fear not, the wrong Constellation won’t turn you into a toad or anything like that.” Derrick winked.
“That’s a relief,” Ethan said with a nervous chuckle. “But what if I don’t feel anything? What if no Constellation chooses me?”
“It’s a rare occurrence, but it’s possible. In that case, we can attempt the ritual again, perhaps with a stronger potion. Don’t worry, we’ll get you Connected.”
Ethan pondered this momentarily, then another question popped into his head. “These… [Familiars] you mentioned. What are those exactly?”
“They are a fascinating aspect of the [Mage]’s bond with a Constellation. Think of them as manifestations of the Constellation’s power. A magical companion that fights alongside you and aids you. They also give you different powers. We call them special abilities.” Derrick’s eyes gleamed with a touch of nostalgia. “There are stories of legendary [Mages] with awe-inspiring familiars—mighty griffins, dragons, phoenixes. It all depends on the Constellation you connect with.”
Ethan’s pulse quickened. A magical companion? That sounded incredible. “Is it like summoning a creature?”
“Similar, but more permanent. You form a deep Connection with your familiar, a shared consciousness almost. Although, not exactly. They are an extension of yourself, and you of them.”
“And how often can we… Connect with these Constellations?”
“A fascinating question, my lord. You can only form a Connection with one Constellation every 25 Levels of your Race. Each Formation, as we call it, grants you a familiar and unlocks the true potential of your magical [Affinity]. Special abilities, unique spells, the possibilities are endless!”
A spark of excitement ignited within Ethan. He glanced at the swirling concoction on the table—it was a dark, viscous liquid that bubbled ominously.
Derrick carefully picked up a vial filled with a shimmering, iridescent liquid. He poured it into the bubbling potion, and the room pulsed with a sudden burst of energy. The chalk lines on the ritual circle flared brightly, momentarily blinding Ethan. When his vision cleared, he saw Derrick holding out the vial, its contents now a clear, innocuous liquid.
“The potion is ready, my lord,” Derrick said, his voice solemn. “Are you?”
Ethan took a deep breath, a mixture of trepidation and exhilaration coursing through him. He looked at the vial. It was a doorway to a world of unimaginable power. This was it. The first step on his journey as a true [Mage].
“Yes,” he said, his voice firm. “I’m ready.”
“Before we begin, then,” said Derrick, and his smile vanished, replaced by a seriousness that etched deep lines on his face. “The ritual, as I said, is merely a bridge. It allows us to tap into the Aether Realm, the dimension that lies between our world and the Constellations—they are far more complex. Beings of immense power, intelligence, and… chaos.”
“Didn’t you say they weren’t gods?”
“They are not gods, but they’re not without consciousness either. The Aether Realm is a reflection of chaos. It’s believed to be a swirling tempest of raw magic and primal energy. It is beautiful, yes, but also incredibly dangerous.”
Ethan swallowed hard. Beautiful and dangerous didn’t sound very reassuring.
“The ritual circle and the potion act as stabilizers,” Derrick continued. “They create a channel, a safe passage for you to reach out and attempt a Connection with a Constellation. However, stepping foot in the Aether without proper protection is akin to jumping into a churning sea during a hurricane.”
“What happens if…” he trailed off, unable to voice the question.
“If you lose control? The consequences are dire. Your mind can be fractured by the raw power, your body ripped apart by the chaotic energies. Worse, the whispers…”
Ethan felt a cold dread pool in his stomach. “Whispers?”
“The whispers are ever-present in the Aether,” Derrick explained. “They are seductive, alluring, promising power beyond imagination. They will play on your deepest desires, your darkest fears. They will show you visions, both beautiful and horrifying. Do not listen.”
“Can I resist?”
“Willpower, my lord. That is the key. You must remain focused. Remember, these are not benevolent beings. They feed on emotions, on chaos. They will offer you anything—knowledge, power, even dominion over others—all in exchange for a single thing: your very soul.”
Damn, these things are sounding more like the devil now… This was far more serious than he ever imagined.
“They offer deals, and they’re the most dangerous. They will offer solutions to your problems, answers to your deepest questions. They will tempt you with visions of a perfect life, a life free of pain or hardship. But these deals are lies, elaborate illusions woven from your own desires. The Constellations aren’t the ones talking, it’s yourself. The Aether Realm is doing it. It’s a test by the Constellations. The Aether will show you glimpses of your past, of regrets and mistakes. It will exploit those vulnerabilities, promising to set things right. But remember, my lord, the past cannot be changed. Giving in to their promises will only lead to your downfall—as it is not even the Constellations promising things.”
Ethan felt a lot of emotions pool in his stomach. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself. “How can I make a Connection with a Constellation?” He asked.
Derrick met his gaze. “The Connection is not something they bestow. It is a two-way street. You reach out with your will, with your desire to learn, to grow, to become a true [Mage]. If your will is strong enough, if your essence resonates with a particular Constellation, it will acknowledge you. That’s when the Connection forms.”
“And if I’m not strong enough?”
“The ritual will fail, at worst. You might experience some disorientation, but the potion and the circle will protect you. The key is to never, under any circumstances, look directly at a Constellation unles…
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