The Well of Wisdom

Obviously, the Adjudicator was about to be pre-occupied with the conversation that Abbigail had for him, and thus, Valan's request had a secondary priority for him. After all, those that were Valmasian always had a higher importance for Arthur.

"To the south. Keep going south once you reach the plains, and you will see river. You'll find a bridge. Once you cross it, you're in Crafthold."

Assuming ahead of time that Valar would have no other questions, he turned his attention towards Abbigail. The scarlet hues gazed at her, before promptly he spoke out.

"Well? What was it?"
(Arthur Rowan)

Abbigail paused for a second as Arthur turned to her. "Well, I would like to inform you that I intend to fight in the battle coming up, with the people attacking Crafthold, mainly because one of them attempted to capture me earlier to cleanse me. The man had a large spear, red hair, and used earth fire and wind magic."
(Abbigail Anilis)

A nod every now and then was his reply to the instructions. South, the same direction as to where his helplessness was truly revealed. His gaze turned towards Abbigail before he left, being called a boy wasn't appreciated, but in this case perhaps it was true. He afterall, wouldn't willingly throw himself in a battle as he was.

"Thank you for the help." Turning on his heel to depart, heading off south to follow the directions that were given to him.
(Valan)

Of course she was eager to join combat.

But to be honest, in her current age? That's as good as a suicide. Just because she's young does not mean she would find herself on the battlefield against someone as equally young as she is, not to mention that he was almost too sure that she wasn't exactly... powerful at all.

A sigh. The news of attempted capture was not surprising to him, though... by description, that sounded like Deseti commander?

"No. You're not joining battle."

"You're way too young. I'm hesitant to let Giddeon join combat, and he's older than you and stronger than you."

"Remember, you're Oscuri. No one outside of Valmasia has any sympathy for you. You will be killed on sight - and the attempted capture only proves my point."

"Grow first, and then we'll discuss your participation in war."
(Arthur Rowan)

Being told 'no' wasn't something that Abbigail enjoyed, or was used to. She shook her head and said.

"With respect Adjudicator, I wasn't asking for permission. I was informing you. I may be young, but I am stronger than most kids my age. I know my limits. The more I fight, the stronger I will grow. So unless you're going to fight me, I am going to focus my ability to fight on destroying some of our enemies."
(Abbigail Anilis)

Was he any different when he was younger?

At the young age, he already combatted much older Gehennans with much greater experience too, and even fought Demons in single combat while he was at a much weaker state due to his youth- none of it stopped him. If she was this eager to join the fight? So be it.

"I was warning you."

"I'm not going to fight you to stop you from joining, and I cannot afford watching you day and night to ensure you don't do that. In reality, even if I fight you now, there's no guarantee you won't do it anyway."

"I say this because I don't want our future to die so quick."

There's a pause. He doesn't expect Oscuri to comprehend this- they had different visions about war, about society, or at least that's the impression he had.

"In the end, I cannot stop you from doing what you want. I can only warn you what can await for you, and what the consequences can be."

"And if you still march to war? I suppose it'll just happen."
(Arthur Rowan)

Abbigail folded her arms and nodded her head as Arthur browsed through his thoughts.

As he began to speak, stating he was warning her, she instinctively stepped back to prepare for him to possibly attack her, however he quickly followed up by stating he wasn't going to attack her so she dropped her guard.

"I see.. Then at your request, I will stay out of this fight. I will focus on strengthening myself more, so that there is no chance of me being killed or captured. Still though.. I demand you fight me. I want to see the strength of my Adjudicator compared to my own."
(Abbigail Anilis)

A simple nod was given.

While he fought all these battles when he was younger, sometimes, it was through sheer luck that he actually survived, especially when he fought enemies much stronger than he is. And if it wasn't for the stroke of luck at times? The Adjudicator that he is today may have never come true in the first place.

"Good. It's best you focus on growing your strength as you age. I'm sure you'll be an excellent warrior by the time you mature into adulthood."

She wants to fight him, still? He offers a simple shrug. With the daily training he had, it's not an uncommon request to him, to which he exclaims.

"Sure. Let's step to a more open field."
(Arthur Rowan)




New Valmasia [SETTLEMENT]

The people of New Valmasia are the remnants of the initial military colonization force sent by the Brittanian nation, after their previous capital of Avalon was destroyed following twenty years of conflict with both Gehenna and Jianghu.

Those that survive and stay true to the cause are some of the most tenacious, crafty, or zealous amongst the once great colonies population. Followers of the god of Death, Azrael, the people of Valmasia make heavy use of Necromancy and other dark arts in their quest for progress against the frailties of mortality.

The city is built upon the ruins of Ardent, the various corpses found among the ruins abused by the Valmasian Necromancers- Many Jianghese have found themselves enslaved as Undead slaves, incapable of feeling, thinking or acting on their own. A feeling of dread follow them, and with their presence, the entirety of the city. An Arcane Order Magi would no doubt find themselves feeling sick in New Valmasia.


