The History of Everything & Magic System

"Now you are officially my apprentice. You carry my legacy. As such, it is time you learn about how and why we have magic at all." Kyriel sat down in an armchair adjacent to him with a tired expression and pulled out a rather dusty looking book while opening it to a saved page. "Let's start way back when mana was first born into this universe. Back on the home world of the original humans; Earth, people lived a simple life much like your small kingdom does.

As the years passed technology advanced and scientists discovered that the universe was constantly expanding through observing the light from distant stars and many hypothesized that the universe would eventually tear the fabric of space itself as it stretches beyond its capabilities. Well it did hit its limit and that expansion stopped, but instead the invisible boundary of the universe rapidly contracted as some type of equilibrium was achieved.

That contraction not only condensed all of the solar systems and galaxies close together making space travel seem feasible, all of the energy that was accumulated in the backlash as it contracted met in the center of the universe with a huge ethereal explosion and mana was born or so it's theorized. It washed over the universe, turning the mundane into magical. We still aren't sure what or how any of this is possible, but after that moment in time everything changed. Our old technology stopped working almost entirely when most materials mutated to adapt to the mana.

Solar systems and planets that were previously not habitable by any lifeform were suddenly populated and gave birth to many forms of life. As these other forms of life emerged and grew, humans nearly wiped themselves out, as by today's standard, very primitive magicians spread mass destruction and destroyed the planet's landscape as collateral all in a bid for power and control. After the dust settled, Remnants of the human race learned how to teleport to other planets through the use of galactic ley lines."

Kyriel clapped the dusty book shut and put it back on a bookshelf nearby. Grim's head was spinning, not really sure what it all meant or why he should care. Was the old fart trying to warn him not to get caught up in power? As if his mind was read, Kyriel's eyes flashed a cruel look and continued "We continue to strive to improve magic because not long after our universe matured, dark portals began to appear throughout the universe bringing beings from alternate universes and dimensions to ours. We were already competing for resources among the monsters that appeared from mutated lifeforms caused by chaotic mana. These alternate beings were usually extremely intelligent and resourceful. Very few were friendly like the elves, the majority were evil like the Asura or the orcs. There were also things so monstrous and unimaginably horrific that also crossed the veil to conquer our universe and made it so that we had to improve to survive or die. Friendly races came to seek salvation and consolidate any remaining power they still had since their original universe had long been lost and just staying alive was an incredibly bleak task. Thus the covenant was formed and we began to fight back against any being that tried to invade our universe."

Another clap of a book being shut was followed by a small book floating back onto the top shelf that Kyriel was next to. He then slowly walked to the door and motioned with his hand to grim to follow him. Grim had to pry himself out of his chair, it was seriously comfy as he had melted into it without realizing it. After some mild struggling he quickly followed Kyriel out of the room and down the endless hallway. "Wait so If our universe was invaded by all these bad guys, how are we still alive and kicking?" He couldn't help but think out loud after the story was cut short.

Without skipping a step Kyriel's voice echoed off the walls in front of him. "We are all still alive because we banded together and expanded our knowledge and understanding of magic. Heroes were born that were capable of great feats of magic with unfathomable strength and courage. Those that answered the call successfully defended our universe and stopped the first great invasion by the dark forces and then the second, and the third and so on. When survival became less pressing, we began to have time to invest in researching new ways to recoup our old technology with magical equivalents. We still seek to push the boundaries of magic because even though the last crossing was nearly a millennia ago, we believe that will not be the last. Also there are still remnants of the defeated lingering in our universe waiting for the opportunity to avenge their fallen. We will need more heroes in the future. So you must take your training seriously and always strive to improve not only for your survival but for everyone's. That is what it means to be a great mage."

Not long after he finished speaking, they stopped in front of a door with an arch that was made entirely of a craggy black looking rock. Kyriel waved his hand over the latch of the door and it retracted out of the way to let the two enter. It did not lead into a room, but there was a path that looked like a tunnel made out of the same material as the door. Grim had to squeeze in behind Kyriel as there was not enough room for two people to walk side by side down the tunnel. They walked for some time down the path, it gradually got narrower and narrower as it twisted and turned. The tunnel itself seemed to sway and move as if it was alive. After a sudden switchback, it opened up into a grand cave. The first thing Grim noticed was the two men huddled around two huge tables with many colored crystals embedded into it with beveled edges that all went towards them. They both looked fairly similar with brown hair and greenish brown eyes. One had a huge turkey leg the size of his arm and was eating it as he watched the other man tap on the crystals as they both were looking at something on the larger of the two tables. Bright lights were shining on their faces, with frequent flashes. They both noticed their guests at about the same time, looking up from whatever it is they were doing.

