The last couple of miles to Kilrain passed in silence, my mind wandered. I thought back to other conversations I've had with Moira. Images danced through my mind as real as if I stood there once again.
The wind brushed softly against my face as I stood near the portal, the cool air carrying faint traces of rich earth and something else… something I couldn't quite describe. I exhaled slowly, letting my gaze drift over the circle of dark, fertile soil that had begun to spread from the portal's base.
The evolution of the land was subtle. The grass here grew thicker and greener, swaying gently. Tiny motes of light floated up from the ground like ethereal fireflies, dissolving into the air.
It was beautiful. It was also unsettling, like walking on an alien world.
"Vessel," Moira's voice murmured in my mind, soft and melodic, though always carrying that edge of boundless power, "do you feel it? This is Albion's influence, seeping through the portal. The land remembers, even if your kind has forgotten."
I crouched, brushing my fingers across the grass. It felt... alive. Not just in the way any plant might, but in a deeper, almost spiritual sense. The soil beneath was cool and damp, dark as night, yet teeming with vitality.
"Albion," I repeated, the word rolling off my tongue like something sacred. "I like hearing about it."
"Yes," Moira said, her tone growing nostalgic. "Albion, the birthplace of wonder, the essence of what your world reflects. Everything pure and beautiful about this land, every spark of joy or harmony, it all originates there. Your world is but a shadow, a pale echo of that perfection."
I let her words sink in, my fingers still tracing the blades of grass. "If Albion is so perfect, why is it gone? Why is the echo all we have left?
"It isn't gone, vessel," she replied, her voice laced with both sorrow and hope. "Albion lies beyond the veil, waiting for the worthy to rediscover it. But that perfection, that essence, bleeds into your world through cracks like this one. The portal you've opened is a bridge, not to Albion itself, but to its influence.
As to why it's gone, we discussed that. The Warlock." She said those two words like turning the key on a lock. "Ah, yes. this mysterious villain." I said, somewhat struggling to imagine the kind of person that would want to invade and pollute something that sounded so wonderful."
"And this portal," I said slowly, "it's changing the land." I spoke, attempting to understand the nature of the changes taking place. With so many changes, I found myself struggling to come to terms with all of it.
"Yes," Moira confirmed, her voice lilting like a storyteller weaving a tale. "It heals; it nourishes. It transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. But more than that, it's a symbol, a beacon. Others will sense its presence, whether they seek to join you or to destroy what you're building."
I frowned, the seriousness of her words pressing heavily on my shoulders. "What I'm building," I echoed. "That's the question, isn't it?"
For a long moment, I gazed out at the countryside. The air around it felt... right. Cleaner, richer, as though it were untouched by the chaos and destruction of the outside world. I wanted this—this feeling, this harmony—not just for myself, but for anyone willing to work for it.
But wanting something and acquiring it were two very different things. I'd led archaeological digs before, small teams united by a shared goal. Leadership in those cases had been straightforward: keep everyone safe, make sure the work gets done, and document the findings. Simple enough.
This, though—this was different. This wasn't just leading a team. This was the start of...an empire! It was undoubtedly a challenging undertaking. I wasn't sure if I was prepared for it.
"Doubt doesn't suit you, vessel," Moira said, but not unkindly. "You've already begun, whether you realize it or not. The question isn't if you'll lead, but how."
"How?" I repeated softly. The word felt heavy, loaded with expectation.
I closed my eyes, letting the question settle in my mind. Without realizing it at the time, I had stopped walking, so deep in focus. Leadership. It wasn't something I'd sought out, but it was something I couldn't avoid. The portal, dungeon, and magic thrust me into this role, and I couldn't turn back.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring at Hamish. He stood a few paces away, examining the edge of the portal's circle with an expression I couldn't quite read. For all his gruffness, he'd followed me into the dungeon without hesitation, fought by my side, and trusted me when I'd told him this was worth it.
That trust, earned, not given freely, meant everything. If I was going to lead, I'd have to do it in a way that respected that trust. No arrogance, no false promises. There should only be honesty, fairness, and a willingness to take responsibility when things go wrong.
"Vessel," Moira interrupted my thoughts, her tone shifting to something more purposeful, "you've taken your first steps as a leader, but it's time to formalize it. Like magic and combat, leadership is a skill that requires constant refinement.
A faint shimmer of golden light danced in my vision, accompanied by Moira's amused voice. "Ah, vessel, it's time to give you a proper gift for your efforts. She spoke with a playful tone.
