Eclipsed Realms: The Tamer's Path

The ten minutes I had while waiting for Atlas passed quickly as I poured over the basics of spellcraft from the book he'd given me. The concept was simple to understand in theory but daunting in execution. At its core, spellcasting demanded mastery over energy control. The larger and more complex the spell, the more precise that control needed to be.

Mistakes were unforgiving. A slight lapse in focus could cause a spell to fizzle out, wasting precious energy—or worse, backfire and harm me.

What intrigued me most was the explanation of how this spellcraft tapped into the world itself. By drawing up a kind of program code using runic symbols, a caster could rewrite reality to their will, borrowing energy from the environment to fuel their creations. It wasn't about brute force; it was about finesse, precision, and understanding. Even the simplest spell required deliberate preparation and execution.

The idea of bending reality through sheer willpower and intellect sent a thrill down my spine, but it was clear I had a long road ahead.

As I closed the book to process what I'd learned, Atlas returned, his presence as calm and reassuring as before.

"Are you ready to learn, young man?" he asked, his voice carrying both encouragement and expectation.

"I am," I replied confidently, though a part of me wondered if I truly was.

"That's good," he said with a small smile. "Now, at what level do you stand?"

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I don't have the control to write the code yet."

Atlas nodded thoughtfully, not surprised by my answer. "I see. Let's find out how much work we'll need to do to get you started on this path. Can you try drawing some for me?"

I nodded and took the offered materials, ready to prove myself—or at least gauge where I stood.

I started sketching the runic symbols described in the book, but it quickly became clear just how challenging this would be. The symbols were intricate, far more complex than anything I had ever encountered. My native language had its nuances, but these runes were on an entirely different level, requiring precision in both form and proportion.

The shapes seemed to blur the moment I tried to recall them. Even as I carefully copied the symbols, they felt slippery, as though my mind couldn't hold onto their structure for long enough. It was harder than deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs—or at least what I imagined that would be like.

Despite my best efforts, the runes I drew were either misshapen or the wrong size. Frustration simmered within me, but I knew better than to let it take over.

Atlas observed quietly, his expression thoughtful but not judgmental.

"Not bad," he said after a moment, his tone reassuring. "It's expected that you'd struggle at first. These runes are the foundation of reality's language, and they require a deeper understanding. With time and practice, they'll become second nature. For now, we'll focus on teaching you the basics."

He gestured toward the balcony, where the sunlight streamed in through sheer curtains. "Come. Let's sit outside and go through the symbols and their meanings. We'll work on your control afterward."

The balcony was a serene space, overlooking the vast expanse of the guild's grounds. The sky stretched endlessly above us, a tranquil blue that seemed to echo Atlas's patience. We sat at a small table, the runic book and my notes spread out before us.

Atlas began explaining each symbol's structure, meaning, and purpose, breaking them down into smaller, digestible parts. He made connections between symbols to show how they built on one another, creating sequences that formed the language of the world itself.

Yet, my universal language skill, which had always been a handy shortcut, didn't seem to work here. These runes existed outside conventional understanding, and I had to rely on sheer effort and repetition to internalize them.

My thoughts wandered momentarily to how I'd struggled with German in the past—distractions and a lack of focus made it an uphill battle. This time, though, there were no distractions. My mind was locked onto the runes and their meanings. Still, learning a new language wasn't something that happened overnight, and the weight of it was beginning to set in.

By the end of the three-hour session, my brain felt like it was tied in knots. The symbols were starting to make more sense, but the process was grueling. Atlas finally leaned back in his chair, giving me a nod of approval.

"You've done well, Akira," he said. "You've laid the groundwork, and with more practice, this will become second nature. For now, you deserve a rest."

He rose from his seat, glancing toward the door. "The items you requested have arrived. We'll begin your control training during dinner. Until then, take some time to clear your mind."

I stood, bowing slightly in gratitude before gathering my notes.

After leaving Atlas' balcony, I returned to my quarters, my head buzzing with the new knowledge I'd absorbed. The mental fatigue from the hours of memorization and focus was undeniable, but beneath it, an undercurrent of excitement coursed through me.

My new gear awaited, and I couldn't wait to examine it. It felt like a reward for the effort I'd poured into my journey so far, and I couldn't help but be grateful.

It was a relief not to worry about financial constraints at this stage of my growth. The current system of the world valued talent and deeds that benefited humanity, and with my knowledge and abilities, I was confident I wouldn't be stuck for lack of resources anytime soon.

