prototype v2

It will be a challenge.

Not only to become potentially the first conduit, the first host to such overwhelming celestial energy, but also one to stabilize the process- and ensure that they got it down right. To cast it down upon the matter - it could lead to the explosion of unfathomable power..

One that could destroy pieces of Alabastre all over. He would not risk that.

As for any other? They might, in turn, suffer- had they performed this on Mars, then who else would be on stand-by with Grimoire, a Felinae, to ensure that if this backfires, they could still preserve the life that could otherwise fade away?

"Those that wield cosmic magic, stand next to myself and Mars."

"The rest, remain on the sides."

Yet, already he invites the servants into the castle; each of them carrying.. a tattooing needle, along with the bottles of what seems to be like stardust; the essence of cosmic magic, harnessed in more solid mana. Already he remarks.

"Regardless of your role, expose the area you're comfortable with to bear a temporary mark. It will vanish after ritual. A forearm or shoulder will do."

Yet, as Mars already begins the ground work, already Basil joins her in this; here, the shimmering starlight produces from his frame.. the light of Alph, the Center Star, the House of Judgment. The markings of the first circle main.

First, main circle.
With the glyphs representing Leo, the Brightest Star.
A single Geist is allowed on the outer rim.
The glyph of Sae directed to each side.

What seems like the shaping of the main circle necessary to execute the ritual, crafted by starlight.. the glyph of Geist begins to slowly move in circular fashion- with Sae pointing at each side.

But.. these glyphs seem unfamiliar to most- they're ancient, no longer matching the exact glyphs of the Faith. While they bear resemblance, there's something off..

An experienced cosmic magi just might guess.

"Do not be frightened when you feel the first tug with the marking. We're only starting."
(Basil)

It's almost alive.

Already they could understand one thing very, very easily - this magic is ancient, and the techniques involved in this are the same techniques that magi of the Mystical Era have used in order to weave the shape of Eternia; the technique which is weaved by a man that has gone rather far in the cosmic magic..

But while it surges with immense strength already..
It isn't anywhere close as to original.

Still, to witness it alone is akin to feeling the presence of something surreal- and those that have affiliation of any kind with cosmic magic, when they approach, find the main circle reaching out to them - the starlight touching upon them to draw connection.

Better than with anybody else.

The glyphs on them are drawn.
That of ancient Biblos.
Of ancient Hiero.
And ancient Syph.

"Reach out to the stars."

"No matter your role here, think of what drives you. Think of the most important moments of your life - and what has defined you as the person you are today."

"Allow it to take you. Be brave to walk into these mists."

"And in turn, the stars will reach out to you."

The same servants begin to place the glyph of ancient Alph upon Basil; for while he instructs the rest, it seems that further commands are drawn that stretch outside the main circle- a directives, sub-command no doubt..

That of ancient Alph, Lyzel and Phos.
And outside them, Iberl and Uner.

With that, the numbers are invoked- the art of Arithmancy, one in which different numbers are placed towards each person - ranging from I to X.

An assessment of how much they could process of this, perhaps, linked to the Star of Observation?

It's at this moment, the tug is felt.

Irresistible, drawing out their best- or worst- passions, leaving their minds to wander to the stars.

But what do they see?
(Basil)

An additional glyph of sub-command appears.
That of Rhyt, the House of Wisdom.

Shining upon the growing passions of those present, to open their minds, hearts and souls alike to the new vision of the future- for where the Yellow Branch so far has served as the proverbial body of the ritual, the main circle - and the Blue Branch has served to open up their minds to the growing potency of Grimoire's ritual, one intended to expand upon connections to the stars and the bindings of celestial energy.

Now, it is the Red Branch.
The last one.

"You have acknowledged your passions."

"Now pour onto them. Dreams and hopes become nothing without action, without a way to take it." And as the paws of the lion would snatch something.. already these involved in the ritual could feel the connection being further tugged upon.

The gathering of a single beam that almost seems to cross into cosmos. This is almost impossible.. they're inside building, shielded from the sky above by the roof - yet what appears above them is the Constellation of Leonaus, each respective part taking upon the energy of those present, those that were marked.