Her words seemed to resonate within me, and I felt a sudden warmth, like a gentle surge of energy coursing through my chest. "This blessing," she continued as the chilling warmth spread through me, "will help you inspire trust and loyalty among those who follow you. It's not just about making decisions—it's about fostering belief in your vision and your ability to see it through."
I blinked, letting the sensation settle. "Leadership is... a gift?"
"Indeed," she said, her tone softening. "Every leader needs a foundation to build on. Consider this your starting point. The rest, vessel, is up to you."
"Of course," Moira said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Every choice you make, every challenge you face, will shape how you lead. And as you grow, so too will this skill. Eventually, you'll have to choose what kind of leader you wish to be."
"What kind of leader," I murmured, the words lingering in the air. I really need to stop echoing her. At least it helped me focus on specific ideas that needed attention.
I glanced back at Hamish, who had now turned to face me, his brow furrowed in thought. "Something on your mind, Chief?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
"Chief?" I repeated, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
"Aye," Hamish said with a shrug. "Seems fitting, doesn't it? You are now the one making the decisions.
His words settled over me like a thick blanket, a blanket I wasn't sure I was ready for, but one I was determined to bear. I nodded slowly, meeting his gaze. "Alright, Hamish. Let's make sure those shots count."
I lifted my eyes from my memory to my surroundings once again, feeling a little overwhelmed.
The road ahead stretched wide and uneven, the crunch of boots on loose gravel mingling with the rhythmic clinking of Hamish's gear. I found myself glancing at him now and then, noting how his demeanor had shifted.
There was a quietness to him, not brooding but... focused. The same man, but tempered. His usual cascade of sharp remarks had softened, replaced by the occasional glance or nod.
His Silence wasn't uncomfortable—if anything, it was reassuring. His presence was a fortress of support.
Hamish caught my attention and asked again, only a hint of impatience. "What's got you thinkin' now, Chief? You could save me a lot of effort asking you if you would just speak your mind."
I shook my head, smiling faintly. "Just... noticing you've changed a bit."
"Power can do that to a man," he replied, his tone calm but carrying an edge of amusement. "Doesn't mean I won't still flatten any fool who looks at us the wrong way."
I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Good to know some things stay the same."
As the wind picked up, I pulled my cloak tighter, but my thoughts strayed. The air was different here—more alive. The faint hum of mana beneath the surface resonated with every step, as if the land itself were waking. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the sensation flow through me.
"You're attuning, vessel," Moira's voice chimed in, her tone carrying that ever-present lilting tease. "The elements are singing to you. You just need to listen."
The thought tugged at me. I'd spent so much time mastering earth, but now I felt a pull in other directions, as though the world itself wanted me to expand. "Moira," I began, speaking aloud as Hamish gave me an amused side glance, "what do you think of me...broadening my magical repertoire?"
"I think," she said, with that honeyed warmth she always seemed to have ready, "you're finally realizing the fun has only just begun. You've played in the dirt long enough. It's time to touch the skies, feel the waters, and embrace the flame."
"Air, water, and fire," I mused, nodding. "The other primal elements." It was common in historical eras to see these four elements as key to life, in varying degrees. Without any one of which, all the others fall apart in some capacity, and creation unravels. It's fascinating to see how they come together now.
"Precisely. Each brings something unique to the table. Air is freedom, movement, and clarity—swift and untouchable. Water is life and adaptability, flowing around obstacles and embracing change. Fire... ah, fire is destruction and creation, the unstoppable force... Master them, and you'll begin to understand the balance that governs all magic."
The possibilities excited me, the thought of weaving these elements together to create something entirely new. "And once I've got the four primals?"
Moira's voice turned playful, almost conspiratorial. "Well, then we talk about the others. Light and dark, for example, life and death, and one other. And the clever combinations you'll discover on your own. Magic isn't just rules, vessel. It's imagination given TEETH. Rowr!"
I felt the tug of a smile at her words. "Did you just rowr at me...? Hah, weirdo. But I'll hold you to that."
She laughed softly, the sound like a spark of energy warming me. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
I stopped walking for a moment, letting my gaze wander across the horizon. Closing my eyes, I reached out with my senses, imagining the elements Moira had described.
The rush of the wind against my face, the soft gurgle of a stream in the distance, the faint crackle of warmth as the sun kissed the earth. Slowly, deliberately, I began to focus on each in turn.
I vaguely heard Hamish stop his feet too, and a small sigh escape him, "Gonna take days at this rate." He murmured to himself. He was the perfect example of a disgruntled soldier.
