Balanced Flow

With what he discussed with Cho, it's obvious that he would need to grasp the Art of Necromancy as soon as possible- least, the likes of Khaine would be repurposed for something else entirely. Not just that, but of course Arthur's efforts for Necromancy cannot be done unless he actually knows how it works on his own.

And it's best to take it one step at a time.

Away from noisy atmosphere of the Academy's square, Arthur made his way towards the grassy fields somewhere away, next to the shore; it was relatively close to the place where he used to do most of his practice, the place that's familiar to Bei as well - a place where he first tamed Storms.

"Heard the news?"

He speaks to her, pulling the crystals. Those once were given by Cho to him, back when the Necromancy class was still a thing, but alas - it feels more and more that Valmasian Academy is getting less students, which in return meant that the settlement itself has more identity to it.

Or soon, it will.

"Apparently, Nyphadora and Cho wish to hold discussion with me and Elren. I'm one of the people being considered for Adjudicator."

Now, to remember what Cho said. To let the mana flow slowly, with the rhythm of heartbeat- his magic, as much as it's known for being volatile, could find some balance too if he tries.
(Arthur Rowan)


She isn't really sure how to feel. Perhaps, anxiety would be the first emotion displayed upon her features - uncertain of where the future might lead him, but almost promising to the point of where he'd be able to make some sort of change within this world. Hands move carefully, fingertips interlacing with one another in thought as she speaks. "I..I actually didn't hear anything like that at all." she says, genuinely surprised at the outcome.

 "...I didn't think that they would be giving up any power soon." Not saying that they were power hungry individuals, but she just didn't imagine it. Or maybe, it was an excuse to be greedy for the Rowan. Much to her own chagrin, she handles all that she possibly can. "Well-...If you do become the next Adjudicator, what'll be your first announcement?" she questions while beginning to take her seat within the grass.

 Steadily, would she begin to follow Elren's own tips...Starting with meditating and strengthening her connection to her own star. "I'm sure you've been dreaming about all of it already, yeah?"
(Bei Bei)

Freedom.

It's what he cherished the most, what he found to be the most important thing among the masses of events that were happening on Agartha, among the countless divine riches that it could offer. Freedom was extremely important to him, especially considering that he was a practitioner of Arcane magic. He already knew what his first announcement would be.

"Our independence from Gaiar, and the rise of our identity."

He spoke, his gaze focusing on the crystals. He came here for training after all - and steadily, he began to channel his mana into the said crystals; with the rhythm of his heartbeat, the pulse of the mana surged through, filling it steadily. There was no hurry, but he didn't slack off either, for he knew that it's easy to leave the crystal underpowered, and cause it to go cold--

-- or fill it too much, and cause it to overheat.

"I'll admit, I was. There are many things I want to do as Adjudicator."

The entire time those scarlet hues of his remained upon the crystal in his hands, establishing a connection as to just what amount of energy he must pass on. That's what Necromancy was all about anyway in its basics, wasn't it? To feed the right amount of mana and fuel circuitry.
(Arthur Rowan)

She instinctively turns away from him to hide her own features. A gentle hand pressing against her lips, hiding the impossible frown. The demons that she had ran into her nothing to make light of...And if she knew better, she could imagine that this might cause some type of uproar. But surely, the demons would expect things to go that far...yes? Surely, they were doing exactly what she had believed. Siding with the vampires in hopes of enslaving them...Which would make matters even more strenuous.

 "I think that it's really noble. But is it something that you're sure that you want to do? Are you really, really ready for something like that?" Reluctance is an odd thing. She wants him to achieve his dream...But she wants it without all of the bad parts, which is, simply, impossible. All in all though, she allows herself to continue this strange meditation...Where she stands infront of dull star. Where she opens her hands and takes in whatever that she might possibly can...

 "What are some of the other stuff that you want to do then? I know that we're looking to have some sort of identity with the uhh...Relics that Joy wanted. But, you've got plans of your own, huh?" she says, tilting her head.

 "What are the others?"
(Bei Bei)

Did she doubt him?

Perhaps not, but it's exactly what Arthur felt. Despite all that she knew about him, despite the steeled resolve and will, she still had no faith- or at least, not enough- in things he does. That, in fact, did cause him a deal of frustration, his brows furrowing at her words, and the said frustrating reflecting in his magic--

-- the crystal, it glowed with colors of dark green, with veins of black.

"Yes. I am certain."

"Having a strong identity, instead of being just another Gaiar vassal is very important. You cannot go far being the slave of another. So far, it appears that's how we're treated."

"And I wouldn't say people are really wrong. The moment trouble stirs, Gaiar attempts to leech our resource - they are backstabbing opportunists that would take advantage of us the moment they can."

"If they intend to fight us over this, then so be it. I will put down any Demon that attempts to take our freedom."

A sigh.

He needed to focus. Shifting his gaze back to the crystal, he enhanced the flow of mana steadily- still fuelled in the rhythm of heartbeat, it was steadily getting it's share of mana. The surface was getting warm, warmer and even warmer...

