learning from adrian

"Hrm."

While Ambrose idly watched the scenery between Mellow and Andromeda, this isn't something that he cared for too much to stick around for or even do anything about.

His sights were set somewhere else.

He begins to approach Adrian. The Prince has makes his greeting towards him, if only to further speak out.

"Greetings, Viscount Ivanovich."

"I was told you're an expert at spatial magic- in particular, that of Riftmancy." He pauses, soon to remark.

"I already know how spatial magic works - at least, the brand of Wayfinding."

"But I was looking to learn this."

While Wayfinding and Riftmancy had similarities, at the same time, they were also different. Whereas some could praise Wayfinding's precision and subtlety..

He can recognize the sheer potential of destruction that Riftmancy holds - perhaps that's exactly why he's looking at it. After all..

Some may look at it and think it's too dangerous - others, like Ambrose, look at it and understand that its destruction could be made purposeful; directed at something.

"Do you have time?"

"I believe I won't need much beyond a sufficient lesson, so you won't need to 'hand-hold' me through this process."

"You'd find that I'm a quick learner."

And as result, Adrian won't need to do much for Roche's education.
(Ambrose Roche)

Adrian was, for the most part, tending to a few minor things while idly watching the exchange between Andromeda and Mallow. It isn't until Ambrose approaches does the man's attention shift towards the teenager, and a single brow is quirked in response.

"An expert? Perhaps." Considering how difficult the art was, even Adrian didn't truly consider himself an expert. No, such a title could hardly be claimed until one created a pocket dimension out of ones own ability to control such a dangerous art. But still, out of everyone in Asphodel, he was in fact the most knowledgeable on the art.

"I could give you an basic introduction into the art, of course." Adrian states, his gaze closely focused upon Ambrose, as if studying him. "But it will come at a price. A price that will, unsurprisingly, be paid in blood." There is a brief pause, before a faint smirk forms across his face.

"Not your blood, of course. But someday in the future, when you have someone at your mercy, I will take what is due."

Whether that was quite soon or years in the future had yet to be seen.

"If that condition is agreeable with you, we can head to my house. It will serve as a suitable location to begin."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

It isn't very complicated.

If anything, Ambrose expected for this to have a price - but given the constraints of time that he had, it's only evident that he simply had no time to hesitate or even wonder what would happen if he didn't take up on this offer.

When you're in a hurry against the long-term plans that seem like they could take an eternity, any shortcut is good.

"That works."

Even then, he imagines that getting someone in such manner wouldn't be all too difficult. Provided Roche ascends at some point, getting fed wouldn't be exactly an issue.

But for Adrian? It's a nice gesture.

"We can head out, then."

"I rather not waste any time."

As one naturally is inclined. After all, even at such young age, the Prince has mastered quite the plethora of arts...

By the time he's much older, he expects of himself to be much more.
(Ambrose Roche)

And so they're off!

It doesn't take long for the duo to arrive at Adrian's small abode just a short distance away from the town center. Upon entering, Ambrose could see that despite how recently the buildings were finally constructed, Adrian had wasted no time in decorating the interior.

Upon one of the walls is various chalk boards, each one covered in various runic designs of strange origin. To many, it would seem almost as if it was gibberish. But for someone who had at least dabbled in the concepts of wayfinding, Ambrose would be able to see what they truly were.

Etchings and runes designed around the art of Riftmancy. Similar to wayfinding, yet almost entirely different in purpose.

"Now, I must ask one thing before we begin, Ambrose." Adrian states, as he flips over one of the chalk boards, revealing a blank space for him to continue writing.

"Why do you want to learn the art? You must understand the dangers it possesses."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

The Prince walks right behind Adrian.

When he enters, a small examination of his surroundings follows, and yet he chooses not to say anything about it- much like any abode in the Asphodel, it was neat in its own way. Though...

Once they reach the chalk boards with the runic inscriptions, his head tilts a little bit. These are not unfamiliar to him - and the art of Wayfinding is something that had him introduced into this, at the very least.

Given the very generous contribution of those at the Academy. Still, when Adrian asks the question...

"I thought you might figure." Regardless, he elaborates.

"Wayfinding is no doubt precise. Subtle, too."

Riftmancy was dangerous, yes. Ambrose knew that too. Quite frankly, he could possibly continue pursuing Wayfinding and settle for that - and he would be rather well off and safe. But...

This isn't about him.

"I don't need subtlety, however."

"I need the sheer, raw potential of destruction that Riftmancy possesses. I'm aware that Riftmancers of the past could direct such destructive potential at something- or someone- and eviscerate them out of this world."