The air around me stirred, the faintest breeze curling through my fingers. It wasn't much, just enough to feel, but it was exhilarating. With Moira's gentle guidance, I coaxed it further, shaping it into a small spiral that danced in the palm of my hand before dissipating.
Moira's voice chimed in, light and encouraging. "Ah, vessel, you're beginning to feel it, aren't you? The air, the inverse of your beloved earth—it dances, it moves, it frees. You've unlocked Air Manipulation," she explained, her tone almost like that of a teacher praising a student. "It grants you minor control over air currents for now. You can enhance your mobility or summon basic gusts and air slashes. Ooh, the places it can take you!"
Hamish raised a brow as he watched the tiny dust devil swirl away. "Wind tricks, eh?"
I grinned. "So far!"
We walked a little further before I stopped again, this time kneeling by a small stream that trickled through the rocks. The water was cold and clear, its surface reflecting the pale blue of the sky. I touched the surface and imagined it responding as life...not just water.
At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the water began to ripple unnaturally, rising in a thin, twisting column of droplets. It hovered there, rotating slowly and shimmering in the light, before collapsing back into the stream with a splash.
Moira's voice carried a subtle excitement as she spoke. "Well done, vessel! You're starting to grasp water, the element that supports life and provides adaptability," she said, her tone like that of a patient teacher.
"This spell grants you minor control over water—basic shaping and movement, nothing flashy yet. But the potential is immense! Water flows, adapts, and overcomes—it's a powerful ally once mastered. It restores health, combat stamina, and carries mana at an accelerated pace."
Hamish chuckled, shaking his head. "Should I be worried about you flooding us out next? Not unless you need a shower," I responded, eliciting an amused grunt.
Finally, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, I found myself drawn to the warmth in the air around us and the rays of the sun itself. I willed the heat to gather. I could feel it move, stubborn and free at first, but eventually condensed into a point on a rock not far away. It rippled like heatwaves on hot sand aand itbegan to smoke, smolder, and pop.
The grass around the rock smoked from the heat as well. I reached out, not physically, but with my mind, imagining the heat bending to my will.
The fire flared for a moment, leaping higher before settling into a steady, controlled blaze upon a ROCK! I'm not kidding when I'm telling you I made a rock burn. Hamish uttered something profane at the sight of the burning stone and grass wilting. Cutting off the flow of mana to that fire, I registered a surge of energy rushing through me, and I knew I'd tapped into something new.
Moira's voice rang out, tinged with warmth and excitement. "Ah, vessel, you've done it again! Fire, the most unpredictable element, yields to your command," she uttered in a tone reminiscent of a supportive instructor."This spell grants you minor control over fire for now—basic shaping and intensification.
You can coax its heat, direct its blaze, and with time, wield it with mastery. It's a fierce ally, but tread carefully, it doesn't forgive carelessness."
I leaned back, a deep satisfaction settling over me as I reviewed my progress. "That's all four," I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.
Moira's voice cut through the silence, warm and approving. "Well done, vessel. You've laid the foundation. And as a reward for your... diverse tastes, I have a little something for you."
It's a new UNIQUE perk! She said, sounding like a game show she saw in my memories. Elemental Harmony. Its Effect: Increases the effectiveness of all elemental spells by 20%. Grants a 10% reduction in mana cost for each mastered element. Unlocks hidden synergies as additional elements are mastered.
I blinked at the notification, letting the implications sink in. "Elemental Harmony," I murmured. "So I'm better at this stuff than your average bear. I like the sound of that."
"You should," Moira teased. "It's a rare gift, one that will only grow stronger as you expand your repertoire." I'm going to weave your current earth mastery into this one, so you'll have all of those earth benefits as part of your Elemental Harmony. With use, the others will obtain the same abilities Earth grants you.
I nodded, my thoughts racing with possibilities. "And what about these hidden synergies? Are we talking new elements?"
"Not exactly," she said coyly. "Perhaps combinations of them will grant insights into other effects. For instance, lightning is the offspring of air and fire, ice is the offspring of water and air, and so forth. The more you master, the more the world opens up to you."
The excitement bubbling within me was hard to contain. For the first time in years, I felt like I was on the verge of something truly extraordinary, not just discovering the past but shaping the future.
The steady crunch of boots on the path filled the silence between Hamish and me. The road ahead stretched unevenly, a thread of dirt winding through the rugged, wind-beaten highlands. I'd spent most of the journey reflecting, letting my thoughts churn over the challenges ahead. I can't believe I was able to pick up on three new elements just today. Every chance I got, I was like a child in a vast toy store.
