My assumption that studying magic might help develop the powers of sand turned out to be correct. After just a couple of days of theory, we moved on to practicing the simplest spells. Glintstone Pebble. The basic spell of the Raya Lucaria Academy. According to Sellen, if a student fails to master this spell within a month, they can be expelled from the academy. But usually most students manage it within a week. And this was exactly the spell those mages in the ruins had used, the ones I fought.
I also learned a bit more about those so-called mages themselves.
"They once studied at the academy, but without talent they couldn't progress beyond the simplest of spells. They were either expelled, or left on their own. Calling them mages would be a great exaggeration" they never earned the mantle of a sorcerer.
"Got it. Understood".
"Now, let's return to the spell. It's very fortunate that you took that staff from the dropout, you'll need it later. "
The spell itself wasn't complicated. But before casting it, one had to form the sigil of the Glintstone School.
"This symbol is the foundation for all the spells of our school," Sellen explained. "It allows you to create a strong channel for the flow of the stars' power. With it, you'll not only cast spells, but also feed your staff with energy. "
In the end, sorcery also required a magical focus. Local sorcerers couldn't simply cast without tools. Typically, that tool was a staff with a powerful glintstone. Over time, however, the stone's strength would wane. With a quality staff, this could take weeks or months, assuming regular practice with mid-level spells. But the stones also recharged on their own — they absorbed starlight. Oddly, it wasn't the Sun's light, but the cold radiance of distant stars. That's why the stones restored themselves at night. And what was even more interesting, they didn't need direct exposure to the sky — even deep underground, they would still regain some charge.
Strange that this didn't happen during the day, since even if we couldn't see the stars, they hadn't gone anywhere. Maybe it was the nature of the light, or perhaps some kind of symbolism.
The sigil could accelerate this recharging. Though if one didn't recklessly cast powerful spells every day, the natural recovery of a stone's strength was usually enough.
And in fact, this moment — the study of the Glintstone sigil — became a turning point in my development.
Even if results wouldn't come soon, I now asked myself: could I create a sigil for the sands of time? And what would that give me?
But for now, I even set aside my mastery of sand powers, focusing instead on star magic. And I must admit, at that stage I wasn't even on the level of a dropout. Sure, I was quick to grasp spells and the principles of Glintstone magic. But my mastery of those basic spells was absolutely primitive. I don't know what I was doing wrong, but my projectile flew only about twenty meters before dissipating. Even those dropouts, whom Sellen spoke of so disdainfully, could send their bolts hundreds of meters away. And with an accuracy far beyond me.
Although, to be fair, that was the only spell they ever used. And perhaps, after decades or even centuries, their experience with that one spell had made them that much stronger.
Nevertheless, after mastering the first spell, the next one proved easier to learn.
Another form of energy attack, this one using glintstone's power to create a shining arc capable of cutting through a target. The spell was simply called Glintstone Arc. Unlike the Pebble, the Arc passed through enemies, able to strike multiple foes at once. But its damage was weaker. It could inflict serious cuts, but not cleave even a weak Hollow in half. Whereas the Pebble, with its solid form, could pierce deeper wounds.
But what was most interesting…
It was possible to create preset forms for these spells.
"Rune shards can be used to inscribe the shape of a spell, " Sellen explained. "With them, you can copy my spells and apply them to the crystal of your staff, or to a Memory Stone. This greatly simplifies spellcasting. "
I had to spend a few saved runes for this, but in the end I gained something like ready-made skills. True, the staff's stone could hold only two at a time, no more. But those two spells I could now use with almost no effort at all. Casting still required some focus, of course, but it was much easier than constructing a spell entirely on my own. Easier and, most importantly, much faster!
One could prepare even ten such forms in advance, swapping them into the staff's stone as needed. Though changing them mid-battle was impossible. Still, it was convenient. The unused forms could be stored as tiny rune spheres.
What was curious was that even a dropout could use these forms to wield advanced spells without delving into magical theory, simply by learning the basics and "leveling up" their magic staff.
"Even if you had no talent, I could have created these forms for you, " Sellen noted.
