unveiling grimoires

Lights on.

 There are certain things within the mind that cause her to become frightened to even think about opening the book. For everything that she has heard regarding the Grimmoire's have all been steady rumors, altered and changed through the steady 'drip' of gossip and talk. The truth of the matter is that she isn't afraid of decoding the scripture for the man beside her...The biggest issue is what would become of her if she could not fulfill the directive given for her own creation.

 For what use would this Felinae be if she cannot see herself within the pages of the book? What could she possibly be if she cannot speak of the tales and the words that talk of the body and the circuits so freely? Knowledge and wonder...A greedy thirst contradicted by gentle hands that would carefully ease the book outwards..

"I'm sorry-...Just psyching myself up for this." But either way, one would be able to tell that she wasn't particularly prepared for what's to come. For the brilliance only begins to happen as she carefully spreads the contents of the book....And it becomes exactly what she would have imagined..

There is a rend within reality- torn asunder to reveal the obsidian galaxy peppered with stars and cosms- all familiar and all distant away. The only thing that still stands would happen to be their twin connection to their respective stars...Where the sun and Alph stand long within the distance, burning brightly within the ambiance around the two..

"...Are you ready to begin?" She'd question while beginning to grasp unto the magnifying glass...Her hands drifting along the text as she glances about...

(Mars)

Lights on.

 There are certain things within the mind that cause her to become frightened to even think about opening the book. For everything that she has heard regarding the Grimmoire's have all been steady rumors, altered and changed through the steady 'drip' of gossip and talk. The truth of the matter is that she isn't afraid of decoding the scripture for the man beside her...The biggest issue is what would become of her if she could not fulfill the directive given for her own creation.

 For what use would this Felinae be if she cannot see herself within the pages of the book? What could she possibly be if she cannot speak of the tales and the words that talk of the body and the circuits so freely? Knowledge and wonder...A greedy thirst contradicted by gentle hands that would carefully ease the book outwards..

"I'm sorry-...Just psyching myself up for this." But either way, one would be able to tell that she wasn't particularly prepared for what's to come. For the brilliance only begins to happen as she carefully spreads the contents of the book....And it becomes exactly what she would have imagined..

There is a rend within reality- torn asunder to reveal the obsidian galaxy peppered with stars and cosms- all familiar and all distant away. The only thing that still stands would happen to be their twin connection to their respective stars...Where the sun and Alph stand long within the distance, burning brightly within the ambiance around the two..

"...Are you ready to begin?" She'd question while beginning to grasp unto the magnifying glass...Her hands drifting along the text as she glances about...
(Mars)

He can tell what's on her mind.

They spent so many years together.. and this is something that he would have to prepare himself for- because he knows all too well that the incoming invasion of Barsburg, as well as battles to be fought, they would require him to be more. Not only that, but they would need him to push beyond of what he's already obtained, to become something far greater..

And the answer lies within Grimoire pages.

"Focus, Mars."

"Focus, because these books require strong will to read and control their knowledge - even for Felinae."

Not that Felinae receive any particular boon when reading this, but.. they do not suffer insanity nearly as much; at least, that's what rumors say. And yet..

But where the books are unveiled and shown before them, he dares not to look at the pages directly- instead, he prepares the annotations for Mars in a separate notebook.. where she can write down symbols or anything else she might need to.

"Tell me what you find inside, and I will help you discern it."

"If you cannot describe something, then write down what you see in here." He offers her the notebook; for while Basil cannot look at the pages of Grimoire directly..

Mars can annotate for him - and he can work on deciphering and understanding it.

"I'm ready."
(Basil)

Focus. The truth of the matter is that every celestial body about feels like a thousand eyes staring upon her form- awaiting to see if she could triumph through the trial set by the brilliance of Leonaus' might. Questions and curiosities- moments answered that man were always wondering, but never truly capable of grasping. In times such as this, one would be able to see the distinct change within her persona...Where the Bestial side forms within the vermillion shades. The creature looms over her as she begins to expend mana and vitality as a means to decipher..


"I'm ready."


Within the other book presented to her...She would begin briefly flipping through the pages, identifying the symbols that reoccur the most....Ranging from some that are familiar to Mannaz and Dagaz...To others that are lost upon age and hearth given unto the old ones...

