Flesh and Blood

Nidaz asks, "Now.. Adrian! It's time to learn! But first, do tell me.. What you know about fleshcrafting?"

He sits.

Once Nidaz asks the question, Adrian takes a moment to think before speaking. There is a delayed silence, almost awkwardly so, before the man continues.

"I know it's quite a potent art. To shape the flesh of anything you touch and bend it to your will is an art many underestimate." His glance idly shifts to the countless undead that likely mill about. "Some think it only useful for mindless peons to throw at your enemy. But I see something more in it."

But exactly what, however, remains unsaid.

"I have seen what it's capable of with the two monstrosities you released against Moxtli. Quite impressive, by the way. Something so powerful it took the might of a guardian spirit to combat, and even that barely succeeded, and not without a price."

"I also know there are very few practitioners left. Something I would like to change, given enough time."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

At the Fleshcrafter's laboratory they had arrived! A place that was found in the depths of Achyon and it was seldom possible to see beings that were human, since a good part of the corridors of that place were occupied by innumerable undead creatures that carried out works from one side to the other.

Some even there in that room..

Now, the necromancer floated just above the tables, almost sitting in the air. His gaze was fixed on Adrian as he started to speak.

With the conclusion, the man would nod firmly and then his voice would reverberate, "Fleshcrafting or necromancy if you prefer, it is an advanced study of the manipulation of biological magic, together with a detailed study of the magical circuits.

As you said yourself, it is possible to do anything! Even being able to do things outside of these beautiful creations of mine. One of the examples I can give you.. Is this.." Said, snapping his finger at the end and the room going silent.

The undead that accompanied him would start to shudder, before the flesh that remained in their bones came free, going towards Nidaz and molding around his figure in armor made of flesh. Green-tinted cosmic energy would then flow through the living armor, forming a thick protective layer.

The Void Flesh.

The man would smile briefly at the demonstration, before speaking again, "As you can see, the uses are varied! And everything depends exclusively on the will and creativity of its users.

Amazing, right?" He would conclude at the end, staring at Adrian coldly in silence, to see his reactions.
(Nidaz)

One thing Nidaz might notice different from most people he might bring down here, is that Adrian doesn't even seem to flinch at the sight of the moving corpses. While many might be nervous or anxious at such a sight, Adrian seems calm and almost...

Curious?

"Biological magic is something I excel in, given my..." There is a brief pause, as a faint smile spreads across his lips. "Condition. Blood magic comes to me naturally, as easy as you find it to breathe." And while there was no display at such, the confidence in Adrian's voice all but proves such a claim true.

But as the various undead that surrounded Nidaz fell from their frames and clad itself around his body, Adrian does not jump back. Rather, he leans in to get a closer look.

"...Fascinating." He eventually mutters, his hand briefly reaching out as if to touch the fleshy void crafted armor. However, he manages to stop himself before making contact.

As tempting as it was, it was likely better to not touch such a corrupted thing.

"Amazing would be putting it lightly." Adrian replies, before leaning back in his seat. "You've achieved something none other on this continent has achieved. Something to be proud of, I'm sure."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

Over the years Nidaz had been able to see all kinds of people. A religious man, relentless warriors, absurdly powerful beings and obviously people with all kinds of personality. The calm that was shown by Adrian before the creations of the necromancer, was something well seen by the man himself, who respected that!

For even though he feared in the beginning the very things he creates today, Nidaz learned over time to respect them, to love them.. To have a fascination with undeath!

Since it became a part of him..

Those similar to him, would receive his friendship, even if in a minimal way..

Nodding again, he would wave his hand in the air and the flesh around him would come free, dropping to the floor. More undead would enter the room and collect the pile of meat, taking them to a box near the corner.

Resources for another time.

"Hah, I will always be proud of my creations, where there is more to come! As soon as I manage to acquire the body of a dragon, Mort Donjon will rise!

Truly..