I'd thump rocks up to 50 feet away from me and watch them fly off into the grass. Hamish spit once, and I caught it up with water manipulation and made it float in front of him so he could see how nasty the habit was. He just laughed and stepped around it. I briefly chased him with his own glob but started laughing and lost concentration, letting it fall to the path.
"Chief," Hamish said later, snapping me from my thoughts. His voice was calm and stoic—a noticeable shift from the quip-filled remarks I'd grown used to. His Warden transformation had changed him, though the sharp glint of amusement in his eyes reminded me that he hadn't completely lost himself. "Yer awfully quiet, again. Contemplating something grand, are you?"
I let out a breathy laugh. "You could say that. Just trying to wrap my head around... everything."
He nodded thoughtfully. "It's a lot, aye. But if it's any consolation, you're not half bad at it. The whole 'chief' thing suits you."
"Not sure about that," I replied, though his words gave me a small boost of confidence. "I just keep wondering how to make it all work. A settlement, a society. Where do you even start?"
""I observe that you begin by avoiding overthinking," Hamish stated, maintaining his usual matter-of-fact tone." You've got good instincts, and you've got that lass in your head to keep you straight."
"Moira," I corrected, glancing at the shimmer of golden threads on my arm. "She's more than that, you know." I corrected her, demanding respect for her.
"More than that, am I?" Moira's voice slipped into my mind, tinged with playful indignation. "Don't sell me short, vessel. I am the backbone of all this."
"She's listening," I said dryly, earning a faint chuckle from Hamish.
Moira's tone shifted, becoming softer and more reflective. "Leadership isn't just about giving orders, Robert. It's about setting an example. People will follow you if they see that you care, not just about the end goal, but about them. Trust is your foundation, and actions, not mere words, will build it."
Her words struck a chord. I'd always believed in leading by example, even in my academic life. But this was different. This was a chance to shape something meaningful, something lasting.
The vision of a settlement formed more clearly in my mind, a place of safety and growth, where people could thrive through mutual respect and effort.
"Moira," I said, my thoughts spilling out, "if I'm going to lead people, I need tools to help them succeed. The system needs to support not just me but everyone who follows this path. What I'm building isn't just for me."
"That, vessel, is the right question to ask," Moira said, her voice carrying a note of approval. "We can shape the system to empower your people, just as it empowers you. But know this: they must earn their place, just as you have. Magic is a gift, not a handout."
"Agreed," I said. "No shortcuts."
Hamish glanced at me, his brow furrowing slightly. "You're having a full conversation again, aren't you?"
I grinned. "You'll get used to it."
We walked on, the highland winds sweeping through the surrounding grass. The road dipped toward a small village nestled in a hollow, its rooftops visible in the distance.
My chest tightened slightly as the realization hit—I'd have to speak to the landowners soon. Convince them to part with their property, or, with luck, join the vision I was trying to build.
Moira's voice slipped into my thoughts again. "Your fortune and charisma stats will aid you here. But it won't carry you alone. Diplomacy, respect, and a clear vision—these will be your tools."
The village came into sharper focus as we descended, its cobblestone paths and stone cottages exuding a timeless charm. My steps slowed as I considered my approach. Coins from the dungeon's hoard could certainly grease the wheels, but it wasn't just about buying the land.
Aligning their goals with mine and bringing them into the fold willingly would strengthen the foundation of what I was trying to build.
Hamish must have sensed my nerves. "Yer overthinkin' it again," he said with a small smile. "Just speak plainly. These folk like honesty."
"Easy for you to say," I replied, though his words carried weight. Hamish had a knack for cutting through the noise, for seeing the simple truths in complicated situations.
We reached the edge of the village, and I paused, taking a deep breath. "Moira," I said quietly, "if this doesn't work, if they won't sell or join, what are our options?"
Her response was calm and reassuring. "There's always another way, Robert. But trust in your abilities. You have more influence than you realize."
I nodded, squaring my shoulders as we stepped into the village proper. Children played with a grey shaggy hound near a well, their laughter echoing through the air, while villagers went about their evening tasks.
A few curious glances followed us as we approached the center of the village, where a modest inn stood. It seemed as good a place as any to start. I knew I had to get them to agree. I just hope that the carrot works and I do not need to resort to a big, magical stick.
Before entering, I turned to Hamish. "Whatever happens in there, let me do the talking."
"Aye, chief," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I'll just stand here looking' like the handsome one."
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest easing slightly. We stepped inside, the door creaking softly as we crossed the threshold.