"The potential it holds to level entire cities is not to be trifled with."

He's honest. Perhaps, alarmingly so... but still, he continues.

"Wayfinding would be safer for me."

"But this isn't just about me. It never was."
(Ambrose Roche)

There is a brief pause when Ambrose's plans for the art are revealed. A quick glance is shot towards him, before Adrian promptly turns back towards the chalk board. Immediately he begins to etch out various runes and designs related to the art.

"Wayfinding is indeed safe. So safe that those who wield it view it as the superior art. They prattle on about how it protects the lifestream. About how it is more efficient to travel known routes. But in that hubris they forget."

There is a few more moments of etching before the chalk is placed on the table.

"There is nothing to be gained without taking risks. Moral debates aside, riftmancy is akin to exploring the unknown. We take the routes less traveled. Or, to be more accurate, we forge our own path regardless of the cost." And while the cost usually meant rending the lifestream asunder, very few who truly grasp the art truly care.

"While many use it for its capability of travel, riftmancy is capable of much, much more. Very few have truly begun to tap into true power it can offer. And fewer still can handle the cost it comes with."

Will Ambrose be able to pay such a cost? Only time would tell.

"Certainly, one could tear someone asunder using a well placed rift. The closure of a rift carries such force that it would reduce those poor souls caught within to naught but dust in the wind. Or worse."

Such as sending them into the void, lost for all of eternity.
(Adrian Ivanovich)

Runes and etchings.

Such is something that could be rather complex, but given the fact that Ambrose could not afford to make a mistake in his art, and being here is rather safe comparing to Academy, where his true nature could shine through...

A single remark comes out.

"Collective. Begin transcribing the runes."

Without a fault, the shadowy amalgamation emerges- it speaks in whispers and buzzing thoughts, and what comes before it seems like the conjured dark matter - ethereal, yet solid in the hands of Ambrose. How odd..

Someone so young, yet pursuing such esoteric, unique brand of Occultic arts?

Yet, while it begins to record the runes, and even Adrian's words- which he may notice, given that these whispers copy his voice at times- as unsettling as it may be to some, he expects the Vampire to be able to handle it.

Why would he be bothered by this dark creature anyway?

"And I see."

"I agree, however. There's nothing to be gained without risks, and quite frankly.."

"The fact that a Wayfinder relies on lifestream begs a question - what would they do if something is off about it?" He pauses.

"Even Ethric had to admit that Wayfinding either works, or it doesn't. Perhaps such blockages could make Wayfinder travel impossible."

Unlike that of Riftmancer - which is yet another thing that limits Wayfinders. Still...

"How exactly does such process work?"
(Ambrose Roche)

Collective

What manifests behind Ambrose was not something Adrian was initially expecting. An amalgamation of shadow and ethereal energies that would send chills down the spine of any poor mortal forced to witness it. Fortunately, Adrian had seen Hel and back, and a sentient shadow was far from enough to cause him concern.

The way it mimics not only his words, but his voice does raise a few questions. Questions that would be asked at a later date.

"Many wayfinders who encounter a block in the lifestream simply stop in their tracks. So afraid of causing any damage to it that they give up on the attempt all together. Fortunately, the art of riftmancy doesn't have such a limitation. While it is much harder to use in comparison, there are very few things that can properly block the formation of a rift. Nothing short of the lifestream itself taking action, at least."

And a peculiar sword pilfered from the Warden of Starfall, an artifact Adrian intends to dispose of properly.

"Regardless, before you can begin unraveling the secrets of riftmancy, you must first grasp the basics. Fast learner or not, this will take time."

Adrian then turns to face Ambrose and the large shadow that hangs menacingly behind him.

"The first step is to visualize the location you seek to open a rift to. It must be a place you are intimately aware of, somewhere you've spent time attuning to and memorizing exactly how the mana flows in the area. While this can be made easier to an extent by the use of laying a network of runes in the area, it is still a basic rule one mustn't forget."

Or else.

"Once you've attuned to the area, then the true work can begin. In a fashion similar to wayfinding, you must cast your senses into the lifestream while focusing upon the location. Once you've located it, all that is left is to force your will upon the flow, and tear open a hole on both sides. An act that takes immense patience and control over ones mana."

At which point, Adrian takes a few steps away from Ambrose.

"Allow me to give a demonstration."

Adrian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. In his mind, the center market of Asphodel begins to form. The movements of the villagers within. The faint yet ever present shuffling of the trees in the wind. Every minor detail is called upon and memorized.

And then, he hand extends.

And at first? There is nothing.