There's obviously going to be a lot of difference in power and strength.

She was too young, and had little to no combat experience when compared to Arthur; as result, he did not summon Storms over his head, nor he raised the dead to assist him in the act of Necromancy. All that he displayed was the arc of electricity running across his body, empowering it, only giving a glimpse to what his real power could be.

"I trust that as Oscuri, you won't disappoint, yes?"

A coy smile. Surely, there's no way she would win this fight, but at least she could show that she's able to put a dent in him. Though, that remans to be seen.

"Come, then."
(Arthur Rowan)

As the two approached the field, Abbigail's Rieka lines glowed brightly for a moment, until she was surrounded by a torrent of water that seemed to rise and fall around her. She slowly reached back and pulled out her staff, and though she hadn't true control over the wind and water magic she used, the air seemed to grow a bit colder. She was close to figuring out how to combine her magics to increase their potency.

She pointed her staff at Arthur and took a few steps back. With each step, the blocks of ice at the end of the staff seemed to shimmer in the light.

"That all depends on how much of a sissy you are."

She grinned widely as she prepared to show Arthur what she was capable of.
(Abbigail Anilis)

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She was made a fool of, bested as if she were a piece of trash, unworthy of the gifts Azrael had given to her. She slammed her staff into the ground after Arthur had retreated, the water that surrounded her shot out across the field, drenching everything around her. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, and as she opened them, her Rieka glowed intensely, causing it to spark from her eyes, giving them an almost fiery appearance.

No words were given towards Arthur as she prepared herself.
(Abbigail Anilis)

Arthur spoke no words.

He expected this, but it doesn't seem that she expected this. Though, it's true, Arthur was far beyond skilled for her to even put a dent into- much like the lightning itself, he moved quick and gracefully across battlefield, and the terrifying, possessive power of blood caused her to be caught in the rumbling destruction of Chaos that was unleashed upon her.

Though, for the continuation of their fight?

The arcs of electricity stopped rolling across Arthur's body. He folded his arms, and stayed absolutely motionless. Instead, the dead rose around him, and pointed their gazes at Abbigail.

"Attack her."
(Arthur Rowan)

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Abbigail Anilis asks, "You think frail creations such as that would be able to best me? Do you really think that little of me?"

Arthur Rowan says, "It took you this long to best them and actually put a dent on me. Imagine how unforgiving the war will be."

Arthur Rowan says, "It's to bring my point across once more."

Abbigail Anilis says, "Not at all."

Abbigail Anilis says, "You already stated that you're the strongest here, being Adjudicator, as well as worth your weight in multiple magi."

Arthur Rowan says, "Good point. Still doesn't make you up to par with average magi."
Abbigail growls as the lines across her body intensify. "You're right, I'm far beyond them. I can not be compared to lesser beings."
(Abbigail Anilis)

Any damage that Abbigail put upon him? It's easily shrugged off.

It's clear as day that Arthur allowed this to happen all along, standing motionless and taking the physical punishment of magic that she unleashed. There was nothing that he's done to oppose her, save for the fact that undead chased her about and tried to harm her with their weapons - but of course, they were not enough, even for a young magi such as her.

"Perhaps. That remains to be seen."

The electricity coursed through his body once more. The expression on his face was serene and calm, as opposed to that twisted in anger of the Oscuri, mild or not- he threw a last glance at her, before simply speaking once more.

"Let's get this over with, then."
(Arthur Rowan)

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It all ended with a simple, clean sweep.

She managed to catch him in the blast of water, but that's about as far as she managed to go when Arthur actually began to fight back at all- she was paralyzed, and unknowingly for her, Arthur immediately appeared right next to her. The next thing she knows?

It hurts.

The rupture of reality itself, and she's sent tumbling and falling across the grass. Perhaps, there's still the tiny bit of fight left in her as she'd stand up, enough to probably try and do just something against him, but... a shock of lightning, and it's over.

Her muscles betray her, and continuing the fight is not possible.

"It appears you're done."
(Arthur Rowan)

The instant the m atch started, Abby launched a powerful torrent of water, strong enough to knock even the likes of Arthur Rowan back a few steps, followed by a bit of wind pressing down on him to momentarily slow him, just as she prepared to release a few more blasts though, Arthur seemed to vanish, only to appear right behind her to unleash a devastating combo of numerous attacks, next thing she knew, something was not only forcing her back, but slamming her against the ground at the same time. Momentarily dazed from the blow she found herself struggling to focus on where Arthur was, however when she did she quickly flipped herself backwards and attempted to dash away from him.

In the middle of her dash to retreat and regroup though, a powerful bolt of lightning had caught her in the back, and with her water magic, it seemed to shock her entirely. She froze, contorted from the bolt seizing her for a few seconds before finally falling to the ground. As she tried to raise herself off the ground, she failed. She was done.