In that case, I wouldn't be a true mage, more like a dropout with a fancy staff that cast spells for me. Though, to be fair, handling the staff still required some skill. Nevertheless, this was the fastest way to wield magic well enough to fight with it.
Later, I also copied with runes the forms of other spells.
There was Crystal Barrage, firing a storm of tiny shards like a machine gun. Very costly, but quite impressive.
More advanced sorceries of Glintstone Stars, which created several projectiles capable of pursuing their target. The structure of that spell even allowed charging it with more magic for a stronger effect if one took more time to prepare.
And finally, Scholar's Armament and Scholar's Shield. Two spells that granted weapons or shields magical properties.
Along the way, I remembered that the Twin Maidens at the Roundtable were selling a Memory Stone. Before someone else could grab it, I decided to buy it for myself. Also, when returning to the Hold, I would often drop into Gideon's library to look through the books he had gathered, since by then I could more or less read them. Though I no longer needed reading lessons — only practice — I still visited Fia to receive her embrace.
But there, I sort of fell into a trap of self-deception.
The Hold was always sparsely populated. Gideon, locked in his study. Ensha, who guarded him but occasionally left when given new tasks by his master. There was also the prisoner-smith, though we hadn't really spoken. Sometimes D would appear, only to rest at the table before vanishing again on his own business. And finally, some guy with a wooden stock around his neck and a blindfold. He promised to teach the incantations of the Golden Order, but so far I hesitated to appeal to that Greater Will behind the Order.
Still, at any given moment there were only a couple of people in the Hold. And Fia usually remained alone, which gave the impression that I was the only one who visited her.
But when I decided to go see her again, I saw her embracing someone else…
Honestly, it felt like I was being cheated on.
Although, I had to admit, since she so readily offered me comfort, she could treat others just as kindly and warmly. Especially since she never allowed anything beyond mere embraces.
Even so…
This episode still remained in my heart as a lump of childish irrational resentment.
In addition, I was still dissatisfied, which only worsened my studies with Sellena. It must be admitted that although the sorceress's face was hidden, her robe sometimes very temptingly clung to the slender body of the girl.
In short, that time I didn't go to Fia, but visited her the next day.
"Did you come for hugs again? " She was glad to see me.
And, as usual, I just sat down next to her and embraced the girl, allowing her to hug me back. Then we were surrounded by a golden whirlwind that stopped the flow of time. In the end, I decided to finally have fun with Fia.
Making sure that she was really frozen in time, I pressed down on the girl, pushing her onto the bed. Eagerly I tore off her dark clothing, under which I found rather erotic underwear in the form of silk ribbons covering both her crotch and her breasts. And I didn't even rip it off. It was enough to slightly pull the lingerie aside to reveal her charms, after which I hungrily pressed my lips to Fia's beautiful chest.
I sucked them, simultaneously massaging the soft flesh of the girl with my hands, enjoying the sensation. This dissatisfaction was turning into a crazy lump of desire that made me feel like a complete pervert. I didn't just want to fuck the girl — I wanted to enjoy her with all my senses. Caress her body with my eyes, admiring the graceful curves of her figure. Taste her, covering her with kisses and licking her tender skin. And, of course, enjoy the touch, the feeling of her delicate body. I definitely needed release; so much sexual tension was simply unhealthy. And it was a pity that afterward I would have to roll everything back, because with the rewind my dissatisfaction would also return.
But for now, I allowed myself to let go.
I no longer wanted to endure, and, throwing off my own clothes, pressed my hard cock against the girl's crotch. Grabbing her thigh, I pulled Fia's leg toward me and slowly entered her tender pussy.
"Ohhh… bliss…"
I pressed against her with my whole body, greedily enjoying her tender flesh, while I began to slowly move my hips, sliding inside the girl. Although, the sensation was spoiled by a certain… I'd say, coldness of Fia. In frozen time, her body did not react to my actions, and I also didn't feel her warmth. But still, it was insanely pleasant.
