Novaris: Adventure in the Shattered Fang Continent

The party arrived at Tesilim’s designated chaos area a little bit later that day. Rose and Arelion had wondered why they had stopped all of a sudden, and Tesilim figured it was time to explain it to them.

“So, he is the deal. I have some innate magic that causes random things to happen every time I use it. The problem is that I have to discharge this special magic every so often. Which means we get random things happening every now and then. On the good side of things, whenever I use this magic, it empowers my spells, making them far stronger than they would be otherwise.”

The explanation caused the two new party members to look at each other questioningly before Arelion spoke up.

“What do you mean by random things?” Arelion asked, his voice as detached and cold as always.

“Just as you heard, anything can happen. So far, I have had food rain from the sky and have been turned into a goat for a month, just to name a few of the more iconic ones.” Tesilim’s answer did not pacify Rose and Arelion, who just looked at Lili and Alyx for confirmation.

“It's true, which is why we wanted to let you know before we continued this quest,” Alyx confirmed.

“Also, he needs to discharge this magic right now, and we figured it would be best to let you know in advance,” Lili added to the gnome's reply.

“Is it dangerous?” Rose finally questioned.

“It can be yes. However, the random variable makes it hard to predict. Though we have been able to handle everything it has produced so far.” Alyx answered seriously.

“Can it affect us directly?” Arelion continued.

“Yes. I believe the latest one casted some sort of calm emotions spell on us. Like Tesilim said, it really appears to cause random things to happen. In fact, it's one of the reasons I have joined him on his journey, as I wish to study this magic.” Alyx explained as he looked at Rose and Arelion, who looked rather unsure.

“Sounds like it's a rather one-sided power that just brings annoyances and problems,” Arelion commented coldly and was joined by nodding Rose, who gave her own thoughts on the topic.

“Yeah. It sounds like it will be more problematic to have in combat than anything else. Especially if the goat thing is true, as it just delays your progress.”

“That's a fair assessment, though I do have to say it has given me plenty of good things. I can use some spells without chants, and they don’t lose strength. Additionally, it has given me some buffs before that made me resistant to fall damage and other magic,” explained Tesilim as he thought back to the time when he jumped off that tree.

“Sure, but those are still benefits to you,” Rose replied.

“True, but there is also the fact most things have just happened to me. Look, the main thing here is that we wanted you two to be aware of it. I want to show you what the power can do and let you know that I might use it in combat if necessary. Outside of that and this particular instance, you guys are free to stay in the city while I discharge it. Does that sound fair?”

A response that, at the very least, seemed to mollify Rose and Arelion as they nodded.

“Alright, first, I'm going to use a very basic magic missile spell. I am not going to use my special magic or anything; it's just going to be the base spell by itself,” Tesilim explained as he shifted his arm to point at a nearby tree and began his chant.

“From my palm, let flames take flight;

With fiery force, unleash your might;

Flame missiles, heed my call;

Strike my foes with searing flames.”

As the chant continued, he imbued some of his normal mana into it but none of his pure or Chaos Mana. He wanted to make sure that this spell was decently strong, like when he would use it in combat, but nothing too crazy. His chant came to an end, and a bolt of flame left his hand, flying forward and striking the tree. The bolt did some damage to the tree, burning the bark a bit and leaving a small impact hole on it.

After finishing his spell and seeing the after-effects, he looked over at Arelion and Rose.

“Alright, the next one will be empowered with my special magic. I suggest you step back and join Alyx and Lili by bringing up your shields.” A warning they took seriously as they joined the other two a few dozen feet back while summoning their shields. However, Tesilim didn’t fail to notice the slight darkness on Arelion, which contrasted heavily with the slight golden glow of Rose’s shield.

Seeing as they were ready, Tesilim looked at his Chaos Mana. He currently had a total of 80 and would spend 25 with this demonstration. He wanted to spend more but figured it was best to keep things to a minimum for this specific discharge. Tesilim knew it wouldn't affect the outcome of the Chaos Event, but he hoped that showing restraint would keep Rose and Arelion a bit calmer.

Starting the chant again, he was soon done with it as he imbued his Chaos Mana into it and released a much bigger bolt of fire. The bolt struck the tree, leaving a greater impact on its trunk, clearly showing that he had empowered it. He knew that both Rose and Arelion had been sensing the mana he placed into the spell and could tell he had actually used less mana on this new shot than the previous one; however, that made him wonder how Chaos Mana felt to them. A thought he didn’t spend too long on as the usual notification came up.