The flying fortress! It will be amazing.." He would start babbling, dropping a few things about another of his projects. Coughing briefly in order to clear his throat, he would then go back to the main reason they were there, "Now with that out of the way, tell me.. What do you know about Magic Circuits?

Anything helps..

You must have a notion or two, I suppose. If not, I will explain what I know, as it is part of what is necessary to learn this art! Truly." With his speech finished, he would again fall silent, now to wait for an answer to begin the class.

While waiting, the man would go to the board behind his desk, pick up a chalk and start drawing something.. Which would be seen soon by Adrian.
{REPOST}
(Nidaz)

Unknown to the likes of Nidaz, Adrian was capable of feeling very little at the moment. With his façade of a friendly bartender finally exposed and all of Achyon aware of what he was, there was no need to keep his emotions that might impede his judgement.

At least not here.

As the chunks of flesh drop to the floor with a sickening thud, Adrian turns his attention back to Nidaz and his plans. And at the mention of an undead dragon, a brow quirks in interest.

"I beg your pardon. Did you say a dragon?" Adrian blinks, clearly caught off guard by the statement. But unlike some of the less than controlled Drakanites, he does not seem angry. No, rather it seems he's almost excited.

But perhaps not for the same reasons as Nidaz.

"What a fascinating concept. An undead dragon. A mockery of everything those zealous fireblooded worship. Hah! Oh, my dear Nidaz. You sir, are a genius."

Ahem.

"Ah. I know some information about mana circuits. Nothing in depth, mind you. But I've studied a few tomes in my spare time." Though it was clear the man was no expert. And soon, his eyes shift tot he chalkboard that Nidaz had quickly begun to work upon.
(Adrian Ivanovich)

While Adrian provided an answer, Nidaz finished his drawing! Which was basically a human body, but with an extra detail, it had several interconnected filaments throughout the body and internal organs.

While completing the drawing, he would utter a few sentences, "Yes, it will be a huge affront to their beliefs, but first I need to see this done, in addition to needing materials.

This is not a problem!

But.. Which may obviously take time, but I already have a Chiron to energize the creature and bring it to life. And well, I can go into more details later, for now let's focus." He would say, now finishing the drawing for good.

Leaving to the side, it was possible to have a complete view of the drawing now! That in addition to what was seen before, also had scriptures on the side, which punctuated important organs and their connections to the magic circuits.

"For a normal Magi, magic circuits are just what allows them to use magic.However, for those who advance in the study, the subject is a little deeper.

Not only do Magis have magical circuits, but so do all creatures and other living beings. Some have more active circuits, others not so much.

But something that everyone has in common, is that the circuits can be manipulated.." He would explain briefly, pausing at the end to go to a box.

Descending to the ground, he would open the box with ease and from inside he would remove the body of a small dead rat, preserved in some way. Now with the rat in hand, he would move towards Adrian again, "Such magical circuits are totally connected with the functions of living beings! Going deeply even to interconnect with organs, veins and other parts of the body.

In some areas, the presence of the circuits is even more prevalent, as can be seen in the following ones.." Again pausing, he would drop the rat's body over Adrian's table, before going to board and pointing to what was written, "Brain, Spine, Heart and Stomach. These are the organs most interconnected to the magic circuits, where those who are beginning the study of Fleshcrafting, choose to use such points to their advantage.

Fascinating, isn't it? But it gets better.

To be able to do everything that is normally seen of me normally doing this art, you have to have total or half, control over the magic circuits! Where through the manipulation of biological magic, such as Hemomancy, it is possible to streamline the process, after all the veins also have magic circuits.

So it is quite possible that if you make your mana flow to a person's body, with the manipulation of blood, that you control their body! Even of an alive person.

Just like a puppeter." Concluding his speech with a smile, the man would now stop talking for a moment, to see if Adrian following what was said..

Which was probably happening.. Probably.. Maybe.