But slowly it begins to form.

As if someone had torn a fabric in his ear, a purple seam forms in the air, as if the fabric of reality had been cut asunder. A grimace forms upon his lips, as Adrian clenches his open hand shut. Slowly but surely the seam begins to widen, slowly growing in size until soon it is roughly the size of Ambrose. A swirling portal that emanates a foul yet potent mana that seems to fill the room.

If Ambrose were to look close enough, he might even spot the distant figures of villagers moving about their business, while others seem to look up back at him, no doubt surprised by the portal that opened just above them.

The portal remains open for several minutes, before slowly shrinking in size as the life stream begins to repair the hole torn into it. And a moment later, the rift had vanished completely, leaving only a faint wisp of purple mana floating in the air where the tear in reality once stood. Adrian looks back to Ambrose, a thin sheen of blood rolling down his brow. It was clear that opening a rift was an exhausting task.

"I hope this will suffice for you to begin studies on your own." Adrian states as he wipes the blood from his brow. "There are books here you may borrow which should help your studies in the meantime."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

It's no wonder that Wayfinders would be limited in that regard.

Not only they would be afraid of tearing up the lifestream, but it's very likely that they would simply be unable to step anywhere further at all. The potential for destruction that the Riftmancy held is one that he could never deny, and so..

It is precisely the reason that he learns this art.

Wayfinding, for all its worth, could never create such amount of destruction - and Ambrose is well aware of that. One could argue that it's unethical to learn Riftmancy just so that he could destroy the world in a targeted manner, but..

Who cares? The world isn't moral in the first place.
It's indifferent.
He learned that very early.

What matters are the actions and the consequences of them. If it would bring forth what he desires in the future, then by all means, the use of Riftmancy was justified to him. Yet for now, he observes..

"It's similar to Wayfinding, then."

"Attuning yourself to the place and then visualizing it, then casting towards that new location."

"Not much difference of what I've been told so far."

When the time of demonstration comes, he steadily watches- a foul mana that runs about and permeates through the air, and yet it is something that he's witnessed before - briefly, and never so up close.

It fascinates him.

Why wouldn't it? The potential unveiled in such mana was great, and it could very well result in the recreation of all that he dreamed of - except, forged into reality.

"--It would naturally take time, I imagine."

He briefly remarks about Adrian's previous words, even with the reality being torn asunder like that, until he continues watching; the fact that such portal was already being unveiled above the village of Asphodel was rather..

Unnerving, in its own way.

Spatial magic was terrifying, if one were to think of it. A rift could open up above you at any moment - and before you know it, something drastic happens.

Is it the power he wants to wield?
Most definitely yes.

Only then, when it closes, his eyes briefly squint. He seems... surprised by such interaction - of how swiftly the lifestream seems to be onto it in order to repair the damage; perhaps, the reason why they never hear about any major sites of lifestream disaster from centuries ago.

It was likely for the best.

"That was incredible, Viscount Ivanovich." He remarks, and for the first time in this interaction, smiles.

"And.."

"What books would you suggest, then?"
(Ambrose Roche)

With the demonstration over, and his magical reserves slowly replenishing itself, Adrian approaches a nearby bookshelf and begins to pluck out a few books. With a resounding thud they land on the desk next to Ambrose. With a brief glance, Ambrose could see many of the books pertaining to instructions on the precise applications of mana, while others dealt with geography of Esshar and the surrounding areas. All books that would prove useful if one were to practice.

"These should help you build the foundation, if nothing else. The rest will be up to you to understand. While I would normally suggest trial and error, I do urge you to take caution. Unlike wayfinding, a mistake while creating a rift can lead to disastrous results, many of which include the untimely death of the practitioner."

A fate many had fallen to over the centuries.

"However, I'm certain you'll manage to grasp the basics."
(Adrian Ivanovich)

Naturally, such books are taken.

They'd be returned soon enough, but for the time being, the Prince could very much use them for his own purposes- still, for as much as he collects them, he soon remarks.

"Collective. Store them on me."

Much like an obedient servant, already the shadow amalgamation begins sorting Ambrose's inventory for him- finding convenient place amidst other supplies to place the books, so that they aren't lost.

Soon after it's done, it finally vanishes,
knowing that its owner had no further tasks for now.

"Thank you, Viscount Ivanovich."

"Your aid is greatly appreciated."

A pause, to which he soon nods in both acknowledgement and agreement.

"And of course. I'm sure I'll manage the basics just fine." After all..

He managed this feat so far, hasn't he?

Time will tell how he'll handle this.
(Ambrose Roche)