Chapter 5: Arcaneum

Nia walked along the winding roads of the village, taking in the sights and sounds around her. The sun was shining brightly, warming her face and body. She could hear the birds chirping in the trees and the distant sounds of the villagers going about their daily activities.

As she approached the smith, she couldn't help but admire the work that was being done. She saw a tall, burly man working on a piece of metal with great skill and precision. Nia approached the man with a sense of eagerness and a hint of nervousness.

"Excuse me, sir," Nia said, her voice breaking slightly. "I am looking for a weapon to defend myself with."

Nia took a deep breath before approaching the smith. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt a bit nervous about speaking to him. As she opened her mouth to speak, she felt her voice break slightly, and she cleared her throat before saying, "Excuse me, sir, I am looking for a weapon to defend myself with."

The smith looked up from his work, and his gaze bore into Nia as he assessed her. He took a moment to study her before asking, "What's your Arcaneum reign?"

Nia's heart sank at the question, and she felt a pang of confusion. She had heard of Arcaneum before, but she wasn't quite sure how it worked. "I'm sorry, I don't understand," she said. "Could you explain what you mean by 'Arcaneum reign'?"

The smith smiled kindly at her, sensing her uncertainty. "Of course," he said. "Arcaneum is the mysterious energy that governs our world. Your Arcaneum reign is a measure of your magical power and skill to handle this mysterious energy. It determines the types of spells and enchantments you can cast, and the strength and effectiveness of any magical items you wield."

Nia's eyes widened in surprise as she absorbed the smith's explanation. She had always known that magic existed in the world, but she had never had any experience with it. She wondered if the smith could help her learn more about Arcaneum and how to develop her own magical abilities.

As if reading her thoughts, the smith said, "I can see that you're new to all of this. It can be overwhelming at first, but don't worry. I can create weapons infused with Arcaneum, but to wield them effectively, you'll need a certain level of experience with Arcaneum."

Nia felt a pang of disappointment in her chest. She had been so focused on finding a weapon that she had never stopped to consider whether or not she had the necessary power to wield one. She looked down at her hands, feeling small and helpless.

"I see," Nia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't realize that. Thank you for letting me know."

The smith grunted and returned to his work, leaving Nia feeling lost and alone. She wondered how she would ever be able to defend herself without any magical power.

As Nia turned to leave the blacksmith's shop, a familiar face approached her from behind. It was Adwin, a fellow villager who had trained with her in the past.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the smith," Adwin said, his voice warm and reassuring. "Please don't worry too much, Nia. You're not the first person who's found themselves in this position. I may have a solution for you."

Nia's heart leaped with anticipation. She was grateful for Adwin's support and eager to hear what he had to say. "What do you mean, Adwin?" she asked.

"I have a connection with one of the mid-tier Arcaneum colleges in Gardled," Adwin explained. "They could help you learn more about your powers and how to use them effectively. Would you be interested in that?"

Nia's eyes widened with excitement. She couldn't believe her luck. "Yes, I would absolutely love that!" she exclaimed.

Adwin smiled warmly and patted her on the back. "I thought you might," he said. "You should also talk to Yatia. She's been showing some interest in Arcaneum as well, and it would be great to have a companion you know and trust on this journey."

Nia nodded eagerly, feeling grateful for Adwin's help. She thanked him and decided to make her way to the stronghold.

As Nia made her way towards the stronghold, she found herself walking along a winding path that led through a dense forest. The trees towered above her, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Sunlight filtered through the branches, dappling the forest floor with patches of light and shade. The air was cool and fresh, and the sound of birdsong filled the air.

As she walked, Nia couldn't help but be struck by the natural beauty of her surroundings. The forest seemed almost magical, with its towering trees and abundant wildlife. She spotted a deer grazing in a nearby clearing and watched as it bounded away into the trees. A squirrel chattered noisily in a nearby tree, and a flock of birds took flight from a nearby branch, their wings beating in unison.

Despite the beauty of her surroundings, Nia remained focused on her mission. She knew that she had to reach the stronghold before nightfall if she wanted to get a good start on her studies. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. What secrets would she uncover about the power of magic and the mysteries of Arcaneum? Only time would tell.