🔷 Crystal Notice 🔷

Warning! Chaos Event Imminent, prepare yourself.

Rolling d20. 4. Rolling d20. 11.

🔷

Things began to get weird as Tesilim's feet began to turn into smoke. It was purple and yellow smoke, and he wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing. As he saw this, he quickly looked at his companions, only to see that they were also turning into smoke. The only good thing was that the transformation began with their feet, giving them some chance to communicate.

“Tesilim! What's happening!?” Alyx and Lili yelled out, more annoyed than anything, while Arelion and Rose were clearly scared for their lives. Thankfully, Tesilim got a response to give them just then. It was one of those few times the system actually informed him of what was happening.

🔷 Crystal Notice 🔷

Attention! Due to a Chaos Event, you and those within 100 feet of you are being affected by a transformation spell. You will transform into a gaseous form of yourselves. This effect will last for one hour and has the following effects.

You are able to fly and hover as if using a flying spell. You can fit and pass through any hole larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter. You are immune to non-magical damage and are resistant to all body-altering magic and effects, including poisons. Additionally, you can’t speak while in this form, and body enhancement magic is unavailable. Finally, as your body acts like a gas, some further aspects of reality that are not listed here may work differently.

🔷

Tesilim quickly explained the information to all of them, having more than enough time since the gas transformation was slow. Lili and Alyx just looked annoyed that they would have to spend an hour in this form, while Arelion and Rose were clearly angry. Luckily, Alyx had at least one issue resolved as he went around giving everybody a ring with a pink gem embedded in it. Alyx explained it would allow them to speak telepathically, and they all quickly put them.

Watching the group, Tesilim couldn't help but notice that everybody was turning into different colors of smoke. He was purple and yellow, Alyx was a bright lightning-light blue, and Lili’s was a light purple-pinkish with hues of white. Meanwhile, Rose’s was a golden color befitting her deity, and finally, Arelion was a clear silver and black combo.

As he stood there watching his companions turn into smoke, Alyx finally did something, and Tesilim felt a burst of magic on his ring as it activated. Then, a few seconds later, he heard Alyx in his head.

“Alright, so we are all connected via the rings. We all share one mind space, meaning if someone says something, everyone else can hear it. In order to talk, think about what you want to say and put some will behind it.”

“Yo Alyx! This is super cool! When did you get these things!? And more importantly, when were you gonna let us use them!?” Tesilim shouted in their minds.

“Shut up, Tesilim! Don’t think so loud!” Shouted Lili before lowering her mind and continuing, “But yeah, Alyx, what the idiot said.”

“I bought them a day or so ago to help us train better. I was going to tell you later today, but now is as good a time as any.”

“How are you guys so calm?! We are literally made of smoke!” Rose shouted in their brains.

“Owwww, hey, relax. It's only for an hour. Enjoy the experience,” Tesilim replied nonchalantly.

“No! I won’t relax! We should be out here fighting monsters! Not relaxing as smoke creatures!” Rose continued with Tesilim having the clear opposite effect he had intended with his words.

“Yeah, I am with her. You guys are treating this like a joke.” Arelion’s cold voice appeared, giving everyone a slight chill.

“Dude, how is it possible that your voice gave me chills through a mind link? Are you some sort of dark sorcerer or something?” Tesilim questioned and got no response before continuing on, “Alright, keep your secrets. Look, it's fine. We are going to be fine. It’s not like we are stuck here defenseless. By all means, let's head toward our target.”

They all then felt Rose’s sigh through the link. “Yeah, you’re right, Tesilim. I think I was just overcome with shock.”

“That’s fair. This is probably your first time turning into smoke,” Tesilim replied to Rose.

“I think this is all of our first time being turned to smoke,” Lili finally spoke up, “And yes, this is a bit of a joke, at least to me, Alyx, and Tesilim. We have already dealt with his power before and are glad it turned out like this. Look, Arelion and Rose, I wish you had-had a lighter introduction to this, but as far as things go, this isn’t bad.”

“Also, you both clearly felt the power in his spell, and I do believe that was just the lowest amount of magic he could use with it. If he actually used all of it, that tree would have stopped existing, especially if he had been empowered more with his regular mana.” Alyx added.

“Exactly, and now you know to expect the unexpected, so if you want to stay in the city next time, you can. I only plan to use this to look cool or in dangerous moments.”

“I am not sure. It still seems dangerous to me. How about we finish this mission and discuss this later?” Arelion answered.

“Yeah! Let go kick some golem butt!” Rose yelled out in excitement.