After a few passing moments, her body began to recover, aided by the healing properties of the water that she controlled. She slowly got to her feet and folded her arms after placing her staff back on her back.

"Told you I'm stronger than the other kids my age. I'm not just a joke when it comes to fighting, and as soon as I finish learning about the magics I control, as well as training both my mind and body, I will be able to best you."
(Abbigail Anilis)

She was in for disappointment.

There were still many, many other things Arthur never really employed in a fight like this, and even then, his power always grew by the day. By the time she grows up to match his power? There's no doubt that he will be even stronger than he currently is.

But to digress, there's no point breaking the girl's dreams, are there?

"Of course. I'm looking forward for that day."

Even the strongest of Valmasia had issues matching him in strength, though that's among the reason why he's their Adjudicator now. If he weren't this talented and powerful in many things, he wouldn't get this position in the first place.

"Train and grow. I'll be keeping eye on your progress."
(Arthur Rowan)

Abbigail nods her head and says "Of course you'll be keeping an eye on my progress, who the hell do you think is going to be training me." she grinned a bit and then said "Oh right, you are."
(Abbigail Anilis)


Arthur Rowan says, "--Ah. Interesting turn of events."

Arthur Rowan says, "Sure. Feel free to visit for training."

Abbigail Anilis asks, "If someone weak was teaching me, then I may as well not be taught at all. So when do we start?"

Arthur Rowan says, "Depends what exactly you need help with. I do know Storm magic, which includes Lightning, Wind and Water in it."

Arthur Rowan says, "But, ah-- that's basics of magic, and I'm uncertain if you need help with those."

Arthur Rowan says, "There are other, much more complex techniques I know. I think you felt some of them on your own skin just now."

Abbigail Anilis says, "Well, I'm working on combining my water and wind magic, I can form a small layer of frost over it, but I would like to see how potent ice can be.. and yea.. what the hell was that you used to shove me back and against the ground.. I couldn't really see anything but everything seemed to bend and warp before I got hit.."

Arthur Rowan says, "That's Arcane energy."

Abbigail Anilis says, "Never heard of it."

Arthur Rowan says, "Most don't. It's the energy of the world itself, one that magi may learn to hold a grasp of."

Arthur Rowan says, "The basis of Arcane lies in resolve."

Arthur Rowan says, "In a sense, what you were blasted is--"

Arthur Rowan says, "My resolve and willpower, the sheer energy of it, compressed through Arcane technique."

Abbigail Anilis says, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, how do you focus personality traits into an attack."

Arthur Rowan says, "By aligning it to a special mindset. There are two sides to Arcane, Chaos and Order."

Arthur Rowan says, "Resolve and willpower is the only similar trait these two sides share."

Arthur Rowan says, "Otherwise? Order is to be selfless, and Chaos is to be selfish."

Abbigail Anilis says, "Well shit, sign me up for Chaos."

Arthur Rowan says, "--That's the side I study, yes."

Abbigail Anilis asks, "Are you willing to help me learn it?"

Arthur Rowan says, "I don't see why not. Though, don't expect to grasp it until you grow quite powerful."
Abbigail laughs a bit. "I'm already quite powerful, I just proved that."
(Abbigail Anilis)


Arthur Rowan says, "Doesn't mean we can't begin training."

Arthur Rowan says, "And, ah--"

Abbigail Anilis says, "Don't say it."

Arthur Rowan says, "Hm. Let's just say you could be more."

Abbigail Anilis says, "Well of course I could be more silly, I am flawed. I age, i get hungry, I have desires, and I can get sick."

Arthur Rowan says, "Mhm, correct."
Abbigail thinks for a second and then says "So.. I still don't understand the whole resolve and willpower thing.. isn't willpower like.. how much you want to do something.. and resolve.. your ability to overcome obstacles that try and deter you?"
(Abbigail Anilis)


Arthur Rowan says, "That was the very surface of Arcane I explained to you. I'll, ah-- actually let me explain it better."
Abbigail sits down.
(Abbigail Anilis)

He clears his throat. It's bound to be quite the amount of words.

"Arcane, on it's own, is the energy of the world as I already mentioned. The energy of the world flows in balance of Chaos and Order, the selfishness and selflessness."

"The servitude to yourself, or to others."

He pauses. Of course, that was only the beginning, and promptly, he continued to speak even more, the scarlet hues still remaining upon Abbigail the whole time he spoke.

"One's mere willpower and resolve are not enough to actually exert their will upon reality. But when they tap into energy of the world, into side of either Chaos or Arcane? In a sense, they become part of the reality and the universe itself."