They would see!
(Nidaz)

While he knows much of the basics of the science behind mana circuits, much of what Nidaz tells him fills in the gaps of knowledge he lacked. And so, he watches the diagram etched into the chalkboard. Without hesitation, Adrian pulls out a piece of paper and a pencil and beings to accurately copy the diagram down for later study. Every bit of information would be copied and restudied at a later date.

"Mmm. I do know all living creatures possess mana circuits. Some, of course, have more complicated circuits than others. There is no use comparing a human to a fish, in that regard." Unless it was a Sirenian, but that was a wholly different matter. However, he wasn't expecting what came next.

When the body of the rat unceremoniously drops before him, Adrian glances down at it and blinks. And so, with a single finger extended, he lightly prods the cold corpse, before looking back up at Nidaz.

"Mmm. I've had the idea of controlling the blood within the bodies of others before, but it's proven to be a more difficult process than I anticipated. Blood outside of my own body is... Complicated. As I'm sure you're well aware. But..."

There is a brief pause as the gears in his brain begins to churn.

"If one used the mana circuits, it might provide better-..."

His words are cut off as he begins scribbling down on the paper with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. But all they were doing now was discussing the concept. There would be much work needed to fully master the art.

But he had all the time in the world. And then some.

Eventually he glances back up to Nidaz.

"I see what you're saying, yes. A puppeteer controlling an unwilling puppet, with the strings being the very veins in their body. How fortunate we both share the same preference for magic. It makes understanding this a bit more..."

He smirks, revealing the fangs that are usually hidden within his mouth.

"Enjoyable."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

He would raise his finger in the air, resuming his speech for a moment, "Not only that, but an interest in common to see this art thrive, as you said at the beginning that you wanted to change the fact that there are so few Fleshcrafters.

This is good.

Now, let's continue!" He would say, positioning his back to Adrian once again, before speaking again, "With all this in mind, we can clearly understand that they are an integral part of a person's bodily functions! Because?

Well..

Why do they propose magic to us, why are they so interconnected with everything.. It is a question that I have always asked myself. And here's the answer!

Hear it.

For in the depth of all beings, rooted in magic circuits, there is a source of mana, energy, power that travels through all beings! An orb of light protected by an impenetrable barrier by common means.

This little thing is nothing more than..

The soul." His voice at the end increased the tone a little, giving more emphasis to what was said, almost in an attempt to make a certain suspense for what was said.

For years Nidaz studied Fleshcrafting, advancing even to the knowledge of Necromancy, but never really being able to assert his hand in what he so longed for! Still, he sought to obtain such power one day.. But for now he would continue his practices.

This was his life after all.

"However, in the study of Fleshcrafting the soul matters little, but it is good to know that it is connected with all the study that we practice." He would say, nodding a few times firmly, walking towards Adrian's table and pointing at the rat, "You, as someone already of certain knowledge, must already be aware of how to control your mana, in order to make it flow out of the body! If so, then we will do a practice..

Otherwise, it is quite simple.. Hear me! Focus on the inside, think that the mana in your body is water and make it flow out! Too simple, at least for me.

Now, now.. You will be able to do that, without any problem! I'm sure of that." He would speak in a calm tone as usual, but a little confident.

Confident with what? In his apprentice, it was clear! There was probably a chance of failure.. But Adrian would definitely do it without any problems.

Maybe.

"We will do a simple practice, I want you.. Adrian, to.. Make your mana flow to the magic circuits of this little rat, then find his magic circuits!

Simple, simple start.

From there, fill the circuits with your mana and try to control the body. But be careful! Do not make too much mana flow at once, as it may explode the body!

Control is everything. Control, to maintain balance and fluidity." Completing once again his speech, he would give Adrian space now to take the test, going behind his desk and sitting in his place.

Time to watch.
(Nidaz)

In a perfect world, he would spread the art of fleshcrafting to his lineage, and it would be perfected over eternity. But alas, none of his descendants wield blood magic like himself, or share the same interest in the art.