Just a few thrusts made me cum inside her pussy. But one time was absolutely not enough for me to calm down. Without changing position, I just kept moving, again and again pounding Fia's pussy until a pleasant shiver of another orgasm ran through my body. And then again. And although each new wave required more time and movement, I came inside her three times in a row without pulling out. Only after that, sighing with relief, I left Fia's cozy little nook, lifting myself over her.
Still, how beautiful she was. Tearing off her clothes only confirmed it.
But while I still had strength left, I turned back time, to find myself once again simply in the girl's embrace.
And of course, my former desire returned.
Fia definitely noticed how my stone-hard cock pressed against her leg, but she said nothing about it. When I rested with her, I again stopped time.
"Just like that…"
This time I didn't tear off the beauty's clothes. Instead, I stood up and, standing before the girl's bed, made her bend over. A few seconds later my cock was already touching her soft lips, and I with great pleasure entered her moist mouth. Just as I had done earlier with Melina, I simply fucked Fia in the mouth.
"Ohhh…"
A little more…
And, reaching the peak from the pleasant sensation of moist softness in the girl's mouth, I pulled out to spill my seed right onto her beautiful face.
Then I penetrated her mouth again, spreading her lips with my cock. Grabbing her golden hair in a fist with one hand and holding her head with the other, I began to move my hips again, sliding along her tongue.
And already feeling another wave of orgasm approaching, I couldn't resist.
Letting go of her hair, I grabbed her head with both hands and slowly entered all the way, pushing my cock into Fia's throat, for which I had to tilt her a little more. After that, without pulling out, I came into her throat, filling the girl's insides with my seed.
"Hahh… damn…"
After another rewind I became even more convinced that sooner or later I would have sex with this girl without games with time.
But here we were again just hugging.
"Ahem, alright… thanks, Fia, I think… I'll be back… later…"
"Of course, I'm always glad to see you." She smiled tenderly at me.
And had no idea what I had done with her just ten minutes ago.
"See you…"
"Yes, see you, brave soul."
Nevertheless, I didn't feel any pangs of conscience. After all, everything I did with Fia remained in that future that no longer existed. Even my dissatisfaction returned to its rightful place. But instead, a certain moral satisfaction appeared. That would be enough for a while. Meanwhile, I headed to Gideon's library.
Books helped distract me a little more.
Here I learned a little more about the history of Elden. So I learned about the storm hawks. A race of intelligent giant hawks, and they were Godfrey's last enemies before the first Elden Lord became tarnished. According to chronicles, after defeating the king of the storm hawks he became disillusioned with this world, where there was no longer a worthy opponent for him, which led to his renunciation of grace and subsequent exile. Yes, it must be understood that Marika was always the main one, and when her first husband became inconvenient to the Order, she simply replaced him with a new one, who turned out to be the somewhat less renowned hero Radagon. And this did not prevent the fact that at that time Radagon was already married to Queen Rennala. The hero left the Queen of the Full Moon at Marika's first demand.
But back to the hawks.
It turns out Stormveil originally belonged to them. And I was even somewhat surprised to learn that they ruled not just Stormhill but also the castle. That is, this castle was not built by humans on conquered land, but was a hawk construction. And it's unlikely they built it with claws and beaks. Although, maybe then Stormveil looked different, and its current appearance it took on only after being inhabited by humans.
The hawks themselves faced an unenviable fate. They were subjected to genocide, leaving alive only a small part as slaves. They were mutilated, their claws torn out and replaced with blades. Some hawks were maimed even more severely, turned into death machines spitting fire.
But for me, who came to this world from Earth of the 21st century, all this seemed barbaric, while for the locals it appeared completely normal. The principle — woe to the vanquished in all its glory. But since then so much time had passed in the madness of the ruined Order that now people themselves had suffered a fate no better than the conquered hawks.
Oh, and the hawks also worshiped some kind of lord of storm winds. Perhaps this was something like primitive animism. Or maybe the Storm Wind was another manifestation of external forces. At least, the hawks created their own methods of controlling the wind, akin to sorcery and incantations, and after their defeat these methods were adopted by humans.
After some more self-education in the Hold, I returned to my mentor.
"My dear student, you're back?" Sellena greeted me warmly.