To form a single line to the sky that reaches cosmos.
A single line that binds them to stars above.

"Pour onto them, as you would pour for all that you hold dear."

"Pour onto them, as if there is no tomorrow. Pour - and the returning blessing of celestial will show you the path to the future."

"It's right there, before you. Calling for you."

"Will you be brave enough to take a step?"

Yet..

Ios is there to inspire them.
Yiel and Neoi are there to guide them.
Twe is there to secure the bond.
Anos and Vrona are there to be by their side.

The ancient glyphs of the Red Branch, portrayed upon the outer reaches of the main circle- beyond the sub-command, now intended to execute the final phase of the ritual, one in which the strength of those around is gathered..

Only soon to be returned with the blessing of celestial.
With strength and vision unfathomable.

"Will you answer the call with victory?"

It is now or never.

The cosmos above asks for their devotion, the sign of trust in the stars. And in turn, the stars could guide them to their future..

The stars could tell them what to do to grasp upon all they aspire for.
(Basil)

A test, whether they would take a step forward..
A test, whether they would not falter before this.

When so many people are joined as one, the effort becomes recognizable- when so many are pouring their passions, their will, their drive and strength, the stars answer - and when such devotion is shown, all it takes is having the correct means to contact them. Amidst this complex ritual, this magical circle..

One that involves the main body of Yellow Branch..
The sub-commands of Blue Branch..
And executives of Red Branch..

The full glory of cosmos is revealed.

Brilliant, beautiful- overwhelming almost, had any of them been not magi; for they are bestowed with energy unlike any other, that which belongs to the stars themselves- it almost seems as if the answers to all of their woes are written upon the stars - of the strength they lacked, of the inspiration they could not attain, of the will that fuels them so..

It is the Symphony of the Universe.

It plays upon their minds and hearts- enough to be almost maddening with how many things at once they experience, had it not been for the correct guidance of the ritual that protects their minds and hearts from being pushed beyond the edge; for while the Constellation of Leonaus leaves its message and blessing..

Soon, the markings on their bodies begin to brim with the leftover celestial energy.

As it had been told.. they sear away from their bodies, painlessly- the celestial energy filling their circuitry to an extent that no magi could replicate before; overcharging them with the purity of the stars, and yet..

It seems tolerable.

From the center, where Basil stood, the light of the cosmos has kept him hidden away- if only then, when the light at last disperses does he emerge.

Changed.

The brimming glyphs of Alph pertain to his body; shimmering with golden brilliance that has difficulty fading away. It seems that the Rhoynish is quite overwhelmed.

"--The things I've seen."

"I-"

It would be enough for years upon years. It would be enough for all that he wanted, personally. For while the rest had received this surge..

He seems..
Befuddled.
(Basil)

How curious..

Even now, when he looks upon the markings of Alph.. he can't help but ponder of the power that is hidden behind them- of the shimmering brilliance that is bestowed upon him through this ritual. For while he retains this celestial energy, he ponders..

Of all the other things where he could use this.

After all, this is not all of it.. not even close. This was but a taste of overwhelming cosmic mana that the techniques from Grimoire are capable of channelling, that they're capable of providing to so many purposes.

"Such little thing.." A tiny murmur spoken to himself while he observes the shining markings of the Alph.

"Is this why the first men of Grimoire lost themselves to it..?"

There are doubts to this- doubts to where this could be used; for he knows that stars are impartial, and in the wrong hands, this knowledge could be far too destructive, far too dangerous..

It already drovesome men mad - and he's witnessed that personally.

While the king of Alabastre observes the result of his work, steadily do his eyes finally wander to the rest of the crowd; their gazes are briefly assessed, their words noted, until he speaks.

"That.."

".. is merely a glimpse of what's to come."

"I thank you for your contributions. For now, however.. it is best not to push the envelope and perform anything else right now."

Besides, they were tired.. and there's only so much that any living being can handle.

Pushing it any further may end with bad consequences.
(Basil)