"Ah, Benny, Luca, how is my favorite pair of brothers doing? I've brought my new apprentice along to be outfitted, I'll spare no expense so bring out all your latest creations as well as that stuff."

The man with the turkey leg waved and smacked a certain crystal and a glowing rune circle about 6 feet wide appeared in the middle of the room. "We are doing great Mr. Ky, we could use a restock of mana crystals sooner than later though, I'm afraid Luca has used a high number of the last batch trying to create a new type of wing equipment that can let you fly without draining your mana…or the other side effects that we discussed last time. Unfortunately the power needed to create such a type of equipment is also too much for the materials to withstand before they disintegrate into dust." As Benny was talking to Kyriel, Grim heard a whisper in his mind talking to him in a voice that was not his.

"Hello I am Luca, I am communicating to you telepathically, please step into the circle, and relax your body."

"Well this is a bit weird, but after the past few days I guess weird only scratches the surface. Haha!"

"Please refrain from thinking randomly, while the mind link is established I can hear your thoughts."

"Oh, okay sorry about that, wait why don't you just talk normally like your brother?"

"Why would I, when I can do this? Also communicating this way is much faster and efficient once you are used to it."

"...fair enough."

Grim walked into the glowing circle and felt a heavy pressure bear down on him. It was like standing in a rainstorm as an invisible wind constantly buffeted him. Benny picked up his turkey leg again as Luca started interacting with the crystals again while staring at a projection of Grim that appeared from a few of the larger crystals on the sides. Statistics started to appear next to his projected image but it was angled so that only Luca and Benny could read it. "Please stay relaxed and don't fight anything that you feel. We will be giving you some special equipment that your master has stashed away for this moment as well as some standard equipment that will help you control your mana." Benny seemed to commentate as Luca touched the crystals at an increasingly faster pace.

Bright balls of light descended from the peak of the ceiling and floated down in front of Grim. Items slowly became discernible as the light dissipated, there was a pair of earrings made from a beast's fangs, a pair of bracelets that were covered by an intricate mosaic of lines and runes, and two clear looking discs that were coin shaped. The Bracelets floated onto each arm, and the earrings attached to his ears, the two discs floated into his eyes. With a few more inputs on the crystals, each item attempted to attune to him, he felt the items reaching out towards his mind and he helped by reaching back out and successfully imprinting the equipment.

Kyriel spoke up as the connection was made. "The Jewelry acts as conduits that monitor your general health and mana reserve, as well as how fast you recover mana. They then send that data to the contacts in your eyes allowing you view a projection of this data so that you are always aware of your current situation and never exhaust your mana or absorb too much mana pushing your body past its limit, eventually you will be able to 'feel' these things and intuitively know without using the jewelry as a crutch."

As Grim thought about it, a little display popped up in his peripheral vision that listed His health as a percentage, under that was his mana with a value of 2. There was also clearly space for other information but nothing further was shown at the moment. "So does this mean I only have 2 units of mana?" he scowled as he asked the question. He also noticed the dragon's mantle having a reaction to the new imprints, like a sleeping dragon waking up, its aura smothered the imprints of the jewelry and consumed them. Each jewelry piece melded into the mantle as it absorbed their capabilities.

In between mouthfuls of turkey leg, Benny responded to grims question. "Yes, you've only just started to use mana, and your mana pool is barely existent at this point. Once it reaches 100 you will be considered a basic mage and will be able to take on the Exam at the Mausoleum and begin your real journey."

Fascinating! Luca's eyes were wide with astonishment as he watched the interaction occur through the projection as the mantle 'ate' the equipment. He suddenly pulled out a rather large gold metal looking headband that connected to a smaller cap with random looking lattices and wire like objects that intertwined with multiple massive multicolored crystals embedded into it with overlapping runes covering the entire headpiece. It was so massive, Grim started to get a neck cramp just looking at it. There were also two more bracelets that were slightly bigger than the ones before. Luca then began to frantically explain the new additions out loud rather than a mind link as his excitement was more than visible to anyone that saw him as the deranged smile and shivering were dead giveaways.