In some ways Ranni was right about her. This sorceress really got carried away with teaching, and she liked being a mentor. She looked happy, sharing her knowledge and receiving my deserved admiration. I was truly fascinated by magic, and therefore by Sellena herself, who shared this art with me.
"Yes… I wanted to show you something." I smiled.
And I showed the sorceress a couple of scrolls.
"Ohhh… this is…" She was surprised.
But she didn't have time to finish, freezing in stopped time.
"Well, we'll come back to this later." I smirked, approaching my mentor. "First, I want to see what's hidden under this robe!"
And, just putting the scrolls aside on the table, I leaned in to lift the hem of her robe, revealing a truly beautiful female figure. Long slender legs, a flat tummy, and lovely breasts. Of course, I also tried to take off her mask, but that turned out to be more difficult. The stone face seemed fused to her head, and the opening at the neck was too narrow to remove it.
In fact, this crown is a kind of regalia that only the best sorcerers of the academy have the right to wear. The crystals in the crown also serve as a source of glintstone magic, so Sellena can use it instead of a staff.
"Still, you're very well built, mentor." I drawled contentedly, continuing to admire the figure of the young woman.
And of course, I didn't deny myself the pleasure of thoroughly exploring her by touch.
In the end, I decided at least somehow to fight my libido. For the moment I had to resort to the technique of one hand, though it didn't help much. Nevertheless, at least a little tension I managed to release before continuing from where we had left off.
"This is…" Sellena suddenly hesitated and looked around strangely.
"Some kind of magic scroll?" I asked her.
"Ah? Yes, this is not just a magic scroll, this is a scroll of the royal family. This is the sign of House Caria."
Unrolling the parchment, the sorceress showed me the magical sigil.
"The main sigil, and two spell formulas." She examined all the scrolls.
"What kind of spells?"
"If I'm not mistaken, this is the Carian slicer and the phalanx of glintstone blades. Both belong to melee spells. Like almost all Carian magic."
"Hoo, Carian magic? Melee?"
"Although it is also based on the power of stones, this is a slightly different school." Sellena noted. "Even before the rise of the Carian family, they were known as knight-mages. Carian knights use enchanted armor and weapons, and also practice various spells in open combat face to face with the enemy."
"By the way, Rennala is from the Carian family, right?" I recalled.
"Yes, and it was precisely thanks to Rennala of the Full Moon that the Carian family gained royal status. She herself created several powerful spells, expanding the possibilities of the Carian school."
There was genuine respect in Sellena's voice. Although, there was also something else. It seemed that for my mentor the image of the queen was… like some kind of enemy whom you cannot help but respect.
"But the most valuable in these scrolls is the sigil of the royal family. With its help, you will be able to master any spells of the royal school that use this sign. Unlike the glintstone sigil, Caria kept its sign secret."
And I also hoped to reach such a level when I could create new spells myself.
In any case, my training program with Sellena expanded, and now I was also studying the spells of the Carian school. It should be noted that these were truly interesting charms. The Carian slicer creates a magical blade from energy, and the phalanx gives magic the form of five enchanted swords that follow the caster and attack his enemies when they come close enough.
Sellena also told me about other spells of the royal family. But these were only descriptions, since the sorceress did not know the forms themselves. She mentioned such charms as the Carian greatsword, a more powerful version of the slicer. Loretta's greatbow, in a sense a surprising phenomenon, since being part of the Carian school, it is one of the most long-range spells known to the magical community. The Carian phalanx, an even more powerful version of the phalanx of blades, which creates nine enchanted swords. Carian retaliation, defensive charms that destroy hostile magic and use its energy to create glinting blades. That is, protection that uses the power of blocked magic for subsequent counterattack. According to Sellena, this spell was created by the Carian knights before ranged magic appeared in their school.
And finally…
Rennala's Full Moon. The signature spell of Queen Rennala and one of the most powerful incantations of the Carian school. To put it briefly, this moon kills, curses, weakens, and saddles you with a mortgage. And on top of that, it strikes an area.
Other well-known spells were also mentioned, but most often they were simply different forms of the same action, each with its own formula for easier casting.