It's beginning to work.
(Arthur Rowan)

--But there were of course other plans.

"The other plans include retrieving Azraelite relics, and they also include working on Necromancy's improvement. After that? It depends on situation."

A tough question to ask, looking so far into the future.
(Arthur Rowan)

There were no doubts within the Rowan. But there is uncertainty for the future that is at hand. She knows what leadership does to people - and she knows that it sometimes, it can take things away that others once savor. But in the end, the young girl just nods briefly. "Well...If it's something that you're really going to do then I support you. I'm here for you, you know. Even if I just-...Think that it'll be difficult to do all of that and be a leader at the same time. I guess my problem is that.." she says, a light laugh spilling from her lips. "I love you too much." A shrug.

 "So, shame me. But I can be a little bit concerned, you know. It's not fair of you to just 'drop' big news on me like that...You could've started off with the smaller things first." she adds while moving to a crawl behind the Rowan. Arms would move carefully, draping around his shoulders as shespeaks. "You could have started off with the Ookami that you caught.." she adds, quirking an eyebrow..

 "I feel like...You announcing independence isn't just the only thing that's going to get the demons angry. It's you taking the weapon that Malgannon 'loves'." she adds, her fingertips carefully drifting through the locks of the Rowan, idly twirling a single one within her finger.

 "You know it'll come. It might not be in the way that we expect but...It will."
(Bei Bei)

Leadership wasn't going to be easy, especially when it's given to him at the times of fall and hardship. Gehenna is on the rise, Gaiar still runs rampant and is desperately clinging to what's left of it, and rebellion is still alive. If anything, Arthur would need to deal with three front war, potentially, not to mention having to constantly develop the state of Valmasia to make sure that they actually prosper.

This was no easy task. Even though there's no guarantee he'd be picked over Elren, he was already preparing himself, mentally and spiritually.

"I know that you do."

"I don't blame you for it... I suppose if you had such responsibility on your shoulders, I would be worried for you too. And, ah--"

Although he's focused on the crystal, he feels her crawl up behind him, her arms planted around his shoulders. Soon, her gentle caress reaches his hair, causing him to curve a smile over his expression- there's something about her touch that he just loved this much.

"Malgannan can confront me about it, if he's concerned so much."

"I would duel him to death in a single combat, if I must. I would oppose their army alone, if I must. I would face against entire Agartha, if I must."

"Anything for our freedom."

It's the Rowan she knew, after all. Fearless, bold, full of resolve... perhaps too much, even.

His focus, however, remains upon the crystal. The glow seems to shine from all of the mana fuelling it, the warmth constantly growing - it's not too much, but it's far from being cold either. As Cho stated, if he were to be successful, a faint glow will establish itself.

Seems he was close to success.
(Arthur Rowan)

"I expect nothing but greatness from you, you know." She says softly, her lips pressing against the back of his shoulder as she sighs. "The demons are starting to reveal their true nation as time goes by...From devouring the remnants of Eidolon to doing things that they've done now - even coming to the city and harming our students...I find that demons are steadily losing control." she says, her teeth beginning to grit steadily - her gaze darkening. She knew that she would have another run in with Willow...That much, she believed within her own heart.

 "Even my own fight with Willow is something that I'll be having to deal with in the future." It was more than just a spar to her. It was dominance. And although she displayed power over Willow within that moment, she is certain, that when Willow reaches Archonhood, it will return.

 "So, I guess we've both got a lot on our plate. Not just for Agartha, but.." she says while beginning to trail off - her smile widening. "For freedom." For now, she continues to meditate, easing the cosmic strands through leyline and veins...Slowing the rate of energy that rolls through muscle and sinew alike.

 It would be a slow road to discover more of the enduring star of Proxima. But one that she will happily walk down if it meant less 'long term' damage upon her body.
(Bei Bei)

'Expect nothing but greatness.'

It was words like this that gave him strength. It's words like hers, from someone he actually cares for, that gave him energy to push on and through any hardships that would come in their life. But what that strength is worth if it's not put to any use? He must take the responsibility that's offered to him and do something great with it - that's his destiny, after all.

"Thanks."

A silent mutter spilling from his lips, the scarlet hues remaining set upon the crystal. He could almost feel the surge of power coming from it, the glow almost settling in entirely- while his mana was volatile most of the time, it was still extremely potent, and just a small nudge that Cho had given to him would've been enough to actually set things right for him - in this scenario, enough to establish the glow without harming the crystal.

"I know we can do it."

"I lived my childhood in Gaiar. I knew what famine and oppression feels like. I... I wouldn't want that fate for the new generation of Valmasians."

"Strong men create good times, Bei. I'll do my best to make sure that I'll create such too."

Almost like an enchanted prophecy unveiling itself before them, the crystal surged with energy its final time, the faint glow settling in permamently- just like Cho told him, the right amount of mana will ensure that it works that way.

He did it.
(Arthur Rowan)