Alas.

However as Nidaz continues his lessons, Adrian listens closely and quietly, only making a sound to occasionally scribble down some of the words spoken, before turning his attention back towards the fleshmancer. It was clear by how intently he listened that he respected Nidaz's control over the art. For Adrian knew full well that he was the leading expert in all of Esshar in the art, far outstripping the likes of Maertock.

How fortunate he was to gain a lesson.

"While we cannot do much with the soul." At least not as they are. "It is still good to know that it can serve as a link to the mana circuits. It can serve as an origin point for some other practices, I'm sure." Like the art of soul transference, an art long thought lost.

Soon his gaze turns to the Rat still resting on the table, and his hand presses against it lightly. As instructed, Adrian closes his eyes and begins to focus his thoughts. Imagining his mana as a flowing stream, he slowly and carefully directs the mana into the corpse laying before him. It flows through the corrupted circuits within his body; bridging the gap between the two and into the corpse.

And he does it surprisingly well.

The corrupted mana of Cain flows from his body and into the rats circuits. It flowed into every circuit, like flowing water into a recently built aqueduct. It flows smoothly, and soon the corpse begins to twitch as his magic begins to take hold over the cold blood that still remained inside. It's tiny limbs begin to twitch and shift, as Adrian's face slowly becomes strained under the sustained effort required.

"I can see it-.."

He could feel it working. The mental image ofrats mana circuits was slowly being etched into his mind. Every twist and turn, every possible inch was mapped out. It was a slow process, one that he, perhaps, began to put too much effort into.

Without warning, the body of the rat began to swell and grow, as a sickening sound began to erupt from within.

"No, wait-...!" Was the only words Adrian could mutter before the corpse quite literally exploded before him, covering Adrian with a thin covering of rat blood and gore. All that was left was a frowning Adrian.

"Mmm."

He slowly wipes the blood off of his face, and sighs.

"Trial and error, I suppose.
(Adrian Ivanovich)

The figure of the old man could now only be seen sitting on a chair, with his legs crossed and his hand resting over his legs. His empty silver-tinted gaze was fixed on Adrian's figure, carefully analyzing how he would proceed with the process.

Intrigued, to say the least.

Nidaz's knowledge, even if basic about vampires, was not complete. So, being able to see one up close performing the procedure as such, could be a somewhat unique and interesting procedure at the very least.

He would not only be teaching, but also learning.

One more thing to add to the collection of knowledge that he held in his mindm which was damaged by the years of using energies such as the Void..

But that still.. Worked.+

At first, the procedure adopted by the vampire was going well. His mana flowed smoothly and the little creature's body already showed the initial stages of animation, starting with spasms and other small movements.

Until the amount increased.

The creature was starting to grow in size and Nidaz was already widening his eyes. In a quick movement, the man hid behind his small table, in order to avoid being in the path of the wreckage.

Which are? Well.. As soon as the rat exploded, pieces would fly at Adrian as expected since he was next to the creature, but also to the other corners of the laboratory, including where Nidaz was.

Where thanks to his act, he avoided soiling his clothes with blood and flesh, for now.

Rising from his brief scourge, the necromancer would look around before snapping his fingers, a movement which gave the undead in the room a command in order to start to act.

The creatures would begin to wipe off all the blood with pieces of cloth and collect the small pieces of meat spread, to return the place to the previous organization.

"Well.. This could be a little expected, but at least I tried to warn you. But it happens, a common mistake in the beginning, even I did it.. It was not very pleasant for my friend, who was beside me at the instant.

Not even a bit for them! But for me, was amazing. Truly!

Either way, you were able to have a first-hand experience with the practice, something that few can say. Where even in failure, there is success! For we may have one more chance to try again." His speech would sound in a tone of calm and euphoria, a feeling caused by the simple nostalgia factor for recalling past memories, "And.. For now, I recommend that you practice more at your residence, you can collect bodies from here, from mine laboratory, so that you don't have to hunt.