"These here are experimental and work in collaboration with what you just received, they complete the basic system you just received and upgrade it into a whole package that tracks much much more, it's just that as you can see this headpiece that serves as the brain is certainly not battle capable or even practical for use. I've tried to shrink the overall package into a more usable state, however this is the smallest it can be made before things start to go bad. Trust me you should have seen it before, in its first iteration it was bigger than a full grown yeti. Even at this size, I'm afraid that it's just another failed experiment, that is until today. Please can you imprint this equipment as well and confirm something for me."

He practically rushed over and forced the pieces onto an overwhelmed Grim. After receiving all three, he clasped both bracelets around each ankle and then the massive headpiece was crammed onto his head while he imprinted them using his mana. The bracelets were immediately consumed and added into the mantle. Then nothing happened. Everyone just stood and stared at each other for a few minutes as it seemed that maybe nothing was going to happen to the absurd headpiece. Luca had given up his newfound hope and began to reach out to take it back when the mantle that enveloped Grim began to shiver and the neckline expanded all at once like a predator pouncing on its prey, covering Grim's entire head to create a draconic visage in the form of a helmet, in the process it consumed the golden headpiece.

"WHAT THE FU-" Grim shouted as it completed the transformation, at the same time all around the room everyone had different reactions.

"YES!!!" Luca shouted at the top of his lungs.

Benny stopped eating his turkey leg mid bite with wide eyes and a shaky hand.

Kyriel just looked on with a mix between curiosity and worry before quickly shifting back to the indifferent look that he normally had.

Grim's vision went dark for a split second before reappearing as the visage appeared then retracted just as quickly as it was created. His relief was fleeting as his vision clouded over right after and a loading bar was the only thing he could see with words above it that said "please wait…updating and conforming to the user". The bar slowly filled to completion and a welcome message was displayed once it completed.

~Welcome to the M.A.G.I.C. system Created by the Lake Brothers~

~Main Menu~

~~Mana, Abilities, Gear, Information and Condition.~

After rummaging through the menu and dialogue, he came to realize the functions of this so-called system. The mana section was where his spells that he learned would be accessible from. The abilities section outlined physical skills and abilities that could be learned that weren't exactly spells. The Gear section showed him an overlay of his mantle and slots where equipment could presumably go. Unlike what he thought, even though his mantle absorbed other equipment attuned to him, it could equip, store, and change the absorbed equipment out depending on the type like how now he was equipped in a comfortable set of clothes that was displayed in the slots of the overlay. It also had a section that showed all stored gear. Noticeably the new accessories that composed this system were not shown and seem to have melded into the basic functions of the mantle, becoming one and the same. The Information and Condition section showed his current Statistics and all or any status effects that he had.

~~Current Stats~~

User: Grimwald Lightbringer

Tier: 0 Level: 0

Race: Human

Exp: 0/100

Health: 8/8

Stamina: 6/6

Mana: 2/2

Agility: 7

Strength: 8

After looking through each option he returned to the Main Menu and there was now an Exit option. After selecting to exit, his vision returned to normal and was greeted with three blank faces staring at him awaiting any kind of explanation. He quickly described everything that he was shown about the system to the brothers and his master. He also noticed that his Heads up display that shone in the periphery of his sight now also showed his stamina in addition to his health and mana stats.

Luca was the first to respond "Hmm even though it seems to have deviated from what it was originally, the mutations don't seem to be negative in any way. If anything suddenly starts to go haywire, please contact us immediately for study…..I mean so that we can help you of course."

Benny spoke up right after to try and negate the awkward atmosphere that just bloomed after the last statement from his brother. "We can try and figure out your system in full later. However, first things first, let's see which elements you will be able to control. The amount of elements you can control correlate to the amount and purity of mana that you have. Most people can only control one of the elements while talented individuals can control a couple of elements when they first start practicing magic. We will now run a test using external runes that will help you awaken your first element and give you a preview of the elements that will follow."

While Luca was staring wide eyed, Benny reached over and smacked a certain crystal. Luca was forced to retreat back to the controls as a large glowing circle appeared under Grim with many overlapping rune circles in a pattern spread around him. The pressure he felt increased rapidly until he could no longer bear it, out of instinct his newfound mana pathways activated on their own. A slight breeze started to circulate around the room.