But since I already had some experience in magic, mastering new spells was not a problem. Especially since the royal family's sigil was no more complicated than the glintstone sigil. And thus, soon my arsenal of spells grew with two new forms.
It should also be noted that I cheated a little. Since the use of the sands of time did not in any way prevent me from casting spells, I simply stopped time in the sand world and trained there with new incantations. However, it was then that I discovered that in the sand world glintstones did not regain their power. Only then did I notice that in my desert there was no change of day and night. It was always light there, but there was no sun — the light came from the sand itself, while the sky was covered with darkness without a single star. Somehow earlier I hadn't paid attention to this, but now I did. It seemed that in this sandy world there were no stars at all, whose light could recharge the magical stones.
And indeed, an interesting question.
Where exactly is this desert located? Is it some kind of subspace, some intermediate dimension? A separate world, or perhaps something like a manifestation of my own soul? Like a personal domain. This thought was prompted by the fact that these sands obeyed my slightest wishes, and besides me there was no one else in this world. Or rather, I hadn't met or seen anyone else there.
In any case, I had yet to uncover this mystery.
Meanwhile, my training with Sellena was gradually nearing some kind of finale. She had taught me the basics and passed on the forms of known spells. But, hiding in this cave, she was heavily limited in study material. Moreover, at my current level I simply needed more practice in controlling magic. And although Sellena gladly helped me with this, simple training I could do on my own. Especially since I could do it in the frozen sand world. I could train for weeks and months, while in the Lands Between not even a second would pass.
After that, only searching for new materials would remain.
"When you're ready, you should visit several places," the sorceress remarked. "But it will not be a safe path."
"Nowhere in the Lands Between is safe," I smirked.
"Yes… in that you are right," the sorceress agreed.
"And what are those places you mentioned?"
"Perhaps you will be able to find some scraps of the works of magi on the Weeping Peninsula. In the past, sorcerers from the Academy tried to teach the demi-humans glintstone sorcery. And although those creatures lack intellect, they were able to master the simplest charms. One such place was in the forests of the peninsula."
"Hmm… and where is this peninsula?"
I tried to remember; it seemed I had read about the geography of the Lands Between, but it had slipped my mind.
"South from here," explained the sorceress. "There is a bridge there, guarded by the men of Morne."
"Oh!" I struck my fist into my palm. "Right, I think I've been near that bridge."
"Really?"
"I was looking for you then… and passed by those ruins."
"Hahaha… but it seems you came back…"
"Mhm… and what other places?"
"Of course, the Academy of Raya Lucaria. The largest library in all the Lands Between is gathered there. But it is also a very dangerous place now. There are plenty of magical traps, into which even students sometimes fell. But after so much time, I fear that the remaining sorcerers in the Academy… many of them may have succumbed to madness."
"Hmm…"
"Although we did not revere the Order as much as the line of the Erdtree, the corruption of the Elden Ring has engulfed the entire world."
"I think I'll visit the Academy, but later… right now I'm not so confident in my strength."
"Yes, you learn quickly," the sorceress smiled under her mask. "Oh, and there are two more places you should visit. These are the ruins of Sellia, the city of sorcerers built in the Caelid Wilds. And also another settlement of demi-humans that were taught by the Academy's magi. It is located on Mt. Gelmir."
"I'll remember," I nodded to the sorceress.
Although later I'd better make notes about all these places.
"Oh… no, there is one more place," the sorceress said thoughtfully. "The Carian study hall. It is a tall tower of wisdom, built in honor of the Lunar Princess Ranni."
"Oh…"
That was interesting information. Perhaps there I could also learn more about Ranni herself. In some sense, that living doll intrigued me.
I think I really should start a journal, and also draw a map. After all, I had already found one guiding stone in the ruined fort. I had put this matter off for the future, but somehow never got around to it. Though I already had the opportunity. Gideon surely knew where to get a clean book and writing supplies. Even though he doesn't like being bothered with such trifles, I hoped he wouldn't refuse a small favor. Although, I could also ask the other inhabitants of the hold.