Anyway, good work so far." He would conclude by pointing to the countless boxes around the room, which had various labels, mostly saying things related to human bodies, but there were also animals ones.

The materials commonly used by the man in his numerous projects.
(Nidaz)

Despite being covered in blood and gore, Adrian doesn't seem all that bothered. After all, he is no stranger to being covered in blood, though for completely different reasons.

With a gesture of his hand, water begins to manifest in the air before him and begins to wash over him. Soon, the blood and gore that covered his armor is washed away, leaving nothing but shiny metal and the faint piece of clinging rat meat.

Better than what he was, at least.

"Tch… I got too eager and thought it could handle more. And yet, mistake as it might be, it was a learning experience all the same." Adrian slowly stands up from his seat and begins to brush off what remnants of gore remain on him.

"This has been a productive lesson, despite all things considered." Adrian eventually adds. "Thank you for the lesson, Councilman Nidaz. I'll continue this as you said in the meantime. I'll reach out if I make any breakthroughs."

And with that, Adrian politely bows before Nidaz, and unless stopped, would begin to head towards the exit.
(Adrian Ivanovich)

"This is just the beginning Adrian, continue practicing on animals.. Because soon we will start to study humans, at least you." He would say briefly, nodding firmly.

Now.. The man would promptly rise, as Adrian started to leave the room! His hand extended towards him, "Wait, wait, there was something else I wanted to ask you!

Truly..

Before leaving, this is.. If you have the time." He would speak, stopping beside the vampire and already opening his satchel.

From inside the satchel he would remove some utensils, plus what stood out and which he would hold firmly in his right hand, would be a bottle with an iron lid!

He would swing the object in the air briefly, staring at Adrian now, "If you don't mind, I would like you to allow me to draw some of your blood, I have a project in mind and your blood can be something that helps!

Don't worry, it will be just this little bottle." He would ask, still waving the bottle in the air, but now with a small smile on his face.

He still wanted that! He needed it for what he had in mind.. Great projects.
(Nidaz)


Ah.

He expected this.

There is a brief pause as Adrian glances down at the small satchel of tools and a iron-lidded vial. Soon after a small sigh escapes his lips and his head shakes from left to right.

"Ah, yes. I should've expected this."

Adrian's hand raises and the metal gauntlet is removed.

"I suppose it's only fair. Lessons for a sample of blood..." Equal exchange, in this case. Adrian had gotten the instructions he desired, so it was time to pay the price.

"Very well." And without warning, Adrian reaches forwards and takes the bottle from Nidaz's hand. The lid is popped open, and Adrian brings his fang down upon his wrist. He then holds it over the bottle and clenches his fist tight, causing thick corrupted vitae to pour out and into the bottle. After it was about half filled, the wound inflicted heals shut, and Adrian places the lid back upon it.

At which point, the bottle ispassed back to Nidaz.

"There. Consider this the payment for this and future lessons. If everything works out with these lessons, there will be more where this came from."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

Nidaz's eyes would shine when he saw the vampire giving in to his request. The calm tone was again switched to a euphoric one, because finally he would have access to vampire blood!

Obviously he was not looking to become a vampire, but it was more for the simple reason of the properties that were derived from blood and which could help in his research in the future. And thanks to his contribution, that would be possible.

With the blood in the flask and this one delivered to him, the Councilman would quickly take it, lifting it up and putting it against the light, "Fabulous! Perfect.. Adrian, you don't know how it will help me, years of waiting could finally be rewarded and with this, consider your classes guaranteed.

You are learning from me, so I will make it a point to teach you everything I know in due time, of course." With that he would fall back in silence, his eyes fixed on the glass with blood.

If Adrian wanted to go now, he could.. For nothing more would be said from Nidaz, at least for now.
(Nidaz)

Adrian Ivanovich says, "Enjoy, Nidaz. There will be more where that came from."