There's a silent chill during the exposure. Where the mind and body shiver only briefly despite the lack of ivory winds. Perhaps, it is backlash but...Despite such, she would continue...

"I need you to write this down..." There is a pause given. For the moment, she would begin transcribing the first book that they had received- mostly dabbling with the arts of removing, replacing, and remapping the mana circuits.

Chapter one:Introduction

"The writer, Formally known as Lady Sophia, briefly introduces herself. She prides herself on being one of the first Felinae created through the combination of man and star as a means to safely decipher the texts. With that being said, she encourages all Felinae to seek deeper knowledge within the books- but to also be weary of man, knowing that they can easily become consumed my knowledge. She bids that whoever comes into contact with this should not use the knowledge for malicious deeds, but instead, to advance those that are in dire need of adjustment to give them a fair and proper life. In addition, she also states that this throughout the texts, the several glyphs and symbols are repeated...Meaning that they all are terribly versatile and change the 'directive' of the runes with just the slightest alteration, so it is best to remain weary.."


(Mars)

So long as she could endure this..

Then he would ensure that he'll be ready to sit through with her and record every single piece of it. Is it not their duty, then, to make sure that they could record this knowledge for themselves and have it sealed within Alabastre? While they could decide in the future who's worthy of bearing it..

For now, it remains a question of recording it.

And while she begins to dictate, already he begins to write it down. Patiently, he records the introduction chapter first; bearing in mind that the slightest glyphs and alterations of any kind could already have a vastly different effect. But.. that's what he witnessed, right?

"It makes sense."

"Back then, when I fought the Guardian of a second tome of Grimoire.. there was this village, with a lot of Felinae that had different glyphs and markings. Similar glyphs were also necessary to channel celestial energy to unlock further chambers."

They could, however, use these glyphs and markings for something entirely else, couldn't they? Much like he had intended.. and while Mars continues to read on through, he nods once.

"I think all we need to do is just make sure that we got the glyphs right."

"I was already exposed to this knowledge- as well as results of it- during my expeditions. Because of that, I already know what to expect."

"And I've even seen the Guardian acquire power similar to Del's.. those of brillian, celestial wings - on spot, too."

It means that he could potentially replicate that. But for now, while he records it, he nods.

"Go on. I'm writing down the rest."

These comments..

They're to let Mars understand easier, as well as recap his own knowledge so far.
(Basil)

There is an icy cold grasp upon her being. An otherworldly clutch that comes with whispers of the world around her. In the strangest manner, she swears that she feels her soul is exposed for the moment to the celestial winds. As if there is a dark intention that whispers within the depths of her mind...Promising that she could easily 'forget' everything if she were to give in. But such words are hardly heard...Like mere little whispers...Like 'ants' in comparison to the sun, merely an annoyance...But nothing to pay attention to.

Instead, the deciphering of the text would pause briefly...A hand drifting towards her head, the gentle chill never truly showing itself until she leans over briefly- pressing herself lightly against the Rhoynish Warrior as she would speak..

"...Ah...That makes sense. I imagine that things would've been rathersimplified so that they can easily use what they've discovered without endangering one another. But...I wonder how many times they had to fail before they properly succeeded.." A pause is given. A gentle hum spilling past her lips as she'd move onward..

"I wonder-...Just what I could do with all of this knowledge." Her mind pulses. The subtle curiosity found as she continues onward. "I could heal-...Could mend...I could even destroy, if I wanted to." But despite such words, she doesn't seem to lose herself within that chaos. Instead, she would nod briefly...Ignoring the gentle cold that crawls up her spine to move onward...

Chapter Two: Mana Weaving. "In this chapter, Lady Sophia states that sometimes, in order to move forward, it is best to move backward. She introduces Mana Weaving as the basis of magic altogether, stating that in order to cast magic- we as humans must learn baby steps before we begin to run. With that being said....She claims that once we've gotten the ability to weave 'raw' mana, we can continue deeper into the fields, which includes: Transferring Mana and Vitality to another being while hinting at more 'advanced' possibilities should one truly find mastery in the art. However, this isn't covered in the tome...And they must find their own way while expanding."
(Mars)

There is always temptation to peer into Grimoire.