After a brief rest, I decided it was time to summon the others. But first, I only called out Asura and Lilia.

Lilia, ever the caretaker, used her healing magic on me, instantly refreshing my mind and body. The sensation was like a cool wave washing over me, dispelling the fog of fatigue and leaving me sharp and ready to move forward.

"Thanks, Lilia," I said with a small smile.

"It's the least I can do," she replied, her floral aura glowing faintly.

With my focus restored, I turned to Asura. "Let's check out the new gear together."

As I retrieved the orb and armor from my storage, Asura's eyes—or rather, the glowing facets that served as his eyes—lit up with curiosity. Ever since he started crafting items for me, Asura had developed a deep passion for creating weapons and armor. The craftsmanship of the guild's items fascinated him, and I could see his interest pique as he studied the pieces.

The orb was a seamless blend of magic and technology, shimmering with a subtle, almost liquid glow. The armor was sleek and modern, its design a testament to the fusion of functionality and artistry.

I handed the orb to Asura, letting him inspect it more closely while I slipped into the guild-provided clothes. They weren't just ordinary clothing—they were enhanced for durability and energy resistance, capable of withstanding combat without compromising style.

I chose a casual look: blue jeans, a red shirt, and white sneakers. The outfit felt comfortable but carried an underlying sense of readiness, as though it was made for someone always prepared for action.

Ten minutes passed as I watched Asura meticulously examine the runes and technology etched into the gear. He hummed with interest, muttering something about "perfect energy distribution" and "optimized flow paths."

Satisfied with his initial analysis, I decided it was time to summon the rest of my companions.

One by one, my partners emerged, each of them curious about the equipment I'd received.

First, I handed Asura the materials he'd requested. He devoured them immediately—literally. His body absorbed the metals, causing his form to shift subtly. His draconic features became sharper, his metallic sheen more polished. Then, with a flicker of energy, Asura reshaped himself, adopting a form he called "Dracona Prime ", following the ideal form of combat according to him. It was a regal, intimidating figure that radiated power and precision.

Lilia was next. She gasped in delight as I handed her a floral dress infused with magic runes. The gown shimmered with a soft green glow, enhancing her natural abilities while providing formidable protection.

"This is beautiful," she murmured, running her fingers over the intricate etchings.

"I thought you'd like it," I said, handing her an orb similar to mine. She accepted it gratefully, her joy evident.

Nyx, my enigmatic shadow companion, received a dark energy core and a set of darkness crystals. True to form, he said nothing, simply absorbing the energy from the crystals with a quiet intensity. His form seemed to deepen in shadow, the edges of his body flickering like black flames.

Voltis was next, eagerly taking the dragon's blood and lightning crystals I'd prepared for him. He consumed them with gusto, electricity crackling around his body as his energy surged. His excitement was palpable, but I warned him to pace himself.

"Don't overdo it," I cautioned.

"Got it, boss," Voltis said, though his enthusiasm didn't wane.

Sangrelis was less immediately pleased. He eyed the cursed armor I presented him with suspicion.

"This will slow me down," he protested, his tone almost petulant.

I folded my arms. "High-ranking creatures of darkness wear custom armor as a badge of honor. It's a symbol of status, Sangrelis. You'll look the part of a true elite."

That seemed to sway him. With a reluctant nod, he donned the armor, his dark aura merging with its sinister design. He then eagerly tested his new flying swords and consumed the crystals and blood I'd provided. Of course, he overindulged, and Lilia had to step in to stabilize him.

"You're reckless," she scolded, shaking her head as she healed him.

Elythia had a similar reaction to her gear, voicing concerns about the weight of the armor and weapons.

"This will slow me down," she said, echoing Sangrelis's earlier complaint.

I met her gaze evenly. "It's necessary for your evolution. Trust me on this."

Though skeptical, she relented. Once she donned the gear, I could see her curiosity begin to outweigh her doubts.

With everyone armed, armored, and adjusted to their new equipment, I stepped back to assess the group. They looked formidable, each of them enhanced in their own unique way.

"We're heading back into the forest," I announced. "This time, we're challenging its elite."

There were no complaints. My companions shared my drive to grow stronger, and the forest's elite would provide the perfect opportunity to test our limits.

As we set out, a sense of anticipation filled the air. This wasn't just a step forward—it was a leap into the unknown, and I was ready for whatever lay ahead.