"It's... it's more than just magic that you might use for attack or defence. You become the part of something bigger. You begin seeing the threads of Arcane that flow through this world, you begin seeing connection in many things you've not seen before, and the stronger your touch with Arcane becomes, the more vivid that vision gets."

"In a sense, once you align yourself to either side through specific mindset and training, and thus become connected to it, you're able to influence reality itself. And because you're able to influence, and thus manipulate reality itself--"

"-- essentially, you're able to exert your willpower and resolve into something else, like the blast you experienced."

"Does this make more sense to you?"
(Arthur Rowan)

As Arthur explained it, Abby at first was playing with the grass, picking up various bits and throwing it at him, until he mentioned it being servitude, to her. That really caught her attention, she dropped the grass and looked up at Arthur. After he finished speaking she slowly nodded her head.

"A little bit more yes, but it also raises the question of what type of mindset or training can help me connect with the chaos in the world to utilize it as my own. Also is aligning yourself something that you can choose, something that just randomly happens, or is it similar to that of a birthright?"

There were many questions that the young Oscuri had, but for now she only asked those few, as they were the largest barriers from what she could tell.
(Abbigail Anilis)

It appears she did not understand this entirely, but that was understandable.

After all, Abbigail was just still a child, no matter how much she spoke highly of herself- her decisions, her behaviour, and even her mindset were not of the display of resolve and strong willpower. Though, there was part of Chaos in her - and that's selfishness. It's something that she could grip onto.

"You weren't listening well enough."

"Selfishness, that's the mindset for Chaos. To pursue things you desire, to acquire what you personally want... essentially, the power of Chaos is the power that pursues happiness, and quite literally feeds you that."

"As for Arcane itself in its raw form, that goes along with either side? It's resolve. It's to always stand your ground, it's to never yield, it's to never surrender yourself to any force, no matter how great it is."

"The Chaos Arcane, in two words, is to be happy and to be adamant."

Perhaps breaking it down like this would be easier for her to understand.

"Aligning is what you do. If you pursue the mindset I mentioned, inevitably, you'll get in touch with Chaos, even if slightly."

"It is everyone's birthright to be able to grasp it, but not everyone actually succeeds."
(Arthur Rowan)

Slowly, the young girl nodded her head, she was doing what she could to understand, but it was a lot to take in.

"So.. standing my ground and never yielding, never surrendering to any force no matter how great it is.. would an example of that be something like four people showing up to attack me, trying to force me to renounce Azrael, and me refusing to do so, no matter what they said, even though they threatened to kill me, still not giving in to their demands.. would that be an example of it?"

She paused.

"Or when a red headed bastard shows up and attacks me to try capturing me to drag me back to Vindicia to be cleansed, but me refusing to go with him and fighting against him to remain as I am, ultimately escaping from him. Would that be an example?"

The explanation of Arcane and Chaos to her seemed like something that would be fairly easy for her, she knew that at the very least, she was selfish and destructive. Could she change herself to be more than that if it was required? She believed she could.

"Or.. hmm, is there more to it that I'm not understanding? Or things that I would have to change about myself?"
(Abbigail Anilis)

Seems she was learning.

The fact that she stood her ground like this was already promising. If she was unable to show resolve in the face of adversity, then there's no hope that she could actually have the chance of learning Arcane, until that'd change- but it seems she actually had what it takes too.

"Correct. Now you're listening."

"Standing your ground like you did is exactly the example of the Arcane. I'm glad to hear that you're already making the first steps necessary for it."

There's a pause. Certainly there are other things to learn the other day.

"That's all you need to know, for now. There are other times when you'll learn more."
(Arthur Rowan)

She smiled as she nodded her head.

"Does it make a difference if when Maiya and her Ookami's threatened me, I made them back down by threatening to kill her children? I don't know if it was really standing my ground the entire time.. because there was a lot of talking.. where I got them to agree not to attack me ever again, and convinced them that I wouldn't attack them.. even though I kicked the crap out of her oldest son an hour later."

She felt like this Chaos and Arcane could become a very fine line tip-toe kind of thing.

"Or is it still standing my ground, since I didn't cave in to what they wanted."
(Abbigail Anilis)

Abbigail quickly waves a hand and stands up. "We can talk about it more another time, I'm sure you have more important things to do than stand here and entertain me with teachings."
(Abbigail Anilis)

That was... a different example, but to digress, it had some sense in it.

"I suppose it is, though that spreads out to standing your ground in literally everything, and not just events that may threaten your life. It's, ah-- it's the mindset that you should adapt in general."

"But I'm more than certain that you'd be able to perform just fine with it."

There's a pause and a nod. Surely, there were many other things to be taught to her, but that's a thing for another time- for now, she's to be dismissed with what she already knows, and left to grow on her own accord.

"And yes, there are other things I must tend to as well."
(Arthur Rowan)


Abbigail Anilis asks, "Need any help with the other things?"

Arthur Rowan says, "Not at the moment, no."