The temptation that no doubt destroyed these men in the past.. the temptation that not only made them lose everything, but also lose their own sanity. For while it always nips and whispers upon his mind, the whispers echoing at the back of his head that tempt him to read, he remains steadfast, unwilling to peer into the pages on his own.

No.. he knows it would ruin him.

"Mhm. These glyphs and markings are something that create a backdoor of sort, I suppose. Something to make sure that the knowledge could be easily passed on - the moment you get it right the first time, that is."

Or at least that's what he imagined it to be; while she leans upon him, his records continue, noting down the discoveries of the chapters as they go further. A light hum is produced when she remarks of all the possibilities hidden within..

It's tempting, isn't it?

But that's likely the trick of the book. To draw upon the knowledge without becoming far too tempted by all it can offer, and instead, remain focused to only stay here for the knowledge alone.

"We can do a lot, Mars. Although.. try not to think about it too much. I don't think it's very beneficial for you to mull it over for too long."

Certainly she could understand. Yet, as the speech follows about the basis of mana, he thinks it over.

"Then maybe that's what it is."

"The transference and gathering of mana. The basics tend to be underestimated a lot, I hear - and maybe there's certain benefit to learning how to control the flow of it."
(Basil)

"In all honesty, I imagine that things would appear to be rather simple on paper...But much more complex as we continue onward." A pause is given, followed by nothing more than a gentle form. "Considering that there are twelve pages...I imagine that they get slightly more intense as we continue to decipher these things but...This should be good for now." She'd murmur while beginning to write yet another chapter of the book...

But what one would be able to see is the significant change within her being. Where her breath would now become apparent and the thinning of the magic would show within the discoloration of power. No longer intense and red...What is shown is pink and soft, gentle to the touch...And easier to shatter. But despite such a thing...She'd continue.


Chapter Three: Rune Weaving: "Those who are capable of Runewriting would find this chapter unnecessary- for it mostly delves within the art of runeweaving: The abiltiy to use one's own internal energy as a means of creating Glyphs and Symbols to carry out a specific order or 'directive'. Lady Sophia claims that this is the most important part of gaining access to the mana circuits, for they are an even more ancient 'conglomeration' of text and scripture within the body, unique to the soul that inhabits the flesh.

First, the Magic Circle is conjured in the center as the primary command, then the supporting Glyphs are formed as sub-command, and then branch into even smaller commands and dealings as a means to create an even more 'complex' system. She also claims that those who are well-versed in the Ether magics would find an easier time managing and sustaining the life of these adjustments."

A pause is given. Followed by another gentle sigh...Mayhaps, exhaustion...For she shakes her head brief only as a means to 'rattle' herself.

"I think that there's plenty of things to do with Mana and the spirit-...And this, even moreso. It reminds me...How there were once rumors of people being able to transfer souls. Mostly necromancers but...I wonder if it can be used as a means to revive the dead...Without damning them to an eternity of punishment. A good kind...For I hear that spirits are imprints and memories of a magi left. I wonder.." Like...Spiritmancy? Either way, she's certain that they're just scraping the surface.

(Mars)

"Things are always simple on paper."

"But nowhere near to being as simple in practice."

Being able to transfer such immense power does not come easily, and the two of them should know that all too well. While he continues to steadily record what she dictates, he could almost notice something changing about Mars.. almost as if she could find herself losing within the book- perhaps, with her gaze darkening upon it, and her focus being so intense..

He shakes her a bit.

"..Snap out of it. Remain focused and vigilant. We've yet pages to go - do not let it consume you."

Being Felinae certainly adds a layer of protection, but it does not mean that the knowledge of the cosmos and grandiose comes about so easily - nor it should. They're talking about world-changing powers here.. something that could reshape the tapestry of the Universe itself and remake its image.

For it is the knowledge recorded in the first era of magi, in the mystical times when they shaped wonders with their own strength.

"And.."

"It sounds like.. preparation? I suppose that only means that you should not really strive for anything greater to be done on the go, so to say. Any grand ritual takes thorough preparation, and any feat that could clearly change a lot would also require plenty effort on the part of several magi."

"So it's magic circle, then supporting glyphs, then branch into smaller commands that could intricately dictate how it goes.." To an extent, it already suggests to him what exactly he should be doing, but..

"Perhaps we'll be able to unveil that knowledge as well."

