A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

"Most dwarves have taken to it." Boran continued, turning serious as he spoke. "Can't believe we never discovered it before... Then again, no one thought it was possible to move the visualization of magic outside our minds and into the physical world."

It wasn't a difficult concept itself, but that was precisely why no one considered it. After all, when something worked, why innovate?

Everyone was taught and brought up on magic being to do with visualizing spells mentally. The same held even for Dynamic casters. Runic casting was the act of moving that process into the physical world.

Now, a similar method already existed. That was entirely what Smithing and Enhancing hinged on. To bring magic from the ether of our minds and place it into the physical world. And unlike spells, they weren't ephemeral. They stayed in the world long after creation, even after their creator died.

The reason the discovery hadn't come from this direction was similar. People were stuck in their own views, unable to see the other possibilities before them. Runic Magic was the veritable goldmine under their noses.

Just with how people didn't think they could push their thoughts out into the physical world, everyone assumed materials—magical materials—were needed to create runes upon.

Boran had even taken it a step further, realizing that even enhancement magic didn't require mediums. Though, using enhancement magic on nothing was fruitless. Adding it to Runic Magic helped produce some spectacular results. Though, it could only elevate a spell by half a Tier at best.

That was another topic altogether, though. The most important thing is, once you got the hang of Runic Magic, it worked just like normal Runesmithing. In fact, one could say you simply used air as your medium instead of metals.

Granted, it wasn't actually air. But it made things easier to conceptualize, so Boran had explained it as such to the others. The trick was mastering control over your own will power—aka, learning to use Mageia. Magic without mana.

It was so close to the secrets of magic that Boran found it silly that Eldrian hadn't figured it all out. But, hey, it was just as silly that they never discovered Runic Magic until Eldrian showed it to them.

"Those who dabbled in smithing picked it up especially quickly." Boran paused, looked at Eldrian, and bowed. "I have to thank you, Eldrian. Not only did the cannon design you shared with us allow us to secure our borders, Runic Magic saved thousand of dwarven lives."

With conviction, Boran continued. Eyes blazing with fiery determination. "Which is why I want to make you the best weapon I am capable of. Don't be shy. Tell me everything you dream of in your ideal weapon, no matter how crazy. If it's too much for me alone, I'll call all the dwarves in the capital to lend their aid."

"I swear this to you."

More than a little shocked by the seriousness Boran was displaying, Eldrian couldn't say anything. He didn't know what to say. In the end, all he could do was nod.

"Good. Don't hold back."

Even though Boran said that, Eldrian couldn't really think in this situation. Too surprised by how serious things had gotten all of a sudden.

To change the topic, and hopefully lift the mood a little, Eldrian asked, "Do you know anything about taming?"

The question threw Boran more than a little. After all, it felt like it came from out of nowhere. Still, he had just promised to do his best to assist Eldrian. Of course, he wasn't about to give a half-assed answer.

"I've do have a tamed monster, and we've tamed plenty of monsters, but... I'm guessing that isn't what you want to know?"

"Yeah, I know the basics. But, the thing is, the monster I want to tame is an Orthrus."

"A Mythical wolf, tails according to elements and stripes along their bodies of the corresponding color... Yeah, that complicated things." Boran closed his eyes to try to recall all he could of Eldrian and Ceph's relationship. He had met the Alicorn, but had never asked what type of relationship the two shared. However, it was rather easy for Boran to take a guess.

Alicorns, on the rank of Mythical Creatures, was quite a bit higher than Orthrusses. So it was a simple matter to assume Eldrian and Ceph didn't have a master and beast relationship. They would have to have an equal relationship, so Zoe Partners...

'Considering the invasion, that makes sense. Quite the commitment, but alright... The High Elves are likely searching for such partners, actually. Sadly, us dwarves can't make the same bond. Could save plenty of lives.'

It was impossible to have multiple Zoe Partners, which meant Eldrian wanted to subjugate the Orthrus. Which, considering his current strength, is totally possible if it was a pup.

Then the question was obviously how to go about it. Simple monsters are simple to tame: get a contract, get them to submit, activate said contract. This changed as soon as the monsters became Bloodline Creatures. At this level, you would needed a specially designed contract, far more expensive.

Ancient Creatures would need a contract designed for the specific race of the monster, and Mythical would require one tailored to the creature in question. Which meant subjugating it was near impossible. Without the creature's consent, there was no way to make the required contract.

"I see. I didn't know that. I thought a normal contract would be fine. Glad I asked."

"Indeed. Such a contract wouldn't be able to penetrate the natural defenses of even a day old babe. Is the creature submissive?"

"You met it. What did you think?" Eldrian asked.

Boran had been too shocked by Eldrian's condition to take the pup in at first, but he had indeed noticed its presence while touring the fort and catching up with Eldrian. It had seemed free spirited, but willing to cooperate and even listen to Eldrian. Which made things easier.

"Do you wish to do this first?" Boran asked. Solvi, hearing this, slouched. She did not want her long anticipated co-smithing with Boran (a newly coined legend in the dwarven community) to be pushed back.

"I asked it to stay near the fort..." Eldrian thought about it a bit. He didn't really know what the contract would exactly do. So far, he and Ceph were friends first and foremost. As for LP, he just let the little firebird do its thing. He hadn't actually tried to order another living being around, as one would expect of a tamer.

"I think... we continue with the crafting first."

"Are you sure? At the fastest, it will take a week." Hearing that, Eldrian sighed. He knew he wasn't immediately needed in the war, but being absent for more than a week would be a problem. Especially if he didn't train his magic that entire time.

Sure, he was doing some training even as he spoke, but he had to keep it at a level that would cause any problems for the forge or the two dwarves with him.

"Then... let's finish talking everything through today. If possible, I would like to come and visit when able. Sadly, I can't put everything on hold to learn smithing."

"I've accepted that I will never be able to master the craft while we are at war. It's best to leave it to those more capable, who have devoted their lives to it."

That answer was just what Solvi wanted to hear. With a massive smile, she patted Eldrian's back. "Right, let's get on with it, then. My mind's spinnin' with all the possibilities. I'm sure Boran will produce a lightstone so we can make a true undead killer. Hopefully, we can also use some more of that Voidstone you have?"

"No, I have other plans for it." Eldrian countered. But before Solvi could slouch, Boran burst into a fit of laughing.

"Bwahaha. You think I'm gonna be a cheap bastard and only produce a measly Lightstone? This weapon is gonna be a masterpiece, I tell ya. The base will be Abyssalite..."