"But.. I think that also deals with the blessings of the good-willed magic, or so I think. Although, considering all that is known about the stars.. this sort of magic seems intimately connected."

To the point that they can, perhaps, pursue that in the future.
(Basil)

The heart flutters within her chest. She would be lying if she said that there wasn't anything happening to her- for while she was creating for this...There is a building pressure upon her head and shoulders. Where she finds the elasticity of her mind stretching slowly and steadily, pulling and tugging time and time again...And only then, would the volume of the voices begin to grow steadily. "...It's not that easy." Words are murmured for the moment as she flips through the pages once more, shifting slightly..

"Although, I believe that's what it's for. I believe that this is mainly about rituals and things of that nature...So you cannot operate on the body like a regular surgery unless you've become that 'good'. But...Even then, that seems a lot more risky than just doing things the natural way." A pause is given.

"Runes and glyphs are easier to control and fix as you go...And while there can be damage, I imagine that it could easily be adjusted with just a slight 'fixing' of what was given. But...Get ready, because the next chapter is rather short."

With that being said though....She'd list off the next one.


Chapter 4: Arithmancy, the Power of Numbers. "The supporting glyphs employ Arithmancy, mathematics, to calculate things such as number, weight, and measure. There are many supporting Glyphs that assist in this - ones that will instaneously scan an object or person to provide their total energy mass to the Magic Circle, as well as Glyphs which provide just the right amount of energy/vitality one can give as a means to mend, break, and shatter the circuits."

"And then...This last one."

(Mars)

It's the effort of the two.

For while she reads and dictates, he's constantly recording the words to make sure that they could tap into this knowledge easier, to make sure that they could always go back and read what exactly they covered to make sure that everything is going well. Had they not done that, then perhaps they could find themselves entirely lost in their own endeavour.. to the point that they'd damage their own effort.

And themselves.

"Hang on for a little longer." Words are encouragement are given to the Felinae. How could he not? She's handling this rather well so far.. and he has to make sure that he stays with her the entire way through.

"It makes sense that all of this is done through rituals."

"I don't think any major changes to circuitry or the way that it's re-done could be potentially done in any other way, because otherwise it may be inaccurate or too rushed."

That's only common sense, isn't it? You cannot make such drastic change without reasonable preparations in place.. so while these preparations serve as baseline for what they do, it's the knowledge that could guide them to performing this correctly.

Yet..

"Arithmancy.." He hums in thought, and..

"..Twe. The Star Twe. It's the House of Banking, isn't it? That was the symbol, back in my expedition." Banking directly deals with numbers. It's impossible to do that without involving numbers, after all.

"I think what the book is trying to tell us is.."

"No star, or their aspects, should be overlooked. The way that their Houses represent various aspects is something that allows them to deal with corresponding issues."

"Even these glyphs and markings, back on expedition, they were similar to the modern signs of Stars - but altered to be different. They were supposedly ancient, too."

"Perhaps, it's something to draw upon in those rituals too."

He theorizes, all in attempts to decipher what exactly the book is trying to tell them.

"Go on. We'll cover the rest."
(Basil)

It's cold. Much colder than what she could've imagined. The tales of the past claims that there is a part of space where the intense heat of the sun cannot reach...That there is a part where there is only an endless, vast amount of darkness and the 'absence' of things that occur. And in moments such as this, she finds that the more that she reads into this...The more she begins to lose the protection that comes. For these whispers become clear as day...And the ramblings that once sounded like incoherent babble are all too familiar..

Regardless, teeth chatter- the body presses against Basil's own in attempts of warmth and protection. When she hears his voice, she is given the desire to press on...Despite the fear of losing herself just like the others. "It makes sense to involve multiple houses in one ritual...After all, it all kind of makes sense to me." She finds herself beginning to smile.

"Leonaus' star being the main command...While the other branches and paths are the secondary and supportive glyphs.." She nods slightly, which is why she can see each and every one of them being a glyph' or more. But to digress....The cosmic aura would completely fade as she speaks..

"Closing Chapter: Primary and Secondary Commands/Creation, Mending, and Destruction: On this page, one can see the illustration of the first and primary command, which seemingly appears to be made within the image of a blazing sun. It is the primary command and the first to be invocated. It forms the connection between the physical and the spiritual realm, allowing the conversion of Mana to be more 'pure' as life essence and more. Along side such happens to be illustration of each supporting branch as stated prior within the book, neatly laid about....But also left 'vague'...As a means to allowing one to become 'creative' with their changes should they so choose."

(Mars)

Leaving her isn't an option.

Neither is stopping when they've done so much. They had to finish this, one way or another.. and so long as they had pages to cover, they had to go on- for while she feels cold and exhausted, he offers her the warmth and comfort necessary to be able to go on. Soon enough, they could be finished, and he could feel it..

And soon enough, he will come closer to dealing with the necessary ritual that could harness celestial energy within him - enough to deal with the forces of Barsburg as well.

Not only to avenge the Rhoynish.. but take their treasures as well.

"The main command, the branches and supportive sub-command."

It makes sense, doesn't it? These are much like the 'steps' completing the ritual.. with first setting up the magical circle that invokes main command, then the branches and supportive sub-command, if only to invoke glyphs and various details that could pinpoint precisely what exactly one wants to do.

Yet, he records the closing chapter too, writing it all down.

"..So this also draws upon spiritual essence."

"We already had a talk with Kofe about it, and I believe stars exist in spiritual realm as well - and the spiritual realms course with energy unlike any other around here. Perhaps.."

"This is the fuel. Perhaps this is akin to the glyphs back that I've seen on expedition - the ones that are used to fuel various mechanisms, rituals and constructions."

No ritual is possible without fuel being given to it, and the tome amply describes how one could channel the immense celestial energy. With these commands given in order to bear the celestial energy in the first place, as well as how to tap into it..

Maybe he knows exactly how to do it.

"--I think I got it, actually."

"It's beginning to make sense. Like... like a puzzle that you piece back together. It's all too similar to what I've seen on expedition."

The likes of Osiris no doubt felt as if they were betrayed by this, but.. would Basil feel sorry for it?

Especially when he retrieved the knowledge this great?

"How do you feel, Mars?"

"I do not want to push you too hard."
(Basil)

Is it the call to the void? Curiosity is found upon the precipice of wonder. Where the steady chill comes with the thought of opening her mind to countless stars and knowledge...Things that she shouldn't know...But things that come easy due to her own nature and connection with the stars above. She imagines...that she would be even more mentally exhausted had it not been for her own tie to the red path...For it gives her enough 'energy' as a means to press forward, but even then..

She'd nod slightly. "I believe it balances itself off of both.." She'd shift slightly. "Considering the fact that mana circuits are...Generally what keeps you alive and keeps your limbs and soul intact...I imagine that there'd need to be some type of balance." An 'equilibrium' so to speak. But even then, she'd nod slightly..

"Stars are Celestial bodies filled with so much knowledge...Of course, they exist in the spiritual realm, for...I believe that they're involved in the process of cleansing not just the soul, but memories and corruption as well. It's all..Mhh...So strange." For the moment, she closes the book and places it within it's casing..

"It should seem like a puzzle. I actually believe...That every individual being is a puzzle that needs to be found out and solved. But ah.." A slight smile, her hand raises towards her forehead.

"I have a headache...Really cold, I hear a lot of things but...I think I'll be fine with a good rest. IT feels like I've been taking a test of some sort." Not physically, but mentally...

"If I drank...I think I'd need one or three..."
(Mars)

All that he needed..

He heard it right here. As much as he imagines that there could be even more that they might unveil, he didn't have any need to pursue it any further- because this extensive knowledge is something that he could easily tap upon any time and ensure that he would actually find himself able to produce the effects necessary.

So long as they were in possession of these tomes.. then they could do it all without any problem.

"There is a balance to this, of course."

"A certain way to perform the ritual, for as much as it leaves creativity with the results themselves - that's only leaving creativity of giving input as to what exactly you want to achieve with the ritual."

"As for how to set up the ritual itself? It appears that this book provides a baseline, a way how to perform it without having a powerful backlash."

Yet, he can tell of what she experiences.. and while she places the book back to where it was secured within Alabastre vaults, he carefully gathers the Felinae within his arms, intended to bring her to rest.

"No need to leave it open."

"I already got all I wanted for now, and if we really have to, we can always return to it later." For now, it seems that he intends to let her rest.

"Come. Let me take care of you."

"You did well today.. and I'm thankful for that."
(Basil)